
BRIARWOOD ELEMENTARY pta newsletter
February 27th, 2024 www.briarwoodpta.org
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LASH
Safety Drills
Next week, we will practice our fire and lockdown drills. We will have our tornado drill in March when the state does their statewide drill. Below is a list of the drills we practice throughout the school year.
- Fire Drills
- Tornado Drills
- Emergency Procedure Drills (Code Red, Lockdown, Evacuation)
To learn more about our emergency procedure drills you can view the presentation that was shared at the Board of Education Meeting on August 8, 2022.
- Emergency Procedure Drills
- Below is a link to a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists that can be helpful when talking to kids about violence.
- National Association of School Psychologists
Class Placement Input
We will soon begin the process of class placement for next school year. Please note if you wish to give input, we have moved to an online form. The deadline for input is Friday, March 8.
See link below for more information.
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES @ BRIARWOOD
Saturday, March 2nd
Briarwood Auction
*
Friday, March 8th
No School
*
Monday, March 11th-Friday, March 15th
No School- Spring Break
*
Thursday, March 21st
Culvers Night
*
Friday, March 29th
Last day to purchase yearbooks- buy your student's yearbook here
*
Tuesday, April 9th
Skate Party 6-8
*
Wednesday, April 10th
Kindergarten Kickoff
*
Friday, April 12th
No School
*
Monday, April 15th
No School
*
Wednesday, April 17th-19th
Used Book Fair- start collecting your books to donate- more details to come
*
Full BW PTA Calendar is available here
Thank you- Science Night Chairs!!
A big thank you to our Science Night chairs Melissa Clark & Anya Arnold for an amazing event! Thank you to all those that were able to come learn and explore. We'll see you again in 2026!
Have you ordered your yearbook yet? Last day to order is Friday, March 29th
We only have yearbook orders from 54% of Briarwood students. Get your yearbook order in to ensure your student gets a copy.
Not sure if you are in the 54% that have already ordered?
Here is how to check your online orders:
STEP 1 - Visit the Bulldog Store at www.briarwoodPTA.org
STEP 2 - Locate My Account and select Previous Orders
STEP 3 - Review previous orders for Yearbook purchase for this school year
If you are not a member of the PTA yet, look for an email from: Briarwood Elementary PTA notify@membershiptoolkit.com for your order confirmation.
Donations needed for the Briarwood Used Book Fair - April 17-19
As you start your spring cleaning, please set aside any gently used books to donate to the annual Briarwood Used Book Fair. We're looking for books for grade levels Kindergarten through 8th. Donation details will be shared shortly, as well as volunteer opportunities.
*We will not be accepting any board, baby or adult books
Tax Information
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2023 - TAX INFORMATION
Your support of the PTA in 2023 is appreciated. Donation letters have been sent, as required, to donors who made donations of $250 or more. If you would like a tax donation letter and did not receive one, please contact Michelle Wiens - mwiens678@gmail.com.
The countdown is on! The biennial Briarwood Auction is this Saturday, March 2nd and the excitement is building! Are you attending? If so, here is a checklist to make sure you’re ready for the event:
Bookmark the bidpal website and/or save the site on your phone’s home screen for easy bidding access: https://one.bidpal.net/briarwoodauction2024/browse/all.
Ensure you have a credit card associated to your bidpal account.
Pick your outfit! The attire is ‘cocktail’ and masquerade masks are definitely not required but could be fun (and you can purchase one, see #7 below!). Need some inspiration? There are some pictures with what past auction attendees have worn on the Briarwood Instagram account (2024 Auction highlight).
Preview the live auction trips and experiences! Strategize what you will bid on when the auctioneer is on stage. Who do you want to go to Puerto Vallarta, Oregon or Colorado with? What will you do to get that signed Travis Kelce jersey? There is much fun to be had!
Preview the outstanding list of silent auction items and set a ‘watch’ on your favorites!
Purchase your ‘Escape to Mexico’ raffle ticket!
Purchase a masquerade mask made by our Briarwood 4th-6th graders.
Set your reminder for Saturday, March 2nd at 6pm to purchase ‘tickets’ for the class and adult parties you and your kiddos want to attend.
Follow us at @briarwoodauction on Instagram to see more updates about the auction, where we’ll continue to post updates (including food and bar menus).
JOIN US! Check in starts on Saturday at 6pm with the live auction starting around 8 or 9pm, followed by a DJ and dancing around 10 until close at 11. But wait, you don’t have to go home after closing time! Head to Johnny’s Tavern in Corinth Square for the after party where 15% of proceeds will go back to Briarwood!
We are so excited to see you at the auction this year, it’s going to be so much fun! And remember, it’s all for our kids!
Makerspace Donations
Ms Martens is in need of supplies for the Makerspace. Below are items we need. Donations can be sent in with your student.
