SM West Newsletter
Issue #27 Friday, April 19, 2024
Shawnee Mission West High School
Email: jennifersilverstein@smsd.org
Website: https://smwest.smsd.org/
Location: 8800 West 85th Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-7800
TRANSLATE THIS NEWSLETTER
See images below.
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Attendance
913-993-7845
Please leave the name of your student and spell the last name. State the time in which you will pick up your student and the reason for the absence. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Staff Directory
Athletic Webpage
For the most up to date athletic schedule please use the Sunflower League page.
Bell Schedule
Occasionally, throughout the year, there might be changes in our bell schedule. Days in which we host pep assemblies will have a different schedule as well as during Finals.
Schedule UPDATE
Next week, SM West will be celebrating our annual "Heart of the West Week". Staff and pep club have spirit days, treats and surprises lined up throughout the week and culminating in a special pep assembly showcasing our Unified Basketball team Vs. Teachers (Skits and Games during breaks in the game!)
SM West has been given special permission to follow the adjusted schedule below. If you or your student attend classes at the CAA - please make sure to communicate with Mr. Tommie Davis or the CAA teachers. SEE IMAGE BELOW FOR SPIRIT DAY THEMES.
Mon. April 22 - Odd Block Day
Tues. April 23 - Even Block Day
Wed. April 24 - Odd Block Day
Thurs. April 25 - LATE Start and Even Block Day
Fri. April 26 - All Class Schedule 1-7 and Pep Assembly
****** The District has extended Late Start Thursdays. The last Late Start Thursday will be May 16th.
END OF SCHOOL:
The last day for seniors has been announced. It will be Friday, May 17th. Seniors will complete their last final on that day, turn in MacBooks and participate in a graduation rehearsal - more information to come soon.
Grades 9-11 - LAST Day of school is Wednesday, May 29th. It is VERY important for all to recognize that students will need to return to school after Memorial Day. Students will be continuing their finals on both Tues. May 28 and May 29th and will have MacBook turn in as well. Please plan accordingly.
Sources of Strength and ASU invite you to join us at our first ever Color Run. T-shirts can be ordered by using the QR code below (Shirts are $12 each). That will also cover your entry.
Logan McCallister is kindly donating part of the t-shirt sales to SOS. Ticket’s are $5 without a tshirt. Students will be on the bridge selling tickets. NAHS will have a face painting table. There will be raffle prizes. Come join the fun!
Save The Color In Your Colorful Run Race T-Shirt
1) Promptly change out of your colored gear and do not shake off excess color:
2) Lay shirt flat and spray to soak with white vinegar:
3) Keep the t-shirt flat to dry and iron with high heat:
4) Toss in the dryer:
6) Wash and wear:
Be sure to come see the next performance from our Performing Arts Department.
There are 18 Johnson County high school seniors who are 2024 Shooting Stars, recognized for their artistic excellence through scholarships.
Three students from SM West were recognized in this prestigious ceremony.
-Maren Tims, Shawnee Mission West High School, Wind & Percussion, 2nd place
-Faryn Clevenger, Shawnee Mission West High School, Theatre Performance, 1st place
-Kaitlyn Rongish, Shawnee Mission West High School, Voice, 1st place
Congratulations Vikings !!!!
SMSD All Star Award Presented to SM West Paraeducator and Softball Coach - Patti Hays
Monday, April 15 at the most recent Board of Education meeting, one of our very own Viking Staff members was presented with a Shawnee Mission All Star award. Ms. Patti Hays, paraeducator at Shawnee Mission West High School was presented with this prestigious award.
Click here to see a video about Hays
We thank Ms. Hays for all of her compassion, hard work, leadership and humor as she continues to guide our students towards their personal success.
