North News October 07, 2024
Where Tradition began, Excellence continues.
Shawnee Mission North High School
Office Hours 7AM - 3:30PM
913-993-6900
Attendance Hotline (24 hours)
913-993-6945
Website: https://smnorth.smsd.org/
Location: 7401 Johnson Drive, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-6900
Twitter: @SM_NORTH_HS
Building Mission, Commitments, and Goals
Building Mission, Commitments, and Goals
Our building mission, commitments, and goals are at the forefront of all that we do in our building. As we get further into the school year, we will provide updates on our data on our goals.
Instructions in Spanish
Calendar
October
11-No School - Teacher Workday
14.-No School - Professional Learning Day
16 -District Night Parent Conferences Grades 7-12
18-No School Pre-K - 12, Parent Conferences
November
1- No School - Professional Learning
Message from Principal David Ewers
North Community,
It’s the last week of the first quarter. We have had an incredible first quarter, and we want to end it well this week. This week is a four-day week with a three-day week following it next week.
We have done a great job of working to achieve our Building Commitments. We have our second update available on our goals scoreboard, and we are doing a great job of maintaining our rate of success!
Anti-Bullying Awareness Week
October 7-11
The Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) joins in observing Anti-Bullying Awareness Week.
In Kansas, Anti-Bullying Awareness takes place from Oct. 7 through 11, 2024. Schools across the state of Kansas are observing the week with the theme “Choose Peace.” Everyone is encouraged to stop bullying before it starts.
Schools across the SMSD will join in raising awareness and providing resources designed to help students and families proactively prevent bullying.
Click here for resources, provided by KSDE to help stop bullying: https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/School-Counseling-Resources/Bullying-Prevention
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, October 16th, walk-In conferences from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday conferences, parents can walk in to see teachers at any time.
- Drop-in for a short conference (~5 minutes) to discuss your student's academic progress.
- If you need longer than 5 minutes for your conference time, please schedule a conference on Friday or a time outside of Fall conference times.
Friday, October 18th, scheduled conferences from 7:30 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
- Friday Conferences will be scheduled at 15-minute intervals.
- All appointments are scheduled via Skyward Family Access here.
- Instructions and a tutorial for scheduling a conference through Skyward can be found here.
- If you would like a virtual appointment via WebEx, after creating the Skyward appointment, please reach out to individual teachers for their Webex links. Staff emails can be found here.
- If you need longer than 10-15 minutes for your conference time, please schedule a conference time outside of Fall conference times.
- Interpreters will be available on both conference dates.
Staff Member of the Week
Staff Member of the Week: Gabby Royal
Gabby does has great rapport with our students, and she is always willing to step up and help our building when we need it most!
Student of the Week
Student of the Week: Corbin Klaersch
Corbin is an outstanding student, super nice to everyone he works with, and is an overall great young man!
Notes from the Nurse
Vaccination exclusion date is fast approaching. October 16th is the day.
Coming October 11th the Johnson County Health Department will be having a “last minute” clinic for those in need of state required vaccinations.
The hours will be 8am-2pm for those students in need of a Hepatits A or Meningococcal booster.
If you have received an email/letter stating that your student is needing either of these vaccines please take advantage of this convenient opportunity.
We are not in school that day, October 11th.
You will need a copy of your student’s vaccine record to take with you.
The location is the Olathe walk-in clinic
11875 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 300
Olathe, KS 66061
Please call the nurse’s office if we can help with anything.
Thank you!!
Nurse Kelly and Bella Lopez, CNA
Our phone numbers are 913-993-6916 and 913-993-6907 respectively.
2024-2025 School Fee Info
School Fees for 2024-25 are now DUE!!
***Families with unpaid fees will be receiving an email reminder from the district business office on Friday, September 6th . Please check this to see if any additional fees have been added, such as fees for new students or wood shop project fees from last year. Students who dropped courses have had their accounts updated. If you only have optional fees, you don’t want then please ignore the email. Optional fees will be removed from the accounts later in the year to give families more time to pay them. ****
- Please use the online fee payment portal. Go to www.smsd.org, hover over the "Families " tab, and click the link entitled "Pay Fees Online".
