NORTH NEWS Feb 26 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
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Message from Principal David Ewers
North Community,
What a phenomenal week at the Brickhouse! We had so many incredible students showcase their talents last week. State qualifiers in bowling, All-State performances in Wichita by our Jazz Band, Orchestra Night in Italy, a great night of basketball on Senior Night, and another dominating performance by NJROTC in a weekend competition in Leavenworth.
This week will feature Sub-State Boys’ Basketball, State Bowling, Cappuccino Day, a band concert, the Black History Program, and the start of Spring Sports! With all of these activities, it can be easy for students to lose focus on the final two weeks of the 3rd quarter. Please work with your student to stay focused on attendance, achievement, and engagement as we close out the quarter and look forward to an amazing 4th quarter!
Student and Staff of the Week
Student of the Week - Oreofeoluwa Oni
Congratulations!
Staff of the Week - Alexis Burdick
Alexis was nominated for always being so kind and caring towards her students!
NEW INFORMATION
BROC - Community Service Hours due March 1
For students that have been doing community service hours, your BROC forms are due in Student Services no later than Friday, March 1st. Please make sure forms are complete and have all required signatures. Additional BROC forms are also available in Student Services.
Seniors 2024
Did you order announcements for graduation? Jostens will be here Friday March 1 during lunch for pickup.
Previously released information, but still important to know
AP Families
A friendly reminder that March 1st is the final AP Deadline for cancelling or ordering an AP Exam.
For questions – Please reach out to BrittSherer@smsd.org
Class of 2024
Seniors, please check the Student Services page for scholarship information. https://smnorth.smsd.org/students/counseling/scholarship-opportunities
It is not too late to order your cap and gown. You can order directly on the website https://www.jostens.com/apps/catalog/packageBuilder.mvc?
Or you can call Jostens at 785-843-2967 directly.
Attendance Reminders from the Attendance Office
- Only guardians may report their student's attendance.
- Whether a student is coming in late, leaving early, leaving and coming back during a school day, or out for a full day, it is considered an absence.
- Our Administration asks for your assistance in helping with these procedures.
- If attendance is reported on Attendance line 913-993-6945, please make sure to leave student name, the reason, your name, also leave time student is arriving or leaving.
- Students and teachers will receive an email to leave class at the appropriate time.
- If student's do not have an email pass to leave class, the student will need to come to the Attendance office and we will call a parent or guardian.
- We understand last minute appointments or last-minute checkouts may be unavoidable. If this happens, please come directly to the Attendance office and we will get your student.
- Guardians may submit attendance in advance at 913-993-6945. Attendance line is answered 24/7. If you know there will be an appointment or other obligation in advance, you may always submit ahead of time and attendance will be recorded.
- Unreported absences will be recorded as unexcused, and you will receive an automated phone call at the end of the day.
- Please report attendance within 48 hours or we will require doctor documentation to excuse the absence per district guidelines.
- We will only release students to individuals listed in Skyward by the students' guardian. Please be sure you check your emergency contact list and put all potential individuals who may need to pick up in your absence and delete individuals that you do not want to pick up your student.
HIspanic College Institute: Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is proud to announce that their annual Hispanic College Institute (HCI), the only program of its kind in the state of Kansas, will once again be taking place this summer. HCI will take place June 5-8, 2024 on the Fort Hays State University campus.
HCI is a free, four-day, three-night residential program that prepares high school students to enter and succeed in higher education. The program is based on research and input from Hispanic educators and community leaders, and much of the content is delivered by Hispanic professionals who can relate to participating students' experiences and challenges. The program is open to current class of 2025 and 2026 high school students with a 2.5 GPA or above.
You can visit www.fhsu.edu/hci to learn more about this event.
After School Tutoring Update
After school tutoring is on Monday and Wednesday. This will be in the Learning Commons from 3:00pm-4:20pm on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. Content teachers will be available to assist students with homework or reviewing course material. FREE meals can be picked up in the cafeteria between 2:50 and 3:00 if they are staying for tutoring. Students can ride a FREE bus home at 4:30pm with a pass from a teacher.
ACT courses available
SM North students are welcome to attend ACT classes in your area in February:
KU in Lawrence Feb. 10: http://actprep.info/ku
K-State Olathe Feb. 17: http://actprep.info/kstate
School Pictures
Students and Parents – it’s not too late to order school photos from this year’s picture day.
If your student is in grade 9-11, use this link to purchase their portrait photos. https://bit.ly/2ndSMN23
If your student is a senior, use this link to purchase their portrait photos. https://bit.ly/Senphoto
If you have any questions, please contact Rolland Studios here: https://www.rollandkc.com/contact
School Fees for 2023-24 are PAST DUE!!
- 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 2023-24 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, 2024 and then they go up to $65. Parking permits are available throughout the year and prorated by quarter.
- 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.