SM West - New Head Basketball Coach
Shawnee Mission West High School is excited to announce James Manthe as the new Head Coach of the Viking Boys Basketball program! Coach Manthe comes to West from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he spent the last three years as an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach. While on staff at North Crowley, Coach Manthe helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back, undefeated District 3 – 6A Championships. In early April Coach Manthe served as an assistant coach for the West Squad in the annual McDonald's All-American Game. Prior to joining the staff at North Crowley High School, Coach Manthe served as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Nebo Crossing Academy in Nebo, North Carolina. He led the team to a CSAA State Championship in 2019, and CSAA Regional Championships in 2020 and 2021. Coach Manthe has also had stops as a Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Champion Christian College, and Gospel Light Christian School, both in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Coach Manthe is a 2006 graduate of Leavenworth High School where he served as the Captain of Manthe transferred to Champion Christian College where he was the 2010 ACCA Player of the Year, a two-time ACCA National Champion, and had his jersey retired in 2012. Coach Manthe has been married for 11 years to his wife, Brianna. Together, they have three children – Brooklyn, Riley, and Max. Along with serving as the Boys Basketball Coach for the Vikings, Coach Manthe will also be teaching in the Physical Education Department at Shawnee Mission West. There will be a meeting on Monday, May 6th to introduce Coach Manthe to all players and parents. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM in the Shawnee Mission West Aux. Gym. All those interested in trying out for basketball next year at West are encouraged to attend. Welcome to West, Coach Manthe…we’re glad to have you aboard the Viking Ship!
SM West - New Cross Country Coach
Shawnee Mission West is excited to announce Mark Porter as the new Head Coach of the Viking Cross Country program! Coach Porter takes over as head coach for the Vikings after spending the last 5 seasons as an Assistant Cross Country and Assistant Track Coach at Shawnee Mission North. He has been coaching Cross Country for 21 years with previous stops at Olathe East, Turner, and Hocker Grove Middle School. Coach Porter also served as the first ever Head Coach of the Swim & Dive program at Turner High School. During his time as an Assistant Coach, Coach Porter was a part of a team that placed third at State. He has also helped coach five state qualifying teams, three Regional Championship teams, and one Regional Runner-Up. He has coached two Cross Country individual State Champions, two Track individual State Champions, 13 Cross Country individual State Medalists, and 25 individual State Track medalists. A graduate of Shawnee Mission North High School, Coach Porter went on to Emporia State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in education. He later received a master’s degree educational technology from Pittsburg State University. Besides serving as the new Head Cross Country Coach at Shawnee Mission West, Coach Porter will also be joining the school’s Science Department as a teacher. Coach Porter is a resident of Lenexa, Kansas, and currently has a son attending Shawnee Mission West, and a daughter attending Sunflower Elementary. His wife Joanelle is a teacher at Hocker Grove Middle School. Congratulations, Coach Porter…we’re glad to have you aboard the Viking Ship!
Student Services News
Roadwise is a free safety driving program for drivers 14-18. The program emphasizes the importance of wearing a seatbelt and making good safe decisions behind the wheel. June 14th, 1pm, at Research Medical Center. Register here
2024 Senior Celebrations
This year we will be celebrating every senior who is graduating this spring during our Honors and Awards with Senior Celebration Event. Seniors have the opportunity to share future plans in a slideshow as they walk across the SMW Auditorium stage. As a reminder, seniors were asked to complete the Senior Celebration Google Form, which can be found on the Student Services Canvas page.
Parents and Guardians are invited to join us on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 in the SM West auditorium beginning at 9:45am. Due to limited seating, we kindly request your prompt response to secure your attendance.
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding students and hope that you can join us. The RSVP can be found here.
Real World Learning
I am delighted to inform you about the recent launch of KC Tech Council’s LEGiT (Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Tech) KC program. This program, backed by Meta and Panasonic among other company partners, has been meticulously designed to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their Junior (class of 2026) and Senior (class of 2025) years of high school with comprehensive tech exposure, career pathway guidance, leadership opportunities and invaluable mentorship.
Any girls interested can fill out the short application by April 15th, 2024. Previous technology experience is not a prerequisite; rather, we’re simply looking for a genuine interest in exploring the vast possibilities of a career in tech. For further information, please visit LEGiTKC.org.
April is Autism Awareness Month! Here are some great resources to explore: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ALFEtzwF7CxC4h61Tz5seKOdNbEj7KEX0hfTSUImHq0/edit?usp=sharing
See flier below
Free community mental health forum for teens- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-a-community-mental-health-forum-tickets-848660264697?aff=oddtdtcreator
PowerPrep is hosting an ACT Prep class at the Blue Valley School District's Hilltop Conference Center. Thursday, June 6th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Find more details: http://actprep.info/kansascity. The early-bird price for this class is $90.
Attention Seniors and Families: There are three academic awards you could qualify for by the end of 12th grade. We will post the list of students who have earned these awards this week. The list is on the glass doors in front of the West Wardrobe display outside of Student Services. Please come check the list if you think you have qualified for one of these awards. If you have any questions, see Ms Heller in Student Services.
Looking for a Job? Check out the SMW Student Services Canvas page for a link to the Job Board.
The Job Board lists current positions available for our students as well as upcoming summer positions (many summer positions start accepting applications now). While you are on the Student Services Canvas page, check out all of the great information we have listed and linked! :)
-West Parents and Guardians: The Student Services Center has a resource page for you! If you have concerns about your students' mental/emotional health, how to help with the college application process, or questions about scholarship and financial aid, please visit https://smsd.instructure.com/courses/22341 and scroll down the page to the Parent Guardian Resources button.
-Scholarships:
Scholarships are now available to West Seniors! This list is updated throughout the school year, and we recommend students check it on a regular basis.
-West students also have access to this link through the Student Services Canvas page.
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Allen, the College Adviser, at AubreighAllen@smsd.org
-COLLEGE VISITS: Sign up in Student Services w/Ms. Allen, College Adviser
We have several college admissions representatives who come to our high school in person to share information about their college. This link will lead you to a spreadsheet where new schools are signing up daily.
JAG-K
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/hdIOn3tHLrhV0PtN?ref=Link13) 214-1
High School Business Owners Need YOU
High School Business Owners Need YOU
We have a group of students with amazing REAL business ideas that they are bringing to life. Many are selling products and services right NOW.
We are looking for volunteers who can coach these high school age business owners on creating an amazing presentation. If you can encourage young people, catch some typos, and offer up business ideas, then we need YOU. The experience culminates with an online pitch competition with fun prizes.
If you are willing to help, please email TiffanyDixon@smsd.org with the team/day/time when you are available.
If you know of a business professional who may want to volunteer, please share the opportunity. These will be recurring meetings from now until May 10. For those who prefer to meet remotely, we can connect with via our WebEx meeting rooms.
Here is the list of teams/days/times:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E-eg6d9YHwU5jvRL0q_eYkE147lA7IbYRZ9ikO4JRh4/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you so much for considering our request!
SENIORS
PTSA and the Senior Sizzle Committee are hard at work to plan for the senior sizzle and to recognize some outstanding seniors.
-Below you will find a flier for Senior Sizzle as well as an announcement for a fundraiser for this event.
-Each year PTSA recognizes and awards senior scholarships to students. These students showed support for PTSA during their high school career and applied for these scholarships. Congratulations and thank you to both our PTSA and these outstanding students.
Register for Senior Sizzle
View the image above for Senior Sizzle Details.
Use this code to Register. $5 per student
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHEgcbiTNWrDe_tYNYTFNIQ8K7Kqk-zPSRk1t-rwfpLMCN7w/viewform
MESSAGE FROM A LOCAL RESTAURANT SUPPORTING TEACHERS
We are very excited about our most recent campaign honoring teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. The Big Biscuit is giving $4,000 in $100 gift cards to 40 deserving teachers! The last day to nominate is Sunday, April 28th, and winners will be announced Monday, May 6th.
Here is the link to nominate - https://bigbiscuit.com/teachers/
Krispy Kreme Donuts is hosting a fundraiser for Unified Champion Schools throughout the month of April! UCS will receive half of the proceeds for every dozen donuts purchased using the link on the flyer attached.
