IHMS Weekly News
August 19 - 26, 2022
Upcoming IHMS Events
Monday, 08/22:
Cross Country Season Begins
Fall Math MAP Testing (Through Math Classes)
Tuesday, 08/23:
- Fall Math MAP Testing (Through Math Classes)
Wednesday, 08/24:
- Fall Math MAP Testing (Through Math Classes)
Thursday, 08/25:
Back to School Knight 5:30-8:00pm
Friday, 08/26:
N/A
Upcoming Events:
08/29: Volleyball @ IW 5:00pm
08/31: Jr. Board Begins 7:45am
08/31: Volleyball @ IH vs WR 5:00pm
09/01: Weekly Thursday PLC Late Start Begins (see information in IHMS Weekly News)
09/02: No School - Teacher Professional Learning
09/05: No School - Labor Day
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Section 1: Important IHMS Information
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The 24 Hour Communication Rule - Adopt It! It Helps Us All!
Over the past two years, I have noticed a sharp escalation in the amount of inappropriate email communication from parents to teachers at IHMS (with only rare instances of the reciprocal). Please note that as building principals, Mrs. Mahoney and I are requesting that our parent community adopt a 24 hour-wait guideline if your family is unable to communicate in a business-appropriate fashion at that given time.
Why is this important? In a current world where we have real, tangible, teacher shortage issues - even at great schools like IHMS - the last thing we need is to drive good teachers away from the classroom for something well within our control. This is not a message to stop communication - we encourage parent and teacher communication! Rather, this is a reminder to wait before pushing send if you are unable to appropriately communicate at that time. Wait 24 hours and come back to it.
We realize that the vast majority of the time, well-intentioned parents are simply trying to better understand an event or communication that took place based on what their middle schooler has described to them. However, this is where communication triangulation normally occurs. Rather than putting a teacher on blast for something that has only been explained to you by your middle-school student, pen communication seeking to understand the context and/or other side of the event - rather than seeking to automatically blame. The vast majority of the time, you will find our staff to be extremely responsive and helpful when approached this way.
We are so lucky to live and be in an SMSD community that consistently both supports public education and teachers. This message is not intended as a response to something that has taken place this week or other weeks. Rather, it's an important practice we must adopt from the beginning of this year and in years to come to maintain the best learning environment we possibly can for our students.
Blake and Tara
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"Back to School Knight" is Thursday!
This year, we have both school information and classroom information to share each period. You can find the schedule for the event linked here and pictured below. On Wednesday afternoon/evening, I will send another email/text blast with all finalized information and pertinent details regarding the event.
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Cell Phones, & Backpacks, and Hallway Movement
Great work by our students this week with cell phones and backpacks. It's an adjustment for them, but they are doing wonderfully. For those returning to IHMS, the hallways during passing periods, lunch, and before/after school are far better than in recent years. Students are also doing fabulously carrying their MacBook safely to class so far. Kudos to our kiddos!
Keep in mind that the first two weeks of school are always learning weeks. Your student is still getting used to the flow of the day, planning out when to use their locker, how to best navigate the stairs, etc. We realize this as middle school educators, and we will continue to be helpful and supportive of the problem solving process. By Labor Day, your students will have it down!
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21-22 Yearbook Distribution Monday (8th Grade Only)
Should you want to order your current 8th grader or 9th grader last year’s yearbook, it is $22 and all you need to do is email Ms. Basden at RachelBasden@smsd.org with "Any 21-22 Yearbooks Available?" in the subject line. Then, your name will get put on a list with first come, first serve till they’re all gone. Ms. Basden will then respond to you for how to proceed, or to let you know that there are none left.
If you still haven’t ordered this year’s yearbook, with your child’s school related fees, please consider doing so soon. We can never guarantee how many extras will come to us each year, and the cost remains $22.
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Macbook Must-Dos!
Please take time over the weekend to ensure that:
The Macbook Deployment Status Form has been submitted.
Both guardian and student have completed the online verification in Skyward (RUP).
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PLC Thursday Basics + Late Start Begins 9/1/22
To lead it off, here is the original information published in our IHMS Summer Information Packet:
In the May 23 Board of Education meeting, the long-awaited arrival of middle school PLC time was made official. As a middle school principal, I personally sat on this commission with a number of fellow teachers and administrators that put together a proposal that does not necessarily burden families each week (this was one of our main constraints in the process). What was fleshed out can be found in the attached BOE presentation.
