The Trailblazer
Tomahawk Elementary - March 2026
What do I do if we have recently moved or are planning to move?
You should contact the Tomahawk office regarding address changes.
- If you have recently moved out of the Tomahawk area, please contact the office so we can update your child's school records and verify your options. Please provide a proof of residency for the new location (utility bill- gas, water or electric or rental agreement).
- If you are moving into a neighboring school district and want to stay at Tomahawk for 26-27, you will need to complete a transfer application. Check the OSD website here for more information on the Transfer Process.
- If you are not planning to return to Tomahawk for 26-27, please let the office know as soon as possible.
Thank you for your participation in Spring Conferences. We enjoyed sharing the growths and gains for your students. As we look toward March and April, we are gearing up for state testing, spring field trips, Running Club, Kindergarten Enrollment and so many other fun activities.
Julia Baucum
Principal
Bond 2026: Big Impact, No Tax Rate Increase
Mail-in ballots are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Registered voters who live within the Olathe Public Schools boundaries have the opportunity to vote in a no tax rate increase $389 million mail-in bond election that would impact all Olathe students and staff. Ballots must be received by noon at the Johnson County Election Office on March 3. At this time, in order to ensure your ballot arrives on time, you must drop ballots off in-person directly at the Johnson County Election Office (2101 E Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS 66061) or one of the designated Ballot Drop Box locations. Click here to read how to drop off your ballot. To learn more about Bond 2026 and the projects included, visit www.olatheschools.org/Bond2026.
Read Across America Week
Monday, March 2, 2026 - A Day; Gr 5 to FT for "Shrek" performance; Art Club after school
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - B Day; Math Wings after School; 4-8pm PTO Food Night- Papa John's Night (use code KST011 when ordering online)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - C Day; STUCO Store before school (Items $.50 - $2); STUCO Meeting after school
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - D Day; 6-8pm Class Colors Skate Party @ Skate City
Friday, March 6, 2026 - A Day; Gr 3-5 Field Trip to MIAA Basketball Tournament (bring sack lunch)
Monday, March 9, 2026 - B Day; Art Club after school
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - C Day; Math Wings after School
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - D Day; STUCO Store before school (Items $.50 - $2)
Thursday, March 12, 2026 - A Day; Last Day for Gr 3-5 students to sign up for Running Club
Friday, March 13, 2026 - B Day
Monday, March 16, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026: Spring Break- No School all week
Monday, March 23, 2026 - No School
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - C Day; Math Wings after School; 7pm PTO Meeting in Staff Lounge
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - D Day; STUCO Store before school (Items $.50 - $2); Grade 1 Field Trip to Johnson County Museum (bring sack lunch); Running Club after School
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - A Day
Friday, March 27, 2026 - B Day; Color Walk Inflatable Day- students should wear socks to school (opt out of this event by March 25)
Saturday, March 28, 2026 - PTO Community Event- Bowling at Mission Bowl, $15 per person for 90 minutes of bowling & shoe rental
Para Professional Appreciation Week
Monday, March 30, 2026 - C Day
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - D Day; Math Wings Regional Competition at Green Springs after school
Mark your calendars for the following days when there will NOT be school for students:
- March 16-20 - Spring Break
- March 23- Professional Day for teachers - no students
- Monday, March 2- 5th Grade to FT for "Shrek" performance (will eat lunch at school before the field trip)
- Friday, March 6 - 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades to MIAA Basketball Tournament (all 3rd, 4th & 5th graders should bring a disposable sack lunch)- Our annual field trip to the MIAA basketball tournament at historic Municipal Auditorium has been scheduled. Students in grades 3-5 will attend a game on Friday, March 6th. We will leave Tomahawk at 9:45 and attend the game which begins at 12:00. We will be leaving the auditorium at 1:40 and returning to Tomahawk. Our school will receive FREE tickets for students, staff, and parents. Students will need to provide their own sack lunch and drink. Look for additional information from your student’s teacher as we get closer to the date. Parents are welcome to attend the game, please let me know so we can allocate enough tickets. Parking is not convenient or cheap. If you plan on attending, carpooling with other parents might be something to think about.
- Wednesday, March 25 - 1st Grade to Johnson County Museum (1st graders should bring a disposable sack lunch.)
