![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/21.7974e320.jpg)
![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/21.a834e919.jpg)
Nieman News
December 8, 2023
¡TRADUCIR! / TRANSLATE!
Para traducir este boletín, use el botón en el lado derecho de la pantalla (computadora) o cerca de la parte superior (teléfono celular) con la etiqueta "Traducir boletín" y elija el idioma deseado.
To translate this newsletter use the button on the right side of the screen (computer) or near the top (cell phone) labeled, "Translate Newsletter" and choose your desired language.
Hello December!
What an AMAZING Family Heritage Night we had on Thursday! Thank you to all of our families and staff who did performances or had booths to teach us about your heritage! It is always so exciting to learn more about our students, families, and staff! And how about those performances?!?! They were outstanding!
The start of SELebrating the Holidays has been so much fun and brought the festive spirit to Nieman. See the calendar below to know which spirit days are happening when.
Testing has been off to a wonderful start! Our winter MAP goal is to get 100% of our RIT points in both math and reading. What does that mean? Each student has a projected growth number for their winter MAP assessments. In order to reach our goal we have to acquire all of those points. The great thing is that sometimes students will surpass their winter goal and we will get extra points towards our goal. Regularly scheduled MAP testing has been completed for all students (if your child was absent or didn't finish then they might still have some work to do) otherwise, ask your child if they met their goal?
School Information
SELebrating the Holidays
Each winter we try to bring in as much holiday spirit as we can to make Nieman a festive place! This year we are incorporating our Social Emotional Learning and Deep Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work into our days as well. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels safe and included at Nieman while also taking the time to review and practice our social emotional learning skills in the process. We hope you all will join us during this fun and festive time!
Lockdown Drill 12/12
We will be doing a lockdown drill on Tuesday, December 12th. A lockdown drill is practicing what to do if there is an outside threat that is close to the school that we need to take extra precaution with out students for. Safety is of the utmost importance to us. Keeping our students and staff safe is something that we have to practice so that we know what to do if an actual lockdown occurs.
Arrival and Dismissal
Please help us help you get your children to and from school safely while also getting you to work or home efficiently.
It is an expectation that cars pull up as far as possible for arrival and dismissal. This allows us to get more cars in, more students unloaded/loaded safely, and then keep the flow of traffic consistent.
Also, as a reminder during arrival and dismissal we are a RIGHT TURN ONLY exit for both the main loop and prek/kindergarten loop. Please ensure that you are doing this. We want to be able to have staff available to get students in/out of cars rather than monitoring adults adhering to traffic procedures.
Thank you for your assistance in this!
Nieman Lost & Found- LAST CALL!!!
The Nieman Lost & found is overflowing! Is your child missing a sweatshirt, zip-up jacket, and/or winter coat? If so, then please remind your child(ren) to check the Nieman Lost & Found located by the playground doors. Parents are welcome to come check out the Lost & Found after school for any missing items. We highly recommend families label winter coats, zip-up jackets and sweatshirts with the student’s first and last name so the item can be more easily returned to students.
Please note after Winter Break, any remaining lost & found items will be donated either to Nurse Sarah for student use at Nieman or to the Shawnee Mission Area Council (SMAC) PTA Clothing Exchange at the Broadmoor Center.
PTA Information and Updates
Help Us Celebrate Nieman Staff this Holiday Season
This year, PTA would like to try to providing Gift Cards for our staff and teachers as a big thanks for all you do & Happy Holidays. Please consider how you would like to offer appreciation through this holiday gift to our Nieman community of staff and teachers.
We have approximately 70 staff. We ask that each gift card be $10. Please bring anonymous holiday gift cards to the school office no later than Friday, December 15th. If you prefer to donate money to a pool to buy cards to fill in, please Venmo Jolene-DeMoss (8253 - last 4 digits of phone#)
Volunteers will organize and set up the holiday gift tree on Monday, December 17th. Staff will pick up their gift and we will have a Holiday Drink Bar for them before they leave for the Holiday Break on December 21.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you for your generous contributions! Nieman staff and the PTA truly appreciates it!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AAAAB2AA6F9CE9-46229369-happy
Pictures Needed!
Are you a picture taker? Did you go on your child’s field trip? DId you attend a class party, or go to the skating party? Would you like your child to be in the yearbook??? PTA would love to share your photos in the yearbook. If you have some candid or fun photos of your child and would like to share them with the school please send them to the following email for consideration: All pictures are greatly appreciated and will help make this years' yearbook a success! To purchase your yearbook please use the following link or QR code:
PTA has so many ways for you to get involved, connect with one another, and support Nieman.
Become a PTA member through Givebacks- scan the QR code or visit the link below!
Culver's Dine Out
Thursday, Dec 14, 2023, 05:00 PM
6005 Metcalf Ave | Mission, KS 66202
3rd Grade Stock the Lounge!