PTSA - Volunteers needed for 2024-2025
West is looking for volunteers to fill open PTSA board and committee positions for the 2024-25 school year. We meet only 4 times a year, so this will not be a big commitment, but has impactful results. PTSA coordinates speakers for the general meetings, staff appreciation meals, classroom grants, senior scholarships and fundraisers to help pay for these things. Please consider filling one of these positions:
West is looking for volunteers (parents, grandparents, teachers, students, neighbors) to fill the following open PTSA board and committee positions for the 2024-25 school year:
· VP of Membership – create membership form and advertise
· VP of Ways and Means – oversee fundraising
- Yard Sign Committee
· VP of Communications – post events and fundraisers to social media
- Signup Committee – create/coordinate signups for staff appreciation, nurse’s pantry, concession volunteers, etc.
· Secretary – record and post meeting minutes
· Reflections and Citizenship committee – school liaison for this program
· Legislation – work with the SMAC Legislative position to help encourage awareness of current legislation and how it affects SMSD.
· DEI advocate – work with the SMAC DEI position to help everyone in the school feel included, respected and supported.
We would very much like to hear from you at smwestptsa@gmail.com
2nd Semester Transportation Payment
2nd Semester Transportation Payment
Dear Families,
This is a friendly reminder that 2nd semester bus fees are due. Payment of $185/student can be made to DS Bus Lines through their website or in person at DS Bus Lines, 5519 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 66203. If you have any questions please call DS Bus Lines @ 913-384-1190.
Pago de transporte 2do semestre
Queridas familias,
Este es un recordatorio amistoso de que vencen las tarifas de autobús del segundo semestre.
El pago de $185 por estudiante se puede hacer en DS Bus Lines a través de su sitio en linea en website o en persona en DS Bus Lines, 5519 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 66203. Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame a DS Bus Lines al 913-384-1190.
Senior Information
Graduation for our Senior Class 2024 is right around the corner.
The most important task is for our seniors to make sure that they continue to stay focused and apply themselves to classes so that the end of their year is successful and they earn each and every credit.
Seniors have been given graduation information in October and again in January, but if parents didn't see the handout, it is posted in the pdf below.
You may also visit our SM West website under the graduation tab for current information: https://smwest.smsd.org/students/graduation
Or also under the Senior Information tab: https://smwest.smsd.org/students/senior-information
Many parents ask about when caps/gowns are delivered and also our "ticket" policy - - - the answers are THERE!!!!!
If you have a senior that is interested in trying out to be a graduation speaker or a reader of the roll during the ceremony, please encourage them to see Jennifer Silverstein or Mark Rabbitt.
West Reads
Each week a different student that might represent one of our clubs/organizations/teams here at West is asked to choose a children's book to read aloud and be recorded. The recording is shared with our elementary feeder schools. This is such a great way to showcase some of the amazing leaders we have in our community and I know the elementary students love seeing the high schoolers sharing literature with them.
We are excited to continue partnering with YES! for West Reads Video. Mya Williams reads “Love is Loud” by Diane Nash. This book represents the Read Across America theme, Celebrate Diversity. Here is the Video!
District Performing Arts Newsletter
Great music is being made in our district! Check out the March 2024 Performing Arts Newsletter.
Great things are being taught!
Summer School Information
Our Summer School options are open at this time for you to start the registration process. We have two different Google Forms, one for Summer Academy (in person) and one for E-School (online). This will give us information to start the enrollment process with you and your student. However, the registration will not be complete until we receive payment in full. You must register with us BEFORE May 31st.
Summer Academy (in person) at Shawnee MIssion North High School (7401 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS) There is NO transportation offered. You will have to find your own way there.
E-School (online)
Please check in with your alpha assigned school counselor if you have any questions.
Laura Raney (A-E)
Kim Urenda (F-K)
Katy Reda (L-Q)
Jamie Heller (R-Z)
Tommie Davis (CAA & CTE)
Thank you!