- Add lunch money online using “Optional Fees”. Create an account or use the Guest option with the student’s ID number and last name.
- If you are interested in applying for free or reduced lunch, please use this link.
- Fees are needed for teachers to buy supplies for classes and to cover other expenses for the school year.
- The following fees are required: instructional resource fee (classroom materials), participation fee (admission home games/theatre/activity buses, etc.), ID card and course fees.
- Optional: Yearbooks are $50 until January 10, 2025 and then they go up to $65. Parking permits are available for 10th graders and up throughout the year and prorated by quarter. Literary Magazine is done by our creative writing club. Class dues and pep club are also optional but help with school parades and other activities.
- If you need to pay by check, please mail or bring your check with your student’s ID number in the memo to SM North, Attn: Bookkeeper, 7401 Johnson Dr., Overland Park, KS 66202.
- If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, email a copy of your food service benefits letter to shellelewis@smsd.org. Free lunch students receive a $105 fee waiver & reduced receive $52.50.
- For payment plans and questions, please call 913-993-6910 or email shellelewis@smsd.org. Unpaid fees may be sent to collections, so please make payment arrangements.
Shelle Lewis
SMN Bookkeeper
913-993-6910
Annual Online Verification
Parents and guardians: Each year you must go to Family Access to complete the Annual Online Verification for each of your students. Through this process you will update student and family information, become familiar with and consent to important SMSD policies, and make any necessary changes to your students' health information.
Click here to find instructions to complete these forms.
Haga cliq aqui para obtener instruccionies en Español a completar estos formularios.
If you have any questions contact:
Beth Giles
913-993-6909
Attendance
Attendance/Arrival/Dismissal
- School starts at 7:40am. Please consider having your student to the building by 7:30 to ensure they are in their first class of the day on time. Busses will drop off in the East lot while car riders need to arrive in the circle drive and get out only on the curb.
- Lunch is between 11:00 and 1:00. The only students allowed to leave campus for lunch are seniors with prior approval.
- 2:40pm is when the final bell rings. Busses will depart at 2:47pm from the East Lot. Car Riders can be picked up in the Circle Drive. 3:00pm is when students need to be settled into activities or off campus.
- Shawnee Mission North is in restricted access between 7:40 and 2:40. Anyone entering the building between these times must come through the main doors (#1) from the circle drive.
- To excuse a student between 7:40 and 2:40, please call 913-993-6945 and leave a message. Please allow 30 minutes after you call for your student to be released, and you must call prior to 2:00pm on the same day to ensure the office has time to process your request.
Attendance Reminder
“As a reminder: Please remember to contact the attendance hotline, (913) 993-6945, whenever your student is absent. Without a call, absences will be marked as unexcused, and multiple unexcused absences may lead to additional steps being taken to support your student’s attendance.
Additionally, after 10 absences, any further absences will need to be accompanied by documentation that aligns with the following reasons:
- Personal illness. (Doctor/Dental/Medical appointments) The school may, with notice to the parent, require verification from a physician of absences due to reasons of health.
- Serious illness or death of a member of the family.
- Obligatory religious observances of the student’s own faith.
- Emergency situation requiring immediate action.
- Participation in a Kansas State High School Activities Association activity, a district-approved function, or a school-sponsored activity.
If documentation is not provided, the absence will be considered unexcused.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!”
Safety at Shawnee Mission North
- For everyone’s safety, drivers need to follow the car loop guidelines for drop off and pick up at SMN. Picture of SMN Circle Drive
- The red curb should be the only place cars stop to unload/load students.
- The middle lane should be continually moving at no more than 5mph with cell phones put away.
