Important Numbers
Main Office – 993-7800
Student Services Office – 993-7830
Attendance Hotline – 993-7845 Please call this number to report an absence
Spanish Interpreter – 993-7840
Oficina Principal – 993-7800
Oficina de Los Consejeros – 993-7830
Línea de Asistencia 24 horas al día – 993-7845 Por favor,
Intérprete de español – 993-7840
Attendance
You can leave a message at anytime. Staff listens to messages and processes them in the order that they are received, so it is suggested to allow at least 30 minutes of time before you need your student released.
Students need to stay in their class until the pass is delivered to them.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Gracias a aquellos de ustedes que están llamando a la línea de asistencia al 993-7845 para reportar una ausencia.
Puede dejar un mensaje en cualquier momento. El personal escucha los mensajes y los procesa en el orden en que se reciben, por lo que se sugiere que permita al menos 30 minutos de tiempo antes de que necesite liberar a su estudiante.
Los estudiantes deben permanecer en su clase hasta que se les entregue el pase.
Gracias por su cooperación.
Bell Schedule
Below you will find an image of our Bell Schedule.
-Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 7:40am-2:40pm school day.
-Thursdays are Late Start Thursdays 8:40-2:40 school day.
Busses run normally on late start days - there is no change in the pick up times on late start days.
Students will arrive to school and will be directed to go to the bridge, the gym or the cafeteria until the 8:30 bell rings. All students will then be released to their 2nd block classes that will begin at 8:40am.
Important Upcoming Dates
10/14 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day
10/15 - Odd Block Schedule
10/16 - All Class Schedule (10th and 11th - National Testing option - all other students regular schedule)
10/16 - Parent Teacher Conferences 5-8pm
10/17 - Late Start /Even Block Schedule
10/18 - No School for Students - Conferences
10/21 - Odd Block Schedule
10/21 - PTSA Meeting 6:30pm.
10/22 - Even Block Schedule
10/23 - All Block Schedule
10/24 - Even Block Schedule
10/25 - Odd Block Schedule
10/28 - Yearbook Photo Retakes
10/31 - Safe Trick-or-Treat 6-7:30pm (West student leaders will organize and implement for elementary students in our feeder pattern.
Our SM West calendar is linked in the smswest.smsd.org website under "Calendar."
Adjusted Bell Schedule
Please see our adjusted bell schedule
Week of 10/14-10/18:
Mon: No students (teacher professional learning)
Tues: Odd block
Wed: All-period day (PSAT, Junior ACT, etc.)
All students are expected to be in attendance for the entire school day.
Some of our students have signed up to take the PSAT or a Pre-ACT test. They will complete this test in the morning and then have regular class the rest of the day.
Wed evening - parent/teacher conferences
Thurs: Even block
Friday: No students (Parent/teacher conferences)
End of Quarter Parent Updates and Resources for Student Grades:
In addition to end-of-quarter parent/teacher conferences taking place, the end of quarter 1 is a great time to ensure our parents/guardians are caught up on all communication and aware of all avenues to stay up-to-date with how your student is progressing.
Although a quarter grade is assigned, only a student’s semester grades count toward graduation requirements, GPA, eligibility, etc. at the high school level. Therefore, this is a great time to plan for any adjustments that are necessary moving into 2nd quarter to ensure semester grade success.
Here are a few ways you can support your student:
Check Canvas regularly to stay up to date on grades.
Check out directions on how to become a parent observer in Canvas to stay up-to-date with grades.
Canvas hosts grades that are most up-to-date. Although Skyward is our official grade database, so it’s important you check there periodically, Canvas is - in most scenarios - going to contain the most up-to-date information for student grades.
If your student is currently unsuccessful in their coursework - even if only in one course - encourage them to do the following:
Contact their teacher about their progress in class to problem solve pathways to success.
Ensure all make-up work is completed and turned in. Find missing work on Canvas.
Encourage your student to visit their teacher during a seminar travel time on Tuesday or Thursday even block days.
