Calling all 4th and 5th grade Chess Players...It is time once again to join the after school Chess Club.  Starting March 29, each Monday after school until 4:45, this club will be playing friendly matches of chess (ending April 26).  To sign up, obtain the registration form from your teacher, school office or this web page.  The last day to sign up is March 23. Don't delay the space is limited to the first 40 players.

On Monday, March 8, the Blue Valley School District will release its list of potential budget reduction, reallocation and revenue strategies in its effort to make up for a $6.25 million funding shortfall from the state. In order to make these difficult budget decisions, the Board of Education is seeking input from staff and the community. The board will host two Budget Open Houses on March 23 and 25. The public is invited to attend these Budget Open Houses, where board members will gather feedback.

  ** Please note: the locations for the Budget Open Houses have changed from previous communication. *   The Budget Open Houses are scheduled for:

 · Tuesday, March 23 at Blue Valley High, 7-9 p.m. 6001 W. 159^thStreet in Stilwell.

· Thursday, March 25 at Blue Valley North, 6-8 p.m. 12200 Lamar Avenue in Overland Park.

  The board will begin making decisions about the budget reduction strategies at its April 5 meeting. For more information about the budget situation or to see a list of budget reduction strategies (after 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 8) go to www.bluevalleyk12.org/budget .

Be sure to check out your latest edition of the PTO newsletter...simply check "PTO Newsletter".  

 Rays of sunshine, April showers and your generous donations will help to make our outdoor garden learning environment a beautiful place for all to enjoy. A $50 donation will give you a complimentary brick with your personalized inscription for the walkway. Of course any donation amount would be greatly appreciated. For additional information, check out the flier under "Forms and Documents".

 Your latest edition of the E-Update Family newsletter is now posted...your next edition will be available Friday, March 26.

     Mark your calendar...the next Early Dismissal is Tuesday, April 6.          

Please note the change in practice for birthday treats/class parties... this change will be implemented from a safety perspective in the development of a "peanut product safer learning environment " in all of our classrooms/learning areas.  With ever increasing number of individuals with life threatening allergies I ask you to support this very important approach.  Part of this proactive plan is to limit the consumption of peanut products in classrooms.  This peanut product elimination will go beyond healthy type snacks (peanut butter crackers) to include birthday treats and food products enjoyed at the three classroom parties. We will continue to serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in our dining room and a "sack lunch" could certainly include products restricted in classrooms.  There will continue to be a "peanut safer" lunch table available to all children.  To assist with this process, a comprehensive listing is available on the web page (under forms and documents) for families to select from if they choose to bring birthday treats to share with classmates.  This listing will also be used for the three designated classroom parties.  In an effort to protect all children and to continue to have safety as our number one priority, only items from the listing will be accepted for distribution at school.  Every effort will be made to maintain an updated and current listing. Although it would be impossible to guarantee a totally peanut free environment, with support and effort we can make additional strides in making all children safe while at Cedar Hills.  Thank you for your understanding of this very important matter.