MARCH KNIGHTLY NEWS

Olathe Public Schools Administration

Email: jsmcdonnell@olatheschools.org
Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/mahaffie
Location: 1300 North Nelson Road, Olathe, KS, USA
Phone: 913-780-7530

Apr 2 - 5th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR

Apr 3 - 4th/5th Special Chorus

Apr 7 - 5th Grade State Assessments, 4th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR, Math Wings District Competition

Apr 8 - 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade State Assessments

Apr 9 - KDG Enrollment 1-6pm (No KDG students), 3rd & 4th Grade State Assessments, 5th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR

Apr 10 - 1st Grade to Wonderscope, 4th/5th Special Chorus

Apr 14 - 5th Grade State Assessments, 4th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR

Apr 15 - 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade State Assessments

Apr 16 - 3rd & 4th Grade State Assessments, 5th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR, PTO Meeting @ 6:30pm

Apr 17 - 4th/5th Special Chorus, PTO Carnival @ 5:30pm

Apr 21 - 5th Grade State Assessments, 4th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR

Apr 22 - 3rd Grade to City Hall

Apr 23 - 5th Grade State Assessments, ECSE to Kidscape, 5th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR, 2nd Grade Music Program @ 6:30pm

Apr 24 - Professional Day (No Students)

Apr 27 - 3rd Grade to Ernie Miller, 5th Grade transition day at SFT, 1st Grade Fastbridge Testing, PTO Dinner Night Out at Texas Roadhouse

Apr 28 - 5th Grade Fastbridge Testing, 4th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR

Apr 30 - 5th Grade Fastbridge Testing, 5th Grade Special Chorus, GOTR, Fine Arts Night/Celebrate Learning Open House from 6-6:45pm

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CAAAC2CA0F94-57130797-mahaffie

We are excited to meet you and enroll your child at our school for the 2026-27 school year. Children who will be 5 on, or before Aug. 31, 2026 are eligible to enroll in the 2026-27 kindergarten class.

Please use the above link to sign your child up for an enrollment time. Parents will be working with our staff to enroll their student during the hour block of time. Students will spend the hour with the kindergarten teachers reading, playing and seeing what kindergarten is like.

The following items are needed to enroll your child in kindergarten. Please bring these items with you to enrollment:

• Proof of address (current lease/purchase agreement, utility bill (Atmos, Evergy), etc.)
• Birth certificate (official with raised seal)
• Record of immunizations

Kindergarten Enrollment is an important day for our school community, and we would love your help! We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with greeting families, helping with directions, and supporting our enrollment process.

If you are available to volunteer, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CAAAC2CA0F94-62646955-kindergarten

Thank you for helping us continue “Growing Together” as we welcome the next class of Mahaffie students. We truly appreciate your partnership and support!

If you are wanting to support Mr. Coleman, below are the links to his Go Fund Me page and the link to purchase the green t-shirts. The last day to order the t-shirts is Friday, April 3rd.

Go Fund Me: Fundraiser for Tyler Coleman

T-shirts: Bonfire

Our annual carnival is just around the corner. On April 17th from 5:30-8pm we will have lots of games, prizes, inflatables, yummy food, and fun baskets to win, and new this year (weather permitting)...a DUNK TANK!. It requires so many hands to help it run smoothly, and we are needing some volunteers. If you or any other family members are interested in volunteering to help run games or food service, please go to the following signup and select a time slot. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A8AE2AA3FBC16-61907501-2026#/

Assignments will be emailed out the week of carnival so you know where to go.

Additionally, I am seeking a head person to be in the cafeteria to keep the food service running smoothly. They would be the person to help refill things that need filled, get volunteers settled when they come in, and to help troubleshoot problems as they arise that night. If you think you would be a good fit for this and can help out, please email Shannon Regnier at Mahaffiecarnival@gmail.com.

PTO is having a challenge for a popcorn party! See the flyer below.

Mahaffie Elementary PBIS Tier 1 Team would like your feedback on our PBIS framework (Safe, Kind, Ready and Knight Tickets), as this will assist us in determining our future work. This survey should take you less than five minutes. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=f8IlL4QKYEmIamhcur6jq_VqXgpoGI1Jqirfc50HmkpUM1NUMVRBODM4RzQ3QzZPWFdTUExHUUFMUS4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

It’s hard to believe we are down to just a few weeks left in the school year! April will be a busy month, so please take note of the following important updates and reminders.

