NORTH NEWS September 30th

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

North Community,

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter this week. Important information related to your student's success is included. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

A few additional announcements:

- Seniors and Open lunch: We have noticed an increase in Senior students coming back late from open lunch. Please know that moving forward a consequence for this behavior may be a short-term suspension of open lunch privileges.

- Fence installation: This past week we had a fence installed in between our Rose Garden and our upper turf field. Many students had questions about why the fence was installed. Here are a few reasons we have installed the fence.

1. Increased security of the upper-level field during the school day and during after-school activities.

2. Assistance in keeping the upper-level field safe during Varsity football games.

3. Assistance in the operation of the North Relays (specifically field event operation).

Our goal is to keep access to the field and bleachers during lunch for students to relax and also enjoy some time with some physical activity. If our students choose to not respect the area, there could be a time when that area is not open during lunch. Please understand that moving forward our goal is to keep the area open for student use.

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.

Sophomores and Juniors will have an opportunity on Wednesday, October 12th to take an ACT Assessment. This assessment will be scored locally and does NOT count as scores for future use with post-secondary opportunities. This is a great opportunity to prepare for the free ACT in the spring, or other ACT testing opportunities this school year. If you would like the opportunity to take the ACT assessment on October 12th, please complete THIS FORM.

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are just around the corner! Conferences will be Wednesday, October 19 (5:00-8:00pm) and Friday, October 21 (7:20am-3:20pm). Conferences will be in person OR virtual through the Webex platform.

Additional information, regarding scheduling, etc., will be coming soon!

All the current street closure will remain the same through Tuesday October 4th.

On October 5th, we are anticipating for the signal on Metcalf Lane and Johnson Drive to be functioning and all the streets will be reopened.

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.

A couple reminders about safety precautions we are taking at Shawnee Mission North moving forward. Violation of these policies can result in consequences from administration so please take this seriously:

1. We will not prop exterior doors at any time at Shawnee Mission North.
2. We will not open exterior doors for anyone to enter the building between 7:40 and 2:40. All students MUST enter through the main doors (in the circle drive) between 7:40 and 2:40.
3. The only students allowed to leave the building without parent approval are SENIORS whose parents have completed the permission form for open lunch. Documentation/Identification must be shown upon return, and students may only return through the main doors (in the circle drive).
4. Restrooms at Shawnee Mission North are single use only. Students found sharing restroom stalls are in violation of this policy and are subject to consequences from administration.

Please take these policies seriously as they help to keep us safe at the Brickhouse!

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 first deadline is October 14

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 .

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

• Monday 10/3 - SM Marching Festival, 7:00pm - District Stadium - SOUTH
• Tuesday 10/4 - Jazz Band Concert, 7:00pm, Auditorium
• Thursday 10/6 - Choir Concert, 7:00pm, Auditorium

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

There will be an ACT Test Prep class, by Power Prep Inc, at SM West Friday, Oct. 14.

The registration link for SM North students is http://actprep.info/shawneemissionnorth.

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

Go to student services for more information.

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.

Given the continuing impact of COVID-19 on the educational environment, the NCAA Eligibility Center has partnered with the NCAA membership to identify adjustments to the initial-eligibility certification process for students who initially enroll full time in an NCAA Division I or II school during the 2023-24 academic year. Click here to learn more about these important adjustments. This directly impacts rising seniors. Please share this information with your athletes!

• 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

Upcoming Events:

• Bonfire: bonfire in the East parking lot on 10/12

• Senior Night for football: 10/13

• Red Ribbon Week: October 24-28

• 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

CONGRATS to the following groups at North that were awarded a total of $11,055 in grants at the September All-Activities Booster Club meeting...

SMN Cheer and Pep Club - Bison Banner and Flag

SMN Cheer - 100 Pink Poms

SMN Band - New Marching Banner

SMN PE Dept and Athletics - 250 locks for lockers

SMN Football, PE Dept, and Athletics - Athletic timing system and Jump Ease

SMN Girls Basketball - New 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)**

The SMN Booster Club is looking for volunteers to assist with spirit wear sales at the football game, THIS Friday, Sept 30 from 7:00-8:45pm. Click on the link below for more info and to sign-up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4eafa62fabf58-help2

2022-23 SMN All-Activities Booster Club Meeting Dates:

Oct 17, Nov 14, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, Apr 17 (meetings are held at 6:30pm – Nov & Jan will be on Zoom)

Purchase SMN Spirit Wear, Booster Club Memberships, and Sports Fast Passes at our online store (link below) - check out our NEW gear and 100th Anniversary items!!

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

Click here for the SMSD Website

Food Services has updated the School Meal Information flier for parents. It is available on the main page of the Food Service web page and linked here for your convenience.

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.