The Cougar Connection
Weekly Update for Families - December 1, 2022

SMNW
Office Hours 7 AM - 3:30 PM
913.993.7200
Attendance
Attendance Hotline 913.993.7245 (All Day)
Attendance Office 913.993.7242 (Partial Day)
From Dr. Gruman
Dear Northwest Families,
We have enjoyed welcoming our students back this week and look forward to our Not So Late Night Assembly to kick-off our winter sports season at 7 pm this evening (Thursday).
This is a great time to remind your students to check Canvas and make sure they have completed essential coursework. We have Academic Enrichment after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:50 to 3:50 pm. A late bus is available for students that need transportation. If your student has missing assignments to complete, this is a great opportunity to get additional support from teachers.
We are grateful for the gift card donations we have received thus far. Please see below for additional information if you would like to contribute to the gift card drive.
Please see below for the Winter Finals Schedule as you plan your December calendar. Please remember there are very limited reasons that qualify for students to take a final exam early. If you have a special circumstance, please reach out to your child's administrator through our assistant, Colleen Lauer at 993-7203.
All the best,
Dr. Lisa Gruman
Holiday Gift Card Drive
Lisa Jones 913.993.7230
From Our College Adviser
Reminder to Seniors & parents: My general advice for college deadlines is to have all applications and FAFSA (if filing) completed by winter break.
- K-State Bound Seniors: Wabash Cannonball Scholarship due TODAY! Students can find this in their seminar canvas pages.
- Today, 12/1, is the priority deadline for applications to KU & K-State. This is not a hard deadline, but it is one to pay attention to. Please get your applications done ASAP!
- The Rudd Scholarship is due FRIDAY, December 2nd.
Ms. Connor Davis (she/her)
College Adviser | SMNW Cougars
Dual Degree Info
Future Juniors can work toward earning their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously through partnership with JCCC. The program provides students the opportunity to attend JCCC full or part-time, receive dual credit for their coursework, and take an average of 15 credit hours each semester. Careful course selection and ongoing communication with the RWL counselor and JCCC is necessary to ensure coursework is aligned to achieving these simultaneous credentials. Students in this program will need to plan carefully to meet eligibility for KSHSAA activities/athletics.
Note that this opportunity is best suited for students who are responsible and motivated. Students must pay their own tuition and be able to drive to JCCC for classes.
To being the process, please have a conversation with your student first, then have your student contact the alpha counselor if he or she is genuinely interested. Questions about program details can be directed to the RWL Counselor, ericajablonski@smsd.org.
Senior Cap and Gown
Graduation link: https://view.vidreach.io/q/vy4YWI9L
Josten's Contact: Carla @ 785.843.2967
Josten's is extending the cap and gown order deadline until December 12th. Students should still order the cap and gown to meet this deadline even if they can’t pay until later to avoid the sales tax. Cap and gown orders taken after the holidays will be $30 + 9.6 sales tax. Everything from announcements to jewelry and apparel will also include the sales tax. Cap and gowns will be delivered on date of rehearsal. Announcements will be delivered to the school. All other orders will be shipped to the students home. Parents are encouraged to contact Jostens with questions and to make orders over the phone at 785-843-2967.
Yearbook Senior Tribute
Hey Senior Parents - This is your last chance!
The FINAL deadline for senior tributes is December 20.
You can order your senior tribute online at www.yearbookforever.com. If you haven't purchased a 2023 yearbook, you can do that while you are there.
Information about the tributes can be found here: bit.ly/3CKFr30 or scan this QR code:
Academic Enrichment
Academic Enrichment is open to ALL students grades 9 - 12 on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Library. Teachers are available to support students in Math, English, Science and Social Studies from 2:50 - 3:50 pm. The late bus will depart at 4:00pm.
Academic Enrichment Dates 22-23
From the Nurse
Keeping our Students Healthy
- You may have recently heard news reports about increases of illness this fall, as is typical with this time of year. In SMSD, we have begun to see increases in absence due to illness; with a few physician diagnosed illnesses and many generalized symptoms.
- Your child may also be ill, but without these symptoms. They may have a sore throat, headache, cough, or generally not feel well. If you suspect illness, please keep your child at home. If in doubt about sending your child to school, contact the school nurse or your child’s doctor.
Nurse Woods
School Fees
Check fees in Skyward and contact the bookkeeper with questions.
2022 - 2023 Online Fee Payment:
- Follow link www.smsd.org/families/pay-fees
Victoria Alvey - 913.993.7400
NW Letter Jacket:
Below is the link for students and/or parents wanting to purchase letter jackets.
Questions? Call Jostens at 785-843-2967
SMNW Letter Jacket through Josten's
Looking for an event? Sunflower League
- Visit our Athletics Website for schedules of upcoming events: https://smnwcougars.com/
DS Bus Lines
TRANSPORTATION
**All bus riders must register to ride the bus:
To register or pay for busing visit DS Bus Lines website.
Sign up for Textcaster Alerts here to receive text messages.
Contact DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190 with any questions.