Staff Member of the Week
SMN Booster Club/PTSA
Purchase SMN Spirit Wear and Booster Club Memberships at our online store (click on the link or use the QR code below)
Join PTSA and the Booster Club
The Parent/Teacher/Student Association (PTSA) and the All-School Booster Club are great ways for parents and guardians to get involved with our school!
Join PTSA by clicking on this link!
Join Booster Club by clicking on this link!
All proceeds raised by both organizations directly benefit SMN students!
Paraprofessional and Food Service positions are available
If you are interested in food services positions in the SMSD, please see the image below.
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STUCO NEWS
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We had a great couple of weeks at North! Our HUG (Have Unlimited Goals) Week was a huge success, thank you to everyone who participated in class fundraisers and Bison Head Hunt! STUCO is continuing to plan upcoming events for the student body, be on the lookout for more information!
News from Student Services
AP Families
AP Families –
A friendly reminder that March 1st is the final AP Deadline for cancelling or ordering an AP Exam.
For questions – Please reach out to BrittSherer@smsd.org
SMSD Career Expo March 1 2024
The Shawnee Mission School District is hosting a Career Fair for all SMSD High Schools students. The event will be Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Center for Academic Achievement at 8200 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Bus transportation will be provided and required because of limited parking at the CAA. Sign up using the link below You must use your district laptop and student email to access the sign-up link.
Student Sign-up LINK (no parental access)
We recommend students wear business casual attire (slacks, collared shirts, skirts, dresses) and bring a resume if you have one, although this is not required for participation.
Space is limited.
For questions please reach out to BrittSherer@smsd.org
ACT 2/27/24
All students who signed up for the state-funded ACT on 2/27/24 have received a confirmation email. Guardians have also received the confirmation message by email. If a student or guardian did not receive their confirmation email and believe they did sign up (in November), please email laurabrogdon@smsd.org.
23-24 College Rep Visits - Sign up
Juniors and seniors may sign up for the college admission rep visits. These visits are held during school hours. (Check weekly for updated college lists, dates, and times).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfn5kJr2FlCpNzF_Tu328IhA10mKWlhiAcnrZz2IOF4xD70wA/viewform
Job opportunity
Part-Time Babysitter
Looking for a replacement after school sitter as we are losing our current girl at the end of February before soccer season starts. We would need Monday through Wednesday after school. Our girls are in 3rd and 4th grade. Sitter would pick girls up at Crestview Elementary at 3:10 and hang out with them until 5:30 or so until parents get home from work. The girls have a snack and some screen time, practice piano and walk our two dogs (one standard and one toy poodle). We need help facilitating all of that. We live on Newton street just north of SM North.
We need help starting in March (maybe by the end of Feb) through the end of the school year.
We pay $90/week.
Questions – BrittPumphrey@smsd.org
Worlds of Fun seasonal hiring
Please see flyers below for additional information.
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Bison Athletics and Activities
Shawnee Mission North Athletics
The Bison bowlers competed in the 6A regional at Olathe Lanes East on Tuesday. The girls rolled in the afternoon and were led by Senior Abigail Weding with a 408 series. Senior Lily DeBoe was clutch with six strikes in her eight frames. The team placed 10th overall. The boys rolled in the morning and had a good day at the lanes. They had their highest pin total for a meet this season and finished in 6th place overall. Junior Aaron Salvino had his best series of the year with 700 total pins. That series was good for 3rd place overall and qualified Aaron for a spot in the Kansas State Bowling Championships next week in Wichita. Way to go Bison!
SMN boys varsity beat SM West, 61-42 to finish the season 7-13. The Bison were led by Aziz Jagne, 15 points, 7 rebounds, Liam Dalley, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assist and Alex Casares, 13 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assist. We will play BVNW on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 7:00pm
SMN boys lost to the Lawrence Lions, 59-47. They were led statistically by Aziz Jagne with19 points, 7 rebounds, Alex Casares, 10 points, and Dailan Holman, 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assist
The SMN girls lost a tough battle to SM West, 37-34. The Lady Bison fell short to Shawnee Mission West this past Friday. North was led in scoring by Sophomores Tamiah Washington (10 points) and Haley Wieneke (8 points). Junior Nicole Mendez added 6 points before exiting the game due to injury. Senior Iliana Garcia had 4 steals and 2 assists and senior Rosjai Curtis led the Bison in rebounding with 7. The Bison finished the season with a record of 6-13.
The Bison were defeated by a hot shooting Lawrence team on Tuesday evening. North was led in scoring by Junior Nicole Mendez with 12 points and Sophomore Haley Wieneke 6 points. The Lady Bison are back in action Friday evening for Senior Night. North hosted their last home game of the season vs Shawnee Mission West. Varsity tips off at 6pm.
Varsity wrestlers, Derek Wymer (14-14) and Joseph Piasecki (32-17) participated in the KSHSAA 6A State Championships this past weekend. Derek finished 1-2 as did Joey. Joey was winning his 3rd match but had to forfeit due to an injury.
