Nieman News
November 24, 2023
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Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend time relaxing and enjoying time with family! We are excited to have students back on Monday. It is crazy to think that we only have 3 weeks and 3 days before we arrive at winter break!
We have a lot of very important and very FUN activities planned in these next three weeks. Your students' attendance is ALWAYS important, but is also vital during this time as we begin winter assessments starting the week of December 4th and going through December 20th. Included in the calendar you will find assessment days for students. Please help us prepare them to do their very best on their assessments!
As you all know we love to set goals at Nieman! Our winter MAP goal is to get 100% of our RIT points in both math and reading. What does that mean? Each student has a projected growth number for their winter MAP assessments. In order to reach our goal we have to acquire all of those points. The great thing is that sometimes students will surpass their winter goal and we will get extra points towards our goal. Talk to your kiddos about their goal and what they are going to do in order to reach their goal!
Thank you Village Inn!
School Information
SELebrating the Holidays
Each winter we try to bring in as much holiday spirit as we can to make Nieman a festive place! This year we are incorporating our Social Emotional Learning and Deep Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work into our days as well. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels safe and included at Nieman while also taking the time to review and practice our social emotional learning skills in the process. We hope you all will join us during this fun and festive time!
We Want You! Family Heritage Night Sign Up
Hello Nieman Families,
You are invited to Nieman Family Heritage Night on Thursday December 7 from 4:30-6:30pm. Join us for a fun and free evening to celebrate the Nieman Community’s cultures, traditions and family heritage!
All families are encouraged to share something that represent you & your family, such as:
--a food item for others to sample (we will provide small cups and napkins)
--artifacts from your family history or culture
--traditional music or clothing
--perform a traditional dance or talent
If you plan on sharing, please fill out the green form that was sent home and return it to your teacher no later than November 27. If you have multiple students, you can use one form for whole family. You can also sign up via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFH0j0XfJQXI0gFmfjT4u21yjLQy0QyEHUoqYJmVJ6p3-ldA/viewform
Nieman Lost & Found
The Nieman Lost & found is overflowing! Is your child missing a sweatshirt, zip-up jacket, and/or winter coat? If so, then please remind your child(ren) to check the Nieman Lost & Found located by the playground doors. Parents are welcome to come check out the Lost & Found after school for any missing items. We highly recommend families label winter coats, zip-up jackets and sweatshirts with the student’s first and last name so the item can be more easily returned to students.
Please note after Winter Break, any remaining lost & found items will be donated either to Nurse Sarah for student use at Nieman or to the Shawnee Mission Area Council (SMAC) PTA Clothing Exchange at the Broadmoor Center.
PTA Information and Updates
Help Us Celebrate Nieman Staff this Holiday Season
This year, PTA would like to try to providing Gift Cards for our staff and teachers as a big thanks for all you do & Happy Holidays. Please consider how you would like to offer appreciation through this holiday gift to our Nieman community of staff and teachers.
We have approximately 70 staff. We ask that each gift card be $10. Please bring anonymous holiday gift cards to the school office no later than Friday, December 15th. If you prefer to donate money to a pool to buy cards to fill in, please Venmo Jolene-DeMoss (8253 - last 4 digits of phone#)
Volunteers will organize and set up the holiday gift tree on Monday, December 17th. Staff will pick up their gift and we will have a Holiday Drink Bar for them before they leave for the Holiday Break on December 21.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you for your generous contributions! Nieman staff and the PTA truly appreciates it!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AAAAB2AA6F9CE9-46229369-happy
Pictures Needed!
Are you a picture taker? Did you go on your child’s field trip? DId you attend a class party, or go to the skating party? Would you like your child to be in the yearbook??? PTA would love to share your photos in the yearbook. If you have some candid or fun photos of your child and would like to share them with the school please send them to the following email for consideration: All pictures are greatly appreciated and will help make this years' yearbook a success! To purchase your yearbook please use the following link or QR code:
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!
Culver's Dine Out
Thursday, Dec 14, 2023, 05:00 PM
6005 Metcalf Ave | Mission, KS 66202
3rd Grade Stock the Lounge!
Third grade families, it is your time to shine! 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! January is 3rd grade's month, with the break in between we are accepting drop offs anytime from December 18-20 and then when we return in January! Thank you all!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054AA4A929ABFC1-46182327-nieman
Stock the Lounge Schedule
January- 3rd Grade
February- 2nd Grade
March- 1st Grade
April- Kindergarten/PreK
May- PTA Provided
Important Dates for Families
November
27 Monday:
- Choir 3:15-4:15
29 Wednesday:
- Choir 3:15-4:15
- Mathletics 3:15-4
30 Thursday:
- Acadience Reading and Math Assessments start for all students and go through Dec. 15th!
