Dancers Shine at Festival

Olathe South High School Parent Newsletter
Southside Source
Volume XXXIV * Issue 5 * February 2015
Members of the Olathe South Golden Girls end their performance
with a flourish at the Miss Kansas Drill Team Festival on January 17.
The freshman team performed a novelty routine to the song “Zero to
Hero” from the Hercules soundtrack. --photo by Connor Letts
Dancers Shine at Festival
M
More than 800 girls from 48 Kansas Dance and Drill
teams descended on Olathe South on January 9 and 10
excelled in their five routines and captured every award,
including the Shining Star Award and the Best of the Best.
to show their best Prop, Jazz, Pom, Hip Hop, Production
“This event began in 1982, and what I come away with
and Military routines. The girls had worked for months to
is how far dance has come. Kansas has put its thumbprint
perfect every move with a goal to win awards for technique,
on the dance world,” Holder said. “Events like this cause
showmanship, precision and choreography.
dancers to become more creative, technically sound and
The Golden Girls, under the direction of Mrs. Gail Holder
and Miss Carrie McIlwee, not only hosted the event, they
precise, and the individual dancers gain pride and a sense
of accomplishment that validate their work.”
Olathe South High School * 1640 E. 151st Street * Olathe, KS 66062 * www.olathesouth.net
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Mr. Phil Clark
Principal
pclarkos@olatheschools.org
Mr. Clint Albers
Assistant Principal
Athletic Director
Upperclassmen, N-Z
Athletics, Security,
Transportation
calbersos@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Candy Birch
Assistant Principal
Freshmen
Activities, AVID, PCA
cbirchos@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Denise Herman
Assistant Principal
Upperclassmen, HAR-M
Select Students with IEPs,
Spirit Activities
dhermanos@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Keri Snyder
Assistant Principal
Upperclassmen, A–HAN
Facilities, Assessments
ksnyderos@olatheschools.org
A Message from the Principal
Dear Olathe South High School Families…
Over the past couple of weeks, there’ve been several
interactions and some simple, somewhat random and
unexpected events which as “stand alones” may
represent but a whisper. However, if one determined
to be intentionally reflective, each of these experiences
may well find their place somewhere in the
personal memory bank and serve as gentle, but
powerful reminders. If one were to consider the same
interactions and events as a series, then his attention
shifts to a symphony where the final notes belong to the
brass and percussion. If the musical notes were
converted into words, the crescendo would shout…
“The Journey” while the rest of the chorus would
remind us to… “Open our eyes and ourselves to the
journey.”
We’re convinced the journey over the past couple of weeks was a gift and we’ll consider the
unspoken message as one intended for us to share as encouragement to the community.
Our cultural and goal-oriented fascination/obsession places considerable emphasis on the
finishing line, reaching certain milestones, completing certain tasks, and maintaining focus
on the prize at the end of the race. Quite naturally, this draws attention to certain “how” and
“what” questions. How does one achieve? What does one do to get there? As a response, we
typically speak of the importance of commitment, work ethic, overcoming defeat/challenge
and so on. One will not hear this author devalue nor attempt to discourage any part of this
particular message. On the contrary, this message is central to what we attempt to foster daily
amongst those in our circle.
However, the whisper turned shout does remind us of the importance of the journey and
to encourage one another to consider our own mind-set relative to the amount of attention we
give it. Certainly, we continue to challenge one another to locate their purpose and “become”
who they were intended to be, but… we also hope and pray that all recognize the importance
of the journey and the lives they touch during every second of their respective journey. With
awareness, there comes the responsibility of choice. We encourage each of us to consider the
minute we are in and simply enjoy the incredible beauty/wonder that surrounds us. Life is
Good!
***
As we find ourselves in a time when we straddle two school years and consider how our
students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are asked to carefully select courses for the 2015-16
school year, we acknowledge these to be important decisions. These are decisions which have
an impact on future experiences. We hope everyone has established a time and place where
discourse and processing can occur without distraction. However, this should not be an
overwhelming exercise. The collection of experiences during the four-year journey is what
matters most, and much of what one will take follows a natural sequence.
As you’ll likely hear repeated time and again, we do encourage each of our students to
challenge themselves with a rigorous curriculum. We encourage them to select coursework
which allow them to explore. We urge them to heed the advice of their respective teachers
and counselors. We also insist everyone consider the importance of “balance” when making
their selections. “Balance” as it relates to the collection of courses one takes at a particular
time as well as finding “a balance” between the rigors of these courses and the activities one is
involved either after school or away from school that produce their own set of challenges.
One of our favorite themes is “Life is Good.” We sincerely believe it and encourage those in
our community to decide to make this paradigm their habit.
We celebrate a tremendous 2014-15 effort thus far, and we embrace the process to make for
another one in 2015-16. Yes, “Life is Good.” With this newsletter, we also welcome all the
families who will be joining us at Olathe South next year. The Class of 2019 begins their high
school journey in seven short months. We look forward to making some memories over the
next four years with you.
COUNSELING STAFF
Counseling Report
Mrs. Amy Brown
Upperclassmen, HAR-M
AP Testing, Credit Recovery
abrownos@olatheschools.org
Juniors Should Plan to Take ACT This Spring
Mrs. Jean Busey
Freshmen
AVID, SAT/PSAT Testing
jbuseyos@olatheschools.org
College Visits
Mr. Luke Greene
Upperclassmen, A–HAN
Career/Technical Education
lgreeneos@olatheschools.org
Ms. Amy Iwert
Upperclassmen, N-Z
College Now
aiwertos@olatheschools.org
SUPPORT STAFF
Mrs. Stephanie Allegre
Social Worker
sallegreos@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Kathy Feightner
Social Worker
kfeightnerpt@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Jolene Knight
Data Operator
jknightos@olatheschools.org
Mrs. Donna Peters
Registrar
dpetersos@olatheschools.org
Dr. Rebecca Presley
Psychologist
rpresleyos@olatheschools.org
NURSE
Mrs. Rebecca Ball
rballos@olatheschools.org
Juniors who are planning to attend a four-year university after
high school should take
the ACT this spring.
Consider registering
by March 13 for the
February
April 18 test or May 8
2/4 Missouri Western
8:30 a.m.
for the June 13 test at
2/11 University of Kansas
9:30 a.m.
www.actstudents.org.
2/18 University of Missouri
8:00 a.m.
2/25 Univ. of Central Missouri
1:30 p.m.
Contact a counselor if
2/26 Gallaudet University
1:30 p.m.
you have questions.
Middle School Enrollment
Middle School Enrollment Dates:
SchoolEnrollment Visit
Chisholm Trail
Tuesday, February 3
Frontier Trail
Wednesday, February 4
Indian Trail
Thursday, February 5
Dates of Enrollment
February 17 & 18
February 19 & 20
February 24 & 25
AP Registration Closes March 24
AP Registration is open and will run from January 12–March 24 at
11:59 p.m. Please visit user.totalregistration.net/AP/172222 to get
registered. Late registrations will not be accepted, so please register early.
Additional information is available on the Olathe South Counseling
Website (http://teachers.olatheschools.com/oscounseling/) and in the
Guidance Office.
College-bound Seniors Should Complete FAFSA
Attention College-bound Seniors: It is recommended that you fill out the
FAFSA as soon as possible. To start your application, please visit http://
studentaid.ed.gov/. Additional information is available on the Olathe
South Counseling Website (http://teachers.olatheschools.com/oscounseling/).
Graduation Progress Checks
All students can check graduation progress through Student VUE. If
credit recovery is needed, please stop by the guidance office to pick up an
application. The earlier you can begin recovering credits, the better.
NCAA/NAIA
Eligibility
Information
Online ACT Prep
PREPWORKS test preparation courses are competency-based, performance-driven, and intelligently automated to deliver targeted personalized
instruction based on YOUR needs.
 100% online – study when it’s convenient for you.

An initial diagnostic test results in a customized learning path for every student.

Tutorials on hundreds of topics help fill gaps in knowledge and review mastered content.

Thousands of real test questions target your performance levels. 
Simulates ACT assessments – practice question content parallels what students encounter in
actual testing situations.

Virtual Office Hours – Weekly live online help is available from PREPWORKS instructors via video,
chat, & screen-share.

$45 for a 12 month subscription.

Visit http://eacademy.olatheschools.com for information and a link to the Prepworks site.
Call the eAcademy office at 780-7110 for answers to your questions.
PREPWORKS “groups” will start at the end of the month in
August, October, November, February, & May.
Your enrollment and check must be received before the 25th of the
month to be included in the group you choose when you enroll.
Enroll online at http://eacademy.olatheschools.com You will see a page with
the address to mail your check when your enrollment is submitted.
PREPWORKS Payment Form Student Name: _______________________________________ Student ID: ______________ Student email:_________________________________________________________________ Parent email:__________________________________________________________________ Fee: $45.00 Make check Payable to: USD 233 (no cash) Please mail this form with your check.
Health and Athletics
Softball Tryouts in March
Conditioning continues this month, and
tryouts for the softball team will be the first
week in March. Please go to www.olathesouthsoftball.weebly.com to get all of the details.
You can also contact Coach Allen at
mallenos@olatheschools.org if you have
questions.
Flu Prevention Tips from Becky
Ball, RN, Olathe South Nurse
With winter upon us, remember some of the
things you can do to prevent catching the flu or other
viruses that we have been seeing.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water often.
2. Keep your hands away from your face.
3. Be sure you get adequate sleep. This is vital!
Teenagers need 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours sleep each
night. Sleep is food for the brain and
keeps your body and immune system
functioning well.
4. Drink lots of water and eat a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables to keep your immune
system strong.
5. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
Don’t forget the gloves and hats on cold days.
For more information, please read the article
on Teens and Sleep: http://sleepfoundation.org/
sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep.
Please e-mail Mrs. Ball the names of any
medications your student takes daily, even those they
only take at home. It is important for her to have
that information in case she would ever have to call
911 for your child. It is always good for EMT’s to
know what medication is already in a person’s system
and could make a difference in what medication they
may use in an emergency.
Also, please be sure and keep the registrar
updated on new or changed phone numbers in case
of an emergency.
Seurer Selected for Kansas
East-West Shrine Bowl
Senior Jake Seurer was selected to play in the
Kansas East-West Shrine Bowl to be held July 25,
2015, at Fort Hays State University. He was
nominated by Coach Jeff Gourley for this honor.
Only top players from Kansas are selected to
participate.
According to the Kansas Shrine Game website,
“The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a non-profit charity
raising funds and awareness for the Shriners
Hospitals for Children. The Shrine Bowl has been
in existence since 1974 hosting one of the most
prestigious high school football
all-star games in
the nation. Since its
inception, it has
been promoting
Kansas talent and
the incredible
network of hospitals raising over 2.5
million dollars.”
“It was an honor to
be selected,” Seurer
Seurer led the Falcons as
said.
quarterback for the team.
Baseball Fundraiser
Fundraising
Fundraising Night
Night at
at Chipotle
Chipotle of
of Olathe
Olathe
(Proceeds
(Proceeds will
will go
go to
to support
support
the
the Olathe
Olathe South
South Baseball
Baseball program)
program)
20080
W.
153rd
Street
20080 W. 153rd Street
Tuesday,
Tuesday, February
February 17
17
4:00
p.m.-8:00
p.m.
4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
News and Activities
FACS Students Decorate for Holidays for City of Olathe
Family and Consumer Science students spent time
prior to the holidays utilizing the skills they learned in
Visual and Textile Design.
Last semester, the students did holiday setups for the
Olathe City Hall, Olathe Community Center, Olathe
Medical Center, Mahaffie Heritage Center and the
Fales Dental Office.
This was the 10th year they have worked with the
City of Olathe to help get the facilities ready for the
Mayor’s Christmas Lighting and all the events that take
place during the month of December.
They spent time working with Liz Newman and
Alexis Woodward to plan the themes of the trees and
the settings for the various locations.
This past year was the first setup at the Community
Center, and city officials presented Mrs. Jennifer Fales,
FACS teacher, with an appreciation picture board of
the past 10 years of setups and had special treats for
the students.“We enjoy the community connections
and the service to the various settings!” Fales said.
Front Row: senior Emily Sluyter, senior Chloe Kersten, freshman Anna
Sluyter, senior Jamie Peterson, junior Kylie Aloi, sophomore Natalie
Wolff, senior Madison Newman. Back Row: sophomore Kerianna
McLin, sophomore Jazmine Hankins, junior Samridhi Verma,
sophomore Vanessa Canchola, sophomore Jennifer Cleveland,
sophomore Libby Miller, senior Lizzy Blair, senior Sarah Peden, senior
Brecklyn Greene, sophomore Jaci Torrez, sophomore McKinley
Jeanneret, FACS teacher Mrs. Jennifer Fales
This Christmas tree was
decorated
by the FACS
students for
The Olathe
Community
Center. They
decorated
Olathe City
Hall, Olathe
Medical Center, Mahaffie
Heritage
Center, and
Fales Dental
Office, as
well.
