3/06: Read-a-Thon Building Goal Award: Glow Parties in gym (scheduled during school day)

3/07: 6:00 1st & 2nd Grade Musical Performance & Classroom Open House

3/08: Draw Along Assembly: Thanks PTA!

3/09: Author Visit (Ryan Dalton) for 5th & 6th Grades in Library at 2:30

3/10: No School for Teacher Workday

3/13-3/17: Spring Break

3/20-3/24: Sock & Underwear Drive

3/21: 9:00-9:45: Preschool Visit Music and PE

3/22: 6:30 5th & 6th Grade Strings Concert at IHMS

3/23: 6:00 MVP Training in Library

3/23: 6:30 PTA General Meeting in Library

3/23 & 3/24: Kindergarten to SME Environmental Lab

3/30: 6:00-7:30 STEAM Night

The R&D Forum student showcase, with display-only and competitive exhibits, will be held in April 2023. 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 and information on how to register can be found online. The deadline to register for the showcase is Friday, March 24, 2023.

The SMSD community is invited to take part in this year’s 61st R&D Forum by attending the following events at the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA), 8200 W. 71st Street.

SHOWCASE OPEN HOUSE RECEPTIONS

• April 25, 2023: 4 - 7 pm
• April 26, 2023: 4 - 7 pm
• April 27, 2023: 4 - 7 pm

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.

The My Volunteer Pal (MVP) program is the volunteer program for all Shawnee Mission Schools. The program connects adult volunteers with students ages Pre-Kindergarten to age 18. Volunteers enjoy flexible schedules and all activities take place on school grounds during school hours with the exception of field trips.

Volunteer Pals are utilized for a variety of in-school activities including:

• Classroom or school volunteering
• Sharing career interests or special talents with students
• Tutoring
• Chaperones for Shawnee Mission School District approved field trips (At Prairie this includes the KC Zoo and Deanna Rose since volunteers supervise small groups without the teacher present.)
• No need for training if you are in a setting with a teacher present.

TWO-STEP SCREENING PROCESS for NEW VOLUNTEERS:

1. Attend a MVP training session at either the District office (Center for Academic Achievement) or at any SMSD school. Prairie's upcoming training will be in the library from 6:00-6:30 before the General PTA Meeting on March 23. Mrs. Jones and our social worker, Mrs. Mingori, will conduct the training.
   
2. Complete the online background screening process. Volunteers will be given the link for background screening at the conclusion of the training.

In most cases, applicants will be approved and ready to serve as a MVP volunteer within 48-72 hours after completion of the online screening. Once screened, volunteers will not need to renew for 5 years.