IHMS Weekly News
January 28 - February 4, 2022
Upcoming IHMS Events
Monday, 01/31:
SME Counselor Visit in Science for 8th / Enrollment Forms to 7th
3:50 Academic Learning Lab
3:50 Cheer Club
5:00 Boys Basketball @ WR
Tuesday, 02/01:
8:45 MathCounts Bonus Event
NAEP Testing for Select 8th Grade Students
3:50 Academic Learning Lab
3:50 Cheer Club
3:50 Jazz Band
Wednesday, 02/02:
3:50 Academic Learning Lab
3:50 Board Game Club
3:50 Multicultural Club
3:50 Cheer Club
5:00 Boys Basketball @ IH vs IW
Thursday, 02/03:
7:45 Junior Board
No Late Bus or After School Activities
5:00 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, 02/04:
IHMS Math Team Meeting during KT
Upcoming Events:
02/07: 6:30 East Enrollment Info Night for 8th Grade
02/08: KELPA Testing
02/09: KELPA Testing
02/09: 8:20 School Store Open
02/09: 5:00pm Boys Basketball @ IH vs HG
02/10: KELPA Testing
02/10: 5:00 Boys Basketball @ TR
02/11: Enrollment Form Turn-In 7th & 8th
02/15: 9:00 Junior Board Site Visits
02/16: 9:00 KELPA Testing
02/16: 5:00 Boys Basketball @ HG
02/17: MathCounts Chapter Competition (time TBD)
02/17: 1:00 KELPA Testing
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Section 1: New and Important at IHMS
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Parent Teacher Conference Information: 2/3/22 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Parent/teacher conferences are this Thursday, February 3, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please view the linked Google Slides presentation that will walk you through every detail needed to navigate Skyward and select dates/times for conferences.
In order to attend conferences on February 3, you must schedule your conferences in Skyward ahead of time. If you show up to conferences without a scheduled time, we will be unable to accommodate you. We realize that with only certain time slots available, there may not be one that works for you (or perhaps the teacher's schedule has already been filled). In cases such as this, please work directly with the classroom teacher to schedule a time to conference with them outside of the February date. You can find staff email addresses here.
A few additional details:
- Please sign up for only one 10 minute conference per teacher. If you need additional time scheduled, please work with the individual teacher to schedule a time outside of the evening of February 3.
- Since you once again have a choice between conferencing in person (at IH) or conferencing via WebEx, please make sure that you carefully read the information found on slides 7 and 8 regarding how to notify teachers if you plan to attend on WebEx.
- On conference evening, staff WebEx addresses can be found in the document linked within the Google Slides presentation (linked above).
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7th to 8th Grade Enrollment Timeline
Parents/Guardians of Current 7th Graders,
It is time to begin preparation for the 22-23 school year!
The enrollment website, linked here, is your best resource for answering any enrollment questions you might have. Another excellent resource is the SMSD Middle School Program Planning Guide.
This past week, 7th grade students were given access to the above linked enrollment website to begin guiding them in making their enrollment choices for 8th grade. Yesterday, January 28th, students received their 8th Grade Course Request Form. Please ask your student to sit down with you and finalize course choices on the form.
"Here is some food for thought as you are helping teens make class schedules for next year. A life lesson that might be timely to introduce during the process is this: Every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else. Does the “yes” to a certain class-load create a “no” to the work or service or opportunity that might be a benefit? Does the “yes” to multiple advanced classes create a “no” for time to build connections with family & friends? Or time to explore, create, or have fun? “Finding a healthy balance” sounds cliche but it’s so important for lifelong mental health & overall wellness! (credit our friends to the south, the BV Well group)."
All parents/guardians must sign on the front of the form confirming their student’s core class choices. Please take time to carefully consider the standard or advanced course selection options available to your student.
An additional parent signature is required on the elective course side of the form if your student will enroll in a Spanish or French course. This signature confirms your understanding of the potential transcript and GPA implications of your student choosing a high school level world language course for 8th grade. Please note that the listed prerequisite for Chorus 2 is inaccurate and any student can sign up.
Forms will be collected in Knight Time on Thursday, Feb 3 and students will enter their course choices into Skyward on Friday, February 4. Not completing and submitting forms on time, except in cases of excused absence, could result in your student not getting their top class choices. Please make sure your student honors the deadlines and brings the completed and signed form to school on Thursday, February 3rd.
