The Trailblazer

I hope your summer was filled with fun, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. As we kick off a brand-new school year, I’m thrilled to welcome everyone back—students, families, and staff!

Stay in the Loop:

Our school newsletters, text alerts, and school-wide notifications are your go-to sources for important news, upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, and more. Please take a few moments each week to check these messages. Staying informed helps us all—and especially your child—have the best year possible.

This Year’s Theme: “Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today”

We’ve chosen a smiley-face theme for the year as our gentle reminder to spread kindness, positivity, and encouragement wherever we go. A small act—a kind word, a helping hand, or even just a friendly smile—can make someone’s day better. Let’s all commit to being the reason someone smiles today!

Thank you for being such an engaged part of our school community. Here’s to a fantastic year filled with growth, learning, laughter—and lots of smiles!

Julia Baucum

Principal

Nurse: Devin Mandozzi

1st: Marissa Beverman

2nd: Brittany Barker

3rd: Margo Hunter

4th: Hallee Burgardt; Mary Margaret Richardson

5th: Alicia Priddy

Resource Teacher: Evan Belser

Office Attendance Secretary/Lunch Lead: Tonya Meganck

Autism Paras: Catilyn Brownlee; Jodi Lombardo

Please note arrival does not begin and there will be no supervision until 8:35, please do not send students to school property before that time.

School Opens: 8:35 am

School day begins: 8:55 am - Students are expected to be in their seat ready to learn at this time, not walking in the door. Arrivals after this time will be considered tardy.

Students are dismissed: 3:55 pm

If your student is eating breakfast at school it will be served in the lunch room from 8:35-8:55 am.

Having your student present and on time for learning is a key factor in their success. Please see the updated guidelines for student attendance. There may be additional actions taken depending on the situation.

Tardies:

4 tardies in a semester= 1 unexcused absence, parent phone call

7 tardies in a semester= Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

20 tardies in a semester= 5 unexcused absences, truancy authorities notified

Absenteeism

5 absences in a semester= Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

9 absences in a semester= Second/updated intervention meeting and plan established with parents, school team, and any additional parties.

10 absences in a school year= Truancy authorities notified

Truancy

3 unexcused absences in a row= Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

5 unexcused absences in a semester= Truancy authorities notified

7 unexcused absences in a school year= Updated team intervention meeting

These policies align with BOE Policies JBA, JBAA, JBAD, JBAB, JBC.

If a unique situation exists which may interfere with regular, timely school attendance, the parent should work with the school to develop a plan in advance.

Take a couple of minutes to add THattendance@olatheschools.org to your email contacts. Use this email to contact the office/nurse about attendance, late arrivals & early pick-ups, way home changes and general school questions.

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.

Special Chorus: 4th and 5th grade, before school from 8:35-9:05 am on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday

Running Club: 3rd-5th grade, after school

Flag Football: 4th and 5th grade, after school

Math Wings: 4th and 5th grade, after school

Art Club -4th and 5th grade, after school

Watch for more details coming soon.

To set students up for the most successful pairings and Kindergarten experience, we will use the first week of school as Camp Kindergarten. In this setting, we will have students work with all kindergarten teachers as well as Specialists such as PE, Music, Art, and Library. This will familiarize students with staff they will be working with throughout the year and give us a few days to meet your students as learners and people! Each morning your students will start in the gym and be given a team color for the day. The evening of Friday, August 15th class assignments for Monday can be accessed on ParentVue.

Families who have enrolled on ParentVue will be able to view the student's teacher on July 28th.

Please note: these are not final class lists, and if enrollment shows a significant change of students enrolled, students' teachers may change.

Drop in anytime to meet your teachers and see your classmates!

Kindergarten: Meet in the gym- please wait to bring your supplies until August 18 when KDG students are assigned to their permanent room.

Early childhood and 1st-5th grade: Bring your supplies to your classroom.

Please note this is a half day for K-5 students , no lunch will be served.

Early Childhood and Jump Start do not have school on Fridays.

This evening will be a time to sit down with your student's teacher to hear about expectations, communication, and what to expect this school year. More information to come.

Set up your SchoolCafe account - SchoolCafé is the New Parent Portal for School Meals. Visit the SchoolCafé website to create an account with a new username and password. Make sure you have your student ID number (available in ParentVue) ready when creating a new account.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Email: kzuelth@olatheschools.org
Website: www.olatheschools.com/tomahawk
Location: 13820 S. Brougham Dr. Olathe, KS
Phone: (913) 780-7690