The Eyrie, Student Newspaper at Olathe South, Earns
Scholastic Press All-American Award
Last year’s Eyrie received the All-American Honor award, which is the highest
award, from the National Scholastic Press Association.
Judging was based on six different issues, three from each of semester.
The Eyrie received marks of distinction in content, writing, photos/art, layout
and leadership.
​The publication was congratulated on many aspects, including good coverage,
good presentation of information and good design.
Vicki Kohl,
The current editors, seniors Cat Cavazos and Laiken Yerby, worked on the
Newspaper Adviser
newspaper last year and helped earn those honors.
News and Activities
Spring Blood Drive Is Coming!
SASH, Students Achieving
Social Harmony, will sponsor
the OSHS Spring Blood Drive on
Wednesday, April 1, from 8:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Auxiliary
Gym.
Appointments can be made at
www.savealifenow.org. Click on
“Blood Drives/Donating Blood,”
select “Blood Drives” and click on
“Blood Drives Calendar”. Find our
drive by zip code (66062) and date
(4/1/15). Walk-ins will
always be welcomed too, and adult
donors will be given priority to
expedite your donation
experience.
We have been lucky enough
to have business sponsors to help in our endeavor. SASH members
hand out water bottles with each appointment to remind student
donors to hydrate for 24 hours prior to their donation. We offer
a $2 voucher for each student making an appointment to enjoy a
nutritious breakfast on the day of the drive. This has reduced the
number of reactions by 50%. We also like to have drawings for door
prizes and “give-away” coupons for our donors as added incentives.
We are continually looking for new opportunities to involve our
community. If your business would like to sponsor the blood drive
in any way, please contact Angi Verstraete, SASH faculty sponsor, at
averstraeteos@olatheschools.org.
CaSE Competes
in CyberPatriot
Two teams of Olathe South students
participated in the Platinum Regional
Round of CyberPatriot VII on January
17. CyberPatriot is a National Youth
Cyber Education Program sponsored
by the Air Force Association to inspire
high school students toward careers in
c​ybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) disciplines. Both teams were
placed in the Platinum division in the
Regional Round by finishing 1st and
2nd in the Kansas State Round. The top
12 teams in the Regional Round will
receive all-expenses-paid invitations to
compete in the National Finals Round
in Washington, D.C. in March.
Team 1 – seniors Tyler Schunk, Logan
Prough, Paul Stuckey; Team 2 – juniors
Nathan Helgeson, Mitchell Liermann,
senior Fsehazion Desalegn.
Students Design New Website for School Store
You can now shop for the latest South gear online! The Falcon Landing
has created a new website where students, teachers, and parents can browse
through the new products the school store offers! Just go to
www.TheFalconLanding.com.
The Falcon Landing WILL be open during parent/teacher conferences
on Wednesday, February 11, from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., and Thursday,
February 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Stop by and see our new
selection of men’s polo shirts, baseball jerseys and long sleeve fashion tees
for girls. Don’t forget to bring your cash, check, or credit card so you can
shop for the spring season!
Juniors Shelby Brand and Carson
Green work in the school store
to ring up their customer, junior
Emily Harrington.
News and Activities
Fashion Students Model for Charitable Foundation
About 20 Olathe South students modeled in the
Natalie M. Foundation Fashion Show on January 11
at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Designer Tony Bowls showcased his 2015 prom
dresses. Miss America was also in attendance. The
models did a great job and the show was a huge
success!
Above: sophomores Payton Boxberger, Becca Jones,
Kathryn Bauerly, Maddy Suellentrop, junior Sierra
Muellner, senior Nicole Fuentes, and sophomore
Summer Kragel wear a rainbow of glitz and glam.
Right: Designer Tony Bowls speaks about his
designs for the showcase of 2015 prom dresses he
presented at the Fashion Show.
Left: Sophomores
Emma Doane, Sydney
Stewart and Tayler
Loudermill display
their evening wear in
shades of blue.
