Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Nurses's Notes on Communicable Diseases in Spanish


Estimados padres,

El comienzo del año escolar es un excelente momento para recordarle a nuestra comunidad escolar acerca de las medidas que tomamos para mantener a los estudiantes saludables y prevenir que las enfermedades contagiosas se propaguen. 

·         Reforzamos constantemente el lavado de manos con nuestros estudiantes y que tosan/estornuden en un papel tisú o en sus mangas (no en sus manos).
·         Además, seguimos las recomendaciones del Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente del Condado de Johnson (JCDHE) para la determinación de cuándo enviar a un estudiante a la casa desde la escuela (ver folleto adjunto). El tablero de recomendaciones de JCDHE también brinda guías específicas acerca de cuándo un estudiante puede ser readmitido a la escuela. 
o   Por ejemplo, necesitan no haber tenido fiebre por 24 horas SIN HABER usado medicamento para reducir la fiebre antes de regresar a la escuela. 
·         Ocasionalmente, recibimos preguntas acerca del manejo de la pediculosis en la escuela, y hemos incluído un documento con información actualizada.
·         Si fuera necesario, informaremos a los padres cuando veamos un incremento de enfermedades en nuestra población escolar con una potencial y rápida propagación entre los estudiantes y el personal escolar (como la influenza/gripe) o en la rara instancia en la que tengamos que reportar de manera obligatoria una enfermedad que ocurrió en nuestra población, como paperas. Notificaciones generales de pediculosis no son recomendadas ya que se encontró que sólo causa daño y tratamiento innecesario. En vez de ello, la enfermera escolar evaluará la necesidad de notificar de manera individual a aquellos que se consideran que estuvieron en contacto cercano.  
Gracias por reforzar hábitos saludables entre sus estudiantes. Si tiene preguntas, siéntase libre de contactar a la enfermera de su escuela.




Keri Hicks RN

Nurse's News


Dear Parents,

The start of a new semester is a great time to remind our school community of the measures we take to keep students healthy and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 

·         We reinforce frequent hand washing with our students and coughing/sneezing into a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands). 
·         In addition, we refer to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) recommendations when determining the need to send a student home from school (see attached document).  The JCDHE recommendation chart provides specific guidance on when a student can be readmitted to school. 
o   For example, students are to be fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of a fever reducing medication before returning to school. 
·         Occasionally we receive questions about head lice management in our schools, and we have included a document with up-to-date information. 
o   As needed, we will inform parents when we see an increase in illnesses in our school population with the potential for rapid spread among students and staff (such as influenza) or in the rare instance we have a mandatory reportable disease occur in our population, like Mumps.   General Head lice notifications are not recommended as they have been found to cause harm and lead to unnecessary treatment.  Instead, the school nurse will assess the need for notification on an individual basis to those considered close contacts.

Thank you for reinforcing healthy habits with our students.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact our school nurse.
Please see the following attachments for more health notices.

Keri Hicks RN


Heritage Spelling Bee

The Heritage spelling bee was filled with compassion and support. All 18 students were nervous but the crowd made them feel special, even if they did not make it past the first or second round. 
Two students reached the 13th round, where the winner was named, Lucas. The word that crowned him champion was intellect, what a fitting word. Rose came in a close second place and congratulated the champion with pure kindness. 
Heritage was filled with heart during the spelling bee, as students were encouraged throughout the hour long spelling bee. 
Thank you to Ms. Alexander, Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Miller for making it all happen!





Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Bountiful Harvest and Book Drive

The Heritage families have once again shown that Heritage has Heart.  2, 177 items were collected for Bountiful Harvest.  This is a long time tradition at Heritage. 

The recipient of the items is Johnson County Christmas Bureau.  This organization helps families in need during the holiday time.  In the last 7 years this number of items is an all time record.  Way to Go Heritage!

Third Grade Ambassadors also collected new and gently used books for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.
We used the money we made selling boo pops to purchase 300 new books also.
Our total was more than 1,000 books!

It you would like to know about the Christmas Bureau, their website is http://www.jccb.org/

Thank You To Everyone Who Contributed!






Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Book Fair At Heritage


The Book Fair is at Heritage every day November 16th to November 18th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday, November 19th during the Breakfast With Santa from 8:30-11:00 AM.  
Please, sign up to help with the Book Fair or come shopping!

Book Fair

Busy Weekend At Heritage-Help Needed!

Busy Weekend At Heritage-Help Needed!

