Weekly Update - MP Families

Ms. Quandt is new to MP this year and teaching 4th grade.

Cool things about Ms. Quandt

What is the most rewarding part of your day?

"The most rewarding part of my day is seeing students get excited about learning and having those “aha!” moments when something finally clicks. I also love seeing their faces when they first walk into my classroom each day. My students bring so much energy, personality, and joy to the classroom, and they are what makes teaching so fun and rewarding."

How do you like to spend your time when you aren't at school?

" I enjoy spending time doing the things that help me relax and recharge. I love working out, cuddling with my cat, Tiko, and hanging out with my family and friends. I also enjoy watching movies and TV shows, baking, shopping, and getting my nails done."

What inspired you to become an educator?

"I was inspired to become an educator because school did not always come easily to me. I often had to work extra hard to understand concepts, and I know how frustrating it can feel when something just doesn’t click. I wanted to become a teacher so I could support students who may struggle in school and find different ways to help the material make sense to them. I also love that teaching allows me to make a difference in students’ lives while having something new and different to look forward to every day."

Where is your absolute favorite place you have ever traveled?

"My absolute favorite place I have ever traveled is the Dominican Republic. I took this trip while I was in high school, and it is still one of my favorite and most memorable experiences. We traveled throughout the Dominican Republic, helping children and volunteering in the community. We also had the opportunity to experience the local food and culture."

What do you love most about Manchester Park?

"What I love most about my school is the incredible support and resources available to both teachers and students. As someone who is new to the school, I have especially appreciated how welcoming and supportive everyone has been."

Watch for more MP Staff Spotlights in future Weekly Updates

Thank you all for a wonderful Fun Run! Congratulations to 1st grade for being the highest earning class!

Congratulations to our classes for earning the below incentives:

Kona Ice winners- Sieban, Burke, Martin, Chamberlain, Olson and Frahm!

PJ Day- Burke

Extra 20 Minutes of Recess- Patterson, De Jesus, Martin, Fuzzell, Collier, Quandt, Waller, Frahm, Perez, Portillo, Olson, Chamberlain, Chance, Sieban, Burke

Friday, October 9, is a professional learning day for staff, so students do not report to school on this date.

We have a position open for an instructional aide in our Spanish Immersion program. If you know of someone who is fluent in both Spanish and English, and has the skills to work with young learners, this may be for them.

Anyone interested in this position, should apply on the district website and then contact Jenny Steele at jlsteele@olatheschools.org

All should have received invitations to Parent Teacher Conferences. If you missed that communication, please contact your child's teacher.

Olathe Parents as Teachers is a free early childhood program dedicated to supporting families with children from prenatal stages through age 3. Through home visits each month, developmental screenings, parent and child social activities, and family resources, Parents as Teachers helps parents support their child’s learning, growth, and development during these important early years. Whether you're a first-time parent or have experience raising children, the program offers valuable information, encouragement, and resources tailored to your family's needs. To learn more about Olathe Parents as Teachers or to enroll, visit the district website or contact the Parents as Teachers office at 913-780-8106.

1. Come volunteer at the Fall Book Fair, October 5–7, and help our Timberwolves find their next favorite book! Sign up here!

2. Timberwolf Twilight Carnival is almost here!

Join us Thursday, 10/08 from 5–7 PM for an evening of games, prizes, music, food and fun with your Son + 1!

🎟️ Last chance for $10/son online is 10/07! After that, it’s $15 at the door. Online payments only. Click to purchase.

And we could REALLY use some extra paws! Volunteer numbers are low, and we need a few more helping hands to make this night run smoothly. Click here to help out and join the fun!

Walk and Roll to School Day is Wednesday, October 7, this year. We encourage all students to walk or ride bikes to school on this day.

MP will be celebrating Halloween on Friday, October 30.

Please make note of specifics below.

9:15 AM, Costume Parade
- Students are to wear costumes to school that day.
- Parents should send in a bag for costume storage if student prefers.
- Parade will take place outside, so parents may see our little goblins by standing in front and side parking lots.
- If weather does not cooperate, the parade will take place indoors with students only.

3:15 PM, Classroom Parties
- PTO will communicate with those coming in to facilitate games.
- Students may bring in a sweet treat for themselves to be enjoyed during regular snack time.
- Due to food sensitivities, no additional snacks will be distributed.

Costume Guidance
Please avoid the following:
- Full costume face masks. We must see student and adult faces.
- Extra accessories that may become distractions during the school day.
- Face painting, as that is tough for a student to wear all day.
- Anything scary or gruesome. That includes cartoon characters that send a negative or violent message.
- Play weapons or sharp objects.

Costumes should be easy enough for a student to manipulate independently and allow them to sit at student desks for learning activities.

To help keep our students energized and focused throughout the day, each classroom sets aside time for a daily snack break. Please send your child to school with a healthy snack from home each day to help them refuel.

Please keep the following important guidelines in mind:

• Bring Snacks from Home: The school does not keep an extra supply of snacks on hand, so students who forget their snack will not have one provided.

• No Snack Sharing: For safety, allergy prevention, and health reasons, students are strictly prohibited from sharing snacks with classmates.

We want to make sure every student has what they need to succeed. If your family is experiencing financial need and requires assistance with food resources, please reach out to Jenny Steele, and our team will be glad to support you.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students nourished and ready to learn!

The Annual Jared Coones Pumpkin Run will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Mission of the event:

To honor the lives of Jared and Jayne Coones

To create an event that celebrates family and community

To raise funds for research and organizations that support cancer patients and their families

See link below to register. This is not a school sponsored event, but we encourage any interested Timberwolves to participate. Every child must have an adult running with them.

Link to register:

https://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org/

We are happy to welcome families in to join their Timberwolves for lunch! Due to the size of our cafeteria, we do need to limit the number of guests each day. Lunch visits start after Labor Day, and some days are not listed due to special events.

Guidelines:

- Prior sign-up is required.

- Each slot covers two guests.

- Upon arrival, office staff will check for your sign-up.

- If you did not sign up online for that day, plan to reschedule for a different day.

- Lunch will take place in the cafeteria, as we don't have other available spaces.

- You may bring lunch in for your student, but may NOT share food with other students, even if you have prior approval from a parent.

- If you'd like to purchase a school lunch, contact our front office by 9:15 AM to order.

- Payment is not accepted on site, so be sure to have enough $$ on your child's meal account to cover.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA4AE28A5FFC52-65478073-lunchwith