SM North Seniors / Parents If you (your student) participated in athletics at SMN your senior year this is a great scholarship opportunity for you. Please consider applying for the Shawnee Mission Sports FoundationScholarship. Jim Ballou oversees the Shawnee Mission North Sports Scholarship FoundationScholarship Program which was founded in February 2009. The Foundation was originally titled the "SMN Football Alumni Foundation." The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group. In 2012, we evolved from a football group to a multiple sports foundation with scholarships for 11 men's and women's activities. Each of the scholarships is awarded to a graduating senior student athlete based on their excellence in the classroom, athletic participation, and involvement in the community. The scholarships are named after former SM North coaches and a memorial in the name of a SMN graduate. Each of the scholarships provides a living legacy.
Coach Larry Taylor FOOTBALL Scholarship
Coach Jim Hanson BASEBALL Scholarship
Coach Tom Coker TENNIS Scholarship
Coach Bob Stauffer TRACK Scholarship
Coach Bill Cornwell BASKETBALL Scholarship
Coach Steve Howard SOFTBALL Scholarship
Coach Don Alpaugh WRESTLING Scholarship
Owen Craig STUDENT TRAINER / MANAGER Scholarship
Chief Warrant Officer Grayless NJROTC Scholarship
Coach Cody Fothergill Scholarship SWIMMING Scholarship
Coach Bernie Wagner / Merlin Gish SCHOLAR-ATHLETE Scholarship
Please note this entity is not directed by SM North administration or overseen by North. To apply click here to complete the application. Do not use a paper copy application from the Sports FoundationWebsite.
The Sports Foundation Scholarship Recipient Celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd at 9:30 am in the Little Theater (next to the Auditorium).
SAVE THE DATE: National Letter Intent Signing date for all athlete’s is Wednesday, April 24 @ 3:00pm.
Spring Sports practices begin today, Monday, February 26, 2024. Most coaches have already held or will schedule pre-season meetings for spring sports. If you have specific questions please email the varsity coach directly (see below). Prior to try-outs a student must complete the following:
SMSD is a member of KSHSAA as such the following requirements exists for a student Athlete to participate in interscholastic athletics.
Preseason Practice Requirements
PPE - physical
SMSD Online verification required by both student and parent
PPE - Requires the signature of the doctor on page 2. Student and parent must sign the front and back of form
Concussion release form
If you have question please email the coach directly
No practice until athlete meets the criteria
Varsity Baseball Coach Rusty Jones Twitter: @SMN_Baseball Varsity Girls Softball Coach Julie True coachtrue22@gmail.com Twitter: @SMNorthSoftball Varsity Tennis Coach Steven Acala Twitter: @SMNtennnis Varsity Golf Coach Walter Mansfield Twitter: @SMNboysgolf Varsity Track and Field Coach Mike Pope Twitter: @SMNTrack Varsity Girls Swim and Dive Coach Kailey Morash Twitter: @SMNGirlsSwim Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Sarah Wallace Twitter: @smngirlssoccer
SAVE THE DATE: National Letter Intent Signing date for all athlete’s is Wednesday, April 24 @ 3:00pm.
Spring Sports: Most coaches have already held or will schedule pre-season meetings for spring sports. If you have specific questions please email the varsity coach directly (see below). Prior to try-outs a student must complete the following:
SMSD is a member of KSHSAA as such the following requirements exists for a student Athlete to participate in interscholastic athletics.
Preseason Practice Requirements
PPE - physical
SMSD Online verification required by both student and parent
PPE - Requires the signature of the doctor on page 2. Student and parent must sign the front and back of form
Concussion release form
If you have question please email the coach directly
No practice until athlete meets the criteria
Varsity Baseball Coach Rusty Jones Twitter: @SMN_Baseball Varsity Girls Softball Coach Julie True coachtrue22@gmail.com Twitter: @SMNorthSoftball Varsity Tennis Coach Steven Acala Twitter: @SMNtennnis Varsity Golf Coach Walter Mansfield Twitter: @SMNboysgolf Varsity Track and Field Coach Mike Pope Twitter: @SMNTrack Varsity Girls Swim and Dive Coach Kailey Morash Twitter: @SMNGirlsSwim Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Sarah Wallace Twitter: @smngirlssoccer
A note from the SMN Robotics Team
Hello North!
This is the Robotics team weekly update. We have installed powerful motors to the output of our robot. These will make the bot shoot out the scoring piece, the 'note,' faster. We have also installed a climber arm that will be used to test if we can hang onto the chains. Hanging on a chain will let us more reliably get an important bonus point, a ‘ranking point’. This week, we built a latch to protect the large battery that we must use to power the robot. On top of all that, our programming team is ahead of schedule! The robotics team wishes you all a good week!
Team 937."