Saturday, November 19th is going to be a very busy and very fun day at Heritage.  
Please, check out the link and then come join us!  We need lots of volunteers to make this day a success.

Breakfast with Santa will be from 8:30-10:30 AM.

Playground Improvement Event is from 11:00-12:30.
Our community partners, The First Baptist Church and the Kiwanis Club will be joining us.  We will be painting the playground equipment and spreading mulch. The Kiwanis Club is providing brand new basketball goals for our playground! Kiwanis will also be grilling hot dogs.  Please, come help improve our school and join the fun.


Monday, November 7, 2016

Early Childhood Peers for 2017-2018

ATTENTION PARENT’S OF

THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLD CHILDREN!

2017 – 2018

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE EARLY CHILDHOOD FEE 
BASED PEER PARTICIPATION SLOT’S

The application process will begin on January 9, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year.
To be considered for a peer slot you/ your child must meet the following guidelines:

1.     You must live in the Olathe School District. (Even if you are an employee of the district you must still live within the Olathe School District.)
2.     Your child must be potty trained.  (Not wearing pull-ups)
3.     Your child must speak and understand English very well.
4.     You must complete the “Ages and Stages” questionnaire with your child and once scored, your child must be at the appropriate developmental level.


To request and application packet please contact Kim Russell at 913-780-7341 or via email at krussellhlc@olatheschools.org. Be sure and include your child’s date of birth. 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Bountiful Harvest At Heritage

Heritage Elementary
ANNUAL BOUNTIFUL HARVEST Food Drive



Please plan with your child to help and support our school wide food drive.  Items may be brought in each day.  Classes will be keeping track of total items donated.  Thank you for supporting this great cause as Heritage shows heart in helping others.

Thursday, November 10
Canned Goods

Friday, November 11
Soaps, Detergents, Laundry Items

Monday, November 14
Staple Items Such As Sugar, Salt, Flour, Oil, Shortening

Tuesday, November 15
Rice, Pasta, Macaroni, Breakfast Cereals

Wednesday, November 16
Baby Items Such As Diapers, Wipes, Baby Food, Bottles, etc.

Thursday, November 17
Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Tissues, Napkins

Friday, November 18
Personal Items Such As Combs, Brushes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, etc.








Friday, October 28, 2016

Updates November 1 - December 2, 2016

Updates November 1-December 2
2-Nov All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
2-Nov 5th Grade to Science City
2-Nov Pre-School Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 PM 
3-Nov 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
3-Nov Kickball 3:45-4:30 PM Gym (Foxhounds/Scottish Hounds)
4-Nov 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
4-Nov PTO Movie Plex Night 4:00-6:00 PM
7-Nov 3rd Grade Fire Safety 1:00-2:00 PM
7-Nov CSI 3:40-4:30 PM
7-Nov Math Wings 3:45-4:45 PM
9-Nov All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
9-Nov ABC, 123 Night for Kindergarten 6:30-7:30 PM
10-Nov 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
10-Nov Kickball 3:45-4:30 PM Gym (Bassett Hounds/Iris Wolfhounds)
11-Nov 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
11-Nov Veteran's Day Celebration 9:00-10:00 AM Gym
11-Nov 2nd Grade Performance 9:00-9:30 AM
14-Nov Scholastic Book Fair Begins 8:00-8:30 AM- Runs Through Saturday, Nov 19
14-Nov CSI 3:40-4:30 PM
14-Nov Math Wings 3:45-4:45 PM
15-Nov Ambassador Meeting 7:45-8:15 AM
15-Nov PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM Library
16-Nov All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
17-Nov 1st Grade to Wonderscope
17-Nov 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
17-Nov Kickball 3:45-4:30 PM (Bloodhounds/Greyhounds)
18-Nov 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
19-Nov Breakfast With Santa 8:30-10:30 AM MPR
23-Nov Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL
24-Nov Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL
25-Nov Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL
28-Nov Math Wings 3:45-4:45 PM
29-Nov 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
30-Nov All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
1-Dec Kickball 3:45-4:30 PM (Foxhounds/Basset Hounds)
2-Dec 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
2-Dec Cotton Candy Friday 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Sensory Room Funds-Matched by Olathe Public Schools Foundations!

My name is Kim Steinbacher and
I am a teacher at Heritage Elementary. What an amazing gift to be with these children every day!!