Pipe cleaners
Colorful duct tape
Cotton balls
Q Tips
Beads
Scotch tape
Playdoh
Googly eyes
Markers-washable any size
Washi tape
Straws
Popsicle sticks
Volunteers needed- Comanche Mobile Food Pantry
2024 dates: March 9, April 13 and May 11
Grad your family & friends and help our friends in the Comanche community. The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food primarily and is intended for families in need of emergency food assistance.
JOIN THE PTA!
Did you know that by simply purchasing a PTA membership, you are providing immediate financial support for our students and the Briarwood staff? Your membership helps fund additional activities and programs not covered by SMSD. Join now by clicking here!
The simple act of joining the PTA does NOT mean you are automatically registered to volunteer for any activities or programs. The PTA welcomes ALL volunteers, but we do not require anything of you. If you are interested in helping, we'd love to hear from you- Volunteer Interest Form.
DONT FORGET TO CREATE/UPDATE YOUR ONLINE DIRECTORY PROFILE
Get started today by visiting https://www.briarwoodpta.org, select “Directory”
- Update or create an account through Membership Toolkit. Once you update/create your account, you can decide what information is shared in the online directory, which is ONLY accessible to other BW registrants.
- Our directory will only be as useful as YOU make it. Please register to help us build a stronger community network for parents/caregivers and students.
- Download the Membership Toolkit app from the App Store or Google Play for on-the-go access.
Questions? Contact Karen Moore: karen.jeanne.moore@gmail.com
February Celebrations & Recognitions
Black History Month
Carter G Woodson, was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. Please check out the following links to learn more about Black History Month.
History.com: Black History Month
U.S. Government: Black History Month
ASALH.org: Black History Month
NMAAHC.com: Black History Month
February 10 — Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon)
February 11 – International Day of Women & Girls in Science February 12 – International Epilepsy Day
BRIARWOOD CORNERSTONE STANDARD’S MONTHLY THEME
Responsible Decision Making: Decision making/problem solving, Setting and achieving goals, Executive functioning
Great Reads & Recipes
Ready to Fly: How Slyvia Townsed Became the Bookmobile Ballerina - Ready to Fly is the true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl who falls in love with ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom. Although there aren’t many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet. Soon Sylvia learns how to fly—how to dance—and how to dare to dream.
When The Schools Shut Down - An awe-inspiring autobiographical picture book about a young African American girl who lived during the shutdown of public schools in Farmville, Virginia, following the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka.
Boycott Blues - Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney present a poignant, blues-infused tribute to the men and women of the Montgomery bus boycott, who refused to give up until they received justice. An essential read-aloud for librarians, teachers, and parents.
AROUND THE WORLD RECEIPIES
33 Innovative Recipes to Honor Black History Month
Since 2017, Black food bloggers and content creators have come together in collaboration with Food52 to celebrate the joyous occasion of Black History Month by contributing recipes to the Black History Month Virtual Potluck each year.
Support Black Owned KC Businesses
The opportunities to support KC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. Get started with the link featuring eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway. Then browse many more Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Kansas City area. For additional information on Black-owned businesses, vendors and resources in Kansas City, consult VisitKC partners at KC Black Owned or Black Privilege.
VOLUNTEER CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED
Please help Briarwood students get to school safely! The intersection at 86th and Juniper does not have a SMSD-staffed crossing guard; the school relies on volunteers. All volunteers are welcome, but if your student uses this intersection, please consider signing up once per month.
SHIFTS:
- 7:50 - 8:10 am (school starts at 8:10 a.m. for all grades)
- 3:05 - 3:20 (dismissal at 3:10 p.m. for all grades)
- 12:25 - 12:40 p.m. on half days (half-day dismissal is at 12:30 for all grades; half days are indicated on the sign-up calendar)
CROSSWALK RULES:
- Cars are not permitted to turn LEFT off 86th Street onto Juniper (you may have to remind drivers)
- Students must walk themselves and/or their bikes/scooters across the crosswalk
CROSSING GUARD DUTIES:
- Manage pedestrian and vehicle traffic for safe street crossing
- Remind students to follow street crossing rules
- Help control car and pedestrian traffic conditions
Thank you!
R & D Forum
The Shawnee Mission School District Research and Development Forum is coming in Spring 2024! This is one of the SMSD’s biggest events for the year. It features a Student Showcase and the Next Great Idea innovative pitch competition.
In this email:
* Information to get Started on A Next Great Idea application
* What is the R&D Forum?
* Apply for The Next Great Idea Pitch Competition
* Get Ready for the Student Showcase
* Key Dates
* Information to get Started on A Next Great Idea application
Students will have the chance to present an innovative idea for the chance to win prize money during this year’s Next Great Idea pitch competition.
An informational session will be held virtually:
Time, Date, Place 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 on WebEx
Who can enter: Any interested student in grades K-12
What: Hear about past winners and learn more about the process
How to Join: A link to the informational session can be found here.
What is the R&D Forum? 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. The event features student work in the areas of art, career and technical education, and science. This year will mark the 62nd annual R&D Forum! Shawnee Mission is grateful to the Regnier Family, who has supported the R&D Forum since it began.