Third grade families, it is your time to shine! Our stock the lounge has been such a huge hit with staff this year and we are so thankful that you are willing to support us with some goodies throughout the year! January is 3rd grade's month, with the break in between we are accepting drop offs anytime from December 18-20 and then when we return in January! Thank you all!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054AA4A929ABFC1-46182327-nieman
Stock the Lounge Schedule
January- 3rd Grade
February- 2nd Grade
March- 1st Grade
April- Kindergarten/PreK
May- PTA Provided
Important Dates for Families
December
11 Monday: Wear Bright Neon Clothes
- Choir 3:15-4:15
12 Tuesday: Wear White or Snowflakes
- Caring for Kids- WebEx 5pm
- PTA in the Library 6:30pm
13 Wednesday: Holiday headwear or scarves
- Mathletics 3:15-4
- Choir 3:15-4:15
- Student Council 3:15-4:15
14 Thursday: Athletic Wear
15 Friday: Wear Red and White or Candy Canes
18 Monday: Tacky Sweater Day
- Nieman Leaders 2pm
- Choir 3:15-4:15
19 Tuesday: Plaid Day LAST DAY PREK
- Winter Parties 2:15pm
20 Wednesday: PJ DAY! EARLY RELEASE DAY 12:30 DISMISSAL
- No PreK this day
REMINDER NO SCHOOL FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 21-JANUARY 7
District Information
PreK and Kindergarten Enrollment 24-25
Please mark January 8, 2024 on your calendar as the kick-off date for online enrollment for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year. Online enrollment will open at 8 a.m. on January 8, 2024. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.
Join the Strategic Planning Process in January 2024
Shawnee Mission School District will begin updating its Strategic Plan in early 2024 and the entire community is invited to engage in the process. This plan will serve and guide Shawnee Mission for 2024-2029.
The success of this plan depends on broad community input, as well as individuals willing to serve on committees and action teams. Here are ways community members, family members, educators, staff, and students can prepare to engage in the process:
· Consider applying for the Steering Committee or an Action Team. Applications to serve on the Steering Committee will be open on January 4, 2024 and remain open through January 12, 2024. Action Teams will be established in early March 2024. The Steering Committee represents school and district communities, oversees the strategic plan work, and develops the core elements of the Plan. Action Teams will develop action plans to support district strategies and objectives.
· Provide your input in a ThoughtExchange. ThoughtExchange provides you with a chance to respond to an open-ended question, consider and assign stars to ideas shared by others, and learn what is important to those contributing input. The ThoughtExchange opportunity will be provided in January.
· Watch for Strategic Plan information and updates on www.smsd.org.
Shawnee Mission’s Strategic Plan work reflects an ongoing commitment by our community to support student success. The plan serves as a road map, giving clarity to our destination and the pathway to get there.
“I thank everyone for thinking about how they might contribute to our next Strategic Plan update, and for their ongoing commitment to our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard expressed.
Click here for more information on the Strategic Plan update process.
Inclement Weather Procedures 2023-24
As the winter months approach, it is especially important for our community members to be aware of inclement weather procedures and how to receive an alert if plans for building closures are announced.
Procedures
If conditions make it necessary for SMSD to close schools, the district will implement one of three plans: A, B, or C. Click here to view the plans.
Inclement Weather Announcements
If plan A, B, or C is announced, this information will be shared broadly. Staff and families can receive direct emails, texts, and voice messages. Families can sign up to receive alerts in the manner that works best for them. Click here for details on how to sign up for alerts.
Additional Resources:
The main page of the district website
Local radio and television stations
24-hour information line at (913) 993-7380
No announcement will be made when schools are to remain open.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedimientos de Inclemencias Meteorológicas 2023-24
A medida que se acercan los meses de invierno, es especialmente importante que los miembros de nuestra comunidad estén al tanto de los procedimientos de inclemencias del tiempo y cómo pueden ser alertados si se anuncian planes para el cierre de edificios.
Procedimientos
Si las condiciones hacen necesario que SMSD cierre las escuelas, el distrito implementará uno de tres planes: A, B o C. Haga clic aquí para ver los planes.
Anuncios de inclemencias del tiempo
Si se anuncia el plan A, B o C, esta información se compartirá ampliamente. El personal y las familias pueden recibir correos electrónicos directos, mensajes de texto y mensajes de voz. Las familias pueden inscribirse para recibir alertas de la manera que mejor les convenga. Haga clic aquí para obtener detalles sobre cómo registrarse para recibir alertas.
Recursos adicionales:
La página principal del sitio web del distrito
Estaciones de radio y televisión locales
Línea de información las 24 horas al (913) 993-7380
No se hará ningún anuncio cuándo las escuelas permanezcan abiertas.
SMSD Mic'd Up!
Shawnee Mission's premier podcast, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard and Dr. Jeremy Higgins, Secondary HR Director. New episodes drop every other Thursday wherever you download your podcasts!
Episode 9: Chronic Absenteeism- what it is and why is it important.