Self-regulation is an important skill for students of all ages. We want to create a space at Heritage Elementary for calming & sensory activities, to teach kids self-regulation.  Students need a place to go where they can calm down, wake up, or participate in activities that help them self-regulate.  When overwhelmed, sensory materials help our students regroup more quickly and shift their focus back to learning.

With a constantly shrinking budget, there is no money to purchase these much needed materials. To help raise the $900 needed to create a Sensory Room, the Olathe Public Schools Foundation is offering a 1:1 match of all donations made to my online Fund-A-Need program. This means if you give $25.00 towards the purchase of sensory materials, the Foundation will make your gift worth $50.00. What an incredible impact!

Your generosity of any amount that is meaningful to you helps mitigate behavior and sensory challenges so I can keep these incredible kids learning.  To help create a Sensory Room for Heritage kids, go to my Fund-a-Need page at https://www.olathepublicschoolsfoundation.org/fund-a-need/heritage-sensory-room-grant-proposal.

I hope I can count on your support! This match won’t last much longer so please make your gift today! Thank you!


Monday, October 24, 2016

Boo Pops for Sale!

Boo Pops!
Ambassadors are selling “Boo Pops” this week, October 24th thru October 28th to raise money to buy books for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. They are $.50 each.

Ambassadors will be collecting new and gently used books for Johnson County Christmas Bureau.  Heritage has always donated over 1,000 books.

Please send them to school any day the week of Nov. 7th and the Ambassadors will sort them, box them up and donate them. 

Thank you. 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Art to Remember Deadline

Your personalized Art to Remember packets are going home this week with students. Please remember to return your orders by next Monday, October 17, or order online with the information given in the packet. 

If we get our orders in by next week, your products will be here in plenty of time to give as holiday gifts to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.
  
This program helps to support all of our school by helping us purchase much needed art supplies as well as giving you an opportunity to have a keepsake of your artwork. 

Thanks for your support!


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Kindness Week/Bullying-Prevention Week

Next week beginning October 3rd is our Kindness/Bullying-Prevention Week.  Our kindness committee came up with the following theme and dress-up days for the week:

Theme- Be you.  Be kind.

Monday, Oct. 3rd- Be YOUnique. (wear your favorite clothing)
.
Tuesday, Oct. 4th- Be your best. (dress for success-wear your best outfit).  Kindness assembly with Brandon White- 10:00 am in the downstairs gym

Wednesday, Oct. 5th- Be a super student.  (wear superhero attire).

Thursday, Oct. 6th- Be a good sport.  (wear your favorite sports team attire).

Friday, Oct. 7th- Be a Heritage team player.  (wear Heritage attire or red and blue). 


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Updates October 3 - October 31

Updates October 3-October 31
3-Oct Kindess Week Begins
3-Oct 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
3-Oct Math Wings Mrs. Hannon 3:45-4:45 PM
4-Oct Brandon Lee White Assembly 10:00-10:45 AM
4-Oct 3rd Grade Fire Safety 12:30-1:30 PM
5-Oct All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
5-Oct Pre-School Family Fun Night 5:00-8:00 PM
7-Oct 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
7-Oct 1st Grade to Johnson Farms 10:00 AM-2:30 PM
10-Oct 5th Grade Musical 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM
10-Oct 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
10-Oct Math Wings Mrs. Hannon 3:45-4:45 PM
11-Oct Regional Math Wings Briarwood 4:00-5:45 PM
12-Oct All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
13-Oct Muffins With Mom 7:30-8:30 AM
14-Oct Professional Day No Students
18-Oct AM Kindergarten Field Trip 8:40 AM-10:10 AM
18-Oct 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
18-Oct District Math Wings Olathe North 4:00-5:30 PM
18-Oct PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM
19-Oct All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
19-Oct Picture Retake Day 8:30-10:00 AM
19-Oct Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:30 PM (No ECD Classes)
20-Oct Parent Teacher Conferences 11:00 AM-8:00 PM (No Classes)
21-Oct NO SCHOOL
26-Oct All Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
27-Oct 4th Grade Special Chorus 3:00-3:30 PM
27-Oct FLIP Night 6:00-8:00 PM
28-Oct 5th Grade Special Chorus 7:45-8:15 AM
28-Oct AM Kindergarten Halloween Party and Parade 10:30 AM
28-Oct Halloween Parade and Parties 2:30-3:30 PM

Friday, September 23, 2016

Mr. McFarland News


· The link to sign-up for Watch Dogs is now live.  Click here to view the Watch Dog calendar to find a day that works for you!

· Fifth grade Ambassadors will be selling candy bars every morning from 8:00-8:15 next week  for $1 each.  They will use the profits to purchase books for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

· Our Fun Run Pledges are continuing to come in, thank you so much for supporting Heritage!  We would love to see all our families come out for the Fun Run on September 29th.  Fun Run Times:

Kindergarten: 10:00 AM

Grades 1 and 2: 1:00 PM

Grades 3, 4, and 5: 2:00 PM

· We are noticing a number of students arriving at school before 8:00 each morning.  We do not have staff on hand to supervise until 8:00.  For the safety of our students, please drop students off between 8:00 and 8:20—thank you!

 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Mr. McFarland News


· Thank you for all the wonderful donations to Noah’s Bandage Project.  Your generosity is amazing!

· Thank you to all the families that were able to make it to our Watch Dog Pizza Night last week.  We had a great turnout and we look forward to having our Watch Dog Dads in our school.

· Thank you to Laura Betz, Emily Wheeler, Jessie Cunningham, and Tonya Sorrels for helping out with picture day.  The day went quite well thanks to their help.

· Our 2016 Fun Run kicks off next Monday.  Students will be bringing home information Monday evening.  This has been extremely successful the last two years, we are so appreciative of all the support the Heritage community provides.  We would love to see all our families join us on September 29th for the Fun Run.  It is a great time to come together and support each other.  Thank you to our PTO for putting in countless hours of work to make this happen!

· The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education has begun the process for selecting our next Superintendent.  For more information on this and a chance to provide your input, please click here.

 

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Mr. McFarland News



· WATCH Dogs Pizza Night is tonight from 6:30-7:30.  Everyone is welcome to attend! There will be a spirit wear salesman on hand making the WATCH Dog volunteer shirts for $13 as well as kids t-shirts for $10. He is making them on the spot so they will get to take them home tonight.

· Heritage will be participating in Noah’s Bandage Project this year.  Families can help by bringing cool, fun bandages to Heritage during the week of September 12th—16th.  We will have a box at the front entrance to collect all the bandages.  There will be a flyer coming home with students on Friday.  Learn more about Noah at www.NoahsBandageProject.com

· We will unfortunately not be able to have our Harriers Running Club this year due to the timing of the Jared Coones Run.  We will still hand out fliers so that families can participate in the Jared Coones Run and get the student discount.  Those registering through the school may return their registration form and money to the Heritage office.

· Look for information coming home for grades 3-5 to participate in the Heritage California Kickball tournament.  The tournament will be played after school on Thursdays during the fall semester.  

· Friday, September 16th will be Red Friday in honor of our Fuel Up to Play 60 program facilitated by Mr. Parsons.  We encourage all our students to wear red that day!

 



 

Illness Policy for Olathe Public Schools


Illness

Students with the following health condition(s) shall be excluded from school:

  1. Oral temperature of 100 degrees F or higher
  2. Elevated (or possibly a normal) temperature combined with any of the following: a severe cold with yellow-green nasal discharge, excessive coughing, swollen glands, or skin rash
  3. Eyes inflamed with purulent discharge
  4. Drainage from ear(s)
  5. Head lice (must be lice-free with continued progress toward removing nits to come back to school)
  6. Skin lesions (i.e. impetigo, ringworm and scabies) until under treatment
  7. Vomiting
  8. Diarrhea (i.e. two or more loose stools)
  9. Fainting, seizure, or general signs of listlessness
  10. Communicable disease
    Students will be re-admitted after being fever-free or symptom-free for 24 hours. Students with some conditions may return to school after being treated for 24 hours with an antibiotic. Call the school nurse for specific readmission guidelines.
     

Thursday, September 1, 2016

EARLY CHILDHOOD FEE BASED PEER PARTICIPATION SLOT APPLICATION’S

ATTENTION PARENT’S OF
THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLD CHILDREN!

EARLY CHILDHOOD FEE BASED PEER PARTICIPATION SLOT APPLICATION’S
We are now accepting applications for open three and four year old peer slots in our Early Childhood Disabilities classrooms.

To be considered for a peer slot you/ your child must meet the following guidelines:
1.     You must live in the Olathe School District. (Even if you are an employee of the district you must still live within the Olathe School District.)
2.     Your child must be potty trained.  (Not wearing pull-ups)
3.     Your child must speak and understand English very well.
4.     You must complete the “Ages and Stages” questionnaire with your child and once scored, your child must be at the appropriate developmental level.