Other coming field trips:
- Thursday, April 2- 2nd Grade to Coterie Theatre
- Wednesday, April 8 - 4th Grade to Careers on Wheels
- Friday, April 17 - 3rd Grade to Nelson Atkins Museum
- Thursday, April 23 - 1st Grade to American Royal Junior Rodeo
- Tuesday, April 28 - 4th & 5th Grade to Heritage Park Golf Course
- Tuesday, May 5- 4th Grade to KC Zoo
- Tuesday, May 5- 2nd Grade to Arboretum
- Tuesday, May 12 - KDG to Fire Station
- Wednesday, May 13 - 3rd Grade to KU Natural History Museum
- Thursday, May 14 - 5th Grade to Main Event
We LOVE to have spirit days at Tomahawk! It's even part of our PBIS Reward process where students can turn in Trail tickets for an all school spirit day! We announce those to students at the end of the day and put the info on Facebook and the Tomahawk website calendar. Classroom/Grade level special days will be communicated by the teacher in Seesaw app.
This month's Spirit Days:
Tues 3rd - Tomahawk Tuesdays- Wear TH gear or blue/yellow
Fri 6th - Fan Friday- Wear favorite team
Tues 10th - Tomahawk Tuesdays- Wear Class Colors (KDG-Purple; 1st-Blue; 2nd-Red; 3rd-Green; 4th-Orange; 5th-Pink; PreK-Yellow)
Fri 13th - Fan Friday- Wear favorite team
Tues 24th - Tomahawk Tuesdays- Wear TH gear or blue/yellow
Wed 25th - STUCO Spirit Day- Dress like a Leprechaun
Fri 27th - Fan Friday- Wear favorite team
Tues 31st - Tomahawk Tuesdays- Wear TH gear or blue/yellow
Prepare for Unpredictable Weather
Spring weather can be unpredictable. Help your children prepare by reminding them to dress in layers and bring a jacket for morning recess. If the weather turns rainy during the day and you need to make other arrangements for your child’s dismissal instructions, please call the office by 2pm so we have ample time to get the information to your child.
The City of Olathe provides information about severe weather awareness including thunderstorms, lightning and tornadoes. Check out the website for facts on the outdoor warning system, watches, warnings, and disaster supplies kits at http://www.olatheks.org/government/fire/safety-tips
Bike Safety
Warmer weather signifies an increase in students riding their bikes to school. Here are a few reminders to keep everyone safe:
· Bike riders should wear a helmet and are encouraged to bring a lock for their bike.
· Parents should talk with their children in advance about traffic safety.
· Drivers should take extra care to watch for children on bikes in school areas.
Reminder: Photo ID REQUIRED EACH TIME You Want to Enter Tomahawk
Please remember that District policy requires us to ask for ID from EVERYONE each time they enter the building. Please remember to have your driver's license or other form of picture ID ready for the camera at the door when you arrive at Tomahawk. If you come to the door without your ID, we will kindly ask you to return to your car to get it.
Nurse Devin's Cabinet
When to Stay Home
There in an increase in flu cases throughout the community. During this time, please remember to keep your child home if:
-They have a fever in the past 24 hours
-They have needed medication to reduce a fever in 24 hours
-They have vomited in the past 24 hours
-They have had diarrhea (defined as 2 or more loose stools) in the last 24 hours
We have free thermometers for those who do not have a thermometer at home. Please reach out to me if you are needing one, and I can send it home with your student. You can reach Nurse Devin with questions or concerns at 913-780-7696 or dmandozzi@olatheschools.org.
Dental Screening
We will have our school-wide Dental Screening on May 13th and 14th. Be on the lookout for more information in your child backpack as this gets closer.
Growth and Development
We will be teaching our Growth and Development class to our 4th and 5th graders at the end of the school year. 4th grade is scheduled for April 23rd and 5th grade on May 1st. Your student will be bringing home a letter with more information. With this letter, you have the opportunity to opt-out, so please read the information carefully. If you have questions or concerns about this lesson after receiving the information, please reach out to the nurse.
Lunchroom Cupboard
We had so much fun celebrating KS Lunch Week in January! Our amazing and talented lunchroom staff- Megan Smith, Julie France, Penny Gfeller, Mary Cooper and Elissa Fields along with our equally amazing and talented Art teacher, Mrs. Ingraham worked together to create a visual representation of "Lunch Among the Stars" for our students. The students had a blast eating among planets, rocket ships and among stars hanging from the ceiling. A huge thank you to Richard and Mikayla Fussel for coming in and lending a helping hand with decorating and handing out prizes!
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)
We have recognized almost 125,000 tickets this year for positive behavior! Students have been redeeming their tickets for reading time with Scoobie, styling Mrs. Baucum’s hair, and many other exciting experiences!
