
NORTH NEWS November 7th
Where Tradition began, Excellence continues.
Shawnee Mission North High School
Website: https://smnorth.smsd.org/
Location: 7401 Johnson Drive, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-6900
Twitter: @SM_NORTH_HS
Message from Principal David Ewers
North Community,
I hope you all had a great weekend! We are in the crunch time of the semester! We have two weeks until Thanksgiving break. When we return, it will only be three weeks until the end of the semester! Now is the time for students to engage and focus on their academic achievement! As always, please contact the office if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your support, and Go Bison!
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NEWS & UPDATES FROM SM NORTH
Senior Parents:
Below, please find a link to 3 short “how to” videos with important graduation product ordering information.
Important!!!!! GRAD ORDER DUE DATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16th!!!!
Please take 6 minutes, watch the videos, and you will have all the information you need to order your products.
https://view.vidreach.io/q/w6jMALJC
CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!!!!
Junior Sign-up for Free ACT
On February 28, 2023, SMN will offer a free ACT to juniors only. This is the REAL version and will be sent off to be scored and put in play for college admissions and scholarships. This is for Juniors only and the deadline to sign up is Friday, November 18th. Use THIS LINK to sign up, or copy and paste the following URL: https://forms.gle/9c22K7C4KmU8WB7u6
Notes from the NURSE
The transition to chillier weather often comes hand-in-hand with cold and flu season. As we enter cold and flu season, we appreciate you encouraging these healthy habits with your students.
- If you have a student who is sick, we ask for your support by keeping them at home. Students and staff must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. If your student is diagnosed with Influenza (“the Flu”) or with COVID, they must remain at home for 5 days from the onset of illness. If you have questions about your student’s health, please contact your school nurse.
- Remind your student of important preventative measures for any illness, such as coughing into the sleeve, frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and getting plenty of rest and fluids.
Local Health Officer, Joseph LeMaster, MD urges those who live, work and play in Johnson County, KS to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as cases of flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulate in the community. Click on the video below from the Johnson County Health Dept.
https://twitter.com/JOCOHealth/status/1585704271814746113?t=-bBAQHkyFk1eYyc8zw23kA&s=03
After School Tutoring Continues!
Remaining opportunities this semester include: 11/7, 11/9, 11/14, 11/16, 11/28, 11/30, 12/5, 12/7, 12/12 and 12/14. Each session runs from 3:00-4:20 in the Learning Commons. FREE meals available at 2:50 in cafeteria and FREE late bus leaves at 4:30 from the front circle drive. Students must have a pass from a staff member to ride the free bus.
Calling All Angels!
Each year, we have been blessed enough to have generous folks who come forward to sponsor a Shawnee Mission North yearbook for a child who otherwise wouldn't be getting one.
In the last few weeks, I've had children approach me about how to get a Shawnee Mission North yearbook when they can't afford to get one.
It's for this very purpose that our Shawnee Mission North Yearbook Angel program exists. You can purchase a 2023 yearbook and we will get it into the hands of a deserving student.
To become a yearbook angel simply:
- Go Online at www.yearbookforever.com
- For Yearbook Angel sponsorships, enter “Yearbook” for student first name, “Angel” for last name, and “Staff” for grade. We will make sure it goes to a deserving student.
If you have any questions, please contact yearbook adviser Becky Tate at notate@smsd.org
The FINAL yearbook ad deadline is Nov. 18th, Don't miss out!
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 .
How to order your school pictures
For underclassmen:
They can go to https://www.rollandkc.com/ and order. Just need to click on K to 11
For seniors:
Go to https://rollandkc.gotphoto.com/login -- the access code is the student ID number. They can order photos right now.
Student ID Cards
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.
Weekly Schedule Reminders....
Please always check the school calendar for the most up to date schedule SMN Calendar
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NEWS FROM STUDENT SERVICES
Check out the Student Services Website
SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS
For Second Semester
Students may request a schedule change for second semester by emailing their Alpha Counselor. The schedule change deadline is Friday, December 9.
There will be no schedule changes in January.
Schedule changes will be prioritized based on the following criteria.
- Your schedule is incomplete, or missing a core course
- A class is listed twice
- You have already taken a class that is on your schedule
- You are a senior and are missing a graduation requirement
- You are missing a prerequisite for a course
- Only half of a yearlong class scheduled
- You have a level change request (Honors/AP to regular or regular to Honors/AP)
You are not eligible for a schedule change IF . . . . . .
- You don’t have friends in your class
- You want a different teacher
Students qualifying for a schedule change as explained above can email their Alpha Counselor.
A – D & ELL Jeinny Morris jeinnymorris@smsd.org
E – K Leah Murray leahmurray@smsd.org
L – Q Jennifer Fontaine jenniferfontaine@smsd.org
R – Z Deanna Griffey deannagriffey@smsd.org
AP Testing Information
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 Deadline is Wednesday 11/2/22
You can find the AP Exam dates Here.
If you have questions, please reach out to BrittSherer@smsd.org for help.
Student JOB Postings
LOOKING FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT:
Advance Auto Parts - Click here to apply
Freddy's - freddys.com/careers
Amazon - Go to student services for more information.
Overland Park, City of - apply at recruit.opkansas.org
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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SMN Athletics & Activities
Athletic Update
Unified bowling participated in the last regular season match today vs SME, SMS, and Gardner Edgerton. Both teams performed well placing 5th and 7th. The coaches are proud of this group and their improved bowling skills and friendships established. The team travels to Lansing on Monday for KSHSAA Regional Bowling Championships.
Hydration never takes a vacation! What your athletes drink before, during and after practice can impact their play, recovery, and more. Learn more in this video from Kansas City Chiefs registered dietitian Leslie Bonci about how athletes can score more with their pour.
***Save the Date: Winter sports kick-off is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30. The event will begin at 3:00pm
Fall Athletic Buffer Week - November 7-13, 2022 is the senior high fall athletic buffer week. There shall be no athletic practice,offseason conditioning, informal basketball shooting, working out on wrestling mats, etc. in school owned facilities during the fall athletic buffer week. Athletic activities of this nature may not be held under the supervision of a school staff member in non-school facilities. This means a moratorium on all school sponsored athletic activities during this week. Gymnasiums shall not be open to students during the fall athletic buffer week for purposes of shooting baskets, working out with weights, etc. outside of school hours.
Winter Sports season tryouts begin Monday 11/11/22. All students participating in athletics must have a KSHSAA Physical Form AND Concussion Form on file in the office prior to the first tryout/practice. If they participated in a fall sport, this requirement has already been met. Per KSHSAA, the annual history and physical examination shall not be taken earlier than May 1 preceding the school year for which it is applicable. Lastly, student athletes must have passed 5/7 classes from the preceding semester to be eligible*** Only exception is incoming freshmen.
Winter Coaching Staff
Varsity Boys Basketball Coach: Patrick Denney Email: patrickdenney@smsd.org
Twitter: @SMNBoysBB
Varsity Girls Basketball Coach: Matt Jacobsen Email: MatthewJacobsen@smsd.org
Twitter: @SMNLadyHoops
Varsity Bowling Coach: Anna Monteer Email: annamonteer@smsd.org
Varsity Swimming Coach: Cody Fothergill Email: codyfothergill@smsd.org
Twitter: @smnboysswimdive
Varsity Wrestling Coach: Conan McCormack Email: ConanMccormack@smsd.org
Twitter: @SMNwrestling
Varsity Dance Coach Victoria Hilger Email: victoriahilger24@gmail.com
Varsity Cheerleading Coach Ashley Steele Email: asteele1219@gmail.com
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
Important Athletic Links
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
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
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Student Recognition
NJROTC Shout out!!
Our NJROTC students went down to Springfield, MO this past Friday to participate in a NJROTC season opener competition. The Bison finished first in 10 of the 11 events in the six-team field taking home the Overall Championship. The Bison captured 5,947 points out of a possible 6,000 points in the event. They defeated the 2nd Place Team (Mountain Home, Arkansas) by over 900 points. Outstanding job by all of the kids.
1st Place
Personnel Inspection, Unarmed Regulation Drill, Unarmed Exhibition Drill, Armed Regulation Drill, Armed Exhibition Drill, Color Guard, New Cadet Drill, Sit-Ups, Push-Ups, 16 x 100 Shuttle Relay
3rd Place
Academics
ACADEMICS
3rd Place – Aiden Manzaking
ATHLETICS
Sit-Ups (Girls)
1st Place – Sofia Porraz (291)
2nd Place – Samantha Herron (283)
3rd Place – Jalen Juan (245)
Sit-Ups (Boys)
1st Place – Lucas McGriff (321)
2nd Place – James Clements (318)
3rd Place – Cash Olberding (305)
Push-Ups (Girls)
1st Place – Sofia Porraz (75)
2nd Place – Kayte Acosta (70)
Push-Ups (Boys)
1st Place – Diego Juarez (97)
2nd Place – Lucas McGriff (90)
It was a great start to our season and we are so proud of these kids level of commitment and sacrifice! Next up will be the SM North Athletic Challenge this Saturday here at Shawnee Mission North.
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Student Council Information
NEWS AND UPDATES
Informational Hunger Games Video: https://youtu.be/ur7n230eelg
Districts:
#1- Athletics (Football, soccer, XC, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Bowling, Cheer)
#2- Service & Academics (FMP, NHS, NJROTC, JAG-K Core, Key Club, World Language)
#3- Performing Arts (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama, A.R.T, Dance)
#4- Business & Industrial Tech (DECA, BPA, Robotics, Auto Tech, Woodshop)
#5- Visual Arts (Journalism, Art, Game Club, Anime)
#6- Teachers (By Department)
#7- Regatta (Winners)
#9- Freshmen
#10- Sophomore
#11- Juniors
#12- Seniors
Pep Club Shirts:
Hey North! A lot of you ordered shirts and didn’t fill out the form we sent out, so if you know you ordered a Pep Club t-shirt come pick it up at lunch today, Wednesday, or Friday!
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SMN PTSA
PTSA update
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://smnorthptsa.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true&category=Memberships
SMN BOOSTER CLUB
CONGRATS to the following groups at North that were awarded a total of $4,620 in grants at the October All-Activities Booster Club meeting...
SMN Boys Wrestling - $2,310 for backpacks and warm-ups
SMN Girls Wrestling - $2,310 for backpacks and warm-ups
THANK YOU to the North Community for supporting SMN Booster Club fundraising efforts to make these grants possible!!
**Funding for the SMN All-Activities Booster Club Grant Program comes from memberships, spirit wear sales, and our annual fundraisers (Trivia Night & Golf Tournament)**
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov 10 to support the SMN Booster Club and "Donate While You Dine" at the Mission Culver's from 5-8pm! Drive-thru and take-out are encouraged! A portion of ALL sales will be donated to the Booster Club!
The next SMN Booster Club meeting will be on ZOOM - Monday, Nov 14 at 6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/s/86277398397?pwd=cFNLOUVNM2k2RFpwMGMrRnlpbUdkdz09#success
Meeting ID: 862 7739 8397
Passcode: wmEn4C
Purchase SMN Spirit Wear, Booster Club Memberships, and Sports Fast Passes at our online store (link below) -
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News from SMSD
SMSD Website
FOOD SERVICE
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.
Transportation Update - Sign up for Text Notifications
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.
SMAC PTA Clothing Exchange
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.
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TECHNOLOGY CORNER
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
Canvas and Skyward Parent Accounts
- ** 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”
- In your student’s Canvas account have your student click on “Account” (Top Left)
- Click on “Settings” > then click on “Pair with Observer” (Right side)
- 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.