- The farthest lane from the building is reserved for visitor parking and SMN staff members. If you park during drop off or pickup, please make sure your student crosses at the center crosswalk to get to and from the building.
- On August 14th and August 15th, SMN completed safety drills in the areas of: Fire, Severe Weather, Lockdown, and Evacuation. Students and staff did an excellent job with these drills! While we don’t like thinking about challenging situations like these, we will be best prepared if we have thought and practiced through them if we have practiced ahead of time.
- The two most important safety rules at SMN are that we do NOT open exterior doors for anyone, and we do NOT prop open doors at school for any reason.
STUCO NEWS
SMN Booster Club
It’s SWEATER WEATHER!!
Show off your SMN pride with one of our sweatshirts, jackets, pullovers, joggers or your favorite style of hat!
Proceeds from the SMN All-Activities Booster Club spirit wear sales go back to North in the form of grants to student clubs, groups and teams
Order online 24/7 at
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
Friends of Shawnee Mission North -
Join us on Monday, October 21 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons at North for the next meeting of the SMN All-Activities Booster Club. Come learn about upcoming events and share with other members of our school community.
You can earn $$$ for your favorite group at North by attending Booster Club meetings. We offer Attendance Grants to any SMN club, group or team that sends a parent, student, or sponsor/coach to our meetings. If your team or group has a representative 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!
BE A VOLUNTEER!
11th Annual SMN Trivia Night Planning Team
Join us for our first planning team meeting on Tuesday, Oct 15 at 6:30pm in the SMN Cafeteria. This is a joint fundraiser with the SMN PTSA.
Coach/Sponsor/Advisor Appreciation Breakfast – October 9
October is High School Activities Month, and within that, we celebrate National Coaches, Advisors & Sponsors week. Thus, we are working with the school to provide an appreciation breakfast for all of the coaches/advisors/sponsors who give so much of their time and talents to the kids. If you’d like to help by donating some items, please click on the link below to see where you can help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-52026271-coachsponsoradvi
Assist with SMN Booster Club Spirit Wear Sales - no experience necessary!
Multiple shifts are available for each event. Click on the corresponding link below to learn more and sign-up!
Thursday, Oct 10 - Football Game
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-51788313-help#/
Friday, Oct 25 - Football Game
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-51788794-help#/
DID YOU KNOW… Each year the SMN All-Activities Booster Club supports student clubs, groups, and teams by funding grant requests from coaches and club sponsors for expenses that are not funded by the school district? Since our organization began, we have given OVER $250,000 in grants to student organizations & teams at North! We raise funds for our grants through our spirit wear sales, memberships, Annual Trivia Night & Annual Golf Tournament.
At the September Booster Club meeting, we awarded the following grants…
· $684.25 to SMN Stuco and Pep Club to purchase massive white boards and dry erase markers
· $900 to SMN Girls Golf for the purchase of 4 complete club sets
· $2,200 to SMN Girls and Boys Basketball towards the purchase of a shooting machine
· $895 to SMN Strength and Conditioning Classes for strengthening bands
· $389.64 to SMN Foods Class for the purchase of pie ingredients to bake and share pies with the community
· $1350 to SMN Volleyball to purchase backpacks
DON'T FORGET TO STOCK UP ON NORTH GEAR!!
SHOP 24/7 AT OUR ONLINE STORE…
RENEW or PURCHASE your $15 SMN All-Activities Booster Club Membership for 2024-25 (receive a FREE t-shirt while supplies last)
and SHOP for North Gear 24/7 at our online store… https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
PTSA
The Parent/Teacher/Student Association (PTSA) is a great way for parents and guardians to get involved with our school!
Join PTSA by clicking on this link!
After School Tutoring
If you need help in one of your classes, you are in luck!
On Mondays and Wednesdays in the Learning Commons from 2:50 to 4:20
After School Tutoring begins September 16th
Free Food- Available in the cafeteria from 2:50-3:00.
Free Bus-Buses will leave from the cafeteria doors in the front loop at 4:30. Students must have a pass from a staff member to ride the free bus.
