Originally delivered on 4/3/2026 3:53 pm

SUBJECT: April 2026 Newsletter

April 3, 2026
Hello! From the PTA President

Happy April, Thunderbird Families!  This last quarter is such a busy (and FUN) time here at Trailwood!  Our committee chairs are hard at work planning some amazing activities for the final weeks of school, including our ever-popular Carnival!  Be on the look-out for more information on these events coming soon.  And, please remember that we need volunteers to make many of these activities successful.  Consider donating your time and talents to make these last few months of the school year amazing for our kiddos!

April is also special at Trailwood because we have the opportunity to celebrate many of our staff members on their respective appreciation days!  You'll find the specific dates below.  While PTA will be recognizing these special days with treats for staff, please feel free to also show your appreciation with a thank you card or email to those staff members who make such a difference at our school!


Our next General PTA meeting is Tuesday April 14th after drop off in the band room-we would love to see you there!


Kind regards,

Cher Brownback

Important Dates

April 3: Librarian’s Day

April 9: Last flight time/Shrek Musical

April 14: General PTA Meeting

April 16: Pre-K and Kindergarten Round-Up

April 17: No School

April 23: Administrative Professional's Day

April 24: LAST Skate Party

April 28: Bus Driver Appreciation

May 1: Principal’s Day

May 1: Carnival

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4-8: Book Fair Week 

May 6: Nurse’s Day

May 6: Bike to School Day

May 8: Kona Ice Day

May 8: PTA Flower Sale Pickup

May 15: Field Day


TBD: Talent Show


Talent Show!

Calling all musicians, dancers, comedians, artists and more! The Trailwood Talent Show is coming!

 

You may sign up with your act online using this link. Please submit your form by May 4 so we can begin creating the program and determining exact times for the show!

 

Students can enter with one individual act or one group act, or one of each. Acts limited to 3 minutes, must be family friendly. Music is due May 11.

 

Questions? Contact Sarah McGinnity at sarahrice11@gmail.com


Legislative Update

 

On March 31st, more than 30 parents from our community joined with 3 senators (2 running for Kansas governor), 2 representatives and our SMSD Board of Education vice president for a terrific meeting sponsored by Trailwood PTA, in partnership with Indian Woods, Brookwood and John Diemer PTAs.  

 

Here are some highlights we heard about public education in Kansas: 

  • The state budget that passed last week adds $6 million for special education, far below the amount needed to fully fund it. This causes SMSD to use money out of our general education budget to cover special education costs.
  • Our district likely will not fill any new/requested positions next year because of this shortfall in state special education funding.
  • The school finance formula, which is used to determine most state public education funding, will be rewritten by state officials next year. 
  • In August, voters will cast ballots in the primaries for Kansas governor and other statewide offices.
    • The governor is expected to veto a voucher bill that passed. While the Senate could override, the House likely does not have enough votes. This underscores the governor’s influence. 
  • In August, voters will consider a change to the Kansas constitution in how Supreme Court justices are selected. Th proposal changes the process from merit-based nominations to elections, raising concerns about increased partisanship and outside influence. (think mailers, ads, judges running partisan races).  This is a BIG deal! 
    • The panelists talked about the devastating cuts to school funding years ago and how the Kansas Supreme Court later ruled those cuts were unconstitutional. Now the Supreme Court enforces that the legislature adequately fund public education. (Unfortunately, special education was not part of the lawsuit//ruling).

What's next: 

2026-27 School Supplies

You can now purchase next year's school supplies through our partner, 1st Day School Supplies. Get the exact supplies the teacher requested, with each student's supplies packaged in one box, and no running around town! And 1st Day School Supplies only sells name-brand products. Bonus: Trailwood’s PTA receives a portion of each sale! 

Kits will be delivered to Trailwood, and distributed at the Popsicle Pop-In (the day before the first day of school).

Orders are due July 1. Order here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/41837

Questions? Contact Jen McDonald (jenschmidt3@gmail.com).

Thank you!

Thank you to all that purchased flowers and plants from this year's fundraiser sale!  It was a huge success!


All orders will be available for pick up in the front circle drive at Trailwood on Friday May 8.  In the next few weeks, you will receive an email with a SignUpGenius link to reserve your pick up time.


There will also be a SignUpGenius sent out for volunteers to assist with unloading, sorting/organizing, and distributing the items throughout the day on May 8.  Your help is greatly appreciated to wrap up this annual event.


If you have any questions, please contact ChristinaSGeiger@gmail.com

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