Encourage your student to attend SAIL tutoring each Wednesday and Thursday after school. Students must check into the cafeteria by 2:50 p.m. A late bus is available for any student that attends SAIL who resides in the West attendance boundaries - even for those students within the 2 mile radius of the school.
Updates District Updates To Automated Attendance Phone Calls
In order to inform parents of daily unexcused absences, the district utilizes automated calling based on attendance in Skyward. This fall, in taking steps to improve communication related to student attendance, we updated the calling system. Calls are made at 11AM and 4PM for any student absences that are unexcused in the Skyward System at the time the system is set to call.
Please note that if you receive a call and have previously left a message on the school attendance line, you do not need to call again and may disregard the automated call.
If you receive a call and did not call in to excuse the absence for your child, we ask that you do contact the school so we can communicate on a plan to support your child’s attendance.
Updates to Course Change Procedures for 2nd Semester:
Beginning January of 2025, there will be a 3-week window for class adjustments. Beyond that cut-off date, there will be no course drops, adds, etc. - this includes for lab assistants, and/or cadets. Our school counselors will continue to have a required form that will need to be completed to request a course add/drop, but we want to ensure forward communication to our community on this new procedure.
All course add/drop requests will need to be completed by the end of the school-day, Friday, January 24.
Graduation Updates
-Important Dates for Seniors:
Deadline for ordering Graduation Announcements, Cap/Gowns, and other items is Wednesday Oct. 16th. Please use this like for your order:
Please remember, the only REQUIRED item is the cap/gown/tassel/stole unit which is $35 and will be shipped to SM West in May.
Families and students should review the Important Information Page :
Important Information - English version
Important Information - Spanish version
Seniors need to complete the google form:
GRADUATION GOOGLE FORM
Parents/guardians - complete your order from Josten’s.
Please watch the short “How To” order video for important information on how to order graduation products!
HOW TO VIDEO: https://teamjostens.com/smw
ONLY REQUIRED PURCHASE IS THE CAP/GOWN/STOLE/TASSEL - $35
Please view these instructions on how to order JUST the CAP/GOWN UNIT
Senior Sizzle Monthly Parking Spot
We are happy to announce the SMW Senior Sizzle October Parking Spot winners are Grace Gifford and Mallory Leib! Congratulations!
The NOVEMBER Senior Sizzle Parking Spot Raffle is NOW OPEN. The two parking spots are by the band/orchestra rooms with a Senior Sizzle parking sign. Anyone can purchase lottery tickets for their SMW student that has a SMW parking pass. Each raffle ticket is $5. Just scan the QR code. The money raised goes to support Senior Sizzle, a drug-and alcohol-free celebration for our seniors as they graduate high school.
Two names will be drawn on October 30th, and the winners can pick up their November parking pass from the office on October 31st. Your student can park in the prime parking spot the entire month of November!"
Panorama Survey
Summary Information for Parents/Guardians:
This school year (2024-2025) the Shawnee Mission School District is once again utilizing the Panorama Social-Emotional Learning survey to assess student’s perseverance, grit, determination, school culture and student-teacher relationships. The Panorama Social-Emotional survey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete and will be administered during the first semester. The SMW survey is scheduled for October 22, 2024. Parents/Guardians must consent for their student(s) to participate in the Panorama survey; this would have been done during the 24-25 registration process. Survey data will be reviewed at the district and classroom level to determine areas of strength, as well as areas where more instruction and/or support is needed. Once survey results are returned, parents/guardians are welcome to see and discuss the results with their students’ teachers, social workers, and counselors. Sample survey questions can be found here and here.
We encourage you to visit the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) website to learn more about how Social Emotional Learning benefits your child and their environment. All data is maintained by SMSD and will remain confidential. Please visit this site for more information about the Panorama SEL survey.
Información para padres/tutores - Español:
Este año escolar (2024-2025) el Distrito Escolar de Shawnee Mission está utilizando la Encuesta Panorama de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional para evaluar la perseverancia, la determinación, la cultura escolar y las relaciones entre estudiantes y maestros. La encuesta Panorama Social-Emocional tarda aproximadamente 30 a 45 minutos en completarse. La primera ventana de la encuesta está programada del 14 de octubre al 15 de noviembre de 2024. Los padres/tutores deben dar su consentimiento para que sus estudiantes participen en la encuesta Panorama; esto se habría hecho durante el proceso de registro 24-25.
