NORTH NEWS April 1, 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 an outstanding week for the Brickhouse! Last week was a great success with strong performances by spring sports and our band at the Shawnee Mission Band festival. The fun continues this week with more athletic competitions, the district orchestra festival, the spring play "Silent Sky" and our NJROTC makes their national record-setting 19th consecutive appearance at the national championship in Pensacola, Florida! It’s definitely a great week to be a Bison!
We also want to stress that we have two months left of the school year. Now is the time to buckle down, get to class, and engage in the work that needs to be done! Our amazing staff is here to support our students with what they need, but we need them here! Please continue to push the importance of attendance with your student. Let’s have a great week and let’s go Bison!
Student and Staff of the Week
Student of the Week - Noah Randall
Our Student of the Week is Noah Randall. Noah was nominated for his outstanding leadership, charismatic attitude, and efforts to excel in all that he does!
Congratulations!
Staff of the week - Emily Nelson
Our Staff Member of the Week is Emily Nelson. Mrs. Nelson was nominated for her kindness, creating a caring and safe environment, and always having a smile on her face!
NEW INFORMATION
ACT scores are in!
Student score reports have been delivered to SM North for the February 27th free junior ACT test. Students can pick up their individual report from the front office during passing periods, lunch or before/after school.
Real World Learning
I am delighted to inform you about the recent launch of KC Tech Council’s LEGiT (Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Tech) KC program. This program, backed by Meta and Panasonic among other company partners, has been meticulously designed to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their Junior (class of 2026) and Senior (class of 2025) years of high school with comprehensive tech exposure, career pathway guidance, leadership opportunities and invaluable mentorship.
Any girls interested can fill out the short application by April 15th, 2024. Previous technology experience is not a prerequisite; rather, we’re simply looking for a genuine interest in exploring the vast possibilities of a career in tech. For further information, please visit LEGiTKC.org.
Spring Play April 4, 5, and 6
Come check out North Theatre's spring play Silent Sky. The show runs April 4, 5, and 6 at 7pm with an extra 2pm show on the 6th . Tickets are $5 for North students and $10 for everyone else at the door and seating is general admission in the North Little Theater. Here is a synopsis of the show:
When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
Previously released information, but still important to know
After School Tutoring
After school tutoring will be 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.
Kansas Assessments
Kansas Assessments are on the following dates:
- Math testing for 10th graders - April 1 - 5
Student Parking Reminder
Just a reminder that students need to park in the West or East Lot. There is NO student parking in the circle drive
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.
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 $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
Leave a Lasting Legacy at Shawnee Mission North! Legacy Bricks are a great way to honor graduating seniors, alumni, and staff!
For a tax deductible donation of $45, an engraved brick will be added to the Legacy Brick Courtyard, located just outside the SMN stadium/pool entrance.
Please complete a separate form for each brick ordered. Payment can be made to the SMN Booster Club by check or credit card. If you have questions, please email Paula Blood at pdblood@sbcglobal.net.
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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In late April, SM North hosts a Charity Picnic with concessions and carnival games, and this year we are working on new additions to make it even better than the past two years. All of the money raised that day goes to a charity of our choice! Student Council is currently narrowing down the charities that were nominated, and the top 4 will be sent out to the student body to vote for who all the proceeds will go to!
There are many elections coming up for the 2024-25 school year!
Student Body Officer Voting: 4/3 - 5
Pep Club, Class Officers and Committee Heads Voting: 4/8 - 9
Prom
Prom is coming up on April 27th and will be held at the Uptown Theater! The theme is “A Golden Midnight” and tickets will be sold starting April 15th in the cafeteria! Each ticket will be $35 each.
News from Student Services
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
Need a summer job?
The city of Overland Park is hiring lifeguards for the summer. Must be 15 years old by May 1, 2024.,
Apply now at opkansas.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
SM North Athletics is looking forward to hosting a multitude of athletic camps this summer. Please check out our website to select camps you're interested in your student attending.
Senior parents of student-athletes who have signed or will sign a National Letter of Intent to compete in college athletics please save the date, Wednesday, April 24th. We will celebrate in the FH at 3:00 pm. Please make sure you have reached out to our varsity coach to ensure your student-athlete is participating in this event.
Senior parents of student-athletes who earned a Sports Foundation Scholarship please save the date, Tuesday, April 23rd. We will celebrate in the Little Theater at 9:30 am.
Requesting Final Amateurism Certification: Process Opens to Eligible Student-Athletes April 1
Before the Eligibility Center can certify student-athletes as eligible to practice, compete and receive athletics aid, they must request their final amateurism certification. Without this step, which takes your student less than three minutes to complete once logged in to their Eligibility Center certification account, their future as an NCAA student-athlete is on hold!
Students enrolling for the first time at an NCAA school in the fall semester can request their final amateurism certification beginning April 1. Before requesting final amateurism certifications, students must verify that their graduation and enrollment dates in their account are accurate and complete (including payment or fee waiver). The enrollment date must reflect the term they plan to first enroll at any NCAA school. Please review and share this resource for additional information on this quick but critical process.
Note: Students should revisit all questions in the Sports section of their account before requesting final amateurism. This step ensures their account information is accurate (e.g., all teams participated on, expenses received, sponsorship received, prize money received and use of a recruiting or scouting service) to ensure a timely amateurism review.
Softball: Eve Frame drove in four runs on two hits to lead Shawnee Mission North past Shawnee Mission South on Saturday. Frame hit an inside the park home run in the fifth inning, singled in the first inning, and walked in the sixth. Kelsey Hoekstra struck out 13 batters on the day. The right-handed pitcher also allowed zero hits and zero runs over six innings. Big moments at the plate came from Hoekstra, who had an RBI triple, Madison Bruson, who had an RBI double, and Aly Worthy, who went 3-3. Brooklyn Bonewits also contributed to the offensive effort with two hits. Shawnee Mission North took Saturday's game in dramatic fashion. The Bison were down 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th inning when an error scored two runs.North was strong in the circle behind Madison Woodruff. The SMN junior struck out five and only allowed 4 hits.
Kelsey Hoekstra drove in four runs on two hits to lead Shawnee Mission North past Lawrence Free State, 4-3, on Thursday night. The Bison were down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning when an error led to Free State scoring 2 runs. Hoekstra responded with a 3 run blast to put the Bison back in the lead. Alyson Worthy and Hoekstra were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for the Bison.
Girls soccer defeated Piper 4-1 to advance to Friday's Championship Game. Senior, Carmen Duarte led the Bison attack with 2 goals. Senior Iliana Garcia and Sophomore Tamiah Washington also added goals. Junior Libby Cramer displayed great passing with 2 assists. Freshman Claudia Estrella also added an assist. Up next for the Lady Bison is the Championship Game this Friday. Kick-off will be at 6:30pm at Turner High School.
North women's soccer finishes out the week with a championship shutout victory over Louisburg. Junior Libby Cramer gave the Bison an early lead scoring the only goal in the first half. Second half Senior Carmen Duarte finished off a penalty kick to give the Bison a 2-0 lead. The elite defense was anchored by Juniors Stella Hart and Abigail Weding. Goalkeeper Danika Bremenkamp added her second shutout of the season. Up next for the Bison is a road trip on Tuesday at Lawrence Free State. Varsity will kick-off at 7:30pm.
The Bison Boys Tennis Team were back in action on a beautiful Thursday afternoon. The boys started fast and with intensity but eventually lost all four doubles matches. Going into the singles, Captain and senior Porter Lee picked up a huge win at the number 1 singles spot 8-2. Moving to 3-1 on the season at the number 1 singles spot. On the court right next to him sophomore and Captain Cohen Woller was down 6-4 and fought back to win the match 8-7(5) at the 2 singles spot. Furthermore, at 6 singles Sammy Shriver dropped a hard fought match 7-5.
The Boys Varsity team will be back in action on 4/2/24 @ 2pm for Districts.
The Boys Varsity tennis team was back in action against SMW. The day kicked off with doubles. The team of Porter Lee and Bryson McConeghey picked up the first win of the day for the Bison at the 3 doubles spot 8-4. Moving into singles Bryson McConeghey continued his dominance winning his singles match 8-4, going a perfect 2-0 on the day. Furthermore, Grant Nichols picked up a 8-0 win at the 8 singles spot.
Girls Swim: The kids had a great meet on Wednesday. We had a bunch of best times and some high scorers! Eve Turner (Sr) scored a total of 34 points and got a personal best time in the 200 IM with a 2:50.53. Elli Brunsvold scored 29 points and broke 30 seconds in her 50 free. Alanna Stallbaumer (Fr)and Taylor Duckworth scored a total of 25 points. Anyaiya improved her diving score by a full 10 points and completed a front double tuck! The Medley Relay placed 4th. The 200 Free Relays placed 3rd and 5th. The 400 Free Relay placed 3rd and 5th as well! Our top 8 finishes were as follows:
200 Free: Lauren Trost (5th), Alanna Stallbaumer (7th)
200 IM: Eve Turner (2nd), Raegan Fields (4th)
50 Free: Elli Brunsbold (7th)
100 Fly: Alanna Stallbaumer (6th), Izzy Nely (7th), Gabby Keller (8th)
100 Free: Lauren Trost (7th)
500 Free: Elli Brusnvold (2nd), Taylor Duckworth (3rd), Hannah Murphy (4th), Reesa Avalos (5th)
100 Breast: Eve Turner (2nd), Remi Almeida (7th)
The girls have another meet tomorrow, and we are looking for more best times and top 8 finishes!
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.
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
SMN Cheer Flower Sale
Please use the link below if you are interested in ordering flowers from our cheerleaders. Last day to order is April 22.
A note from the SMN Robotics Team
Robotics Team Update
The Nerd Herd has a week and a half left to spiff up our robot, "You've Got Mail", before our second competition in Lee's Summit. Our programmers are updating the autonomous code, so that during the first 15 seconds of each match, the robot will be able to move around and score automatically, without being controlled by a human driver. Student engineers have completely disassembled and reassembled the driving system to give it a thorough cleaning and be sure the bot will be able to zip around the field at top speed. The marketing students are busy analyzing our budget, improving our t-shirt design, and planning fundraisers. Team #937 and You've Got Mail wish you a great week!