If you'd like to help support the 2025-2026 PBIS store, here is our amazon wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/5JAE740KSH8Q/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_5
Watch D.O.G.S.
There are still available dates to volunteer as a Watch D.O.G.S. this spring!
Art
Art Club session 2 will have its last meeting on Monday, March 9th. It's been great to watch these young artists create independently!
Olathe Northwest has fabulous summer art camps for 2nd-5th graders. You can register here: https://onwartcamp.weebly.com
Library
Will you be in town for Spring Break? The Olathe Public Library has some fun activities planned. Visit the website below to see the schedule. Your student can decorate cookies, read with a dog, see animals from the Kansas City Zoo, and create in the Makerspace. The library is a fun and free place to visit while in town!
https://olathelibrary.librarycalendar.com/events/month/2026/03?age_groups%5B73%5D=73
Beanstack Tracking Form
Many students have said they are reading, but are unable to log their minutes on the app. If your student reads at home and does NOT log the minutes on the app, have them complete this log (attached below) and return it to Mrs. McGinnis. She will log the minutes for them and give them a new one. This is an optional way to record reading minutes. Thank you so much for your dedication to reading!
PE
Footwear Reminder
A quick reminder to all families to check the ABCD schedules regarding P.E. class. It’s important that on their assigned P.E. days, students wear the proper shoes, which are athletic shoes with closed toes and no raised heel.
Skating
Our next skating sessions will be from Tuesday, March 24th- Thursday, April 2nd. This will provide everyone two additional class times for skating. Please remember to send your students with long socks and they are welcome to bring their own skates/blades if they have them.
Plank Challenge
The "Plank Challenge" is well underway
What is the “Plank Challenge”? Students holding an elbow plank for 1-minute increments. We have started with a 1-minute plank and have practiced every PE class throughout the year with the goal of being able to hold the elbow plank for up to 5 minutes.
The remaining dates are the weeks of: March 24th, April 20th
We have some students who have already earned a 5-minute plank certificate.
STUCO
Sponsors: Lindsay Cotton, lecotton@olatheschools.org & Rhianna Penner, rnpenner@olatheschools.org
STUCO 2025-2026
Co-Presidents – Zola Dale and Remi Fussel
Vice President – Adele Felix
Secretary – Izabelle Robertson
Treasurer – Angelina Moore
Representatives:
- 3rd grade- Jamison Rozof, Sophie Senin, Kolton Fussel, Lola Sadi Oufella, Ari Eck, Shelly Gagne
- 4th grade- Ximena Alvear, Addi Powers, Logan Whitt, Leo Queen, Amari Lindsey
- 5th grade- Violet Gagne, Sam Palmer, Grady Penner, Trexlyn Phillips, Rory Reeves and Song Senin
Spirit Days
STUCO Spirit Days will be decided upon members during monthly meetings. Check back here for updates! Spirit Days will also be available on the school’s website.
- March 25th Dress like a Leprechaun
- April 29th Walk Backwards Day
- May 13th Dress for your DREAM VACATION
Events
Friendship Grams Fundraiser – Thank you all for your contributions and flexibility with all of the changes for our Friendship Grams fundraiser! STUCO is working on identifying the needs for the remainder of the year.
Math Wings
Math Wings will meet on Tuesday, March 3rd, 10th, and 24th. The next Regional Competition will be held on March 31st at Green Springs at 4:15.
Tomahawk Running Club
Tomahawk Elementary students in grades 3rd through 5th can participate in Tomahawk Elementary’s after school Running Club which is designed to promote fitness. The Trailblazin’ Runners will meet on Wednesdays after school from 3:55 to 4:45. We will begin on March 25th and conclude on April 29th. Our Wednesday runs will include increasing the distance of runs based on individual student ability and the weather. All our training runs will take place in the Tomahawk Elementary neighborhood.
Parents of participating students will be required to pick up their child (or allow permission for them to walk home) at 4:45pm. We will be dismissed from the gym. The Tomahawk Trailblazin’ Runners will be coached by Tomahawk Staff and any parents who want to volunteer.
The following students signed up in the fall for both sessions so they are already signed up for this Spring session. If your child is not on the list and you want them to participate, please complete the online form https://forms.gle/vhLi3t8L3M9yBJ5j9 by March 12. If your student is on the list and they no longer want to participate, please contact Mr. Lawver or the office (913.780.7690).
