NORTH NEWS October 17th

Website: https://smnorth.smsd.org/
Location: 7401 Johnson Drive, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-6900
Twitter: @SM_NORTH_HS

North Community,

We have another unique schedule this week. Parent-Teacher conferences take place on Friday, so there will be no school. We also have an evening session of conferences on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Please take this opportunity to meet with your student's teachers and receive updates on their performance in class! Thank you for your support, and please contact the office if you have any questions. Go Bison!

Just a friendly reminder that students are not to park in the front circle drive. Student parking is in the East or West lots.

Parents and Guardians,

Please be aware that in conjunction with the end of the 1st quarter last Friday, Shawnee Mission North will be hosting two opportunities to touch base via face-to-face or WebEx with teacher’s about your student’s progress thus far in their classes. The first available conference time is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19th from 5pm to 8pm. The second opportunity to conference with teachers is Friday, October 21st from 7:40am to 2:40pm. Both conference times are by appointment only for 10 minute time slots.

Parents will schedule conferences through Skyward. Directions on how to do this are included here.

Directions to Sign Up:

1. Log into your parent account in Skyward. https://skyward.smsd.org/

2. Click on “Conferences” on the left hand navigation

3. Click on “All Conferences”

4. Click on “Select a Time” for the class you would like to schedule a conference for

5. Find the time slot that works for you to have the conference and click “Select” and then “Save”

6. You will repeat this process for each conference you would like to schedule.

7. You will then receive an email for each time slot you select for your student.

The intent of parent-teacher-student conference is to provide positive dialogue between parents, students, and teachers to help our students succeed here at North. Please make sure you bring your student with you to the conferences. If they absolutely can’t attend, please have a conversation with them beforehand so you have some background information about the class you are having a conference.

NJROTC members will be around SMN to guide and direct parents and patrons to the correct location; Spanish-speaking interpreters will be available both days to assist families. Spanish-speaking parents that need assistance signing up for conference via Skyward, please contact Maria Diaz-Lorenzana at 913-993-0277 or email her at marialorenzana@smsd.org.

Thank you,

SMN Administration

We will have tutoring after school in the Learning Commons every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:00-4:20. With this opportunity also comes FREE meals for students who stay. These can be picked up in the cafeteria at 2:50 and must be consumed on campus. FREE late busses will be available to bring students home anywhere in the North attendance area. Busses will leave from the cafeteria doors in the front circle drive at 4:30. Students must have a pass from a staff member to ride the free bus.

To purchase an ad, go to www.yearbookforever.com. Choose Shawnee Mission North. You can upload all of your photos and pay there.

If you need help scanning to make the photos digital, or getting things uploaded, please call Mrs. Tate and she will assist you.

Thanks so much for supporting the SM North yearbook. We look forward to designing your senior’s ad.

If you have any questions, please contact yearbook advisor Becky Tate at 913-993-7012 or at notate@smsd.org .

• We have seen an increasing trend of fake or "prop" money on campus. Please encourage your student to avoid exchanging money at school as well as to avoid bringing these types of items.
• We also remind students "if they see something or hear something, say something". The more information we have, the more support we can give to maintaining a safe, learning environment.
• As we continue to raise awareness of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors both in and out of school, one resource is MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), who will again be in the building this month presenting to students.

For underclassmen:

You have to wait and order when the “second chance to order” proof is delivered with all those that ordered packages in about 2 weeks.

The original forms for underclassmen to order from were only good until photo day – afterward the prices increase.

For seniors:

Go to https://rollandkc.gotphoto.com/login -- the access code is the student ID number. They can order photos right now.

This year we will be allowing students to take a photo of their student identification card front and back once they are received to use as an acceptable form of identification to enter the building.

The only exception will be the senior students who go to outside lunch, they will still be required to show their actual I.D. card with the lunch sticker on the back of the card.

Students will still be required to purchase a replacement I.D. card after their fourth incident in which they fail to show a card, after that they will be required to see an administrator prior to being allowed into the building.

We are closing in on our first exclusion date for students who are missing required vaccinations.

Emails were sent at the end of last school year notifying parents/guardians of students who were in need of required vaccinations.

Another email will be sent in the next week to those who are in need of a vaccination.

Once your student receives the required vaccine, please send copy/proof of that to the nurse’s office. You may email the copy to nosnow@smsd.org or fax to 913-993-1450.