Above: Juniors Erin
Grimsley, Kasey Toy,
Rachel Pickert, and
Taylor Capps were
all smiles after their
debut on the catwalk
for the Natalie M.
Foundation Fashion
Show.
Scholars Bowl Members Place at Two Separate Contests
The Scholars Bowl team advanced to round-robin finals and ended
with a hard-fought third place at the St. James Academy tournament on
December 2. Congratulations to
Isaiah Hastings, Callie Van
Winkle, Ben Conner, Lilly
Bruington, Conor Duffy, and
Sharidan Kraljic.
The Olathe South Scholars Bowl
Team also placed 3rd with a 7-2
record at the Bishop Miege
tournament on January 15.
Above: junior Brooke Sullivan,
Congratulations go to Nick
sophomore Nick Hinman, junior
Hinman, Brooke Sullivan, Lilly
Lilly Bruington, senior Conor
Bruington, Liam McMullin, and
Duffy, and junior Liam McMullin Conor Duffy.
Above: Seniors Isaiah Hastings
and Ben Conner, juniors Sharidan
Kraljic and Lilly Bruington, and
seniors Callie Van Winkle and
Conor Duffy celebrate their third
place win at the Thunder Classic.
News and Activities
Family and Consumer Science Culinary Classes
Benefit from Kansas Beef Council Funding
The Kansas Beef Council provide funds to Family
and Consumer Science classrooms throughout the
state of Kansas. Without this monetary support,
culinary courses would not be able to explore the
uses of different beef cuts.
During Culinary Prep I and II at Olathe South,
students experiment with different beef cuts.
Examples of recipes that are included in the
curriculum go from flank steak tacos to dehydrated
homemade beef jerky. Not only do we learn about
the cut itself, but we focus on the nutrients that help
our bodies grow and the proper techniques used in
beef cookery.
The funds are made available each year to
purchase beef products for lab instruction. In
addition to the financial support, classroom
education materials are available free of charge to
F.A.C.S. teachers. Included is a recipe that was tried
by Mrs. Diana Wickersham, sent to us by the Kansas
Beef Council. The Moroccan Beef and Sweet Potato
Stew is a hearty dish that is great for the whole family
during these chilly nights.
MOROCCAN BEEF AND SWEET POTATO
STEW
Total Recipe Time: High Setting: 4 to 6 hours; Low
Setting: 8 to 9 hours
Makes 6 servings
Let your slow cooker do the work, while your house
is filled with the scent of cinnamon, garlic and
onions. Serve over couscous for a balanced meal.
INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 to 1-1/2-inch
pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch
pieces (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup regular or golden raisins
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and
onion
Salt
Hot cooked couscous
Chopped toasted almonds (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Combine flour, cumin, cinnamon, salt and red
pepper in 3-1/2 to 5-1/2-quart slow cooker. Add
beef, sweet potatoes and raisins; toss to coat evenly.
Pour tomatoes on top. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to
9 hours or on HIGH 4 to 6 hours or until beef and
potatoes are fork-tender. (No stirring is necessary
during cooking.) Season with salt, as desired.
2. Serve over couscous. Garnish with almonds and
parsley, if desired.
Acting Students Garner Honors
at Kansas Thespian Conference
Several Olathe South students showcased their talents January 8-10 at the
Kansas Thespian Conference. Juniors Deanna Bowles and Veronica Wood and
senior Taylor Schober received superior ratings in Individual Acting events. These
students qualified for nationals. Schober was invited to perform on the main stage
at the conference as one of the 10 best IE’s. Senior Hewleek McKoy also won a
Kansas Thespian Scholarship for college, and Veronica Wood and junior Andrea
Strickler made the 2016 All-State cast of James and the Giant Peach.
Senior Hewleek McKoy
was cast in Peter Pan. He
has been active in theatre
throughout high school.
Project Graduation Needs Your Help and Support!
Project Graduation Meeting February 15 7:00 p.m. – Olathe South Teachers Workroom
Committees in need of volunteers:
Entertainment Committee–Matt Ross
Bus Committee (buses and cinch sacks)
Prize Committee
Business Donation
We need assistance with the listed committees to ensure our seniors have an event that is memorable.
Contact Chris Webb (cpwebb@butlermfg.com) if interested.
