IHMS Weekly News
August 11 - 18, 2023
Upcoming IHMS Events - Quarter 1
August 14: No School - 1/2 professional learning / 1/2 workday
August 14: Fall sport practices begin!
August 15: Knight Initiation Day 1 (full day): 7th grade students report
August 16: Knight Initiation Day 2 (full day): All students report (lesson plans/activities provided).
August 18: Picture Day - all students and staff
August 28: ELA and math fall MAP testing begins
August 29: Back to School Night 5:30 - 8:00
August 31: Lancer Day
September 4: No School - Labor Day
September 14: First “late start Thursday” PLC day
September 29: Knights' Walk (annual fundraiser) - make-up date is October 6
October 12: No School - Professional Learning
October 13: No School - Teacher Workday
October 18: IHMS parent/teacher conferences - 5:00-8:00 p.m.
October 20: No School - IHMS parent/teacher conferences - 8:05-4:05 p.m.
October 27: Student after-school mixer - 3:45-6:00 p.m.
October 27: Picture retakes
=============================================
Section 1: Important IHMS Information
=============================================
Welcome to the 2023-24 School Year!
Our IH family hopes this welcome back letter finds you winding down a fantastic summer break!
We are excited to welcome all of our students to Indian Hills Middle School! Middle school - as many of you have likely discovered - is an interesting time in the life of your student. Students are often paradoxical - craving social interaction and acceptance with friends while viewing themselves through an over-critical lens; wanting to express independence, but still needing a safe catch-net to land. Our staff understands middle school students, and we strive to foster a sense of belonging for ALL IHMS students.
Although this school year will be different than the last, it will most certainly usher in new challenges. We have unknown factors facing us heading into this year. Our task is to quickly diagnose and treat these unknowns with high-quality, tier 1 and 2 classroom instruction. However, our path forward becomes much more traversable if we attack these challenges together as a united team. We need you - as parents - to be a part of this collective team supporting your student. Stay involved at IHMS, stay in contact with your students' teachers, keep up with the IHMS Weekly News (sent each Friday or Saturday), and most of all, stay engaged with your student.
We will see our 7th grade students on Tuesday, August 15, and our 8th grade students back on August 16! Both first days of school are full-day Knight Initiation and Orientation days.
Your student - even if they did not attend the ice cream social - will be well taken care of. Students will get a full day of locker practice, passing period planning (how to get to my next class), a "who's who" at IH activity, lunch procedures, and much more. While the previous items are a bit more logistical, the day will also contain plenty of fun as our new students learn to become Knights. If you have not done so yet, follow us on Instagram: @indianhillsknights to keep up with our most up-to-date information, celebrations, and daily happenings at the Hills!
It's going to be a fantastic school year!
Blake
=============================================
Ice Cream Social Recap - Thank you!
In addition, we so appreciate your patience with a couple of the long lines at the event. We strive to make this event low-key/stress-free, but the lines in a few places made it less so. We will make some adjustments to next year's plans to ensure we continue to improve the experience for our students, families, and community.
=============================================
2023-2024 Bell Schedule
=============================================
Reminder: IHMS Summer Welcome and Information Packet
=============================================
Knight Initiation - August 15 and August 16
August 11 Knight Initiation: NO SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED
- ALL 7th grade students
- NO 8th grade students
- No school supplies necessary except for writing utensil (pencil/pen) and, if not purchasing school lunch, a lunch that will be housed in the student's locker until their specific lunch time.
During Knight initiation on August 15, students will learn how to navigate everything from IHMS hallways, schedules, and lockers to classroom, lunch, and academic/behavioral expectations.
August 12 Knight Initiation: BRING SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- ALL IHMS students
- Bring all school supplies
- Drop tissues off - if purchased - with your Knight Time teacher.
During Knight initiation on August 16, students will learn how Knights act with HONOR (Honesty, Optimism, Neighborly, On Task, Respectful/Responsible, cover building expectations, and learn more about what it takes to be a Knight!
=============================================
IHMS Arrival & Dismissal Information
This information is generalized for the entire school year. Specific days, like Knight Initiation (first two days of school), will have a different designated arrival procedure outlined.
Student Arrival:
Unless it is a late-start Thursday (these do not begin until 9/14/23), students arrive from 8:20-8:43 a.m. Class begins each day at 8:45 a.m. Anyone who arrives prior to 8:20 a.m. will remain unsupervised outside of the building (regardless of weather) unless they have a pre-issued eHallpass to see a specific teacher, so please ensure that you do not drop your student prior to 8:20 a.m.
Student Arrival: (8:05-8:20 a.m.)
- Students with a pre-issued eHallpass from a teacher can check in with the front office (buzz in at the front entrance) and meet with the teacher that assigned the eHallpass.
- No other students should be present prior to 8:20 a.m. because they will be unsupervised until doors open at 8:20 a.m.
Bus Rider Instructions:
- Buses will immediately drop students in the front loop (off of Mission Rd.) and students will enter the building through the front doors. Students immediately report to their designated morning area - 8th grade: main gym; 7th grade: auxiliary gym; and breakfast eaters: cafeteria.
- Students with a pre-issued eHallpass can check in with the front hall monitor and visit their teacher after being checked in.
- All car rider students can be dropped in the south car loop off of Delmar or the fire station loop off of 63rd. For more information, please check the map below. Car riders will immediately report to their designated morning area - 8th grade: main gym; 7th grade: auxiliary gym; and breakfast eaters: cafeteria.
- Students with a pre-issued eHallpass can check in with the front hall monitor and visit their teacher after being checked in.
Bikers/Walkers:
- Students who ride their bikes or walk to school should plan on showing up after 8:20 a.m. each day. Bike riders/walkers can gain entrance at any open location (main, south, or fire station entrances) after 8:35 a.m.
- Bike racks are located in the front and back of the building. If bikers/walkers arrive prior to 8:35 a.m., they will need to enter the building through the main entrance (door 1).
- Bikers/walkers will immediately report to their designated morning area - 8th grade: main gym; 7th grade: auxiliary gym; and breakfast eaters: cafeteria.
- Students with a pre-issued eHallpass can check in with the front hall monitor and visit their teacher after being checked in.
Student Dismissal: (3:45-3:55 p.m.)
- Bus Rider Instructions:
Bus riders will be released from class at 3:45 p.m. with all other IHMS students. Each day, there will be a posted bus sign board with the bus locations and numbers for students. Buses will depart from IHMS each day at 3:52 - giving students 7 minutes to move from their final class of the day to the bus. - Car Rider Instructions:
All car rider students must be picked up from the south car loop off of Delmar or from the fire station loop off of 63rd. In the south lot, please continue to move forward through the car loop - even if you are stopped on Delmar. If you are picking up in the fire station lot, please ensure that you keep the car line moving, and that you do not block in the bus drivers that need to access to pick up students in that lot. - Bikers/Walkers
Bikers and walkers can exit the building through any IHMS door, but they must vacate the property by 3:55 p.m. or access our Academic Learning Lab (A.L.L.)
=============================================
Fee Payment - Due by August 14
Fees - including course elective fees (if applicable), are now due. Please pay fees by following one of the options below:
Online fee payment: Navigate to www.smsd.org, hover over the “Families” tab, and click the link entitled “Pay Fees.”
Please complete online fee payment now if you have not already done so.
After clicking the above link you will be directed to the district’s E-Funds for Schools site. If you are a new user, you will need to register first before you can view fees or make a payment. If you are an existing user, log in and you will be taken to the payment screen.
Cash/Check fee payment: If you would rather pay by cash or check, allows you to pay your fees by mail.
Completed forms and checks should be sent or delivered to: Indian Hills: 6400 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
Even if you are planning to pay by cash or check, you will still need to go to the fee payment website in order to find out your child’s elective course fees.
Additional Information regarding fee payment:
You have the capability of paying all fees online with a credit card. If at all possible, we strongly recommend you pay fees online to save yourself time.
All fees, including elective course fees, must be paid before we issue your child’s MacBook.
Fees are due by August 14, 2023. All fees should be paid, or a payment plan should be established, prior to the first day of school. Contact IHMS bookkeeper Veronica Rodriguez - veronicarodriguez@smsd.org - with any school fee payment questions.
If you have specific circumstances that require consideration (Free/reduced lunch application/qualification, payment plan, etc.), please contact IHMS bookkeeper Veronica Rodriguez - veronicarodriguez@smsd.org.
=============================================
Students Schedules, Lunch Assignments, Locker Numbers, and Locker Combinations
By end of day, Monday, August 14, you will see a lunch designation by your student's 4th hour class. One of the following: 4A, 4B, or 4C, will be attached to your student's 4th hour roster in Skyward. That letter corresponds to the lunch period your student will have 4th hour. Times for lunches A, B, and C can be found in the bell schedule above.
=============================================
23-24 PTA Membership: Please Join Us!
Greetings 2023-24 Indian Hills Middle School Families!
Welcome back to all returning families, and a special greeting to those families new to our school! All PTA leadership positions have been filled for the 2023-2024 school year, but please email us if you are interested in getting involved next year!
Throughout the year, we need many volunteers to help run various activities. These volunteer opportunities will be listed on our PTA Website and in the “IHMS Weekly News” which comes each week from school administration. We encourage and welcome all volunteers…this the best way to meet new parents and families!
Indian Hills PTA Directory and Website!
For the ‘23-‘24 school year, we have an online school directory and a secure website that 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!
Finally, please mark your calendars with these key dates (subject to change):
Back to School Night: August 29, 2023 - 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Knights’ Walk: Our one and only PTA fundraiser: September 29, 2023: 1pm - 4pm (more information will be shared early to mid-September)
1st General PTA Meeting: Sept 21, 2023: 6:00 p.m.
PTA meeting encouraged for all parents and PTA members
Tiffany Christiansen - tiffanyleigh@gmail.com
Jamie Kapke - jamiekapke@gmail.com
IHMS PTA Co-Presidents: ‘23-‘24
Questions? Email the Us at PTAIndianHills@gmail.com
=============================================
MacBook Rollout Information + Device Management
Every middle school student will be issued a MacBook at the beginning of the school year. Some were able to check their MacBook out early at the Ice Cream Social, while the remainder of our student population will receive their MacBooks on the first day of their school year. The MacBook is a powerful learning tool, but for middle school students, it automatically incurs a major responsibility to take care of the device, and to appropriately use the device in all situations. Pertinent details regarding MacBooks can be found below:
MacBook deployment dates will be on August 15 for 7th grade and August 16 for 8th grade.
All students and parents are required to complete the Skyward online verification. If student and parent online verification has not been completed by August 15 (7th grade) or August 16 (8th grade), the school will hold your student’s MacBook until the online verification process has been completed by both student and parent.
All students will go through a MacBook Boot Camp that explicitly teaches MacBook care, handling, usage, digital citizenship, etc.
MacBooks should be charged to 100% at home each evening.
Replacement/damage costs for MacBooks are as follows:
1st damaged device: $100.00
2nd damaged device: $150.00
3rd and subsequent device damage: Actual cost of repair/replacement.
Accessories and parts that do not carry a warranty are charged at actual replacement cost.
A damaged charger incurs a $79.00 fee.
Stolen device: Proof of theft, such as a filed police report, must be provided to prevent being charged the replacement cost of the device. A damaged device fee may still be incurred. If proof of theft cannot be supplied, the student will incur the full replacement cost of the device.
Lost device: A lost device will incur the replacement cost of the device.
How can we manage our student’s MacBook at home?
As is the case with any device, proper device monitoring is a must. Although you do not have administrative rights on the device to install additional monitoring software, there are some best-practices that we recommend you adopt as a parent:
Apple has integrated iCloud and family sharing permissions through use of the “Screen Time” functionality built into your Apple ID and “family sharing.” This additional layer of control and security is recommended for all families interested in additional controls beyond the district’s Lightspeed content filter. A simple internet search for “Screen Time for Apple” will give you more information.
Remind your student (and yourself) that the device is property of The Shawnee Mission School District. Anything that is searched or done on the device is subject to The Shawnee Mission School District Acceptable Use Policy: IIBF.
Create a common and visible spot at home for schoolwork and MacBook usage at home (not in the student’s room). Do not allow students to have their MacBooks unattended for long periods of time.
Monitor iMessage and GChat usage on the MacBook. Always monitor all social media accounts that your students have.
Do not allow your student to take his/her MacBook into their room at night. Create a common space for devices to be charged each night.
Keep track of the device’s wear and tear throughout the year. Ensure that your student is taking proper care of the device.
If you have specific concerns about your student’s MacBook usage, the school can help. Please contact IHMS administration for help/support.
What does my student do if they have a technical problem with their MacBook?
We’ve put together a series of self-help procedures to encourage students to problem solve prior to seeking help from ICT. The majority of student computer issues we see can be solved with a simple device restart. This self-help poster provides simple solutions to some other common problems. Students who are unable to resolve their problem can submit a help-desk ticket using the orange life-saver on the MacBook application bar, or by accessing the IT Support Website.=============================================
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 “2023-2024 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.
=============================================
IHMS Picture Day: 08/18/22
Mark your calendars! Picture Day is Friday, August 18!
Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school.
Order online at inter-state.com/order and enter Order Code 78640XF.
=============================================
General IHMS Athletics 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.
=============================================
A Job That Matches Your Student's Schedule!
Currently, we have the following openings still available:
- 3 classroom-based paraprofessionals
- 2 social and interpersonal learning (SAIL) paraprofessionals
Interested in any of these options? Apply here!
=============================================
IHMS Website Reminder
=============================================
School Immunization Requirements + Athletic Physical Information
Attention 7th Grade Parents:
Tdap and Meningococcal Vaccines are both required for all students entering 7th grade.
Not sure if you have turned in your child’s vaccination records to the nurse? You can check Skyward.
Accessing student health information in Skyward:
- In Skyward Family Access, on the left-hand side, scroll down to “health info” and click on the link.
- Across the top, you will see a blue underlined link that says “display options.”
- Click, "Show Vaccinations" – this will display your child’s immunizations on file with the school.
If you don’t see a dose listed, your nurse does not have the record. Please provide that to the school nurse.
Student Physicals
If your student is planning on participating in Cross Country, Volleyball, or any other sport this year, we need a current physical packet on file. They are required before your student will be allowed to participate. Please reach out with questions and see the IHMS athletics page on our website for more information.
=============================================
SMSD Busing/Transportation
=============================================
Fall MAP Testing Dates
=============================================
Section 2: Important SME Area Information
=============================================
Lancer Dancer Pancake Breakfast!
=============================================
Section 3: Mainstay News
=============================================
Give us a Follow
=============================================
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/.
=============================================
e-Read Access Through IHMS
=============================================
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