We do not want to exclude any student from school. However, if they do not have the state required immunization they will not be able to be in attendance on October 13th. They will need to get that vaccine before returning to school after 10/13/22. Thank you all for helping us out! We appreciate your time and dedication to keeping SMN safe and healthy!!

Graciously,

Mary Alice Kelly BSN, RN

Val Snow, nurse's aide

The theme for the 2022 Reflections Contest is:

Show your voice!

Students can submit their entries in the following categories:

Dance Choreography Music Composition

Film Production Photography

Literature Visual Arts

*** Specific entry (file) requirements are listed on entry form link below. ***

Important dates!

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 – entries due in the SM North office. Just drop the entry off there with the entry form.

No late entries will be accepted, school level judging starts on October 19.

School level winners announced! ( Between Oct 31st & Nov 4th)

Friday, November 4, 2022 – School level winners move to SMSD level judging

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 – District level winners announced at the Reflections Open House at the CAA

District level winners move to Kansas state level for judging – dates TBD

Questions? Contact the Reflections chair for Shawnee Mission North, Becky Tate, notate@smsd.org, 913-993-7012 or stop by and see her in room 184.

• Digital entries can be emailed to notate@smsd.org. You can email the entry form too – or if it is easier, drop that off in the SM North front office.
• Physical entries (visual art & photography) and ALL completed and signed entry forms due to the North front office by 3:15 p.m. Oct. 19

Entry Form:

SM North Reflections Form.pdf

SM North Reflections form - Spanish.pdf

Please always check the school calendar for the most up to date schedule SMN Calendar

• Wednesday 10/19 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm
• Friday 10/21, NO SCHOOL, Parent-Teacher Conference, by appt only

https://smnorth.smsd.org/students/counseling

If you are looking for volunteer hours, Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City has some opportunities for you!

Volunteers must be 16 years old and willing to work 3-4 hours on the evening of Tuesday, November 1st. They are looking for volunteers to help with event check-in and parking attendance. Food will be provided to volunteers.

Please use these links to sign up…

1. Sign Up for Parking Attendants (3:15PM to 6:30PM)
2. Sign Up for Greeters/Coat Check (3:15PM to 7:30PM)

Other volunteer opportunities with Junior Achievement can also be found by contacting Sara Swearingen at sswearingen@jagkc.org.

AP Registration is open! Please follow the link below to register and pay for your AP Exam. If you already have a total registration account, please use your username or password to login.

https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/172000

You can find the AP Exam dates Here.

If you have questions, please reach out to BrittSherer@smsd.org for help.

LOOKING FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT:

Advance Auto Parts - Click here to apply

YMCA - Before & After School Y Club - See flyer blow

Freddy's - freddys.com/careers

Amazon - Go to student services for more information.

Papa Murphy's on Shawnee Mission Parkway - 913-638-4552

UPS - Lenexa, KS email - sford@ups.com

Tidal Wave Auto Spa - Click Here

Peppermint Patty's Daycare - 11010 W. 56th Terr - afternoon hours - email

Go to student services for more information.

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SMSD will host a college eligibility informational session on Monday, October 17 at 7:00pm @ SM West. It’s never too early to begin this process.

Live Eligibility

• Reports will be provided to coaches daily from skyward. We use the canvas platform which must be synchronized with Skyward; due to syn issues;

• Eligibility reports are Bi-weekly process

• 1st and 3rd Monday of the month

• If a student shows the AD between reports, he/she improved their grade then he/she is immediately reinstated.

• If a student does not improve and is on the next report they become ineligible for contests until they can show they are passing 5. They regain eligibility as soon as they can show proof and the process starts all over again.

SM North subscribes to Core Course GPA. If your student is interested in participating in collegiate athletics please visit the website and begin the registration process. SMSD will host a college eligibility informational session in late fall. It’s never too early to begin this process.

CoreCourseGPA.com now makes it easier than ever to educate your student-athletes and families on various aspects of NCAA/NAIA initial-eligibility and recruiting. Just click on the 1-Minute Recruiting Webinars below:

NCAA Core Course GPA vs Cumulative GPA

What are the NCAA D1 Initial-Eligibility Requirements?