R&D Forum
More about the R&D Forum
Student Showcase:
The R&D Forum student showcase, with display-only and competitive exhibits, will be held in April 2024. Students, families, and staff members are encouraged to enter student-created projects, experiments, or art projects to share in this district-wide event. All submissions must be registered; information on how to register can be found online. The deadline to register for the showcase is Friday, March 29, 2024.
The SMSD community is invited to take part in this year’s 62nd R&D Forum by attending the following events at the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA), 8200 W. 71st Street.
SHOWCASE OPEN HOUSE RECEPTIONS
● 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
● 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024
● 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024
Entries will be on display at CAA, with a reception for all entrants and families. There will also be music performances by student groups from across the district.
NEXT GREAT IDEA LIVE PITCH
Saturday, April 27, 2024:
- Morning - Finalists will present their Next Great Idea to a panel of judges. Public voting will follow the 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 62nd year in 2024. It is one of the SMSD’s biggest student project showcases of the year!
Sincere appreciation is extended to the Regnier Family for 62 years of generous support for the SMSD R&D Forum.
Click here for more information and contacts if you have additional questions.
From our SM West Nurse
Hearing Screenings for 10th graders will be rescheduled for after Spring Break. Screenings will happen during English class on those days. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Kim Tennissen Nurse
913-993-7816
or
Amy Hall Nurse Aide
913-993-7960
Covid Guidelines and guidelines that apply to Influenza A & B.
- Day 0: the 1st day of symptoms or test positive day
- Counting from Day 0--a person is then out of school for 5 days.
- Day 6—may return to school if no ongoing symptoms and no fever in the previous 24 hours.
- Day 6-10—highly recommended and encouraged to mask.
- Students do not need to stay home for exposure to Covid—only if they have symptoms or test positive.
For more information you can refer to the following link:
https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/health-services/coronavirus-or-covid-19-information
Questions: call 913-993-7960
Kim Tennissen, RN, FNP-BC
Shawnee Mission West Nurse
8800 West 85th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: 913-993-7816
Fax: 913-993-1483
We would like to invite you to join our group WHATSAPP SMW Familias Hispanas to receive information from announcements and events from SMW School.
Nos gustaría invitarlos a unirse a nuestro grupo de WHATSAPP SWM Familias Hispanas para recibir información de anuncios y eventos de Escuela SMW.
Follow this link to join my WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kt2GKpwev7P0JyTFAN7Fmy
Bookkeeping News
FEE PAYMENT
REMINDER - Please check Skyward to see if your family still has a balance for fees. We thank you for your prompt attention to pay fees.
We strongly encourage and recommend our patrons pay fees online. Below is the link to pay for fees:
https://www.smsd.org/families/pay-fees
Our office will be able to take walk-in payments during our normal business hours.
PDF's are linked below for an explanation of fees (English and Spanish version) please make sure that all your fees are getting paid now.
- The online fee payment portal can be found at https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55790.
You can set up an account or pay as a guest using the student's ID number. There is a $3.00 fee to pay on line. Or you can call us and pay over the phone, send a check or pay in person without paying a fee
- Families that qualify for free and reduced lunch can get a waiver for part of the school fees by showing a copy of the Food Services letter to the Bookkeeper.
- You can request a payment plan with the bookkeeper, Cristina Seyler at (913)993-7810 or emailing Cristina at cristinaseyler@smsd.org .
Thank you.
Cristina Seyler
SM WEST HS Bookkeeper
8800 W 85th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-993-7810
SAIL Tutoring Each Wednesday and Thursday after school
Please remember to take advantage of our SAIL Tutoring Program. What a great way to start off second semester on a positive track.
Who: Open to all students.
What: SAIL Tutoring is an after school tutoring program for all students.
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:50-4:20pm (see Calendar below)
Where: The Cafeteria
Why: Providing space, time and adult support to catch up on work and support learning.
Additional Information: A meal is provided and there is a late bus after tutoring that will run along 87th Street only. Students must have a pass to get on the bus.
