September 30, 2020 
What's New From Your Morse PTO
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die .” -- Thomas Campbell
MORSE STRONG! HONORING MR. VANDEMARK
As we all grieve the loss of our beloved principal, we remember his talent for connecting with students and his passion for Morse Elementary. To honor him, we can work each day to live by those Morse virtues he often talked about and embodied:  Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Honesty, Courage, Perseverance, and Self-discipline. The Morse PTO is working closely with Morse Elementary staff to develop a memorial to honor Mr. V. Stay tuned for details about the memorial as well as information about how to donate to the memorial fund.

We want to thank you for the condolences and support to Morse staff. In particular, we'd like to thank Blue Valley district schools Cedar Hills, Liberty View, Wolf Springs, Timber Creek, Heartland, Stanley, Sunset Ridge, Valley Park, as well as Academic Services at the District Office. They have provided lunch each day this week for school staff. Continue to take care of yourself and one another. We are Student Centered. Community Strong. 
2 HOURS OF POWER VOLUNTEER CHALLENGE
Still Looking for a Blue Valley Education Representative
We still need someone to attend monthly school board meetings and to share the information with the PTO Board. Approximate time commitment is 2 hours monthly. If once a month is too much of a time commitment, grab a friend or two to alternate months with you! Read more about this position and other volunteer opportunities here.
DON'T FORGET
TODAY is the Last Day to Place Spirit Wear Order
Let's show Marksman pride and the strength of our community by sporting Morse wear . Visit Spirit Wear on the Morse PTO website to see the options of shirts, sweatshirts, and face masks. Don't delay: the order deadline is TODAY September 30th!​

Help Teachers by Fulfilling their Wishlists
In an ongoing effort to support the Morse staff as they navigate this challenging year, we have asked teachers to create wishlists of the items they want or need to help teach and support our students. Click here to find the wishlists.

Thank You For Supporting Teachers And Staff Through Take Stock in Morse
We'd like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated to Take Stock in Morse. There is still time to contribute! You can donate through ParentVue. Get more information about Take Stock and look at last year's approved staff grants.
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GOOD TO KNOW
Meet Morse Administrator Intern Kelly Edwards
​As the Morse community comes together during this difficult time, Mrs. Edwards is here to serve in an administrative role. She has a long history in the Blue Valley school district: 
My educational journey took me through the Blue Valley School District where I was a proud graduate of Blue Valley High School. I have enjoyed almost twenty years in education with the majority at the elementary level. My career has given me experiences as a classroom teacher and also as a Special Education teacher and leader prior to heading into an administrative role. My husband and I are parents to three amazing children. They keep us hopping around town as we enjoy sports and activities together.

Grief Resources for Your Family
 As a reminder, families can find resources on the district website for talking about crisis and more. 
SAVE THE DATE
Spirit Night for Morse Elementary at Chipotle is TONIGHT! 5:00-9:00PM 
Whether you want to dine in or order online and carry out, make the Chipotle at 8301 W 151st St in Overland Park part of your dinner plans on September 30th. Mention or show this flyer in store or tell them you are there for Morse Elementary. You can also order using the Promo Code Z3Q7HRA on the Chipotle app or website. Help raise money for Morse Elementary while enjoying a night off from cooking!
It's a great day to be a Marksman!
The mission of the Morse Elementary PTO is to promote and encourage a
​student-centered environment with strong community connections.