Beginning on the same date that high school PLC starts, September 1, 2022, each Thursday morning will be an optional late start for students. Here is the breakdown:
Knight Time - our homeroom period (mascot hour) will not take place Thursdays from 9/1/22 - 4/27/23, and school will begin with 1st hour at 9:19 a.m. Teachers will meet in PLCs from 8:05 - 9:05 a.m. each Thursday.
Buses will continue to run at the exact same time as they do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your student will show up at normal time (8:20 - 8:35 a.m.) if they choose to take the bus on Thursdays.
Students may still arrive at the normal time to be supervised from 8:20 - 9:10 a.m. until released to go to 1st hour at 9:10 a.m.
Although not required, your student has the option of taking advantage of a late start each week because the school day will technically begin at 9:19 a.m. each Thursday.
What will this look like when implemented starting on 9/1/22?
First option (likely preferred by your student):
- Frankly, for your student, it will likely be better for them to take advantage of a little extra sleep and arrive around 9:10 a.m. for our first hour beginning at 9:19 a.m. each Thursday. However, we realize this is not feasible for all families. If you cannot take advantage of the late start, or find a Thursday car-pool, walk, or bike option that works for your family, options still exist. See below.
Secondary option:
- Each Thursday, bus pickups and routes will continue to run on the same daily schedule, and students will still be able to enter the school at 8:20 a.m.
- If your student must arrive to school at the normal time because your family cannot feasibly make late start Thursday transportation work, they will be split by grade level and housed in of our larger spaces (e.g. gymnasium, cafeteria, etc.).
- These larger spaces will be supervised each week by a rotating group of teachers, but your student will need to bring a book, homework, etc. because they will not be released to the hallways until 9:10 a.m. Students would be allowed to appropriately use their cell phones during this time if they bring them.
What does the Thursday schedule look like?
The only difference in the schedule each Thursday from 9/1/22. - 4/27/23 is that we do not start at 8:45 a.m. with Knight Time like every other day of the week. Instead, we start with 1st hour at 9:19 a.m. The schedule is pictured below:
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Fall MAP Testing Reminders
If your student forgets their earbuds, there will be cheap pairs available for $1.00 purchase. Please pay attention to only the fall column. A full testing schedule for the year will be published once all dates are established and finalized. For now, a few blanks remain on the schedule shown below, but this does not affect the fall testing window.
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Bike and Walking Safety
While on school property, students should walk their bike, skateboard, or any other transportation device when in immediate proximity to the school for the safety of themselves and others.
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Battle of the Books Club Information
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The Knights' Walk: Coming Soon – Friday, September 30!
Your student won’t want to miss the Knights’ Walk - a fun afternoon on-campus event, full of friends, music, games, and prizes.
The Knights’ Walk is our one and only fundraiser at IHMS, and it takes place during the school day so every student will participate! All funds raised as part of the Knights’ Walk will be spent this year to benefit your student and IHMS teachers!
Be on the lookout in future newsletters to learn how last year’s Knights’ Walk funds were allocated, how to donate and register your student, and how to volunteer before and during the event!
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Section 2: Still Relevant From Previous Weeks
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IHMS Communication Flow
Now that we are back in school, it is of note that we have a specific communication chain for parents to follow. IHMS has been, and continues to be, one of the two largest middle schools in the entire county depending on the year (we flip-flop with Westridge as the largest from time to time). This means it is important to have a solid communication plan so that your questions can be answered quickly and efficiently.
Many parents have reached out directly to IH administration in the past few weeks and noticed that it may take more than 24 hours for us to respond. Although our goal is always communication back within 24 hours, this is not always possible because our first priority is to your students in attendance at school. In addition, with only two administrators in the building for approximately 950 students and staff, we want to ensure you are able to get the information you need when you need it. To ensure the quickest and most efficient communication, please review and adhere to the contact guidelines below:
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 (e.g.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 to ensure absences are properly recorded.
- Call in your student's absence - including date(s) and nature of the absence - to the school attendance line: (913) 993-0412. In order for the absence to be excused, it must fall under one of the six board of education approved reasons (BOE policy JBD). Unexcused absences will be recorded for any other absence reported (or not reported).
- Do not email attendance personnel to report an absence unless absolutely necessary. However, if you need to provide documentation, ask a question, or receive prior administrative approval for an absence, you can email our attendance clerk Kerri Brisendine: kerribrisendine@smsd.org and our educational aide Constance Eddy: constanceeddy@smsd.org.
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).
- 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 (safety issues, etc.).
4. General Contact Guidelines:
- The chart below provides parents with a general contact chart they can utilize to ensure communication remains streamlined in all circumstances.
