Nieman News
February 2, 2024
¡TRADUCIR! / TRANSLATE!
Para traducir este boletín, use el botón en el lado derecho de la pantalla (computadora) o cerca de la parte superior (teléfono celular) con la etiqueta "Traducir boletín" y elija el idioma deseado.
To translate this newsletter use the button on the right side of the screen (computer) or near the top (cell phone) labeled, "Translate Newsletter" and choose your desired language.
Hello February- How bout them CHIEFS?!
What a way to welcome in February- our first 5 day week since we have been back AND our Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl! We will be celebrating every day this coming week with a Chiefs Spirit week! We hope you all will join in on the fun! See below for details!
This coming week is also conferences. We hope that you have signed up to come and meet with your child's teacher. The home to school connection is a very important part of your child's education and conferences are a great opportunity for you and the teacher to talk through strengths and areas for continued growth as the school year continues. See you on Thursday night and Friday day for conferences!
We will also be practicing our 3rd Crisis Drill this coming week on the 8th. We will be doing a Lockdown, which is what we use when there is something happening outside of the building/in the community that could pose a threat to our students.
School Information
Happy 100th Day of School for our 1st year teachers- Feb 8th!
We are celebrating Ms Ake (2nd grade) and Ms. Medlock (1st grade) as they celebrate their 100th day of school as 1st year teachers on February 8th! We would love to encourage any and everyone to write a personal notes to celebrate these individuals. If you would like to email Mrs. Tenbrink your note or have your child bring it to the office we will be delivery an "Envelope of Happiness" to each of them on the 8th.
In May we will also be celebrating Ms. Schwartz (kindergarten) and Mrs. Johnston (6th grade) on their 100th day of school as they started with us 2nd semester!
Plan C Day: Remote learning, be prepared
With our 5th inclement weather day under our belt and the potential for a parade day depending on the outcome of the Super Bowl we want to ensure we are communicating well in advance that a Plan C Remote Learning Day is a possibility for our district. We want to ensure all families will be prepared and know that in order for students to be counted in attendance on a Plan C day that they will be expected to log on to WebEx for learning. Classes who normally have not taken iPads home daily will now bring them home if there is the potential for an inclement weather day. Also, if our school were to ever be without electricity or have a water main break we would likely do a Plan C day. As this would be an unexpected event we would work with families to get iPads to students that morning. If you have any questions about this please don't hesitate to ask!
Canvas Resources for Parents:
This is a great resource and has links to different documents about Canvas that you could find helpful in navigating and understanding the platform (ex: what do the grading icons mean, what are the basics, how to get a pairing code, etc).
Valentine's Party Pre-Registration
We are going to continue the process to pre-register for our Valentine's Day Party!
THIS FORM WILL ONLY ACCEPT RESPONSES UNTIL MONDAY FEBRUARY 12TH!
As you all know, adults must go through the Raptor system in order to enter the building. We have the ability to pre-sign in visitors who have used the system before. If you are planning to attend the winter parties please sign up below.
- So long as you have been signed into Raptor before we will be able to pre-print you your sticker so that you are ready to go and do not have to wait in line.
We are also going to utilize this form to note who will be taking their children home with them after the party to help with less dismissal confusion. So please indicate that information as well.
Here is the link to the sign up: https://forms.gle/pVc3VY5YLtDE6cMz5
Congratulaitons Clara Chrisman!
Nieman’s Girl Scout Troop 4133 competed in the Ace of Cakes competition over the weekend. Our very own Clara Chrisman won first place in the animal cake category for Daisies.
PTA Information and Updates
Pictures Needed!
Hello Nieman Families!
The yearbook deadline is approaching soon and we need your help!
PTA would love to share your photos in the yearbook.We need photos of Nieman students participating in school events, family nights, concerts, skate parties, class parties, field trips, math club, student council, etc. If you would like to share them with the school please send them to the following email for consideration:
All pictures are greatly appreciated!
Hardcover links: https://rb.gy/165u3
Softcover links: https://rb.gy/rgtq8
PTA has so many ways for you to get involved, connect with one another, and support Nieman.
Become a PTA member through Givebacks- scan the QR code or visit the link below!