Kindergarten enrollment will take place on Thursday, April 9. Families planning to attend will need to sign up in advance. Please contact the main office for more information and to schedule your time.

Current Mahaffie Preschool families whose child will be attending kindergarten next year will soon receive letters indicating whether your student still needs any required immunizations before the start of next school year. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Students in 4th and 5th grade will be participating in Human Growth and Development presentations this month. Parents should watch for letters and information coming home with students. If you prefer that your child not participate, an opt-out form will be included and must be completed and returned.

Fifth grade students will also be bringing home letters with important information regarding the transition to middle school. Please review these materials when they arrive.

As always, please reach out if you have questions, concerns, or new information regarding your child’s health needs. I’m always happy to help!

Let’s have an amazing April!

Nurse Robyn

rlfriederich@olatheschools.org

913-780-7536

Counseling Corner — Career Exploration

Even in elementary school, kids can start dreaming about future careers! Career exploration is about discovering interests, identifying their skillset, learning about different jobs, and building confidence in their own abilities. Each grade will dive into a different part of career exploration, from education requirements to tools each career uses, during our lessons this month. You can help continue this conversation at home by discussing your own career aspirations as a child, your career path, and the strengths and interests you see within your child.

As we talk about careers, I will also be sharing with each class that I am taking a career leap as I open my own private therapy practice this summer here in Olathe. I have loved being your child's school counselor and will forever cherish my time at this incredible school! Once a Knight, always a Knight!

Shannon Lieburn | srlieburn@olatheschools.org | 913-780-7530

Support Mr. Coleman: Fundraiser for Tyler Coleman

T-shirts for Mr. Coleman: Bonfire

Spiritwear: Spirit Wear (2025-2026) - Cheddar Up

Please join us for Family PE Week Monday, April 27-Thursday, April 30! During your student's PE class time, you are invited to participate in fun alongside your student! Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle. The schedule is as follows:

Monday - B Day

Tuesday - C Day

Wednesday - D Day

Thursday - A Day

We can't wait to see you there!

Teacher and Staff Recognitions

We know our school has amazing teachers and staff members! Nominate a teacher or a staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life for an Educator Excellence Award or Classified Employee Excellence Award from the Olathe Public Schools Foundation. Each recognition includes a $500 cash prize! Learn more here>> https://tinyurl.com/mukffmvt

DonorsChoose

Help our teachers get what they need for their classrooms through www.DonorsChoose.org, a national non-profit crowdfunding site. Plus, the Olathe Public Schools Foundation will match your donation, up to $1,000 per educator, per school year. If everyone gives a little, together we will make big things happen for our students. Find an Olathe teacher to support at www.DonorsChoose.org, and encourage your child’s teacher to start their own project.

Please tag us:

• Facebook - @OlathePublicSchoolsFoundation
• X - @OPSF233
• Instagram - @opsfmeetingtheneed

Join the 3rd Annual STEMing with the Stars Competition!

Calling all 3rd-5th graders! You are invited to STEMing with the Stars, a fun, FREE hands-on STEM competition. Form a team of up to 3 (no need to be from the same school) and get ready for an evening of creativity, experiments, and learning.

📅 When: April 16, 2026 | 4-8 p.m.
📍 Where: Olathe North High School (600 E Prairie St, Olathe)
🍕 Extras: Enjoy pizza and a fun science show!
💰 Cost: FREE

Spaces are limited—register your team here: https://forms.gle/jCKB8C8Hq1jKWXRg6

Follow for updates and fun STEM content: @stemingstars

Don’t miss out on a night of STEM excitement and discovery!

We are the first generation raising digital natives—kids who’d rather text than talk. And for many families, technology has become the #1 battleground at home.

Join us for a free informative and engaging Parent Night Forum designed to help middle school parents navigate the digital world with confidence brought to you by the Department of Culture & Belonging, OPS DEAC, and Olathe CTC. This event will be perfect for all 5th grade parents to attend before your student enters Middle School. Also, each adult participant who signs up and attends will receive a free movie ticket to AMC.