Concessions – Home basketball games. We 4-5 volunteers to help staff the concessions. Visit our Sign-up
Genius for available dates and times.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4EAFAE2AAB9-basketball7/2752559
(January dates)
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4EAFAE2AAB9-basketball8/2752559
(February dates)
Hy-Vee Receipts – Save your receipts and turn them in at any Project Grad Fundraiser or the Olathe
South Office.
Senior T-Shirts – There is still time to purchase that special senior memento. Contact one of the
co-chairs for available sizes.
Dining Nights – Culver’s--February 10. Culver’s donates 25% of the sales generated that night to Project
Graduation. The flyer must accompany all orders.
Buffalo Wild Wings. Home Team Advantage – Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10% of the sales when the
“Teammate Card” is presented through 5/1/15.
Project Graduation Party – May 17, 2015.
LET BUFFALO WILD WINGS GIVE YOU THE
®
™
Congratulations, your team has been selected to participate in our Home Team Advantage Program for your upcoming season!
Each teammate has received via email, a “Teammate Card” and every time they show this card at the sponsoring Buffalo Wild
Wings restaurant, we will donate 10% of their total bill (less promotional discounts and unless otherwise specified) back to your
program.
Olathe South Project Graduation
Here is How the Program Works:
1.
Bring your Teammate Card into your sponsoring restaurant, during your season. Details are on your card.
2.
Show your card, on a mobile device or via printed copy, to your server and let them know you are part of the Home Team
Advantage Program.
3.
The server will add 10% of your total sales to your team’s running total. It’s that easy!
4.
At the end of the season, Buffalo Wild Wings will donate the 10% of sales that your entire team generated throughout
the season back to your team.
5.
The manager will contact your coach to set up a date and time to present your team with the donation.
Buffalo Wild Wings believes that teamwork builds the foundation for a successful community and our goal is to help make your
community the best place to live, work, play and dine. We want to help keep our community working and playing together.
Will be having a fundraising night at Culver’s of Olathe at 18685 W 151st Street – Olathe, KS (one half mile
east of 1-35 and the Great Plains Mall)
DATE: Tuesday, February 10th , 2015
TIME: 4pm-9pm
Culver’s of Olathe will donate 25% of the sales we generate (less tax) that night to our group. All we have to
do is pass this flyer out to all of our family, friends, and neighbors and show up for good times and great food.
THIS FLYER MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDERS. This flyer is valid on dine-in, carry- out, and all
drive- thru orders. If you are short on-time, call your order in at
764-1111, and we will have it ready for you when you arrive.
HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE
™
TEAMMATE
CARD
10% of your total sales at your sponsoring
Buffalo Wild Wings will be donated back
to your team at the end of the season.*
This flyer is valid only at CULVER’S OF OLATHE at the date and time specified above.
DO YOU LIKE FREE THINGS? ARE YOU A MEMBER OF OUR TEXT CLUB? TEXT
CULVERS219 to 50101 You will receive a FREE SCOOP of custard when you join as well as a weekly
offer.
Project Graduation of Olathe South
TEAM D // Expires: 5/01/15
Valid Only at: 12110 S. Strang Line Road, Olathe, KS
*Must present card on mobile device or via printed copy with payment. Not valid with any other offer. Card is
non-transferable. No cash value. Does not include tax or gratuity. Not valid toward other promotional discounts.
©2014 BUFFALO WILD WINGS, INC.
Flavor of the Day: Caramel Peanut Buttercup
Order Corsages and Boutonnières for February 21
Winter Dance to Support Project Graduation
Winners Selected for
Human Rights Contest
The Olathe Human Rights Commission
reminds us that the year 2015 marks the 60th
Anniversary of Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to
give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, AL.
In keeping with Ms. Parks’ message of not
giving into fear, but instead doing what you know
is right, students were asked to create entries for
the Olathe Human Relations Commission Contest
for Martin Luther King Legacy with a theme of
Diminishing Fear. The winners will be recognized
at a USD 233 Human Relations Council event on
Tuesday, February 3.
Choir Selected for 99.7’s
Holiday Radio Contest
Congratulations to the Olathe South Choir. They
made it into the top 8 in 99.7 The Point’s CHRISTMAS
CHOIR COMPETITION! The radio station spotlighted the choir by playing a clip of the choir’s performance of a holiday song and announcing a special text
code where listeners, as well as students, faculty and
staff, could text their support to the judges. The judges
saw the number of texts coming into each choir and
determined the winner. Though South did not win,
they were in the top 8 and received plenty of exposure
for their singing. Way to go, Falcon vocalists!