Viking Passport
Food Services Reminder
Parking Permits
Parking is $50 for the year.
It is extremely important that students only park in assigned areas for students, and not staff parking. Tickets will be assessed by our security staff. All rules and regulations are listed with the parking application. See the PDF below.
Also included is a map of West parking.
Our Nurse's office needs your help
Thank you so very much for your help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AADA92BA13-smwnurses
Parents, don’t forget to join the Shawnee Mission West Booster Club and purchase your Season Passes. Use your Season Pass to get into all Shawnee Mission West regular season home football, soccer, basketball and volleyball games while supporting all West athletes, cheer and dance teams.
Use this Link for the Go. Fan page: https://gofan.co/event/1004910?schoolId=KS18136
Spotlighters
If your student is involved in choir or is interested in being a part of our Thespian troupe, then you will be interested in joining Spotlighters. We have amazing talent here at West, and this organization of parents and family members does all things to support their performances and all their efforts.
It’s time to renew your Spotlighters membership for 2023-2024. We’re looking forward to another great year of performing arts at Shawnee Mission West!
MacBook/IT - Important
Many of our students were able to pick up their MacBooks during our Early MacBook Rollout.' If you received your device on July 25th, then please make sure to set Chrome as your default browser. Here is a link for instructions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UCo7L5B9PwmqDECiLayyb7r965hd9M1WxJfgynQgWqU/edit?usp=sharing
Please make a diligent choice to take care of your MacBook each and everyday.
- Cracked Screens
- The screens to the new devices are very delicate. Please remind students not to pick up the device by the screen and do not close the device with something in it.
- Tech Resource Page
- We have a Tech Resource Page that assist students with tech issues that arise. Please bookmark this page. Link => https://sites.google.com/smsd.org/smwtechrescue/tech-issue
ICT Updates
We want to remind you of a few things now that we are back in the swing of the school year:
Your MacBook must have the district issued case on it at all times. (Failure to have the cover in place will result in confiscation of the MacBook.)
Please only carry your MacBook with the screen shut and with both hands to keep the machine secure.
Do not ever pick up the MacBook by the screen. The LCD is very sensitive and the pressure of your grip will break the screen.
Keyboard covers should not be used since non-Apple keyboard covers might be too large and can put pressure on the screens and cause damage.
Please don’t leave your MacBook in a car overnight.
Needed programs can be found on Manager. You will not be able to download programs from the App Store for use on these devices.
Downloading VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or other programs that mask your device on the network are a violation of the Responsible Use Policy you have agreed to. Use of these will result in the confiscation of the MacBook and you may MacBook access for the semester/school year for consistent violations.
Due to the MacBook refresh this summer and the cost of the new hardware, the replacement device cost has gone up. Although, the charger cost has dropped. The incident fees have stayed the same (fees reset in high school).
1st Incident/Damaged Device fee: $100.00
2nd Incident/Damaged Device fee: $150.00
3rd and Subsequent Incident/Damage Device fee: Actual cost of repair/replacement or $300.00 whichever is greater.
Apple MacBook Air M1 USB-C Cable Replacement - $19
Apple MacBook Air M1 Charger Replacement - $39
Apple MacBook Air M1 Adapter Set Replacement - $58
Apple MacBook Air M1 Replacement/Lost Device fee - $1,117.95
If you ever need help or support with your device, please review our Tech Rescue Page (https://sites.google.com/smsd.org/smwtechrescue/tech-issues). If you are still experiencing issues, then you can submit a Web Help Desk Ticket (https://support.smsd.org).
Please reach out if there are any questions or issues. We do work with students and families through this process.
Below you will find some helpful images to assist with Skyward and Canvas.
Message from Food Service
Students are able to purchase breakfast and lunch prepared by our food service staff. Students may also bring sack lunches from home.
SM West does not allow for Door Dash deliveries or for fast food to be delivered to students during the school day.