Football Varsity Coach: Andy Walter

Boys Soccer Varsity Coach: Jaime Velez

Girls Tennis Varsity Coach: Andrew Lause

Assistant coach in building - Amanda Polking

Gymnastics Varsity Coach: Sarah Hink (teacher at SMNW) |

Assistant Coach: Morgan Hoffman (teacher at Mill Creek Elementary)

Girls Golf Varsity Coach: Walter Mansfield

Girls & Boys Cross-Country Varsity Coach: Aaron Davidson

Volleyball Varsity Coach: Riann Hill

Unified Bowling Coaches: Robyn Barreca and David Langton.

• KSHSAA Physical Packet- PPE (Rev. 3-20), Concussion Info Release Form, Transportation Release Form- HS - English [Required Athletic Forms for High School Students]

• KSHSAA Physical Packet- PPE (Rev. 3-20), Concussion Info Release Form, Transportation Release Form- HS - Spanish [Required Athletic Forms for High School Students

• 2022-2023 SMSD Concussion & Head Injury Information Release Form

• 2022-2023 SMSD Concussion & Head Injury Information Release Form - Spanish

• 2022-2023 SMSD Student Transportation Consent and Release Form

• 2022-2023 SMSD Student Transportation Consent and Release Form - Spanish

• Parent Information and Consent Form- Cross Country Guidelines-Distance Training Off Campus for MS and HS Athletes (English)

• Parent Information and Consent Form- Cross Country Guidelines-Distance Training Off Campus for MS and HS Athletes (Spanish)

• Voluntary Student Accident Insurance (Managed by K&K Insurance)
  Our school district has selected the Student Insurance Plan from K&K Insurance Group to make reliable coverage available to parents. If you don’t have other insurance, this plan may be a resource to consider. Additionally, even if you have other coverage, this plan can help fill expensive “gaps' ' caused by deductibles and copays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

High School Sports Information

• High School Sports - Athletic Schedules

• SMSD Athletic Stadium and Athletic Complex Locations

• Kansas State High School Activities Association

• SMSD one page calendar

• SMSD HS Activity Handbook

• SMSD Athletic and Activities Webpage

Reminder that the canned food drive is coming up. Be sure to start saving up your cans. More information about the canned drive to come

Click on the link below to get the most up to date information about PTSA

https://1drv.ms/w/s!AshLdvDQc8CUiQhWjdqZCqTqDNl6

• Join PTSA (optional, but highly encouraged): Parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members: You can now become a PTSA member. Your membership helps support our students and their school!

Check PTSA out on Twitter @SMNorthPTSA or https://twitter.com/SMNorthPTSA

Check PTSA out on Facebook @SMNorthPTSA or https://www.facebook.com/SMNorthPTSA/

Check the PTSA Website http://smnorth.smsd.org/Pages/parent-involvement/PTSA.aspx

Join the PTSA Here - https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/41480960832961

The next All-Activities Booster Club Meeting is Monday, October 17th at 6:30pm in the SMN Learning Commons - all are welcome!

Earn $$$$ for your favorite group at North - We offer Attendance Grants to any SMN club, group or team that sends a parent or sponsor/coach to our meetings. If your team or group has someone attend at least 4 Booster Club meetings a year, we will give your group a $100 grant - attend 6 meetings and receive a $200 grant!

Mark your calendar for our 2022-23 Meeting Dates: Nov 14, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, Apr 17 (all mtgs at 6:30pm – Nov & Jan will be on Zoom)

Purchase SMN Spirit Wear, Booster Club Memberships, and Sports Fast Passes at our online store - we have lots of NEW gear and 100th Anniversary items in stock!!

https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/

Click here for the SMSD Website

Congress did not extend federal school meal waivers which means school meals are no longer available free to all students. Families must apply for meal benefits and be approved in order to receive meals for free or reduced. Families can apply online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/SHAWNEEMISSION. It is the expectation that students will have money on their food service account or cash in hand to purchase meals or ala carte items. Payments for school meals may be made:

1) Online through eFunds (subject to transaction fee) – look under optional fees for lunch account

2) by sending a check or cash payment to the school office – marked for meals

3) by credit card at most school offices

4) by calling the Food Service office between 7am and 4pm at 913-993-9710 to make a credit card payment over the phone.

On December 1st, any account that is $-75.00 or more will receive one final notification before the balance is submitted to the district collections agency.

In the event there are times throughout the year when routes are running late and notification is needed at the school and family level, we want to encourage you to sign up for Textcaster notifications. We have previously pushed a number of communications about this to families via school newsletters (with your assistance) as well as through district communications reminding of the availability to sign up for text notifications when routes are running late or compressed with other buses. We encourage you to also sign up to receive text notifications as it is the fastest way to provide notice of any changes.

Sign up for notifications at the following link: https://my.textcaster.com/asa/2795 where you can select the route numbers pertaining to your school (you may select multiple bus routes). Additionally, we will do our best to provide you with updates as we receive them.

The SMAC PTA Clothing Exchange is excited to be back in service to the SMSD community! Please see attached files in English and Spanish with more information about the Schedule for the Clothing Exchange.

It is that time of year to fill out Back to School Forms. Parents and high school students need to complete the Online Verification . Please click on the link to the SMSD website below to get all of the information and to start getting this completed.

SMSD Online Verification

Students and Families:

We hope you are enjoying the new MacBooks! Now that 99.9% of our students have been issued a MacBook, it is very important to make sure students are taking the best care possible of the devices. Below are some important reminders to help protect the MacBook and your student.

We want to remind you of a few things now that we are back in the swing of the school year:

1. Your MacBook must have the district issued case on it at all times. (Failure to have the cover in place will result in confiscation of the MacBook.)

2. Please only carry your MacBook with the screen shut and with both hands to keep the machine secure.

3. Do not ever pick up the MacBook by the screen. The LCD screen on these devices are very sensitive and the pressure of your grip will break the screen. (Other schools are already reporting damage from students holding and carrying the MacBook by the screen.)

4. Keyboard covers should not be used since non-Apple keyboard covers might be too large and can put pressure on the screens and cause damage.

5. Do NOT slam the MacBook shut, this causes lines in the LCD screen and also the screen to go “white.”

6. Always open the screen from the center clip on the case. Opening from the sides will cause damage.

7. Carrying the computer from the screen will also damage/loosed/break the hinge.

8. Please don’t leave your MacBook in a car. Extreme temperature (hot and cold) conditions will cause issues for the MacBook. (And provide a target for theft)

9. Needed applications can be found on Manager. You will not be able to download programs from the App Store for use on these devices. If you need access to a program that isn’t in Manager, please submit a Help Desk Ticket ( https://support.smsd.org )

10. Downloading VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or other programs that mask your device on the network are a violation of the Responsible Use Policy you have agreed to. Use of VPN’s will result in the confiscation of the MacBook and you may lose MacBook access for the semester/school year.

11. If you ever need help or support with your device you can submit a Web Help Desk Ticket and our Tech Analyst assigned to SMN will find you to help with the issue. If there ever is a problem, you should start by submitting a Help Desk Ticket at https://support.smsd.org

12. Keep your charger safe, preferably at home. Charging your device each night to 100% will last all day at school.

13. Do NOT eat or drink near the device, this keeps it clean and away from possible accidents.

Please reach out if there are any questions or issues we can help with as you use your new MacBook. -Mr. Jamison

• ** Please Note- If you have an account from previous years (even Hocker Grove), there is no need to create another account.
  
• New users: Download the Canvas Parent App from the App Store or Google Play store.
• Follow the prompts to create your account. Create a username and password.
• Search SMSD (Shawnee Mission School District) > Shawnee Mission North > Eventually it will ask you for a “Pairing Code”
• To find your student’s “Pairing Code”
1. In your student’s Canvas account have your student click on “Account” (Top Left)
2. Click on “Settings” > then click on “Pair with Observer” (Right side)
3. Enter this “Pairing code” when prompted in your Canvas Parent App.
• Note that each parent needs a different code, therefore repeating this process to generate a different code. If more than one student, you will be prompted to “add student” on the app. Repeat the process to generate their observer code.
• If your student will not provide the code to you, please reach out to the school to get the Pairing Code. 😊
• Additional Canvas gradebook information can be found here.
• Canvas has the most up-to-date grade information for your student, if you have questions about missing assignments, please contact your student’s teacher.

Skyward

To get information about your login information for your Skyward parent account please contact Student Services at 913-993-6930. Skyward helps parents keep track of attendance, pay school fees, view national and state test scores, complete the online verification process and much, much more.