📅 April 16, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Olathe Downtown Library – Flexbox Theatre

Parents will learn practical strategies to help their children make safe and responsible choices online, including topics like:

• Screen time & smartphone use
  

• Social media awareness
  

• Video game safety
  

• Online filters & digital boundaries

The evening includes a Screen Sanity workshop, an expert panel discussion, and community resource booths, including Johnson County Mental Health.

Expert Panelists Include:
• Tim Cruze – Johnson County Mental Health
• Dr. Scott Fluke – OPS Asst. Director, BSEL & PBIS
• Alicia Jackson – OPS Asst. Director of Counseling
• Keri Snyder – Assistant Principal, Indian Trail
• Sierra Wright – Community Prevention Manager, JCMHC

This adult-only event will equip parents with tools, insights, and conversation starters to help guide healthy technology use at home. Learn how to maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its risks.

Parents can sign up here through April 13th.

See below flyers!

See below flyers!

See flyers below.

Athlete Builder Summer Academy is back for its third year!

Open to all current 1st–6th graders, regardless of sport. Two locations, morning sessions, and expert coaching to help your child build athletic skills this summer.

Link to Register: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260684658973172

Are you aware that after your StopFinder account is activated you can share the account with any other smartphone user? Also, did you know you can set customized alerts so you are notified when the bus is nearby? Check out all the app’s capabilities here for English and here for Spanish. Contact olathebus@dsbuslines.com if you need to activate your StopFinder account or need additional support.

Please see flyer below!

We are excited to have our VIP program here at Mahaffie Elementary. The Mahaffie VIP program’s goal is to bring parents/guardians into the school to support building initiatives, goals and safety. This program also will provide positive role models for the students, an extra set of eyes and ears to enhance school security allowing teachers to focus on learning and instruction. This program will also enhance our school/parent partnership as we work to support the needs of all our students. To sign up, you will need to go to the signup genius that is linked below. Parents and Guardians may sign up. If you are a family member that is not a parent or guardian, you will need to go through a background check to sign up. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. McDonnell. jsmcdonnell@olatheschools.org

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE

In order for the school to handle emergencies and other communication, it is extremely important that we have up-to-date address and working phone number records for each student in the school office. Remember to inform us concerning new work, cell phone and home numbers, as soon as possible. Proof of new address is required when changing student records. Please provide a current, bill, or mortgage papers. Due to student privacy laws, student records will not be forwarded to a new school until the receiving school has contacted us for this information.

The school cannot forward emails, or other communication from 1 parent to the other. List of students, email addresses and phone numbers are private.

If your child will not be in attendance you will need to contact the school to report the reason for the illness. Is your student out for an appointment or home ill? Please remember to call your child's absence in by 9:00AM for the absence to be excused.

There are 3 ways to report an absence or dismissal change at Mahaffie:

1. Email The Mahaffie Attendance Staff: maattendance@olatheschools.org

2. Call the Mahaffie School Line 913-780-7530 anytime day or night to report your child's absence

3. Log on to the Mahaffie website, look for the report an absence/dismissal change icon, click and submit

While you may also email your students teacher to report an absence, if the teacher is absent themselves that day, the absence may not be reported.

During winter weather, the district will only announce cancellations or delays. No message will be sent when school and activities proceed as scheduled. Staff and families will be notified of school cancellations or delays through a direct text and email. Information can also be found on the district website, social media and local TV stations. Staff and families should ensure their contact information is updated.

• Plan A – No School: All district facilities closed; students and most staff do not report; Johnson County Parks & Recreation daycare closed; no elementary or middle school activities; high school activity decisions made later.
• Plan B – No School: Facilities closed and students do not report; select Johnson County Parks & Recreation daycare open for pre-registered OST participants; school building staff do not report; central and administrative staff work remotely or as directed; activity decisions made later.
• Plan C – Two-Hour Delay: Facilities open two hours late; students and staff report two hours later; morning early childhood classes and before-school activities canceled; meals and transportation adjusted; after-school activity decisions made later.

Alternate Languages for Newsletter

To view the Spanish version on a computer, click on the black square on the right on the word translate and search for Spanish or any other needed language.

Para ver la versión en español en una computadora presióne en el cuadrado negro de la derecha en la palabra translate y busque español.

To view the Spanish version on a cell phone, click on the icon.

Para ver la versión en español en un teléfono móvil, presione en el icono.