The Cougar Connection
Weekly Update for Families - March 23, 2023

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)
***Please direct dial the attendance office and allow 30 minutes processing time from phone call to release when requesting early dismissal for your student.***
From Dr. Gruman
Dear Northwest Families,
We have enjoyed a great start to the fourth quarter and are excited for the many upcoming activities during spring time!
As we navigate all of the excitement and celebrations within these next two months, we will use the Cougar Connection to keep you updated.
Our first date to mark on your calendar is the last day for senior students on Monday, May 15th. Once students take their first block final exam, they will enjoy the senior breakfast together hosted by our awesome PTSA. They will transition to the graduation rehearsal after the breakfast and enjoy some other activities. A detailed agenda for the day will be shared with students and families in early April.
Our sophomore students will complete their Kansas Assessment in English Language Arts next week during their ELA class period. If your student has ELA during an odd block period, they will test on Wednesday and Friday. If your student has ELA during an even block period, they will test on Tuesday and Thursday. Our students are ready to complete their assessments and the smaller classroom setting will mirror their usual testing environments. We encourage students to have adequate sleep and a good breakfast, as with a typical school day.
We are currently finalizing the design of our master schedule for the 2023-2024 school year. We are excited to have so many outstanding courses and learning opportunities available to our students. We work through many constraints to minimize conflicts in the schedules of individual students. For courses with a single section, we place the class in the block where there are the fewest conflicts among students requesting that course. Unfortunately, there will be times when a student may need to make a choice among two classes or select an alternate class. We will begin to have those conversations with students in early April so they may have time to select the best option for them. We will keep parents updated on those conversations as well.
Have a wonderful week!
All the best,
Dr. Lisa Gruman
SENIORS 2023
Summer School Registration is NOW open!
2023 Summer Academy is available for “in-person” courses.
Dates are June 12-30 for session 1 and July 10-28 for Session 2.
https://www.smsd.org/academics/summer-programs/summer-academy
2023 Summer eSchool is an option for “on-line” courses.
https://www.smsd.org/academics/eschool/enrollment-information
Lisa Jones 913.993.7230
Prom Dresses are available!
We will be hosting prom on Saturday, April 15th. If your budget is tight and your student could use a dress or suit, we have a fashionable selection in our SMNW clothing closet. Please have your student come to the counseling office to make an appointment.
Keeping Our Students & Staff Healthy
In SMSD, we have begun to see increases in absence due to illness; with a few physicians diagnosed illnesses and many generalized symptoms.
One of the most important things to help decrease the spread of illness is for those who are not feeling well to stay home. If your child has a temperature of over 100.0 or has vomited or has had diarrhea, they must stay home. Students may return to school when they have been free from fever (without medication), vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 hours.
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. For district COVID-19 guidelines, please visit https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/health-services/coronavirus-or-covid-19-information
Thank you,
Nurse Wendy Woods
STUCO Garage Sale
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I DROP OFF ITEMS?
Anytime from NOW until Fri. April 21 in the main office at SMNW from 7 - 3:30 pm. Or in Sarah Dent’s classroom 230. Large furniture items can go directly into our storage – call the office at (913) 993-7200 and Mrs. Dent can arrange for students to unload after school!
IS MY DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Maybe. We cannot give you a tax-deductible form, but we can give you a receipt via email for your donated items.
I WANT TO DONATE MY LARGE ITEMS BUT I HAVE NO WAY OF GETTING THEM TO SMNW. WHAT DO I DO?
Please contact StuCo Sponsor Sarah Dent ASAP at nwdents@smsd.org to coordinate a pick-up time before Fri. April 8. We usually do most pick ups the two weeks before the sale as storage is limited. *There might be LARGE items we cannot take due to storage.
I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DONATE BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUT IN SOME WAY. WHAT CAN I DO?
Feel free to shop the sale on Saturday, April 22, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Help us spread the word to your family and friends!
WHEN AND WHERE IS THIS AWESOME GARAGE SALE?!
SMNW Cafeteria on Saturday, April 22, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
WHY ARE YOU HAVING THIS SALE?
SMNW Student Council is trying to fundraise $8,000 to send approximately 20 students to leadership camps across the state and country this summer. Thanks for all of your help!
Upcoming Theatre Events
Upcoming Theatre Events:
Spaghetti Showcase March 31st @6pm in the mall. Enjoy pasta and some original scenes by Intro Theatre students. $10/plate, $5/ Children until 12 and free for kids 3 and under.
Antigone April 13th & 14th in the Little Theatre, student directed Greek tragedy performed by the Rep Class. Admission $5. Show starts at 7pm.
The Rehearsal, April 27th, 28th & 29th @7pm in the Auditorium. Our final main stage production of the year. Admission $10.
Follow this link to purchase items, support fundraisers, volunteer or become a PTSA Member! Please see the link below for JUNIOR families:
Victoria Alvey - 913.993.7400
NW Athletics
- Individual High School calendar: Sunflower League
- Combined High School calendar: https://www.shawneemissionactivities.org
- 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.