6th Grade Families
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Shawnee Mission School District will soon be administering the Kansas Communities that Care (KCTC) Student Survey*. This survey is taken by 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade students statewide. As a school district, this survey is a valuable tool to help us understand how students behave, think and feel about alcohol, marijuana and other drug use, bullying and school safety. The KCTC survey measures teen substance use, delinquency, and related problem behaviors in schools and communities. The survey gives insight into the problems students face and shows what we, as a school district and the greater community, can do to help them succeed. The information is also important for planning effective prevention programs in our schools and community and provides data to assist in applying for grant funding.
The survey can be viewed at www.kctcdata.org/families, click "View the survey". You may also be interested to know the following:
It is completely anonymous. Students will not be asked for their names on the questionnaire, nor will anyone be able to connect any individual student with his/her responses. School staff will not see any one student’s responses, but only summaries of results.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Your child may decline to participate in the survey or may simply skip any question they do not wish to answer.
Annual participation is important. Even if your child has participated in previous surveys, annual data is extremely helpful in determining the effectiveness of previous efforts and changes in program areas.
For more information about the Kansas Communities that Care Survey and the Informed Consent process, visit https://kctcdata.org/file/guardian-survey-informed-consent-english-pdf.
Note: Only 6th, 8th, 10th & 12th graders whose parents/guardians completed the consent process during online enrollment may take the 23-24 KCTC Survey.
Estimado padre/tutor:
El Distrito Escolar de Shawnee Mission pronto administrará la Encuesta de Estudiantes de Kansas Communities that Care (KCTC). Esta encuesta es realizada por estudiantes de 6, 8, 10 y 12 grado en todo el estado. Como distrito escolar, esta encuesta es una herramienta valiosa para ayudar acomprender cómo se comportan, piensan y sienten los estudiantes sobre el consumo de alcohol, marihuana y otras drogas, el acoso y la seguridad escolar. La encuesta de KCTC mide el uso de sustancias de los adolescentes, la delincuencia y los comportamientos problemáticos relacionados en las escuelas y comunidades. La encuesta da una idea de los problemas que enfrentan los estudiantes y muestra lo que nosotros, como distrito escolar y la comunidad en general, podemos hacer para ayudarlos a tener éxito. La información también es importante para planificar programas de prevención efectivos en nuestras escuelas y comunidad y proporciona ayuda para solicitar fondos de subvención.
La encuesta se puede ver en www.kctcdata.org/families, haga clic en "Ver la encuesta". También le puede interesar saber lo siguiente:
Es completamente anónimo. A los estudiantes no se les pedirá sus nombres en el cuestionario, ni nadie podrá conectar a ningún estudiante individual con sus respuestas. El personal de la escuela no verá las respuestas de ningún estudiante, sino solo resúmenes de los resultados.
La participación es totalmente voluntaria. Su hijo puede negarse a participar en la encuesta o simplemente puede omitir cualquier pregunta que no desee responder.
La participación anual es importante. Incluso si su hijo ha participado en encuestas anteriores, los datos anuales son extremadamente útiles para determinar la efectividad de los esfuerzos anteriores y los cambios en las áreas del programa.
Para obtener más información sobre la Encuesta de Comunidades que Cuidan de Kansas y el proceso de Consentimiento Informado, visite https://kctcdata.org/file/guardian-survey-informed-consent-english-pdf.
Nota: Solo los estudiantes de 6, 8, 10, y 12 grados cuyos padres/tutores completaron el proceso de consentimiento durante la inscripción en línea pueden realizar la encuesta KCTC 23-24.
Community Resources
Kansas Gas Service- Share the Warmth Application
Johnson County Toy and Food Drive- Application for Assistance
Applications are due by December 1st.
Repeated but Important Information
Changes in Dismissal Routine
Student safety is of the upmost importance to us. Please know that frequent changes in dismissal routines causes safety concerns. We ask that you have a regular dismissal routine and communicate this with the classroom teacher at or before Sneak.
If a change has to occur the safest way to ensure the change is communicated is to email the classroom teacher BEFORE school starts and then ALSO call the office BEFORE 2pm. Teachers have different plan times and lunches, and they are not regularly able to read email. Any dismissal change received after 2pm is NOT GUARANTEED. We will do our best, but the end of the day is a very hectic time in a school. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of your child.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Our Shawnee Mission Student Handbook provides information on our philosophy of education, code of conduct and a of variety policies and procedures. Students and parents can read this handbook to better understand the behavior expectations of Nieman Elementary and also the Shawnee Mission School District.
Please note specifically the updated cell phone policy that was approved summer 2023:
- SMSD is committed to providing highly effective and consistent learning spaces across the district. During instructional time, the personal use of cell phones and other electronic devices that are not district-issued is prohibited unless explicitly directed by school staff. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are to be turned off and put away during the day in order to respect the educational environment of the classroom. Medical exemptions may be applied. Initial violations will fall under the Discipline Matrix as a Level 1 offense. Subsequent violations will result in progressive disciplinary action.
Principal Tenbrink
Email: kileytenbrink@smsd.org
Website: https://nieman.smsd.org/
Location: Nieman Elementary School, West 67th Street, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-4000
Twitter: @Tenbrink512