Important Dates:
Wednesdays- March 25th, April 1st, April 8th, April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th- After School Running Dates
Wednesday, April 29th is the last day to register for Tower 2 Tower and have Mr. Lawver pick up your race packet
Saturday, May 2nd Race Day Tower 2 Tower
The Tower 2 Tower Race is completely voluntary and only offers online sign-ups. There is no grant money for this race so everyone must pay their own entrance fees. Parents and family members are welcome to register under the Tomahawk team. If you register under the Tomahawk team, Mr. Lawver will pick up all of the race packets. We receive a special group/team rate of $18.95. To register click on this link https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Lenexa/Tower2Tower 5K or the QR Code above.
Search under Group/Teams
Team name: Tomahawk
Password: Tomahawk
How you can help!
Teacher Appreciation
We are looking for parents to volunteer some time and talent to make Teacher Appreciation week in May amazing this year. This is a great opportunity to be involved with celebrating our teachers. Please contact Ashley Queen or attend any PTO meeting for more information.
Skate party info
Color the Rink Skate Party @ Skate City on Thursday, March 5 from 6-8pm.
- Wear Class Colors
- $7 admission per person
- $2 Skate Rental
- $11 Pizza Special available
Show your grade level spirit by dressing from head to toe in your class color!
Bowling Event
Join us on Saturday, March 28 from 3:00–4:30 PM at Mission Bowl (1020 S Weaver, Olathe, KS) for a fun afternoon supporting our school. Admission is $15 per bowler and includes 90 minutes of bowling and shoe rental. Lanes are first come, first served, so no reservations are needed—just bring friends and family! Be sure to mention Tomahawk Elementary when you arrive, as a percentage of the proceeds will be donated back to support our students.
5th Grade Legacy
Attention 5th grade Parents! Our Yearbook editor would like to do a page dedicated to the 5th graders and would like a picture of their 1st day of kindergarten or around that time/age for each 5th grader. It will also be featured in the slideshow on our 5th grade celebration night on May 18th (put that on your calendar). If you only have a hard copy you can take a picture of it and email it to Katie McGinnis. Please send to kmcginnis@olatheschools.org ASAP!!
End of Year Video
If you have any special photos you want in the End of Year video for 5th grade celebration, please send them to Tara Dale mrstaradale@gmail.com . These can be K-5 pictures, school events, group photos, special events. We would love to have everyone featured so send them in!
Important 5th Grade Dates
April 16th- 5:30-7:30pm - 5th Grade Bake Sale at Fine Arts Night
April 28th - 4th & 5th Graders to Heritage Golf Course (pizza lunch provided)
May 1st- Cougar Palooza - 5th Graders visit Indian Trail Middle School
May 4th- 5th Graders Visit Frontier Trail Middle School
May 14th- 5th Graders to Main Event (lunch provided)
May 18th - 6pm 5th Grade Promotion Night
May 19th - 1:15pm 5th Graders vs Staff Kickball Game
Yearbooks
Order your yearbook now. The only way to order is online. We will not have extras to purchase at the end of the year. You should order now at www.treering.com/validate enter school code 1015269347902029. Cost is $22.
If you aren't sure if you bought a yearbook- it is super easy to find out. Simply log on to your Treering account and it will tell you date purchased or if you haven't completed the purchase yet. If you have never logged onto Treering, then you haven't ordered a book. We only do online orders. Contact Kelli Zuel (kzuelth@olatheschools.org ) with questions. See attachment below for list of orders as of 3-12-26.
We would love to include your photos of school events in the yearbook. See instructions below on how you can upload photos to share with the school.
Olathe School District New Website!
If you have pages bookmarked, be sure to update them. Do you need quick access to key resources? Visit our Family Guide.
Take a look around. We’re excited for you to explore! https://www.olatheschools.org/
STOPFINDER App for Families of Students Riding DS Buses To/From School
Parents, 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.
Tomahawk Family Directory Sent in Blackboard Alert
If you need to contact other Tomahawk families, you can find information in our Tomahawk Student Directory and Class Lists sent in a Blackboard alert on Wednesday, January 7th. Please note this information does not include everyone in the school as some of our families have opted out for various reasons and new students are added regularly.
This directory is intended for school use only. All of the contact information -email, home addresses and phone numbers - are not for business use. Please respect the privacy of our families and do not share the list with others or use it for business purposes.
Tomahawk Elementary School
Email: kzuelth@olatheschools.org
Website: https://tomahawk.olatheschools.org/
Location: 13820 S. Brougham Dr. Olathe, KS
Phone: (913) 780-7690