2nd Grade Stock the Lounge! It's not too late!
Second grade families, it's not too late! Our stock the lounge has been such a huge hit with staff this year and we are so thankful that you are willing to support us with some goodies throughout the year! February is 2nd grade's month, and we still have lots of openings left! Feel free to bring up to the office at any point! Thank you all!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054AA4A929ABFC1-46182327-nieman
Stock the Lounge Schedule
February- 2nd Grade
March- 1st Grade
April- Kindergarten/PreK
May- PTA Provided
Important Dates for Families
February
Thursday 1:
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
Monday 5: CHIEFS SUPER BOWL SPIRIT WEEK! MVP Monday- Dress like your favorite Chiefs player!
- Choir 3:15-4:15
Tuesday 6: Swag Surfin Tuesday- Wear your beach/summer clothes!
Wednesday7: Dreaming of a Win Wednesday! Wear your pajamas!
Thursday 8: Conference Night. RED THURSDAY (since we don't have school on Friday)
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
- Evening Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday 9: NO SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Wednesday 14: Valentine's Day
- Parties at 2:15
Thursday 15:
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
- Skate Party Night 6-8pm
Monday 19: No School President's Day
Tuesday 20:
- Caring for Kids 5pm WebEx
- PTA 6:30pm Library
Wednesday 21:
- Student Council 3:15-4:15
Thursday 22:
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
District Information
PreK and Kindergarten Enrollment 24-25
Calling all incoming prek and kindergarten students! Enrollment is open for the 24-25 school year! Head to smsd.org to enroll!
Join the Strategic Planning Process in January 2024
The Shawnee Mission School District is updating its Strategic Plan. The entire community is encouraged to engage in the process and now is the time to apply for the Steering Committee.
About the Strategic Plan Cycle II Update
The Shawnee Mission School District is updating its current strategic plan. This updated document will serve and guide Shawnee Mission for 2024-2029. The success of this plan relies upon broad community input, as well as individuals willing to serve on committees and action teams. Shawnee Mission’s strategicplanning process reflects an ongoing commitment by our community to support student success.
Click here for more information about the Strategic Planning process.
Strategic Plan Update Engagement
Click here to watch a video about the Strategic Plan update.
Additional opportunities to engage in the Strategic Planning process will include:
ThoughtExchange input opportunity in January
Action Teams (to be established in early March 2024)
SMSD Mic'd Up!
Shawnee Mission's premier podcast, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard and Dr. Jeremy Higgins, Secondary HR Director. New episodes drop every other Thursday wherever you download your podcasts!
Episode 12: SMAC PTA Clothing Exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqgdMQ6Likk
Community Resources
BIST Parenting Series
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As part of ongoing support for families, your child’s school is offering a series of classes for parents and guardians through a partnership with the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST). These training sessions are designed to provide ways you can support your child’s developing academic and behavior skills, as well as increase consistency between home and school.
BIST Virtual Parenting Series
5:45 PM - 6:00 PM Enter Zoom Room
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Informational Session
6:45 PM – 7:00 PM Questions and Answers
- February 6th: “I Love You Enough to Let You Fall”
- February 13th: “Your Words Hurt My Ears: The Art of Using Cues and Visuals to Avoid Meltdowns
These classes are designed to:
- Create consistency between school and home
- Provide language for adults to use when redirecting children
- Share ways to problem solve to increase your child’s success
- Increase generosity and kindness in your children
- Bring a sense of calm to your home
Please join us for any or all three sessions!
How to Register for Free Training
These virtual classes are provided free of charge, however, we do ask that you please register through our website on or before Friday, January 26th. Instructions for registration are on the page below.
We are excited to offer this opportunity to you!
Sincerely,
Marty Huitt, Director
Behavior Intervention Support Team/Cornerstones of Care
8150 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64114
@MartyHuitt
To register for this class:
1. Go to https://bist.org/
2. Use the dropdown menu “My Account.” Click Log In/Log Out.
3. Create a username by clicking “Click Here” under the large LOG IN heading. If you already created a username by previously enrolling in a BIST class, just log in.
