August 20, 2024 Newsletter
August 20, 2024
We are Back!
Briarwood Families,
You could feel the excitement that the first day of school and the beginning of the school year brings! Not even a little rain could keep us down. I hope we can keep that day 1 feeling all school year long! One of my goals this year is to be ridiculously positive as we work together to help each student reach their full potential. The students have been doing a fantastic job following the B.A.R.K. (Be Safe, Act Responsibly, Respect Self and Others, Kindness to All) expectations! I am proud of our Bulldog students. We are looking forward to welcoming parents to Back to School Night this week. The key to our success starts with the relationships we build with our students and families. I encourage you to check out some of the beginning of the school year highlights on my twitter account, https://twitter.com/Bulldogs512. B.A.R.K. On Bulldog Nation! Please review the school calendar and important school news below.
When you join the Briarwood PTA, you're not committing your time to volunteer or attend meetings. You’re providing a one-time donation for PTA-organized activities and programs for our students, and you’re gaining access to the school directory (hello, playdates!) while allowing us to communicate directly with you about upcoming events and initiatives. If volunteering is your thing, we’d absolutely love to have you!
Ready to knock out some first-of-the-year steps?
Complete or update your school directory information
Connect with the PTA
Purchase your Yearbook(s)
Questions? Contact Karen Moore: karen.jeanne.moore@gmail.com
Your donations to The Briarwood Foundation enhance our school’s ability to create rich educational experiences for all students. The money raised goes to grants requested by our principal, teachers, and staff to fund programs and supplies not provided by federal, state, school district or PTA budgets.
By supporting our foundation, you’re not just contributing to a single event; you’re joining us in creating a lasting legacy.
Click on the sponsorship form below to take the first step towards this exciting partnership. For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to Valerie Moeder at valeriemoeder@gmail.com. She is ready to assist you with any inquiries and provide you with any further details you might need.
Great Reads
Many kids might be feeling anxious about going back to school after a long summer break. Others may feel nervous about starting school for the first time. Parents/guardians can help ease the transition back to school by being able to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety and implementing some creative strategies.
Around The World Recipes
Volunteers Needed - SMAC Clothing Exchange
The Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Clothing exchange offers gently used clothing and shoes from infant to adult sizes. The exchange is a free service open to those who live within the SMSD boundaries. Donations are made possible by SMSD residents.
The Clothing Exchange is 100% volunteer staffed. Please consider volunteering today and reach out to Ashley Hunt at ashleyhunt910@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.
Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA (SMAC) Clothing Exchange is located at the Shawnee Mission School District Early Childhood Education Center at 6701 W. 83rd Street Overland Park, Kansas 66204. Entrance in the back - Door # 7
Website: https://www.smac-pta.org/
Briarwood and SMSD are excited to introduce PurposeFull People in classrooms this year. This program equips students with skills for success in school and life.
Briarwood is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning environment with strong connections between students, teachers, and peers. PurposeFull People fosters these connections and supports students in overcoming challenges both in and out of school. It’s more than just lessons—it's a partnership with families to help students feel they belong and develop essential skills.
PurposeFull People focuses on three main goals: Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well.
- Be Kind: Social skills like listening, friendship, solving conflicts, and leadership.
- These skills are taught alongside Empathy, Respect, & Cooperation
- Be Strong: Skills that help students focus, stay organized, and set goals.
- These skills are taught alongside Responsibility, Courage, & Perseverance
- Be Well: Skills that help students handle their emotions and deal with stress.
- These skills are taught alongside Gratitude, Honesty, & Creativity
The path forward is full of growth! We cannot wait to partner with you in this work…
- To teach students how to build strong friendships
- To work together to solve problems, big and small
- To grow skills for life
- To become PurposeFull People
Any questions please contact Briarwood's Social Worker Cassie Horn via email at casiehorn@smsd.org
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!