Apply for the Next Great Idea Pitch Competition
Shawnee Mission is looking for student innovators with the Next Great Idea! Students are encouraged to enter in this year’s Next Great Idea competition as part of the SMSD R&D Forum. There is a chance to win cash awards and funding to advance the winner’s idea! Application information can be found on the district’s R&D webpage. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. Practice sessions with industry mentors will be scheduled for students who apply to compete.
Applicants chosen as finalists will pitch their Next Great Idea to a panel of judges during the morning of Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St.
Top awards are $2,500, of which $1,500 is awarded as a “build it” grant to help the winner make their idea a reality. A People’s Choice category, determined by public voters, will be awarded a $500 prize.
Student Showcase
The R&D Forum student showcase, with display-only and competitive exhibits, will be held from April 22-25. 2024. Students, families, and staff members are encouraged to enter student-created projects, experiments, research, or art projects to share in this district-wide event. Students entering competitive art, career and technical education, and science projects will be eligible for consideration for top awards, including the Regnier Award, which is given for work that goes above and beyond.
All submissions must be registered and information on how to register can be found online. The deadline to register for the showcase is March 29, 2024.
The final pitch competition and overall awards ceremony will be on April 27. The SMSD community is invited to take part in this year’s forum by attending open house reception events at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St. on April 23-25, 2024.
Key Dates
February 1, 2024 Informational Kickoff for Pitch Competition
March 1, 2024 Deadline to Apply for the Pitch Competition
March 18-March 25, 2024 Practice Sessions for the Pitch Competition
April 5, 2024 Final Pitch Application Due
April 22-25, 2024 Student Showcase Entries on Display at the Center for Academic Achievement
4 to 7 p.m. on April 23-25 Reception for entrants, families, and community members at the Center for Academic Achievement
(Morning) April 27, 2024 Next Great Idea Live Pitch Competition
(Afternoon) April 27, 2024 R&D Forum Award Ceremony
We are One Shawnee Mission and it is A Time to Shine!
SMAC PTA Legislative Update
Fully Fund Special Education- It's time to take action!
- Statewide shortfall for fiscal year 2024 is expected to be $173 million
- Districts must cover shortfall with funds meant for general education
- SMSD is moving $10 million in general education funds to cover the shortfall
ALL kids are impacted when money must be taken from general education funds. The State Board of Education, the Governor, and members of a Special Education Task Force have all endorsed similar plans to phase-in special education funding to get the state back to funding at the 92% level. Legislative leadership has yet to put forth a plan to fully fund SPED.
We need to put more pressure on members of the legislature to make fully funding SPED a priority in 2024.
Action Alert - click here to find a sample email to send to legislators. Share this with others and encourage them to do the same!
Read Across SMSD
Elementary
“Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement”
By Sandra Neil Wallace
Middle Grade
“We Are Your Children Too: Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America’s Schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia”
By P.O. Connell Pearson
Young Adult
Young Adult
“The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers): How Racism Hurts Everyone”
By Heather McGhee
NOW AVAILABLE: SMORE TRANSLATION
- On the right side of the newsletter, a bar will appear with the Translation feature.
- Click on the Translation bar then click on the Select Language button.
- Choose your language of choice from the drop-down menu of languages and click close. The newsletter will now be translated.
En el lado derecho de la pagina, aparecerá una barra con la función de traducción. Haga clic en la barra de traducción y luego haga clic en el botón Seleccionar idioma. Elija español en el menú desplegable de idiomas y haga clic en cerrar. El boletín ahora se traducirá.
GET SOCIAL - Connect With Us Online!
Website: https://www.briarwoodpta.org/
Twitter: @BriarwoodElem
Instagram: @BriarwoodBulldogs
Facebook: facebook.com/BriarwoodBulldogs
Grade-level Facebook Groups (private):
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2030 (6th grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2031 (5th grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2032 (4th grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2033 (3rd grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2034 (2nd Grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2035 (1st Grade)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2036 (Kindergarten)
Briarwood Elementary Class of 2037 (NEW- incoming Kindergarten!!)
2023-24 PTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Co-Presidents:
Deana Curtin • deanacurtin@gmail.com
Ashley Hunt • ashleyhunt910@gmail.com
President-Elect:
Rachel Wymore • rla08@hotmail.com
VP Administration:
Heather Rowe • hgreenlaw_01@yahoo.com
VP Communications:
Terra Snyder • walker_terra@hotmail.com
VP Community Events:
Kristin McClasky • Kdp1202@gmail.com
VP Student Services:
Susan Jarrold • susan.jarrold@gmail.com
VP Funding:
Jessica Becker • jessica.becker85@gmail.com
VP Finance:
Denise Wheeler • denisetompkins@mac.com
Treasurer:
Michelle Wiens mwiens678@gmail.com
Secretary:
Diana Beckman • dianalbeckman@gmail.com
Briarwood Foundation:
Valerie Moeder • ValerieLMoeder@gmail.com
Diversity & Inclusion Chair:
Craig Dawson • craigdawson@icloud.com