To request and application packet please contact Kim Russell at 913-780-7341 or via email at krussellhlc@olatheschools.org. Be sure and include your child’s date of birth. 

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Heritage Updates September 1-September 30, 2016

Updates September 1-September 30
2-Sep Cotton Candy Friday
5-Sep NO SCHOOL Labor Day
7-Sep Preschool Family Fun Night
8-Sep Watch DOGS Pizza Night 6:30-7:30 PM
9-Sep Fall Picture Day
19-Sep Fun Run Kick Off
20-Sep PTO Meeting Library 6:30 PM
29-Sep 2nd Grade to Mahaffie Farmstead 9:30-11:30 AM
29-Sep Fun Run  11:00 AM-3:00 PM
30-Sep Professional Day NO SCHOOL

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Heritage Hearing Screenings

HEARING SCREENINGS   
        
On September 19, elementary hearing screenings will take place.  A hearing screening is required for all Early Childhood, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 5th grade students, all students new to the district and all students with an IEP.  
If you would like to waive the hearing screening for your child, please contact the school nurse, Ms. Hicks at 780-7496.  You will not be contacted regarding the results of the hearing screening, unless your child needs further testing.


Friday, August 19, 2016

Mr. McFarland News


We have had an incredible beginning to our school year!  I am certainly looking forward to an amazing year.  I have seen fun team building activities as students get to know each other.  I also had the opportunity to help our full day kindergarten students eat lunch for the first time in a school setting - they did great! 


Here are a couple of things that are coming up:

1) Our PTO is hosting the Third Annual Block Party on Saturday, August 27th beginning at 5:00.  We hope to see you there!

2) MAP testing will be taking place the week of August 29th.  Specific times will be coming from your child's classroom teachers.

Thank you so much for such an incredible start to our year, please don't hesitate to contact me if questions arise!

Scott McFarland
Principal

 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Mr. McFarland News

Staffing Changes


We have filled all our available positions now with the addition of Cindy Daniels in 4th grade and Felicia Stites as our second resource teacher.  Cindy has done 3 long-term sub positions in fourth grade so she is already quite familiar with the curriculum and her teammates.  We are excited to have her join the Heritage team.  Felicia comes to us from Indiana with previous experience as a classroom teacher and resource teacher.  If there are other changes that occur over the summer, I will keep our community posted.


Important Dates

Our enrollment date will be Thursday, July 28th from 11:00-7:00.  This will be for all students and their families ready to enroll at Heritage for the 2016-2017 school year.  Each family will need to have a proof of residency as the district is tightening up the process for students attending in their correct home school.


Our Sneak-a-Peek and Back to School Night will be on August 15th from 5:00-7:00.  This will look a little different from years past.  The Sneak-a-Peek portion will go from 5:00-5:30 where students may bring in their supplies to the classrooms and meet their new teachers.  At 5:30 - we will invite everyone to the downstairs gym so we can introduce our staff.  I would encourage students to bring a flashlight to this event so they can shine a spotlight on our teachers as they get introduced!  At 6:00, we will begin one of two sections of information from classroom teachers.  This will be for parents only.  Students will remain in the gym to watch a movie with non classroom teachers supervising.  At 6:30, there will be a second section of information given by teachers.  This is repeated information to accommodate parents with multiple students.  Parents will then need to pick their children up in the gym once they are done with the Back to School Night portion.  I'm really looking forward to this new format to start our school year!


I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful summer and don't forget to keep those kids reading!  I look forward to seeing everyone on July 28th for enrollment!


Scott McFarland
Principal



Friday, May 27, 2016

Thank you, Kaw Valley Greenhouses!

Kaw Valley Greenhouses

We are so grateful to Cari and Dan of Kaw Valley Greenhouses for their donation of eight plants for Heritage's Outdoor Classroom.  These plants will help attract many butterflies and other pollinators while adding some beautiful color to the garden as well. 

Kaw Valley is located on the corner of 151st St. & Mur-Len in Olathe.  They will remain open for another month so stop by and say thanks for their generous donation!  

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Retirement Party

Retirement Party
The Retirement Celebration for Mr. Harrington, Mr. Kilber and Mrs. Robertson was a heart warming time to see old friends and family.  You will all be truly missed, but we wish you only the best in your new adventures!