Essay Writing:
Second place — Keith Perisho, senior, Project
Choices, $200
Third place — Kali Ray, freshman, $100
Multi-media:
Second place — Elizabeth Ward,
junior, $200
Third place — Remy Braun,
freshman, $100
Visual Arts:
Second place — Breeaunna
Dowdy, freshman, $200
(Color drawing of tree with
roots wrapped about civil rights
activists)
Third place — Sydney Torrez,
senior, $100
(Stylized collage of quotes and
messages)
Senior Yearbook Ad
Deadline Extended
The yearbook will continue to accept senior ads
as space permits. The deadline has been extended to
February 6. Please submit ads to Gary Glenn,
yearbook adviser, by dropping them off in the front
office. If you have questions, contact Mr. Glenn at
gglennos@olatheschools.org.
Dr. Cindy Sheppard leads the choir in a rehearsal in
preparation for an upcoming concert.
Sheppard Recognized for
Her Role in Children’s Lives
Congratulations to Dr. Cindy Sheppard! The
Olathe Public Schools Foundation ran a Facebook
contest over Thanksgiving Break, giving parents the
opportunity to tell us why they are grateful for the
role an Olathe teacher plays
in their child’s life.
More than 70 parents
wrote tributes to more than
100 teachers. OPSF randomly selected winners from the
teachers mentioned. If you
have not seen the tribute,
visit the OPSF Facebook
page. Sheppard received a
Dr. Cindy Sheppard,
Starbucks giftcard!
Choir Director
Debaters Finish in Top Tier of Teams at Novice State Tournament
Congratulations to sophomore Justin
Rounbehler and junior Taylor
Thompson, who finished 2nd out of 70
teams at the Novice State Debate
Championships on January 9 and 10.
Freshman Dakota Morrison also
received the 3rd Place Outstanding
Speaker Award. Morrison and his
partner, freshman Carter Jones, and
junior Ian Boyd-Duncan and
sophomore Kaytlin Hill also finished
with winning records. Other top 25
speakers (out of 200+ students) were
Taylor Thompson—13th; Coleman
Puett—16th; Carter Jones—18th;
Ian Boyd-Duncan—22nd.
Top Left: Sophomore Justin
Rounbehler and junior Taylor
Thompson show off their medals.
Bottom Left: Freshman
Dakota Morrison, junior
Coleman Puett,
junior Ian
Boyd-Duncan,
sophomore Kaytlin Hill,
Rounbehler, Thompson,
(front) sophomore Jamie
Pellikaan wait for rounds
to begin.
Senior Pictures Needed for Senior Slide Show
One of the big undertakings for the Senior Class Sponsors is creating the Senior Slide Show. The video is
a great reminder to the students of how far they have come over the past 18 years. The video is first shown
to students the day of the Senior Outing (May 1st) and again the night of graduation.
We would like to collect 2 pictures (1 current photo and 1 baby/early childhood photo) of each senior by
March 13. We want to make sure that every senior is represented in the video, so your prompt participation
in this will be appreciated.
We are collecting pictures in a variety of ways:
*Email Mrs. Plankers (lplankersos@olatheschools.org) an attachment of the pictures to be
included (digital photos are preferred)
*Bring a hard copy of the picture to drop off in room 408. Please make sure pictures are in an envelope with the student’s name on the front, so we can return the pictures.
If you are sending a hard copy of the pictures, we would appreciate a “copy” and not the originals. We
will return pictures back to the student, but when we are handling over 500 student pictures, sometimes
mistakes can happen. We would hate to lose something extremely sentimental!
Thank you so much for your help in creating the video that will be very special to each of our seniors. For
more information, contact senior class co-sponsors Mrs. Laurie Plankers or Mrs. Rebecca Reyes.
Congratulations to All-State Band and Orchestra Members
Congratulations to the following performing arts students for earning a position in the Kansas Music
Educators All State, Band, Choir and Orchestra. The All-State Band members are seniors Ben Hix,
Connor Fulk, and junior Christian Long. The All-State Choir members are seniors Chris Chavez and
Kristin Gaddis, and the All-State Orchestra members are juniors Lilly Bruington, Carley Eschliman, Tanner
Leon, Rachel Li and senior Callie Van Winkle. These students will represent Olathe South at the KMEA
convention in February.
Science Department Receives Donation from Exxon Mobile
The Exxon Mobil Corporation, division of Fuels and Lubricants at the Olathe
plant, presented a gift of $2000 to the science department at Olathe South at the
December faculty meeting.
They have provided a gift to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math) at Olathe South for the last 5 years. With these funds, the teachers in
the science department have been able to purchase equipment and supplies to
enhance curriculum that is taught in the classroom.
In the past they have purchased materials to support an ongoing “Creek Study” Steve Schultz, science
where various Biology and Student Naturalist classes have investigated ecological department chair, receives
factors that influence the water quality and the impact on the wildlife, plants, and a donation of $2000 from
other organisms in and around Indian Creek which runs alongside Olathe South. representatives of the Exxon
Chemistry and Physics courses were able to purchase Spectrophotometry
Mobile Corporation at the
December faculty meeting.
equipment allowing them to study energy transformations occurring in excited
atoms and to demonstrate general wave phenomena. Physics also was able to
purchase equipment allowing students to experiment with alternative energy applications by investigating
wind and solar energy.
The contributions of Exxon Mobil have made it possible to acquire materials and teach concepts that have
the potential to impact a large number of students in science courses here at Olathe South. The science
department is grateful for the continued support of Exxon Mobil.
Robotics Team
to Sell Light Bulbs
at P-T Conferences
as Fundraiser
The Olathe South F.I.R.S.T.
Robotics team will be selling
light bulbs at Parent-Teacher
Conferences to raise funds for
tools and parts for the team’s
robot, as well as for
community outreach efforts.
The light bulbs are e-watt
saver LED Lightbulbs (60
watts) with a ten-year
warranty. They will be sold
for $11 each or 2 for $20. The
F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team
appreciates your support as we
begin another exciting season.
Look for our table at
Parent-Teacher Conferences to
support our team through our
light bulb fundraiser!
PCA Green Team’s Efforts Pay Off for
Students in AP Environmental Science
The Professional Careers Academy is proud to announce the Green
Team’s efforts are beginning to pay off.
Sponsored by science teacher Jeff Witters, the Green Team is a PCA
student-initiated group at Olathe South which began in the Fall 2014.
According to senior Nive Visesio, the club’s co-president, “the team in
effort with Mr. Witter’s AP Environmental Science students has built a
hoop house within the green house. This enables the team to heat up the
greenhouse thereby winterizing the plants to withstand winter
temperatures.” They are actively growing a variety of herbs, kale, broccoli,
chard, to name a few.
Mr. Witters said, “Our next big project in sustainable living is
beginning this month as we finalize design plans to experiment with
using a small compost mountain to heat water in winter for a
fish-growing operation.” We are proud of their accomplishments!
The PCA is also proud to announce a pilot course in scientific
research methods, taught by science teacher Wendy Haas. They are
currently learning proper research methods involved in transferring
DNA. The class members are junior Megan Myers, senior Dakota
Owens, and juniors Rachel Stupp, Luke Wardle, and Dakota Okwuone.
“It’s so different from any other class,” said Wardle.
“It’s a hands-on experience,” said Myers. PCA facilitator Ruth Ann
Falls is confident this course will give students an edge in their chosen
fields in science as they develop skills in scientific research methods while
in high school.
Calendar
of Events
February
6
7
10
11
12
13
16
19
21
Professional Day, no students
Olathe South Forensics Tournament
ACT at Olathe South
Winter Orchestra Concert
Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
4:45 p.m-8:00 p.m.
No School
Contact Us
School Phone: 913-780-7160
Fax: 913-780-7161
Student Services: 913-780-7874
Attendance: 913-780-7866
Nurse: 913-780-7162
Website:
www.olathesouth.net
#teamosfalcons
College Now Spring Enrollment Deadline
No School
Presidents’ Day, No School
Winter Band Concert
Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Winter Dance
Commons, 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Notification Statement of Non-discrimination: The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
age, religion or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to
its facilities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age
discrimination or equal access may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries
regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent General Administration, 14160 Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS
66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. Interested persons including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to the existence
and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Assistant Superintendent General
Administration. (04/13)