New Information
The Shawnee Mission North Wrestling program is excited to host the YES - Try It Wrestling Clinic on Wednesday, October 9 from 5:30-7:00 pm at Hocker Grove Middle School.
Varsity cheer will be hosting their annual Bison Cheer clinic from 5:30-7:30pm in the Stadium on Tuesday, October 8th. Registration begins at 5 at the main entrance to the stadium. Snacks will be provided. Please make sure your participant has a water bottle and is dressed accordingly. On Game Day: Thursday October 10th - We will meet in the Field House at 6pm, the game begins at 7pm. PreK-6 will cheer 1st quarter, 7-8 grade will cheer 1st and 2nd quarter. Cost is $30.
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation
10 DAYS LEFT TO MAKE FALL BREAKFAST RESERVATIONS
The Shawnee Mission Education Foundation is excited to be hosting the annual Fall Breakfast on October 9, 2024 at the Overland Park Convention Center, starting at 7 a.m.
If you are interested in sponsoring a table or making an individual reservation, please visit www.smef.org/breakfast24smsd. The Foundation is proud to offer once again a discounted rate of $50 for individual reservations and $500 for table sponsorship for SMSD schools, departments, PTAs, and SMSD employees. After October 1, individual reservations will be $75 and table sponsorships will begin at $1,750. Please note that this link should ONLY be shared and used for those within SMSD schools, departments, PTAs, and SMSD employees.
Any questions about the Fall Breakfast can be directed to Rachel Shuck (rachelshuck@smsd.org).
Join the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation for an informational come-and-go gathering about
October 1, 2024
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Center for Academic Achievement
This information session will allow you and your student to learn more about the scholarships they received during Scholarship Shawnee Mission. You’ll have a chance to hear from Edward Marquez, SSM Program Officer, and meet with college reps involved in the program.
Get ready to cheer on our team at the Home game against Lawrence Free State! 🏈🎉
Join us for a pre-game tailgate party on Thursday, October 10th starting at 5 PM. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and football swag.
Menu:
Burgers
Bratwurst
Chips
Drinks
Chewy Candy
Sweet treats
Make sure to grab your North Football Swag to sport on against our rivals! We now have hoodies, long sleeve shirts and straw covers in our shop 🦬
See you there!
Picture Information
Rolland Studios
News from Student Services
CharacterStrong’s Approach to Bullying Prevention
To help students achieve their best and make schools safe and welcoming, we need more than just anti-bullying policies. CharacterStrong uses strategies that are proven to work and focus on key social and emotional skills. In the curriculum, students will experience a blend of anti-bullying methods with other important skills like empathy, communication, and resilience. This helps schools deal with bullying better while also teaching students to understand and care for each other. This approach makes it easier for schools to embrace bullying prevention strategies and build an environment of kindness and respect.
Class of 2025
Senior Workshops w/Student Services
Counselors have been meeting with seniors to complete activities in the college process, and we have a few sessions left. Please remind seniors to check their email to sign up to participate. Copies of the emails are below:
Thanks to those students who were able to attend the Class of 2025 Post-secondary Planning session last Thursday.
If you were unable to attend previous sessions, you still have time!
Before signing up for the next session, all seniors need to complete this form.
During session 5, we will be providing support as you start a college application.
If you would like to attend, please complete the Post-secondary Planning #5—College Applications form by Wednesday at 2:30pm, so we can send you an ePass on Thursday, October 3rd. We will be meeting in the Learning Commons at 10:25am. Don’t forget your computer!!
Forms must be completed by the student from their school email address.
Kansas Apply Free Days—Save the Date—October 7th
Thanks to those students who have been able to attend Student Services Thursday Post-Secondary Planning Workshops.
If you were unable to attend previous sessions and have not completed this form, please complete it now.
On Monday October 7th, counselors will be available in the Learning Commons to help you complete FREE applications to four-year colleges in Kansas and Missouri. To reserve a time slot during 5th or 7th blocks, please complete this Kansas Apply Free form by Monday at 9am, so we can send you an ePass on Monday October 7th.
Don’t forget your computer!!
Forms must be completed by the student from their school email address.
Real World Learning News
Please follow the RWL Upcoming Events Link for a list of opportunities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Real World Learning Counselor, Britt Sherer at BrittSherer@smsd.org
Dear Families, We are so grateful you are a part of the school community this year. One of the aims at our school is to equip young people for all the realities of today’s world. With that in mind, we have partnered with CharacterStrong - an organization that provides training for educators and social & emotional learning curriculum for students. Their work in grades 6-12 focus on 3 main outcomes: increasing a sense of belonging for all students, improving skills that support student well-being, and deepening student engagement in their academics, in their school, and in their community.
Here’s what the data tells us:
- • A sense of belonging in school is one of the most important conditions for learning and a fundamental support for social and emotional well-being. Nearly ⅓ of all students report a weak sense of belonging in their schools. Roughly half of 6th - 12th grade students say they don’t enjoy coming to school most of the time.
- • Mental health challenges for teens have been increasing and 7 out of 10 teens in the U.S. (between 13 and 17 years old) have named anxiety or depression as a major problem among their peers.
- • Student engagement drives learning and supports school success.
This curriculum was created to support school communities as they engage in the work of preparing young people to thrive in the 21st century. The research supports the effectiveness of social & emotional learning in schools to increase student’s academic success and college & career readiness. The lessons focus on developing skills and mindsets around building positive habits, understanding our emotions, and increasing empathy for people and communities who have lived different lives than us. The curriculum helps students think about things they want to improve in their school, their relationships, and their world and then provides tools for them to work individually and in teams to close the gaps they’ve identified.
One of the key parts of nearly every lesson is the “CharacterDare” for Middle School students and the “To Be List” for High School students. These are invitations near the end of most lessons to put the content that they are learning into action in the real world. If you ever want to play an active role in the CharacterStrong curricula, simply ask your student about the most recent CharacterDare or To Be List challenge. Maybe they’ll invite you to try one yourself!
To learn more about CharacterStrong, check out characterstrong.com to discover other resources for students and families.
Looking forward to a great year!
Bison Athletics and Activities
The North Bison Football team took it on the chin on Friday evening vs the Olathe South Falcons. We play at home on Thursday at 7:00pm vs Lawrence Free State. The “Lil” Bison Cheer squad will join us at the game.
The Lady Bison Volleyball squad dropped matches at SM South and at home vs Olathe Northwest. North played in the Joan Wells Volleyball Classic at Lawrence HS on Saturday, they lost to Blue Valley , Olathe Northwest and LHS. The Bison defeated Lincoln Prep and congratulations to Amaya Thi who was named to the all-tournament team.
The Shawnee Mission North boys soccer team dropped two matches last week to Olathe East (3-0) and Lawrence High (5-1). Great Defense from Jacob Mercado. Great Midfield play from Kiernan Gaughan. Second half goal scored by Kevin Peralta Navas. With a lot of injuries, new starters from JV- Marco Tapia and Goalkeeper Justin Martinez-Barahona played a great game.
The SM North golfers continued to show improvement in their game at the 2nd Round of the Sunflower League Tournament today at Eagle Bend Golf Course. Junior Sydney Epperson led the way for the Bison golfers, followed by Reesa Avalos and on her first Varsity appearance for Junior Haven Bauman.This week the golfers are preparing for the final round of the Sunflower League Meets at Paradise Point Golf course on Wednesday October 9. As the ladies prepare to close out the regular season. SMN will be competing at Regionals on October 14 at Falcon Lakes Golf Course.
The SMN XC team competed at the Kansas City Classic Cross-Country Meet in Raymore, MO. For results check mile split.
