Cyclone Watch

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Dear Cyclone Families,

Santa Fe Trail Middle School implements a Positive Behaviors, Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program that emphasizes that Every Cyclone H.A.S. - Honor, Accountability, & Safety. During these first two weeks of school, teachers have reviewed what that looks like in various places in the building.

Additionally, students who are meeting our H.A.S. expectations can earn Cyclone Cash. This Cyclone Cash can be spent at the Cyclone Store on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch or on special items offered through their grade level team. New this year, students may also use their Cyclone Cash to enter a quarterly raffle. For 1st quarter, students enter for the chance to win the opportunity to design their own Nike shoes up to $150 in value.

Throughout the year, we will also share some of the important components that we are sharing with students so that you can reinforce them at home as well. This week, ahead of our first sporting events next week, students reviewed how to model Honor, Accountability, & Safety at events like games, plays, or concerts. This focused on using representing SFT positively, school appropriate words and actions, taking pride in our building, making choices that keep you and others safe, and arranging a plan to get home before staying after school for an event.

Proud to Be SFT!

Dr. Leah Cogswell

Principal - Santa Fe Trail Middle School

• Saturday, August 29 - 9am - Football Team & Individual Pictures
• Monday, August 31 - 3:45pm - First Volleyball Game (@ California Trail MS)
• Wednesday, September 2 - 3:45pm - First Cross Country Meet (@ Chisholm Trail MS)
• Wednesday, September 2 - 3:45pm - Volleyball Game (@ Indian Trail MS)
• Thursday, September 3 - 3:45pm - First Football Games
• 7th Grade Football vs. Chisholm Trail (@ Santa Fe Trail)
• 8th Grade Football vs. Chisholm Trail (@ Chisholm Trail MS)
• Monday, September 7 - Labor Day - No School

In order to ensure the smoothest possible arrival and dismissal procedures, we wanted to clarify a few important points.

1. Before and after school, those cars leaving SFT onto Harold may only turn right. This ensures that cars and buses keep moving swiftly at that intersection.
2. Also, all car riders should be dropped off and picked up exclusively on the east side of SFT. The front loop is reserved for our busses to pick up and drop off students. It is not safe for car riders to move between the buses.

Both of these ensure the safest and most orderly pick up & drop off processes for students and families. Thank you for your partnership in this process.

An audition workshop for our winter musical - Elf Jr. - will be on Tuesday, September 15 in the auditorium from 7:30am to 8:10am and from 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Audition forms and crew applications will be available starting the 15th.

Auditions will be Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 from 3:30 to 5pm in the auditorium. Students should pick one day to attend.

Cross Country, Football, & Volleyball players only may audition on Wednesday, September 23 from 7:30am to 8:15am.

Click here to access the SFT Theater Shop.

The City of Olathe has adopted new ordinances related to the use of eBikes, electric scooters, and motorized scooters, as well as regular bicycles and skateboards.

Allowed: Electric Scooter (no seat), Motorized Scooter (seat), Electric Assisted Bicycle (up to 20 MPH), regular bicycle, skateboard, etc..

• Under 18 years old must have helmet

• Must be driven on sidewalk while yielding to pedestrians

Not Allowed: Juveniles under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride a motorcycle (any vehicle with design speed of greater than 30 mph) or electric assisted bicycles with a designed speed of 28 miles per hour or greater.

Please ensure that your student wears a helmet! We can provide assistance with purchasing a helmet if needed. Reach out to Dr. Cogswell for assistance

The Cyclone Closet at Santa Fe Trail provides a unique opportunity for students and their families to select clothing and/or toiletry items that are needed. SFT students who need something during the day should see their counselor, but we are also open to families on designated Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the school year.

The Cyclone Closet is open on:

• Tuesdays listed below from 4:30 to 7:30pm
• September 22
• October 27
• November 17
• January 26
• February 23
• March 23
• April 27
• Saturdays listed below from 9am to 11am
• September 12
• November 14
• December 12
• April 10

If you need access to the Cyclone Closet outside of these dates, please contact the SFT front office at 913-780-7290 or Patty Stadler at Olathe North at 913-780-7140 or pstadleron@olatheschools.org

Those arriving to access the Cyclone Closet should enter through Door E on the north side of the building.

We are excited to announce the full adoption of Canvas, a new learning management system designed to support teaching and learning across the district. As we implement this new system, our goal is to make it easier for you to stay connected to your student's learning while reducing the number of platforms to navigate.

Canvas Observer Account Information:

The district has created Parent and Guardian Canvas Observer accounts using the email address you provided to your child’s school. With a Canvas Observer account, you can view upcoming and past assignments, monitor grades and assignment feedback, receive alerts about student activity, and access all of your students with one login. You will be able to switch between students using a drop-down menu.

• Important note for families who also work in Olathe Public Schools: If you are an OPS employee and use a district email address, Canvas cannot use that same email for a parent observer account. If this applies to you, please provide your child’s school with a personal email address.

How do I access Canvas?

Parents and guardians can access Canvas in two ways: on a web browser (recommended) or through the Canvas Parent mobile app. To keep things simple, we have created a short, step-by-step tutorial to guide you in this initial process.

• Explore the OPS Parent’s Guide to Canvas Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I find my student's official grades?

While Canvas may display assignment scores, Synergy (ParentVUE) remains the official gradebook and record of communication. We encourage families to continue using ParentVUE for final grades and to initiate communication with teachers.

How do I manage notifications for Canvas?

Canvas notifications are set by default and can be customized by each parent or guardian. Notification settings must be managed on a web browser, as they cannot be changed in the mobile app. To update your preferences, log in to Canvas, select Account, then Notifications, and choose how often you would like to receive updates for each course. Click here to learn how to manage Canvas notifications.

How can I support my student who is learning to navigate Canvas?

Students can click on the OPS Student Tech Training desktop shortcut on their district-issued device, select their grade level, then scroll down to Canvas. Here is a direct link for your convenience.

Who do I contact if I need help?

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the OPS Canvas Support Team at canvas.support@olatheschools.org.

Thank you for your partnership as we implement Canvas and work to improve how we share learning with families. See the directions below for additional steps to create your Canvas Observer Account.

We have a large number of community partners who are committed to supporting the students and families at Santa Fe Trail. If your student or your family would benefit from additional community assistance as you prepare to return to school, please use the link below to make that request. You may also reach out to your student's counselor.

Family Assistance and Outreach (2026-2027) - Fill out form