Los datos de la encuesta se revisarán a nivel de distrito y salón de clases para determinar las áreas de fortaleza, así como las áreas donde se necesita más instrucción y / o apoyo. Una vez que se devuelven los resultados de la encuesta, los padres / tutores pueden ver y discutir los resultados con los maestros, trabajadores sociales y consejeros de sus estudiantes. Se pueden encontrar ejemplos de preguntas de la encuesta aquí: here y aquí: here.
Le recomendamos que visite el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del Estado de Kansas (KSDE) para obtener más información sobre cómo el Aprendizaje Social Emocional beneficia a su hijo/a y su entorno: https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-Character-Development-Standards-Assessment-and-Instruction.
Mural Project
Shawnee Mission West High school is embarking on the greatest art project: changing the mural. We want your input! Please share stories and ideas (and even your own art!) here.
Proyecto Mural
La escuela secundaria Shawnee Mission West se embarca en el mayor proyecto artístico: cambiar el mural. ¡Queremos tu opinión! Comparte historias e ideas (¡e incluso tu propio arte!) aquí.
Performance Arts Newsletter
Thank you for supporting quality arts programs in our schools.
To paraphrase the leader of Foreigner, Mike Coppola said music and the arts can take you around the world, taking you backward and forward in time. The arts help expand the beautiful young minds of (SMSD) students.
Please enjoy the newsletter. October Newsletter
Read Across America
The fourth season of Read Across SMSD begins soon!
This district-wide celebration of reading is brought to all of our schools through the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) working in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.
Soon, Read Across SMSD books will begin to be delivered to SMSD libraries. Click here for more information about how you and your students can engage throughout the year in Read Across SMSD!
Read Across SMSD models reading for all ages and across the district. It supports district academic goals and our district Strategic Plan belief that our community’s strength is derived from its diversity. It’s an opportunity for all of us to celebrate stories and cultivate a culture of belonging for every student. We look forward to your participation as we Read Across SMSD!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences are:
Wednesday, October 16:
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in West HS Cafeteria, main gym, and auxiliary gym.
Open, 5-10 minute conferences & check-ins with staff.
Friday, October 18:
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Skyward-scheduled conferences in West HS teacher classrooms (maps available on site).
Scheduled, 15 minute conferences, pre
Staff lunch break from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. where no conferences will be scheduled.
If you plan to visit parent teacher conferences on Friday, 10/18, please follow the simple and specific directions contained in this slides presentation to sign up for specific teacher conference time slots.
Although we will still take walk-in conferences on Friday, there may be significant delays and/or lack of availability for some teachers due to their pre-scheduled Skyward conferences. You can begin signing up for teacher conference time slots at your convenience from now until conferences.
Conferencias de Padres y Maestros
Las conferencias de Padres y Maestros son:
1. Miércoles 16 de octubre:
a. 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. en la Cafetería de West HS, el Gimnasio Principal y el Gimnasio Auxiliar.
b. Conferencias abiertas de 5 a 10 minutos y registros con el personal.
2. Viernes 18 de octubre:
a. 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Conferencias-programadas en Skyward en las aulas de maestros de West HS ( tendremos mapas disponibles )
b. Conferencias, programadas por 15 minutos
c. Almuerzo del personal de 10:30 a 11:30 a.m. donde no se programarán conferencias.
Si planea asistir a las Conferencias de Padres y Maestros el viernes 10/18, siga las instrucciones simples y específicas contenidas en esta presentación de diapositivas para agendarla en los espacios disponibles específicos de la conferencia de maestros.
Aunque todavía tendremos conferencias sin cita previa el viernes, podría haber retrasos significativos y / o falta de disponibilidad para algunos Maestros debido a sus conferencias programadas previamente por Skyward. Puede comenzar a hacer la cita en los horarios de las conferencias de maestros a su conveniencia desde ahora hasta el día de las conferencias.
Cualquier duda o pregunta comuníquese con Claudia Shriner Spanish Intérprete SMW HS teléfono 913-993-7840 o e-mail claudiashriner@smsd.org
Estimados Padres y Tutores,
¡Espero que se encuentren bien! Nos complace recordarles que nuestras próximas Conferencias de Padres y Maestros están a la vuelta de la esquina.
Les informamos que la señorita Allen es la Consejera Universitaria, estará disponible durante las Conferencias el Miércoles 16/Oct y Viernes 18/Oct para comunicarse con las familias y ayudar con respecto al último año de su estudiante de secundaria. Ya sea que tenga preguntas sobre solicitudes universitarias, ayuda financiera o planes posteriores a la graduación, ¡nuestra Asesora está aquí para ayudarle!
Le sugerimos a que aproveche esta oportunidad para conectarse y hablar de cualquier inquietud que pueda tener. ¡Esperamos verlos en las Conferencias!
Saludos,
Aubreigh Allen
College Advisor
Teléfono: 913-993-7841
e-mail: aubreighallen@smsd.org
Transportation - DS Bus Lines - ROSTER CHECK
Dear Parents/Guardians,
During the week of October 7th, DS Bus Lines, the district’s transportation service provider, will implement roster checks in order to verify accurate counts of riders registered and receiving transportation services. For any student riders not yet registered for transportation, please note that parents will be contacted by school offices to arrange alternative (parent provided) transportation.
To arrange bus transportation for your child, please contact DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190.
Thank you!
Blake Revelle, Principal
Estimados padres / tutores,
Durante la semana del 7 de octubre, el proveedor de servicios de transporte del distrito DS Bus Lines, implementará controles de lista para verificar los números exactos de los estudiantes inscritos y que reciben servicios de transporte. Tenga en cuenta que para cualquier estudiante que aún no se haya registrado para el transporte, las oficinas de la escuela se comunicarán con los padres para organizar el transporte alternativo (proporcionado por los padres).
Para organizar el transporte en autobús para su hijo, comuníquese con DS Bus Lines al 913-384-1190.
¡Gracias!
Sign up for Textcaster Alerts here to receive text messages when a bus is delayed more than 10 minutes. This is very convenient during times of bad weather.
Contact DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190 with any questions.
El pago debe ser recibido antes del 22 de julio de 2024 para recibir el descuento.
Regístrese aquí para recibir alertas deTextcaster Alerts here para recibir mensajes de texto cuando un autobús se retrase más de 10 minutos. Esto es muy conveniente en tiempos de mal tiempo..
Comuníquese con DS Bus Lines al 913-384-1190 si tiene alguna pregunta.
Picture Retakes
Inter-State Studios will be onsite at SM West on Monday, Oct. 28th for picture retakes. If your student was absent for the original picture days and needs to have a photo taken, or if you were wanting a new picture taken, please have your student report to the library at some point on this date.
PTSA Senior Scholarships
Seniors - PTSA has a set aside some money to provide seniors with scholarships for their post high school schooling. Only seniors that are PTSA members are eligible and you must apply for the scholarship .
Application: SM West PTSA Senior Scholarship Document 2024-2025-application check off.pdf
If you/your student is planning on taking the ACT this year, then you might be interested in the Power Prep Program.
Positive Change
Hey West Students!
In order to make a positive change to our school climate and culture, SMW staff is rolling out prizes for students who get caught doing something positive! There are lots of ways to get caught, in and outside of class. Students will earn a certificate and their name in a drawing for a major prize. Let’s get caught doing something positive!
Notes from Nurse:
If you received an email about needed immunizations, please get the vaccines completed and the record from your provider to the Nurses Office by October 16th, 2024.
JCDHE is hosting an immunization clinic for the following:
7th and 11th graders who need:
Tdap
MCV
· Any student needing Hepatitis A
Friday, October 11 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Olathe office. Students are not in school this day.
You can send the immunization record in with your student to turn into the Nurses Office or email them to amyhall356@smsd.org
We will be doing Vision Screening for the Sophomores on Monday November 4th, 2024. Please let the nurse know if you would like to opt your student out of the screening.
Tell your neighbors/friends..... There is an upcoming SM West Cheer Camp.
Senior Sizzle Fundraiser
The Flock is back! Where will they land? For only $20, you can pick where they should land! Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior? The Flamingos are not picky!
For $100, you can buy Flock Insurance to ensure they won't land at your house!
Proceeds support the Class of 2025 Senior Sizzle Grad Night.
Donate to Send the Flock: https://smwest.givebacks.com/store/items/1078138
Yearbook Information and Senior Tribute Orders
Yearbook orders and senior tribute orders
FOR ALL PARENTS- yearbook orders
Make sure you have reserved your student’s copy of the 2025 Saga yearbook! Yearbooks are $55 and you can pay with your school fees, or you can order online HERE. After Feb. 14, the price will increase to $70, and they will be available on a first-come, first-serve until we run out. Order now if you would like to be guaranteed a yearbook!
Yearbooks will be distributed in May.
FOR SENIOR PARENTS- senior tribute ads
As the parent of a senior, you have the special opportunity to place a congratulatory tribute for your son or daughter in the 2025 yearbook. Even though the book doesn’t come out until May, now is the time to prepare your senior tribute.
Click HERE to find detailed information about ordering your senior tribute. Deadline for the Early Bird price is Friday, Oct. 4 and for the regular price is Friday, Nov. 1. You can order and pay for tributes HERE.
Elementary school groups are part of the senior ad section. A student or parent from that school should coordinate taking a photo, collecting the money and paying for the tribute.
Parents and students will receive a proof from Inter-State Studio via email with ordering information.You do not have to order pictures to be included in the yearbook.
Retakes for all grades will be Oct. 28.
Parking at SM West
Parking Stickers are available to be picked up NOW at the front security office from Officer Lanning. Students should bring the completed Parking Registration Form as well as proof of purchase of the parking pass through fee payment portal.
Students are encouraged to visit the officer before or after school as well as during passing periods.
Sticker should be placed on the inside of the back car window in the lower left corner. Please read all guidelines for parking and be aware of all of the guidelines.
Permit applications can be picked up in the front office or use this link to print one for you to complete:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uj-Dy6QXVKz7IVynOCzhMe655PqQiCsl/view?usp=sharing
Technology and MacBook Help
If your student has an issue with technology we ask that you FIRST try to do some independent problem solving.
1) Try going to the SM West Website to look at the Technology Rescue Site. This google site has many solutions that students can do at home to problem solve their tech issues.
2) Go to the "Lifesaver" icon on your browser bar. This takes you to the SMSD Help Desk to complete a Help request.
3) BE PATIENT. Please wait for a staff member to call you down to the library for assistance. Please be assured that staff are working very hard to meet the needs of all of our students.
Español:
El 16 de agosto, el personal y los voluntarios distribuyeron MacBooks a los estudiantes. Si su estudiante no recibió un MacBook, por favor sea paciente. Nuestro personal de tecnología está trabajando continuamente para resolver problemas y solucionar problemas técnicos para que todos los estudiantes tengan un MacBook que funcione.
Si su estudiante tiene un problema con la tecnología, le pedimos que PRIMERO intente resolver algunos problemas de forma independiente.
1) Intente ir al sitio web de SM West para ver el sitio de Technology Rescue Site (Rescate de tecnología). Este sitio de Google tiene muchas soluciones que los estudiantes pueden hacer en casa para resolver sus problemas de tecnología.
2) Ve al icono "Salvavidas" en la barra de tu navegador. Esto te llevará al Servicio de ayuda de SMSD para completar una solicitud de ayuda.
3) SEA PACIENTE. Espere a que un miembro del personal lo llame a la biblioteca para pedir ayuda. Tenga la seguridad de que el personal está trabajando muy duro para satisfacer las necesidades de todos nuestros estudiantes.