4. Enter your information (Name, Email, and a Password). This will register you on the website, but not for the class.
5. Select the class you wish to attend (Parenting with BIST)
6. Follow the instructions.
- a. Be sure to select “Pay Later via PO” under the Payment Method. This Parent Class is free, but you must select the “Pay Later via PO” option in order to register.
- b. Select your child’s District and School from the dropdown menus.
- c. Select your position as a Parent unless you are a school staff member. If you are both a parent and a school staff member, you may select either.
7. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom link for the training sessions.
- a. If you do not receive a confirmation email by noon on Monday, January 29th, please contact our office at bist@cornerstonesofcare.org for assistance.
Repeated but Important Information
If your child is going to be gone, please call the attendance line.
As a reminder, if your child is going to be absent please call the attendance line 913-993-4088 or email JennyMeacham@smsd.org and the classroom teacher letting them know. If we do not hear from you or are not able to contact you then it is considered an unexcused absence. Thank you!
Changes in Dismissal Routine
Student safety is of the upmost importance to us. Please know that frequent changes in dismissal routines causes safety concerns. We ask that you have a regular dismissal routine and communicate this with the classroom teacher at or before Sneak.
If a change has to occur the safest way to ensure the change is communicated is to email the classroom teacher BEFORE school starts and then ALSO call the office BEFORE 2pm. Teachers have different plan times and lunches, and they are not regularly able to read email. Any dismissal change received after 2pm is NOT GUARANTEED. We will do our best, but the end of the day is a very hectic time in a school. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of your child.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Our Shawnee Mission Student Handbook provides information on our philosophy of education, code of conduct and a of variety policies and procedures. Students and parents can read this handbook to better understand the behavior expectations of Nieman Elementary and also the Shawnee Mission School District.
Please note specifically the updated cell phone policy that was approved summer 2023:
- SMSD is committed to providing highly effective and consistent learning spaces across the district. During instructional time, the personal use of cell phones and other electronic devices that are not district-issued is prohibited unless explicitly directed by school staff. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are to be turned off and put away during the day in order to respect the educational environment of the classroom. Medical exemptions may be applied. Initial violations will fall under the Discipline Matrix as a Level 1 offense. Subsequent violations will result in progressive disciplinary action.
Inclement Weather Procedures 2023-24
As the winter months approach, it is especially important for our community members to be aware of inclement weather procedures and how to receive an alert if plans for building closures are announced.
Procedures
If conditions make it necessary for SMSD to close schools, the district will implement one of three plans: A, B, or C. Click here to view the plans.
Inclement Weather Announcements
If plan A, B, or C is announced, this information will be shared broadly. Staff and families can receive direct emails, texts, and voice messages. Families can sign up to receive alerts in the manner that works best for them. Click here for details on how to sign up for alerts.
Additional Resources:
The main page of the district website
Local radio and television stations
24-hour information line at (913) 993-7380
No announcement will be made when schools are to remain open.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedimientos de Inclemencias Meteorológicas 2023-24
A medida que se acercan los meses de invierno, es especialmente importante que los miembros de nuestra comunidad estén al tanto de los procedimientos de inclemencias del tiempo y cómo pueden ser alertados si se anuncian planes para el cierre de edificios.
Procedimientos
Si las condiciones hacen necesario que SMSD cierre las escuelas, el distrito implementará uno de tres planes: A, B o C. Haga clic aquí para ver los planes.
Anuncios de inclemencias del tiempo
Si se anuncia el plan A, B o C, esta información se compartirá ampliamente. El personal y las familias pueden recibir correos electrónicos directos, mensajes de texto y mensajes de voz. Las familias pueden inscribirse para recibir alertas de la manera que mejor les convenga. Haga clic aquí para obtener detalles sobre cómo registrarse para recibir alertas.
Recursos adicionales:
La página principal del sitio web del distrito
Estaciones de radio y televisión locales
Línea de información las 24 horas al (913) 993-7380
No se hará ningún anuncio cuándo las escuelas permanezcan abiertas.
Principal Tenbrink
Email: kileytenbrink@smsd.org
Website: https://nieman.smsd.org/
Location: Nieman Elementary School, West 67th Street, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-4000
Twitter: @Tenbrink512