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
- Skate Party 6-8 @Skate City
December
1 Friday:
- Kindergarten, 2 and 3rd Math Acadience Testing Starts
4 Monday:
- Choir 3:15-4:15
- Kindergarten Math Acadience Continues all week
5 Tuesday: Wear your favorite holiday gear!
- 2nd, 3rd, and 6th MAP Reading Testing
6 Wednesday: Wear Green or Grinch attire!
- 2nd, 3rd, and 6th MAP Math Testing
- Mathletics 3:15-4
- Choir 3:15-4:15
- Student Council 3:15-4:15
7 Thursday: Wear or bring something that represents your family's culture
- 1st, 4th, and 5th MAP Reading Testing
- Movement Club 3:15-4:15
- Family Heritage Night 4:30-6
- 4-6 Choir Performance 6pm
8 Friday: Holiday Sock Day
11 Monday: Wear Bright Neon Clothes
- Choir 3:15-4:15
12 Tuesday: Wear White or Snowflakes
- Caring for Kids- WebEx 5pm
- PTA in the Library 6:30pm
13 Wednesday: Holiday headwear or scarves
- Mathletics 3:15-4
- Choir 3:15-4:15
- Student Council 3:15-4:15
14 Thursday: Athletic Wear
15 Friday: Wear Red and White or Candy Canes
18 Monday: Tacky Sweater Day
- Nieman Leaders 2pm
- Choir 3:15-4:15
19 Tuesday: Plaid Day LAST DAY PREK
- Winter Parties 2:15pm
20 Wednesday: PJ DAY! EARLY RELEASE DAY 12:30 DISMISSAL
- No PreK this day
REMINDER NO SCHOOL FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 21-JANUARY 7
District Information
PreK and Kindergarten Enrollment 24-25
Please mark January 8, 2024 on your calendar as the kick-off date for online enrollment for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year. Online enrollment will open at 8 a.m. on January 8, 2024. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.
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.
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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.
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 8: Celebrating American Education Week: Join us in celebrating American Education Week.
6th Grade Families
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Shawnee Mission School District will soon be administering the Kansas Communities that Care (KCTC) Student Survey*. This survey is taken by 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade students statewide. As a school district, this survey is a valuable tool to help us understand how students behave, think and feel about alcohol, marijuana and other drug use, bullying and school safety. The KCTC survey measures teen substance use, delinquency, and related problem behaviors in schools and communities. The survey gives insight into the problems students face and shows what we, as a school district and the greater community, can do to help them succeed. The information is also important for planning effective prevention programs in our schools and community and provides data to assist in applying for grant funding.
The survey can be viewed at www.kctcdata.org/families, click "View the survey". You may also be interested to know the following:
It is completely anonymous. Students will not be asked for their names on the questionnaire, nor will anyone be able to connect any individual student with his/her responses. School staff will not see any one student’s responses, but only summaries of results.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Your child may decline to participate in the survey or may simply skip any question they do not wish to answer.
Annual participation is important. Even if your child has participated in previous surveys, annual data is extremely helpful in determining the effectiveness of previous efforts and changes in program areas.
For more information about the Kansas Communities that Care Survey and the Informed Consent process, visit https://kctcdata.org/file/guardian-survey-informed-consent-english-pdf.
Note: Only 6th, 8th, 10th & 12th graders whose parents/guardians completed the consent process during online enrollment may take the 23-24 KCTC Survey.
Estimado padre/tutor:
El Distrito Escolar de Shawnee Mission pronto administrará la Encuesta de Estudiantes de Kansas Communities that Care (KCTC). Esta encuesta es realizada por estudiantes de 6, 8, 10 y 12 grado en todo el estado. Como distrito escolar, esta encuesta es una herramienta valiosa para ayudar acomprender cómo se comportan, piensan y sienten los estudiantes sobre el consumo de alcohol, marihuana y otras drogas, el acoso y la seguridad escolar. La encuesta de KCTC mide el uso de sustancias de los adolescentes, la delincuencia y los comportamientos problemáticos relacionados en las escuelas y comunidades. La encuesta da una idea de los problemas que enfrentan los estudiantes y muestra lo que nosotros, como distrito escolar y la comunidad en general, podemos hacer para ayudarlos a tener éxito. La información también es importante para planificar programas de prevención efectivos en nuestras escuelas y comunidad y proporciona ayuda para solicitar fondos de subvención.
La encuesta se puede ver en www.kctcdata.org/families, haga clic en "Ver la encuesta". También le puede interesar saber lo siguiente:
Es completamente anónimo. A los estudiantes no se les pedirá sus nombres en el cuestionario, ni nadie podrá conectar a ningún estudiante individual con sus respuestas. El personal de la escuela no verá las respuestas de ningún estudiante, sino solo resúmenes de los resultados.
La participación es totalmente voluntaria. Su hijo puede negarse a participar en la encuesta o simplemente puede omitir cualquier pregunta que no desee responder.
La participación anual es importante. Incluso si su hijo ha participado en encuestas anteriores, los datos anuales son extremadamente útiles para determinar la efectividad de los esfuerzos anteriores y los cambios en las áreas del programa.
Para obtener más información sobre la Encuesta de Comunidades que Cuidan de Kansas y el proceso de Consentimiento Informado, visite https://kctcdata.org/file/guardian-survey-informed-consent-english-pdf.
Nota: Solo los estudiantes de 6, 8, 10, y 12 grados cuyos padres/tutores completaron el proceso de consentimiento durante la inscripción en línea pueden realizar la encuesta KCTC 23-24.
Community Resources
Kansas Gas Service- Share the Warmth Application
Johnson County Toy and Food Drive- Application for Assistance
Applications are due by December 1st.
Repeated but Important Information
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.
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