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22-23 PTA Membership: Please Join Us!
NEW…Indian Hills PTA Directory and Website!
For the ‘22-‘23 school year, we have a NEW online directory and website called Membership Toolkit. Our secure site will allow you to:
Purchase your PTA Membership and make a donation
Access the secure online directory for students, family, and faculty information (PTA Membership required)
View the School Calendar
Signup up for school events and clubs
Get started today by clicking HERE!!
Register and create an account on our new website. Once you create your account, you have the power to decide what information is shared on the directory accessible ONLY to other registered IH parents.
Our directory will only be as useful as YOU make it. We need each of you to register to help us build a stronger community network for parents and students.
Also with your account, you can download the Membership Toolkit app from the App Store or Google Play. This gives you quick access to the directory when your kiddo texts from a new friend’s house!
Betsy Ballard - betsysballard@gmail.com
Summer Henry - summer.henry@gmail.com
IHMS PTA Co-Presidents: ‘22-‘23
Questions? Email the PTA at PTAIndianHills@gmail.com
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2022-23 Bell Schedule
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Mandatory Annual Online Verification
Back-to-school forms (Online Verification Forms) are now online, and they need to be reviewed and signed with an electronic signature if you have not already done so. They include permission forms, a health history, and a medication permission form. For middle and high school students, there is also an athletic packet. The process should take only about 5 minutes to complete.
Please complete these forms as soon as possible. It is a mandatory step necessary for student materials checkout. Students cannot be assigned a computer/device until the forms are complete.
Steps to fill out forms:
- Visit smsd.org.
- In the top navigation bar, click on “Skyward” and log in to your account.
- Under “Home” you will see “2021-2022 Student Annual Online Verification.”
- There will be directions that walk you through the entire process.
- If you have any questions, please contact the IHMS office at (913) 993-0400.
Thank you for your quick attention to this important step of the enrollment process.
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General IHMS Athletics + Volleyball Information
Click here for all things IHMS athletics. Athletic paperwork can be turned into the front office at any time. Please see the IHMS Athletic Packet for the checklist outlining the necessary tasks to ensure your student’s paperwork has all needed components completed.
Athletic paperwork has a 48-hour processing time. You will receive communication via email indicating that your student’s paperwork has been approved or communication outlining that the paperwork was incomplete. The athletic packet will be given back to your student with a checklist indicating the missing components.
Needing a Physical?
CVS Pharmacy Minute Clinics provide athletic screenings.
Volleyball Information:
- Parent Meeting Aug 9th at 6:30
- First Day of Tryouts Aug 15th- 4:00 in Main Gym
- Players will need court shoes and a white T-shirt for tryouts. We will be writing a tryout number on a white shirt that players will need to wear all 5 days of tryouts. Knee pads are encouraged but not required. Tryouts will be held from Aug 15th -Aug 19th teams will be posted by noon on Aug 21st.
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A Job That Matches Your Student's Schedule!
Currently, we have the following openings still available:
- One classroom-based paraprofessional
- One social and interpersonal learning (SAIL) paraprofessional
- One gifted educator opening (requires teacher licensure, but gifted certification can be worked toward while concurrently teaching)
Interested in any of these options? Apply here!
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School Immunization Requirements
Tdap: A single dose of Tdap is required for entry to 7th grade. Please ensure that you have provided documentation to the school nurse for Tdap vaccination prior to the first day of 7th grade.
- Meningococcal: Two doses are required. First dose prior to the first day of 7th grade and second dose prior to 11th grade. Please provide documentation to the school nurse or nurse’s aide.
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Section 3: Important SME Area Information
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Symphonic Stinky Feet and the SME Band
Kids of all ages, Come out for an exciting evening with Mr. Stinky Feet & the Shawnee Mission East Band! There will be carnival activities, food & live performance!
When: Friday, September 30, 2022: 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
- 5:30 - 6:30 Family Activities / Instrument Petting / Dinner and Concessions / Raffle and ticket sales/ Face Painting
6:30-7:30 Concert / Raffle
Where: Shawnee Mission East High School - Auditorium
What: Family-friendly event supporting SME Band's trip to London for 2023 New Year’s Day Parade! Tickets $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
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Section 4: Mainstay News
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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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Mental Health Support Option
Parents and Guardians, if your student is in need of mental health support, and you are unable to pay, there may be relief available to you. Please visit the following link to see if you could qualify for assistance from COVID Cares Act relief funds through Johnson County Mental Health. https://jocogov.org/dept/mental-health/accessing-services/covid-19-relief-funds