ONLY SENIORS are allowed to leave campus for lunch - WITH Parent Permission. More information about this privilege will be communicated to seniors soon, but will not begin until potentially after Labor Day.
2023-24 - Child Nutrition Program Meal Benefit Application
Families are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits – free or reduced priced meals – as part of the Online Verification. The link to the Child Nutrition Program Meal Benefit Application is available on Skyward or the online application is on School Cafe. Families do need to create a School Cafe account if they do not already have one - more information may be located on the SMSD Food Service Free and Reduced web page. Contact the Food Service office by calling 913-993-9710 for questions on the meal benefit application.
Potential Benefits of Filling out the Application
Families, whose meal benefit application is approved for meal benefits, can receive a breakfast and lunch at the free or reduced price – depending on their qualifying benefit.
Families who complete an application and qualify also generate additional state funds for our schools.
Families who qualify for child nutrition meal benefits, may receive additional benefits such as free/reduced instructional resource fees, transportation fees, and Pre-k enrollment.
Consent for Disclosure and Eligibility
Families are encouraged to complete a Consent for Disclosure form inSkyward which gives SMSD Food Service permission to share a child’s eligibility status information with the programs families designate on the consent form.
Families who are receiving certain types of state assistance, a meal benefit application may not be necessary. If a family is directly certified for meal benefits due to state assistance, Food Service will email a notification of eligibility. If you receive state assistance and have not received a notification of eligibility, call the SMSD Food Service officebefore completing a meal program application.
Families who are directly certified are encouraged to complete a Consent for Disclosure form in Skyward which gives SMSD Food Service permission to share a child’s eligibility status information with the programs families designate on the consent form.
Thank you.
Transportation Update
ALL Students must be registered with DS Bus Lines in order to ride the bus.
Please note the following important information for 2023-24 busing:
- Bus registration may be found at the following link: DS Bus Lines registration
- 2023-24 bus fees will remain the same as the prior year.
- $185/semester/student or $370/year/student
- $185/semester/student or $370/year/student
- Any student attending their home school and living 2.5 miles or more from the school qualifies for free busing. Registration is required.
- Students who qualify for the Child Nutrition Meal Benefits – free and reduced priced meals may also qualify for free transportation, and enroll to ride existing routes. When registering, please provide a copy of the Child Nutrition Meal Benefits Eligibility letter to DS Bus Lines to complete the enrollment process. SMSD families can apply for Child Nutrition Meal Benefits after July 1st on School Café - https://www.schoolcafe.com/SHAWNEEMISSION.
- Transportation changes put in effect during the 2022-23 school year will remain in effect for the 2023-24 school year. This includes limiting high school routes to students residing over 2.0 miles from their school.
- Bus routes and stop locations will be determined based on those who register for busing. A minimum number of registrations (50 paid) is required in order to offer a route.
- Annual transportation registration is required for students to receive bus service.
For more information on Shawnee Mission School District transportation, please visit https://www.smsd.org/families/transportation or call DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190.
In the event there are times throughout the year when routes are running late and
notification is needed at the school and family level, we want to encourage you to sign up for Textcaster notifications. We have previously pushed a number of communications about this to families via school newsletters (with your assistance) as well as through district communications reminding of the availability to sign up for text notifications when routes are running late or compressed with other buses. We encourage you to also sign up to receive text notifications as it is the fastest way to provide notice of any changes.
Sign up for notifications at the following link: https://my.textcaster.com/asa/2795 where you can select the route numbers pertaining to your school (you may select multiple bus routes). Additionally, we will do our best to provide you with updates as we receive them.
PTSA
Thank you to our PTSA for all of the wonderful things you have been able to provide for our staff and our students.
PTSA Officers for 2023-2024 academic year:
Presidents - Erin VanDyke and Jean Baucom
Past President - Sean Campion
Membership - Michelle Morales
Secretary - Christina Middleton
Programs - Gwyn Dill
Treasurer - Darci Robinson
Ways & Means - Angie Gunion
Please view the attachment below so that you and your family can become members.
Thank you for your support.