Parent Guide
- View the Parent Guide (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
Activities and Athletics
A variety of opportunities are available for students with specific information available on each school's website or on the Opportunities to Play Sports page on thiis website.
Boundaries
Legal Residence
The residence of all students is defined as the legal residence of the parent or legal guardian who has custody of the pupil. Pupils residing with relatives or family friends will be accepted as resident pupils only if the adult relative or friend is the legal guardian. Call (913) 780-7000 with questions regarding residency.
Maps and Online Information
Boundary maps are published annually and available at the District Education Center, 14160 Black Bob Road, (913) 780-7000, and on the district website (www.olatheschools.com). Anyone having a question about the assignment of a particular area should call the Manager of Planning (913-780-7011).
The district also provides, through a collaborative effort with Johnson County, an interactive map. Patrons can enter their home address to view their elementary, middle school and high school attendance boundaries. (School Locator)
Moving out of the district
Pupils who move from the district during the school year are considered non-resident and must apply for permission to finish the school year. Board of Education policy does allow students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to complete their high school years at the high school facility they are currently attending.
School Attendance Areas
The Board of Education has established attendance boundaries for each elementary, middle school and high school. An attempt is made to adjust boundaries in order to provide the best pupil-teacher ratio and to make optimum use of district school facilities.
Transfers
Students residing within the attendance area of a school shall attend that school. However, a student may be permitted to transfer outside of a student's attendance area only for exceptional circumstances and highly justifiable reasons.
Applications for transfer can be obtained from your home school or from the Education Center (913-780-7000) and submitted to the principal of the sending school for consideration and recommendation. No school district transportation will be provided.
Bus Transportation
- By Kansas law, bus service is provided at no cost for students living 2.5 miles or more from their school. Mileage is calculated from the student's home to the school, and maintained by routing software to provide consistency.
- Service is available on a pay-ride basis for elementary students who live between one and 2.5 miles from their school and middle school students who live between 1.5 and 2.5 miles from their school. Information about bus fees and the Early Pay Discount is available on the Bus Transportation Web page.
- Students are to ride the bus which he/she has been assigned. Any emergency request to ride a bus or a different bus must be made in writing by the parent/guardian and submitted to the school office. They will then forward the request to the district's Director of Transportation for consideration.
- Students will be allowed off the bus at their assigned bus stop only.
- All students riding the bus must comply with the requests of the driver, and the Student Code of Conduct will apply at all times. School transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior.
- Bus service is provided by First Student. Call First Student at (913) 782-1050 for more information.
Calendar
The district calendar (PDF) is available online and provided during enrollment.
Cancellation of School
If school is cancelled due to snow or bad weather, the information will be available in these ways:
- Local television and radio stations
- Olathe Alert (sign up via the district or school website)
- District Website — www.olatheschools.com
- Facebook — go to "Olathe District Schools"
- District information line — (913) 780-8000
- Channel 18 (Comcast and Time Warner)
If Bad Weather Occurs During the School Day
If school is in session, regular dismissal time will be observed rather than dismissing school early. We must be mindful of such safety issues as transportation, particularly for those students who normally ride the bus or are driven to and from school; lack of supervision at home because of an unscheduled dismissal; and the uncertainty of sending children away from a protected school environment and out into hazardous weather conditions.
Sign Up for Olathe Alert!
Parents and patrons are invited to sign up for Olathe Alert to get important information about our schools sent as text messages or email. Emergency information, school closings and administrative reminders (upcoming district-wide events or breaks) are among the types of information available through this free service. To sign up, look for the Olathe Alert button on the district or your school website.
Directory Information
The following information is designated as directory information by the school district:
- name
- address
- telephone listing
- date and place of birth
- major field of study
- participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- weight and height of members of athletic teams
- dates of attendance
- degrees and awards received
- most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Directory information may be released without prior parental consent unless a parent elects to opt out (see below).
Opt-Out of Directory Information
If a parent believes that any or all student directory information (listed in section above) should not be released without prior consent, please notify your school principal within 10 days of the beginning of the school year or within 10 days of enrollment. Notification will be given whenever educational records are transferred to another educational institution or released by court order. A copy of the records transferred or released may be requested at a charge of the school's cost.
Opt-Out of Other Student Information, Photos
Parents must also notify the school office if they elect to opt out of the following categories: photo/video release, military recruitment (juniors/seniors), and public display of student work. Parents with questions related to opting out or wishing to opt out of any of these categories should contact the school principal within 10 days of the beginning of the school year or within 10 days of enrollment.
The school principal will keep a list of all persons or agencies that have access to student records and the reason for access. When a student becomes 18 years of age or is attending a post-secondary institution, all rights accorded to parents will be accorded to the student.
Educational Program
Schools are at three levels
- Elementary: Kindergarten-Grade 5
- Middle School: Grades 6-8
- High School: Grades 9-12
A Board of Education-adopted curriculum guides instruction throughout the district at every grade level and in every course. A variety of instructional strategies and materials is used to help students learn. The district website provides more information on our exciting educational program offered to students.
The student educational program is enhanced and supported through a variety of student services, including special education services, the school's guidance and counseling program, and summer school at all levels.
Emergency Information / Address and Phone Changes
Please notify the school office immediately of address and telephone changes. This is important for the school to handle emergencies, maintain communication, and keep student records current. It is extremely important that every child maintain an up-to-date address and telephone number record at the school office.
Emergency numbers (adults who pick up a child in case of a parent's absence) are also important. We will contact the parent or designated adult in cases of serious illness or other emergencies.
Enrollment
Residence
Only students residing in the Olathe School District are eligible for enrollment.
Age Requirements
The requirement for a child's first enrollment in a Kansas school is governed by state law and the school district cannot exercise any deviations from the law. In essence the law provides:
- A child must be 5 years of age on or before August 31 of the current year to enter kindergarten.
- A child must be 6 years of age on or before August 31 of the current year to enter the first grade.
- A certified copy of a child's birth certificate must be presented to the school upon first entrance to school.
Entrance Requirements
- All students entering Kansas schools must follow Kansas laws for immunizations and inoculations (PDF).
- Physical examinations are required for all pupils admitted to early childhood programs and kindergarten. View the Health Assessment form (PDF)
- Physical examinations are required for all pupils Grade 6-12 who are participating in sports. View the Physical Evaluation form (PDF)
- Formulario Permiso de los Padres (Página 4 del formulario de evaluación fisíca)
Eligibility Requirements
Whenever a child is enrolled in an Olathe district school for the first time, the parent/guardian is required to provide proof of the child's identity. "Proof of Identity" is defined differently for different grade levels.
A child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade:
- A certified copy of the birth certificate of the child, or
- As an alternative for the child in the custody of the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services, a certified copy of the court order placing the child in the custody of the secretary.
- In the absence of a certified copy of birth certificate for the child in kindergarten or first grade, any document which reasonably tends to establish the age of the child will be accepted as temporary proof of identity.
A student enrolling in Grades 2-12:
- A certified copy of birth certificate of child, or
- A certified transcript of school records, or
- Actual school records from sending school, or
- A hospital birth certificate.
NOTE: If proof of identity is not presented to the school district within 30 days after enrollment, written notice will be given immediately to a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within the home county of the school. Upon receipt of the written notice, the law enforcement agency shall conduct an investigation to determine the identity of the child.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's education records.
Health
Health Assessment
The district health assessment policy has been developed in accordance with Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-5214). Each school year, every early childhood and kindergarten student enrolling in the district for the first time shall present a health assessment performed by:
A physician,A person acting under the direction of a physician, or A nurse certified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The health assessment may be conducted up to 12 months prior to school entry, prior to the first student day of second semester, or within 90 days for students admitted October 1 or later. Exemptions are made for certified religious reasons. The school nurse is knowledgeable regarding available community resources for obtaining immunizations and health assessments.
NOTE: A child enrolled in early childhood does not need to present an additional health assessment for entry into kindergarten.
Health Procedures
The district's health procedures are designed for the protection of the child. We ask your full cooperation in following these guidelines.
Emergency Contact Information
Please be sure we have current information regarding the name and phone number of your child's physician and the phone number of another adult to contact in the event we cannot reach you when needed for an illness or emergency.
Immunizations
The district immunization policy has been developed in accordance with Kansas law. All required vaccinations by age and grade level are listed on the Kansas Certificate of Immunization from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Parents/guardians will be notified by May 15 of each year regarding any immunizations needed for the following school year. Exemptions are made for certified medical and religious reasons.
For specific information regarding the Kansas School Immunization Law or for a written copy of the law, please contact the Director of Health Services at (913) 780-7002.
Medications
All medications require a doctor's note and parent's authorization.
- Medication policy, including exceptions
- Medication authorization form (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
Wellness Policy
The Olathe School District has developed a Wellness Policy to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity choices for students, families, and staff. The Wellness policy is available in the Board of Education policy section of the district website (Policy JGCA), or you may request a copy by contacting the District Education Center, 780-7000.
Other Student Health Information
Go to the Health Information web page for additional information including the medication policy, managing students with allergies, student illness, sports participation requirements, and process for exclusion from physical education or recess.
Safe Schools
Positive and Safe Learning Environment
Providing a positive and safe learning environment for all is important to the Olathe Public Schools. This requires teamwork from school staff, parents/guardians, students and the Board of Education. The board expects school staff to maintain a suitable learning environment. Developmentally appropriate procedures and programs help to foster a positive and safe learning environment.
Code of Student Conduct
The Olathe Public Schools believes in a positive approach to discipline based on clear expectations and consequences.
The Code of Student Conduct (PDF) defines a standard of behavior essential to an effective school. This code is reviewed annually and adopted by the Board of Education. It outlines expectations of student behavior and consequences for violations of the code.
The booklet is made available annually to each student and family. The Code of Student Conduct contains information about the weapons policy, as well as information regarding the Kansas School Safety and Security Act and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
Building Crisis Management Plans
Each facility in the district has developed a Building Crisis Management Plan with instructions for students and staff to react safely to adverse situations. The purpose of this plan is to minimize injuries to students and staff and damage to school facilities. The safety of each child is one of our major concerns. The cooperation of the home is needed to build good safety habits. Urge your child to:
- Walk on the sidewalk or shoulder of the road
- Cross only when traffic is clear
- Refuse to enter strange automobiles
- Go directly to school or home before beginning to play
- Be considerate of and helpful to smaller children
- Always pass in front of the school bus after exiting from it
- Refrain from arriving at school too far in advance of the opening of school
- Communicate safety concerns to adults
Safety Drills
Fire, severe weather (tornado), safe schools (code red), and bus safety drills are practiced in our schools. The purpose of these drills is to give students and staff the knowledge and confidence of knowing safe procedures in the event of emergency situations. This is an important component of our safe and prepared school emphasis.
Safety Hotlines
Collaborative and cooperative procedures have been developed with the Olathe Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to support safe schools, including reporting all crimes on school property. Please report any concerns or rumors to your school administration or to the school resource officer. ANONYMOUS TIP HOTLINE: (913) 780-7777.
In addition, the Kansas State Department of Education, in cooperation with the Kansas Highway Patrol, has established a school safety hotline: 1-877-626-8203. This is a toll-free number available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, for students, parents, and community members.
School Improvement Plans
A school improvement plan has been developed for each school, aligned with the district's Strategic Directions, to guide their improvement work as a school. Data is used to establish and monitor the plan. This plan aligns with the Kansas State Accreditation Process, Quality Performance Accreditation (QPA). Support is provided at the school for their improvement efforts through the Building Leadership Team (BLT) and the School Site Support Council, comprising parents, community, and staff.
Student Insurance
Olathe Public Schools provides student injury or accident insurance for all students in the district. This coverage is secondary to the parents' health insurance and applies to incidents arising while on school premises, while participating in a school-sponsored activity, or while traveling directly to or from a residence to school (except traveling by two- or three-wheel motor vehicle) within policy limits. Accident claim forms are available in each school office.
Textbooks and Library Books
Textbooks and library books are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Books are to be kept clean and handled carefully. A fee will be charged for lost or abused books.
Volunteers
School volunteers are encouraged. Please see the school office for the required application.