Mrs. Oliver
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8th to 9th Grade Enrollment Timeline
8th Grade Enrollment Timeline
(COMPLETED): Knight Time: Thursday, January 20th
A short PowerPoint for KT teachers to review with the students that will focus on the process and dates (timeline), but will also include links to course and curriculum information that students and parents can start reviewing.SME Counselor Visit #1: Monday, January 31st
A SME counselor will visit each 8th-grade science class, each hour. This will require the entire period. Students will receive their enrollment forms and 9th-grade course lists. Questions will be answered and electives discussed.8th grade evening for students and parents: Monday, February 7th
6:30 pm at SME. An opportunity for students and parents to visit SME and learn more about programs, electives, etc.SME Counselor Visit #2: Friday, February 11th
Social Studies teachers will bring their classes to the library with their completed course request cards. All SME counselors will be there and will meet individually with students to confirm choices, answer questions, and collect cards.
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I've Tested Positive for COVID - Now What?
If you have tested positive for COVID and are reporting your case/ seeking guidance, please complete this form: SMSD COVID-19 case report form
What do I do next? SMSD COVID Information: SMSD 2nd Semester Guidance- Students and Staff
Johnson County Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: 913-715-2819
After the above items and information have been completed/reviewed, any clarifying questions can be directed to IHMS Nurse Judy McMullen:
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Book Club Opportunity: February 9
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Students Checking Their Email Incentive
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Winter Athletics/Activities Mitigation and Return-to-Play Guidelines - Updated
2022 Winter Athletics/Activities Mitigation Guidelines and Spectator Guidelines
Return to Play Health Clearance for Athletes:
Updated 1/25/22 Return to Play Process for student-athletes.
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Section 2: Still Relevant From Previous Weeks
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Career Day - Only a Few More Volunteers Needed!
Parents, our inaugural IHMS Career Day is coming up on March 9!
We already have 50 presenters signed up for this event which is exciting! However, we are in need of 5-10 more individuals willing to present (see below for more information on how to sign up). We are especially looking for people who have a background in, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, Transportation, Information Technology, Arts, AV Technology, Communications, Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, Human Services, Hospitality, and Tourism to round out our career clusters.
We are looking for individuals whose professional experiences may help to inspire our students as they consider their future possibilities. We hope to have many volunteer presenters who represent a variety of career pathways. Would you consider joining us as a presenter for one or two sessions? Could you also share this opportunity with colleagues and friends? If you would like to learn more, please share your contact information with our College and Career Readiness Action Team here:
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I'm Absent From School. What Do I Do? How Do I Keep Up With School Work?
Students will be asked to stay home for the duration of their isolation/quarantine. To ensure you have a correct return date with current guidance, please reach out to our front office staff to report illness, and if COVID-related, please ensure you let Nurse Judy know.
Front Office Attendance Contact:
Erinn Vogts: erinnvogts@smsd.org
Constance Eddy: constanceeddy@smsd.org
Attendance Line: (913) 993-0412
Nurse Contacts:
Nurse Judy McMullen: judithmcmullen@smsd.org
Nurse's Aide Rhonda Levine: rhondalevine@smsd.org
Once you have notified school personnel of the absence, make sure your student reaches out to each individual teacher to check on what Canvas assignments should be completed and/or if any questions arise.
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Section 3: SME Area News and Events
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8th Grade Informational Night: February 7 @ 6:30 p.m.
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SME PTSA Volunteers Needed!
Shawnee Mission East PTSA is looking for volunteers for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have interest in a fun and easy way to get involved with East, please reach out to April Crosser (aprilcrosser@gmail.com) or Amy Moore (amooredunn@gmail.com) for more information.
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Section 4: District Area News and Events
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SMSD R&D Forum + Next Great Pitch Competition Information
Spring 2022 is the 60th year of the Shawnee Mission School District’s Research and Development (R&D) Forum. This year's forum will feature a Student Showcase and a live streamed Pitch Finals competition at the Center for Academic Achievement.
Pitch Finals Competition- Info Session on Jan. 27
For a second year, a pitch competition for student innovators will be offered as part of the district’s annual R&D Forum. Not only can students win cash prizes for their Next Great Idea, but they can also receive additional funding to advance their idea.
An informational session will be held virtually:
Time, Date, Place: Webex, at 6 p.m. on January 27
Who can enter: Any interested student, grades K-12
What: Hear from past winners and to learn more about the process.
How to join: A link to the informational session can be found here.
How to apply: Application information can be found on the R&D webpage. The deadline to apply for the pitch competition is Friday, February 25, 2022. Practice sessions with industry mentors will be scheduled for students who apply to compete.
Final Competition and Prizes:
Applicants chosen as finalists will pitch their Next Great Idea to a panel of judges during the morning of April 30, 2022 at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St. The pitch competition will be live-streamed so friends and family can participate as well. Top awards are $2,500, of which $1,000 is a cash award to be used by the winner to pursue their passion and education and up to $1,500 will be awarded as "build it" grants to support making the winner's pitch a reality. A People's Choice category, determined by public voters, will be awarded a $500 prize. There will also be an Idea of Promise award with a prize of $500.
Student Showcase
The R&D Forum student showcase, with display-only and competitive exhibits will be held in Spring 2022. Students, families, and staff members are encouraged to enter student-created projects, experiments, or art projects to share in this districtwide event. All submissions must be registered and information on how to register can be found online. The deadline to register for the showcase is Friday, March 25, 2022.
The SMSD community is invited to take part in this year’s 60th R&D Forum by attending the following events at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL ART & ALL GRADES SCIENCE SHOWCASE
April 18-21, 2022 - 3:00 - 5:00 - Open House at CAA (entries on display)
April 21, 2022 - 4:00 - 7:00 - Reception for all entrants and families
ELEMENTARY ART & CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) SHOWCASE
April 25-28, 2022 - 3:00 - 5:00 - Open House at CAA (entries on display)
April 28, 2022 - 4:00 - 7:00 - Reception for all entrants and families
NEXT GREAT IDEA LIVE PITCH
April 30, 2022 - Morning - Finalists will present their Next Great Idea to a panel of judges
Public Voting to follow presentations
Afternoon - Awards ceremony for Showcase Entries, Regnier Award
winners, and the Next Great Idea Pitch Competition award winners
About the R&D Forum
The Shawnee Mission Research and Development Forum celebrates its 60th year in 2022. It is one of the SMSD’s biggest showcases of the year!
This annual event has always served as a celebration of student achievement and highlights innovative student projects and talent from across the district.
Sincere appreciation is extended to the Regnier Family for 60 years of generous support for the SMSD R&D Forum.
Click here for more information and contacts if you have further questions.
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Student Vaccination Information and Locations
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) - Mission Clinic Location:
An appointment is required to get a COVID-19 vaccine at JCDHE’s clinic, which is in Mission. Schedule an appointment or call 913-715-2819. Phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please arrive NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES prior to your appointment time.
Northeast Office Building, 6000 Lamar Ave., Suite 140, Mission, KS 66202
Additional Local Clinics, Health Systems, and Pharmacies offering the vaccine may be located at the following link provided by JCDHE:
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Section 5: Mainstay News
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9/21 Parent Engagement Evening Resources
For those parents/guardians that were unable to make our family engagement night on September 21, 2021, we have populated the information from the evening in presentation format.
Please check out the very important information covered that evening by following this link.
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COVID and the Health and Safety of Your Athlete:
Athletes who test positive for COVID or are presumed positive will need to follow the outlined Kansas State High School Athletics Association protocol in order to return to play.
For more information, visit:
https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/pdf/ReturntoparticipationguidelinesFall2021.pdf
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21-22 PTA Membership: Please Join Us!
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Academic Learning Lab (A.L.L.) Now Monday-Thursday!
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After-school Activity Busing: Free to All Students (in SME boundary)
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Macbook Troubleshooting Tips
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IHMS Website Reminder
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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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1-800-CHILDREN
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Now Available for Ages 5 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 5 and older.
For more information about scheduling an appointment click here.
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IHMS Communication Chain
1. Mass communication from IHMS:
- Mass communication will come each Friday or Saturday in the form of the IHMS Weekly News. This is an important review for your family each week as it outlines specific events, newsworthy, and/or action-oriented items relevant to IHMS.
- There are times throughout the week a stand-alone email may be sent via a Skyward blast - especially if an important event is taking place or if important information must be shared. You have already seen this in practice (i.e.Tuesday when I sent a reminder about the ice cream social).
2. Absences:
- Please communicate absences through attendance personnel. Avoid emailing administration or student services directly.
- Email constanceeddy@smsd.org to indicate the date(s) and nature of your student's absence.
- Call in your student's absence - including date(s) and nature of the absence - to the school attendance line: (913) 993-0412.
3. Grades/Classroom Questions/Issues:
- Please email your student's teacher directly for all questions/issues related to grades and/or the classroom.
- Staff email addresses can be found on our school website (click link). Unless specific circumstances
- Avoid emailing administration and/or student services with issues that have not been problem solved at the classroom level first unless extenuating circumstances merit direct contact.
4. General Contact Guidelines:
- The chart below provides parents with a general contact chart they can utilize to ensure communication remains streamlined: