
The Cougar Connection
Weekly Update for Families - April 10, 2025
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Office Hours 7 AM - 3:30 PM
913.993.7200
Attendance
Attendance Hotline 913.993.7245 (All Day)
Attendance Office 913.993.7242 (Partial Day)
Email: lisagruman@smsd.org
Website: https://smnorthwest.smsd.org/
Location: 12701 W 67th St Shawnee, KS
Phone: 913.993.7200
X (Twitter): @smnw_office
Instagram: @smnwoffice
A note from Principal, Dr. Lisa Gruman
Hello Northwest Community,
What a wonderful week it has been here in Cougar Country!
Congratulations to newspaper editors and SMNW juniors Sofia Ball and Grace Rau, who took 2nd place in the "Youth Story" category in the Kansas Press Association's 2024 Awards of Excellence!
The Shawnee Mission School District Research and Development Forum (R&D Forum) is an annual event that celebrates student achievement and highlights innovative student projects and talent from across the district. This event, held from April 22 - April 24, 2025, features student work in the areas of art, career and technical education, and science. 2025 year will mark the 63rd annual R&D Forum!
Student Showcase receptions for all student entrants, families, educators, and anyone in the community will be held at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St. These events feature interactive exhibits and performances! Check it out!
Have a fantastic weekend!
All the best,
Lisa Gruman
Mark Your Calendar
April 12, 2025 - 2025 Junior/Senior Prom
April 15, 2025 - STUCO Rep Elections
April 19, 2025 - STUCO Garage Sale
May 16, 2025 - Senior's Last Day - More Info to Come
May 22, 2025 - SMNW 2025 Graduation - 7pm @ SMN District Stadium
STUDENT COUNCIL GARAGE SALE – Accepting Donations from now until Friday April 18!!!
SENIOR FEES
Online Absence Reporting
Online Absence Reporting
This option is for reporting all day absences and late arrivals only.
When requesting an early dismissal please call 913-993-7242 or email jamieprosser@smsd.org
From our Northwest Counselors
Zach Cash A-D zacharycash@smsd.org
Barb Legate E-J barbaralegate@smsd.org
Katie Cole K-Pe katherinecole@smsd.org
Jessica Andrade Pf-R (ELL) jessicaandrade@smsd.org
Jordan Landis S-U jordanlandis@smsd.org
Erica Jablonski V-Z (RWL) ericajablonski@smsd.org
Summer Program
Information is now accessible on the district website! We have attached the information, but please check out the website for more detail if you are interested in taking a summer class or two.
SMSD eSchool:
https://www.smsd.org/academics/eschool/enrollment-information
*Typically used for credit advancement but can also be used for credit recovery.
SMSD Summer Academy:https://www.smsd.org/academics/summer-programs/summer-academy
*Core classes are for credit recovery only. Sessions correspond to the semester that must be recovered. Session 1 = Semester 1 & Session 2 = Semester 2
Cost (Unless Otherwise Noted): $180
Steps to Enroll:
- Contact your academic counselor to discuss appropriate course(s).
- Register for the class by stopping by the Student Service’s office, located in the main office area at NW.
- Pay within 2 business days of registration.
Real World Learning Opportunities
Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Entrepreneurship
Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Entrepreneurship classes, in partnership with the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City, are excited to host The Hospitality Career Experience on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park. SMNW students will be provided transportation to and from the event. Bus or van leaves at 9 am and will return by 11:45 am.
This engaging event gives students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic world of hospitality. From hotel management to culinary arts, event planning to customer service, there’s something for everyone interested in a fast-paced and people-focused industry.
What to expect: Meet professionals from hotels across the KC metro, explore diverse hospitality careers, and enjoy interactive games with exciting prizes. Students will receive complimentary snacks, beverages, and hospitality-themed goodie bags. Be prepared to make connections, ask questions, and learn from professionals in the field. Professional dress and resumes are optional, but recommended.
How to Register:
- Sign up HERE
- SMSD students must submit a signed field trip permission form by noon on Friday, April 11 to attend. Pick one up in Student Services or download the attachment.
Don’t miss this chance to explore your future in one of the most exciting industries! 👉 Learn more about The Hospitality Career Experience event here
Boys State of Kansas Information
- The cost to attend is $375, with $325 coming from a sponsor or Legion Post
- Who – Young men who are Juniors (preferred), or Sophomores in the 24-25
school year
- When – Sunday, June 1st through Saturday, June 7th, 2025
- Where – Kansas State University in Manhattan
- Why – To learn leadership skills in a learning-by-doing environment that
can be utilized in your school and community
- How – Apply at www.ksbstate.org
Bonuses – College Credit from K-State and Scouting Merit Badges can now be
earned for Boys Staters! There is also a college fair with over 40 college
and trade schools attending and the opportunity to earn scholarships from
$500 to $10,000! And opportunities for strength and conditioning for Fall
sports requirements.
PTSA Updates
APRIL NORTHWEST NEWS
The April Edition of Northwest News is available now! Please check it out HERE.
SENIOR BREAKFAST
The Senior Breakfast will be held on the seniors' last day of school, May 16. While the planning is done by a committee of Junior parents, senior families are asked to help by making a $10 contribution toward the event and/or helping serve breakfast that morning. Sign up HERE.
ATTENTION FRESHMEN FAMILIES!
To wrap up the year's grade level staff appreciation events, freshmen families will host a staff tailgate cookout on May 7. Please see the link HERE. Thank you in advance for showing appreciation to our awesome NW teachers and staff!
AFTER PROM IS THIS WEEKEND!
We have just a few spots to be filled for snack donations and volunteers! Ticket sales are happening all week during lunches and we are so excited to welcome over 500 SMNW students and guests at After Prom 2025! It's not too late to get in on the action: sign up HERE today!
Note from Athletic Director, Angelo Giacalone
As we move into the middle of the spring sports season we are proud of the effort of all our student athletes. Soon the postseason will be here for boys tennis, girls swim & dive, and boys golf.
Congratulations goes to our latest Student Athletes for the month of April, Lovie Dubbs (track & field) and Wyatt Nickoley (baseball) for excellence in their sport, while showing selflessness, competitive spirit, accountability and integrity, all core pillars of the SMNW athletic program.
As we go into the middle of April, please keep up with all the action from our newsletter below. Good luck Cougars.
Also, remember to mark your calendar and get a head start on physicals for the 25-26 school year. Spring physical night is May 7th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for $25. More details will be forthcoming.
A Word from Nurse, Wendy Woods
Please turn any athletic papers to the athletic secretary in the main office.
Feel free to email or call with any questions or concerns about your student’s health or vaccine needs! You can reach me, Wendy Woods (nurse) at 913-993-7216 or Brenda Renteria (nurse aid) at 913-993-7606.
Thank you,
Wendy Woods, RN, BSN, MSN
NW Nurse
Medications at School:
Immunizations and Physicals: