IHMS Weekly News
August 6-13, 2021
Upcoming IHMS Events
08/09: Volleyball parent meeting- IH Cafeteria: 6:00 p.m.
08/10: IHMS family engagement #1: Ice cream social - 4:30-6:30 p.m.
08/13: All students report (grades 7 and 8)
08/17: Picture day - all students and staff
08/17: Cross country parent meeting - IH Cafeteria: 7:00 p.m.
09/06: Labor Day - no school
09/17: Teacher professional development day - no school
09/21: IHMS family engagement night #2 - Navigating middle school + suicide awareness/prevention - 4:30-6:30 p.m.
10/01: Knights' Walk (annual PTA fund raiser)
10/20: IHMS parent/teacher conferences - 5:00-8:00 p.m.
10/22: IHMS parent/teacher conferences - 8:05-4:05 p.m.
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Section 1: Important IHMS Information
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SMSD Mask Update
Please note that the SMSD Board of Education voted Thursday evening (8/5) to adopt universal masking for all SMSD employees and students until further notice. Please tune into a replay of the BOE meeting here for more information.
What does this mean for my IH student?
Our goal is for our students to remain in school for the entirety of the 21-22 school year. The decision to adopt universal masking until further notice will result in the following procedures at IHMS:
- Students, teachers, and school personnel will wear masks throughout the school day.
- Masks must meet COVID-19 protection requirements (e.g. no masks with vents/exhalation valves). See mask guidance here.
- Masks are required for all children and adults until such a time as all students have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated and community transmission levels decrease.
- Refusal to wear a mask, or consistent inappropriate mask-wearing by a student, may result in school disciplinary measures.
- Individuals do not need to mask when outdoors.
- Students in lunch will be allowed to unmask while eating.
- ALL bus riders must wear a mask when riding on a school bus.
Individuals are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms of illness. Individuals who are ill should stay home.
- External building visitors must wear masks.
- SMSD will maintain a COVID-19 dashboard for positive cases located on the district’s website.
- Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be excluded for 10 days (excused absence) from the onset of symptoms or a positive test per JCDHE exclusion guidelines and K.S.A. 65-122.
- Anyone experiencing COVID like illness will be excluded from school/work as follows:
○ Excluded for 10 days (excused absence) OR
○ Providing documentation of a negative PCR test OR
○ Alternative diagnosis from a physician per JCDHE exclusion guidelines and K.S.A. 65-122.
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IHMS Arrival & Dismissal Information
Students arrive from 8:20-8:40 a.m. Class begins each day at 8:45 a.m. Anyone who arrives prior to 8:20 a.m. will remain unsupervised outside of the building (regardless of weather), so please ensure that you do not drop your student prior to 8:20 a.m.
- Bus Rider Instructions (masks on buses required):
Buses will immediately drop students in the front loop (off of Mission Rd.) and students will enter the building through the front doors. Students will proceed immediately to Knight Time or to breakfast in the cafeteria. - Car Rider Instructions:
All car rider students can be dropped in the south car loop off of Delmar or the fire station loop off of 63rd. For more information, please check the map below. Car riders will continue to arrive and immediately report to their Knight Time classroom or to breakfast in the cafeteria. - Bikers/Walkers:
Students who ride their bikes or walk to school should plan on showing up after 8:20 a.m. each day. Although the bike rack is located in the front circle, bike riders/walkers can gain entrance at any open location (main, south, or fire station entrances).
Student Dismissal: (3:45-3:55 p.m.)
- Bus Rider Instructions (masks on buses required):
Bus riders will be released from class at 3:45 p.m. with all other IHMS students. Each day, there will be a posted bus sign board with the bus locations and numbers for students. Buses will depart from IHMS each day at 3:52 - giving students 7 minutes to move from their final class of the day to the bus. - Car Rider Instructions:
All car rider students must be picked up from the south car loop off of Delmar or from the fire station loop off of 63rd. In the south lot, please continue to move forward through the car loop - even if you are stopped on Delmar. If you are picking up in the fire station lot, please ensure that you keep the car line moving, and that you do not block in the bus drivers that need to access to pick up students in that lot. - Bikers/Walkers
Bikers and walkers can exit the building through any IHMS door, but they must vacate the property by 3:55 p.m. or access our Academic Learning Lab (A.L.L.)
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IHMS Ice Cream Social: August 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Masks Required)
If you are unable to attend the ice cream social on August 10, much of the information will be shared digitally after the event.
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Updated Knight Initiation Information - August 12 and 13
August 12 Knight Initiation: ONLY NEED A PENCIL/PEN
- 8:45-3:45 p.m. ALL 7th grade students
- 12:00-2:00 p.m. 8th grade students who are new-to-IHMS (attendance is optional)
- 12:00-2:00 p.m. 8th grade students who were remote learners for the entire 20-21 school year (attendance is optional)
During Knight initiation on August 12, students will learn how to navigate everything from IHMS hallways, schedules, and lockers to classroom, lunch, and academic/behavioral expectations.
8th graders planning to attend on August 12 (categories 2 and 3 above) will have an abbreviated initiation time frame (12:00-2:00 p.m.). We recognize that this may cause a shift in some family drop-off and pick-up plans, and we apologize in advance. The shift to a 12:00-2:00 p.m. time frame allows us to dedicate the necessary personnel and resources to ensure a fun and differentiated day 1 experience for your incoming 8th grade student.
August 13 Knight Initiation: BRING ALL SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- ALL IHMS students
During Knight initiation on August 13, students will learn how Knights act with HONOR (Honesty, Optimism, Neighborly, On Task, Respectful/Responsible), and we will tackle what it takes to be a Knight.
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Technology To-dos
All students and guardians will need to complete the Skyward online verification. If possible, please complete the online verification from a home device as soon as possible. If a home device is unavailable, students may complete it during the first days of school once they have their Macbook. Students have a separate account than their guardian.
The username for a student Skyward account is their student ID (number only). If a student does not know their Skyward password, they may click the “forgot password” link from the Skyward homepage.
The password reset link will be sent to the student Gmail account. If a student does not know their Google password, they may request a password reset at https://bit.ly/GoogleReset2021
See more MacBook rollout information later in this newsletter.
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IHMS Picture Day: 08/17/2021
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Student Schedules Now Live
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Volleyball Information
Knights volleyball is open to 7th and 8th grade girls. Volleyball is a no cut sport, but there will be two divisions: competitive and instructional. The competitive division will have 3 competitive teams that will practice Monday-Friday and travel to other Shawnee Mission Middle Schools to play games. The instructional league will meet approximately twice a week to work on skills and game play in a camp type model.
The last week of Instructional League there will be an in school tournament. Tryouts for these divisions will start on August 16. In order to participate, players must have their athletic forms completed in Skyward and a current Physical and Concussion form turned into the office by August 12. The link to physical and concussion paperwork can be found here https://indianhills.smsd.org/activities-athletics. There will be an informational meeting for parents and players on August 9 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Indian Hills Cafeteria.
Here is a link to the Indian Hills Volleyball Website: https://sites.google.com/smsd.org/knights-volleyball/home.
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Section 2: Still Relevant From Previous Weeks
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IHMS Summer Welcome and Information Packet
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Fee Payment - Due by August 11
This will be the fourth year we will not host a formal on-site fee payment day. Everything required for the start of school can now be done online and at your convenience.
This does not mean that you cannot still pay fees in person. Although fee payment online is highly recommended for its ease, you are still able to either mail a check and/or pay fees in the school office during summer office hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) any day between July 27 and August 11, 2021. Details can be found below:
Online fee payment: Navigate to www.smsd.org, hover over the “Parents & Students” tab, and click the link entitled “Pay Fees Online.”
Please complete online fee payment after July 27, 2021.
After clicking the above link you will be directed to the district’s E-Funds for Schools site. If you are a new user, you will need to register first before you can view fees or make a payment. If you are an existing user, log in and you will be taken to the payment screen.
Cash/Check fee payment: If you would rather pay by cash or check, there is a form later in this packet that, when completed and returned, allows you to pay your fees by mail.
Completed forms and checks should be sent to: Indian Hills: 6400 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
Even if you are planning to pay by cash or check, you will still need to go to the fee payment website in order to find out your child’s elective course fees.
Please mail fees paid by cash or check on or after July 27, 2021. School offices do not open until this date.
Additional Information regarding fee payment:
You have the capability of paying all fees online with a credit card. If at all possible, we strongly recommend you pay fees online to save yourself time.
Online payment will be available after July 27, 2021. Please wait until after this date to pay fees online. Reminders and tips for fee payment will be consistently communicated, but there is no on-site fee payment day at Indian Hills. Instead, on-site fee payment can be done at your convenience during office hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F) from July 27 – August 11, 2021.
Cash/Check payment is available to parents, but it is recommended that parents wait to mail their payment until after the school office reopens on July 27, 2021. Although the school will continue to receive mail during the summer, your cash/check will accumulate with other mail received. It will not be processed until the school office reopens on July 27, 2021.
All fees, including elective course fees, must be paid before we issue your child’s MacBook.
Fees are due by August 11, 2021. All fees should be paid, or a payment plan should be established, prior to the first day of school. Contact IHMS bookkeeper Veronica Rodriguez - veronicarodriguez@smsd.org - with any school fee payment questions.
If you have specific circumstances that require consideration (KanCare, payment plan, free/reduced qualification, etc.), please contact IHMS bookkeeper Veronica Rodriguez - veronicarodriguez@smsd.org
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21-22 PTA Membership: Please Join Us!
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Updated MacBook Rollout Information
Every middle school student will be issued a MacBook at the beginning of the school year. The MacBook is a powerful learning tool, but for middle school students, it automatically incurs a major responsibility to take care of the device, and to appropriately use the device in all situations. Pertinent details regarding MacBooks can be found below:
MacBook deployment dates are: 7th grade: August 12. 8th grade: August 13.
All students and parents are required to complete the Skyward online verification. If student and parent online verification has not been completed by August 16 and 17, the school will hold your student’s MacBook until the online verification process has been completed by both student and parent.
All students will go through a MacBook Boot Camp that explicitly teaches MacBook care, handling, usage, digital citizenship, etc.
MacBooks should be charged to 100% at home each evening.
Replacement/damage costs for MacBooks are as follows:
1st damaged device: $100.00
2nd damaged device: $150.00
3rd and subsequent device damage: Actual cost of repair/replacement.
Accessories and parts that do not carry a warranty are charged at actual replacement cost.
A damaged charger incurs a $79.00 fee.
Stolen device: Proof of theft, such as a filed police report, must be provided to prevent being charged the replacement cost of the device. A damaged device fee may still be incurred. If proof of theft cannot be supplied, the student will incur the full replacement cost of the device.
Lost device: A lost device will incur the replacement cost of the device.
How can we manage our student’s MacBook at home?
As is the case with any device, proper device monitoring is a must. Although you do not have administrative rights on the device to install additional monitoring software, there are some best-practices that we recommend you adopt as a parent:
Apple has integrated new iCloud and family sharing permissions through use of the “Screen Time” functionality built into your Apple ID and “family sharing.” This additional layer of control and security is recommended for all families interested in additional controls beyond the district’s Lightspeed content filter. Google “Screen Time for Apple” for more information.
Remind your student (and yourself) that the device is property of The Shawnee Mission School District. Anything that is searched or done on the device is subject to The Shawnee Mission School District Acceptable Use Policy: IIBF.
Create a common and visible spot at home for schoolwork and MacBook usage at home (not in the student’s room). Do not allow students to have their MacBooks unattended for long periods of time.
Monitor iMessage and GChat usage on the MacBook. Always monitor all social media accounts.
Do not allow your student to take his/her MacBook into their room at night. Create a common space for devices to be charged each night.
Keep track of the device’s wear and tear throughout the year. Ensure that your student is taking proper care of the device.
If you have specific concerns about your student’s MacBook usage, the school can help. Please contact IHMS administration for help/support.
What does my student do if they have a technical problem with their MacBook?
We’ve put together a series of self-help procedures to encourage students to problem solve prior to seeking help from IT. The majority of student computer issues we see can be solved with a simple device restart. This self-help poster provides simple solutions to some other common problems. Students who are unable to resolve their problem can submit a help-desk ticket using the orange life-saver on the MacBook application bar, or by accessing the IT Support Website.=============================================
Mandatory Annual Online Verification
Back-to-school forms (Online Verification Forms) are now online, and they need to be reviewed and signed with an electronic signature. They include permission forms, a health history, and a medication permission form. For middle and high school students, there is also an athletic packet. The process should take only about 5 minutes to complete.
Please complete these forms as soon as possible. It is a mandatory step necessary for student materials checkout. Students cannot be assigned a computer/device until the forms are complete.
New form for 2021-22 - Household Economic Survey
Families are encouraged to complete the Household Economic Survey (HES) as part of the Online Verification available on Skyward. The purpose of the HES form is to assist families and our district in the upcoming year.
All students will be able to eat breakfast and lunch at no cost this year. However, the HES form generates additional state funds for our schools.
If your family qualifies, the district will receive funds to help support programs providing additional support for learners with a variety of needs. Additionally, qualifying on the HES provides other benefits to eligible families, which may include free/reduced transportation fees and Pre-k enrollment. If families do not complete the HES, the district will not be able to receive state funding for which it is eligible.
Do not complete the HES form if you are Directly Certified to receive free meals. If you receive state assistance, call the SMSD Food Service office before completing the HES form.
Eligibility determination will be made according to the guidelines established by the Kansas Department of Education. Please contact the SMSD Food Service office with any questions.
Steps to fill out forms:
- Visit smsd.org.
- In the top navigation bar, click on “Skyward” and log in to your account.
- Under “Home” you will see “2021-2022 Student Annual Online Verification.”
- There will be directions that walk you through the entire process.
- If you have any questions, please contact the IHMS office at (913) 993-0400.
Thank you for your quick attention to this important step of the enrollment process.
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Request a Hall Locker (Optional)
Please note that students involved in a P.E. class will receive a P.E. locker. This is different from a hallway locker.
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School Immunization Requirements
Tdap: A single dose of Tdap is required for entry to 7th grade. Please ensure that you have provided documentation to the school nurse for Tdap vaccination prior to the first day of 7th grade.
- Meningococcal: Two doses are required. First dose prior to the first day of 7th grade and second dose prior to 11th grade. Please provide documentation to the school nurse or nurse’s aide.
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SMSD Busing/Transportation
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IHMS School Supply List
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IHMS Website Reminder
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Now Available for Ages 12 and Older!
COVID-19 vaccine opportunities are now open through the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment or Children’s Mercy Clinics for adolescents ages 12 and older.
For more information about scheduling an appointment click here.
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Section 3: Mainstay News
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Give us a Follow
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IHMS Peace Corner
The IHMS Student Services team has created a virtual calming room (click link) for students, staff and families to access in times of need.
We know that stress and anxiety can be high at times. This IHMS Peace Corner has videos and activities to help manage stress, calm down strong feelings and build resiliency. We hope that this will be another resource for our families to navigate this unusual school year. You can also find this page on our Student Services tab at https://indianhills.smsd.org/.
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e-Read Access Through IHMS
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Mental Health Support Option
Parents and Guardians, if your student is in need of mental health support, and you are unable to pay, there may be relief available to you. Please visit the following link to see if you could qualify for assistance from COVID Cares Act relief funds through Johnson County Mental Health. https://jocogov.org/dept/mental-health/accessing-services/covid-19-relief-funds