The Lady Bison Tennis Team had a busy week with matches against Miege on Monday, SMSD District Meet on Tuesday and Sunflower Conference Meet on Thursday. The girl’s continue to compete hard with many close matches. Grace Morgan had a big win at #2 singles against Miege 8-0, while Katie Tucker lost 7-8 in a tie-breaker at #5. In the SMSD district matches, we finished 4th overall, defeating SM West in overall match play. On Thursday, the Bison traveled to CBAC for the Sunflower League Conference Tournament. Unfortunately, the girls had tough draws across the board, but managed to play well against tough league opponents. The highlight came from Sadie Ruzich who lost to Lawrence in a tie-breaker 7-8. The final week of the season concludes with a dual at SM Northwest (10/7), Senior Day match with Sumner Academy (10/8) and KSHSAA Regionals at Mill Valley (10/10).
The Shawnee Mission North Athletic Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor former
student-athletes, coaches, administrators and patrons for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Shawnee Mission North athletic programs. Should the Shawnee Mission School District adopt formal district-wide rules regarding the Hall of Fame requirements of its member schools, those rules shall automatically be incorporated herein. Please use this link to submit a nomination.
On Tuesday, October 8, the Bison Award of Excellence will be presented to
Erin Adan, Amy Menninger, Stephanie Dalley and Britt Sherer for their contributions and support to the athletic program. They will receive a token of appreciation and National Federation of Sport certificate.
Varsity cheer will be hosting their annual Bison Cheer clinic from 5:30-7:30pm in the Stadium on Tuesday, October 8th. Registration begins at 5 at the main entrance to the stadium. Snacks will be provided. Please make sure your participant has a water bottle and is dressed accordingly. On Game Day: Thursday October 10th - We will meet in the Field House at 6pm, the game begins at 7pm. PreK-6 will cheer 1st quarter, 7-8 grade will cheer 1st and 2nd quarter. Cost is $30
2024 marks the 45th observance of National High School Activities. Mark your calendars for the month of October. The student-athlete leadership team (S.A.L.T.) in conjunction with SM North All-School Booster club will provide a light breakfast for coaches and sponsors on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:10 am in the Learning Commons
The Shawnee Mission North Wrestling program is excited to host the YES - Try It Wrestling Clinic on Wednesday, October 9 from 5:30-7:00 pm at Hocker Grove Middle School.
Fall Sports
Fall Sports
If you have students inquiring about Fall Sports programs please have them contact the sport-specific coach:
Varsity Football Coach: Andy Walter
Email: andrewwalter@smsd.org
Varsity Soccer Coach: Jaime Velez
Email: jaimevelezacosta@smsd.org
Varsity Coach Girls and Boys Tennis Coach: Scott Mcdonald
Email: ScottMcdonald@smsd.org
Girls Gymnastics Coach: Sarah Hink sarahhink@smsd.org
Assistant Coach: Janice Baker, Bergen Cooper & Brooklyn Beck (@ SMNW)
Varsity Girls and Boys Golf Coach: Walter Mansfield
Email: waltermansfield@smsd.org
Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach: Taszia Roseberry
Email: tasziaroseberry@gmail.com
Unified Bowling (begins in mid-September) - Robyn Barreca
Email: Robynbarreca@smsd.org
Help Wanted
Previously released information, but still important to know
Click Picture to nominate a SM North Classrooms
Staff Member of the Week
Bison and Family,
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 School Year! As we get started, SMN Journalism would like to share an important message with all of you! Did you know that SMN Journalism has social media accounts? Our Facebook and Instagram accounts are great avenues for parents and students to connect, find information about SMN and find great photos!
Seeing these photos is also a great way to save memories, these four years go by fast!
Check out our accounts linked below or scan the QR code! Go Bison! We wish everyone luck this year and hope everyone enjoys all they can from our accounts!
Instagram Account: @smnjournalism https://www.instagram.com/smnjournalism/
Facebook Account: @Smnjournalism https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556805605266