The Cougar Connection
Weekly Update for Families - September 2, 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,
As we open the month of September, I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday weekend and hope you find some great time together as a family.
We have really enjoyed these opening weeks with our students and so many highlights! We look forward to the many learning opportunities ahead of us.
I will keep my section brief this week. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful weekend!
All the best,
Dr. Lisa Gruman
Looking to next week:
- Monday is a holiday. There is no school and the office is closed.
- Thursday is Late Start with Clubs Day in the Mall area.
- Visit our Athletics Website for schedules of upcoming events: https://smnwcougars.com/
2022 -2023
- - - Breaking News - - -
Teacher of the Year
Submissions are due by September 6, 2022.

Yearbook Photos - October 4th
Grades 9 - 11 can pre-pay at this link: https://bit.ly/SMNWRETAKE22
Senior photos will be taken from 8:30 - 11:00. Please use the linke below to sign up:
Questions? cs@rollandkc.com
College Now
JCCC will be hosting two information sessions to discuss the College Now (and Quick Step+) process of Apply/Placement/Enroll/Pay to high school students and their parents. They will also have representatives from several public universities in Kansas to discuss transferability of coursework. No reservation is necessary. Not sure if this applies to your student? Check out our “Dual Enrollment Course Offerings.”
Not able to come in person? Join JCCC by Zoom at the same time.
- Sept 8 – JCCC main campus, 6:30-8 pm Welcome Center, Student Center 101
DEADLINES REMINDER:
Baker Concurrent Enrollment Guide & Deadline: Sept 9th
College Now Enrollment Guide & Deadline: Sept 16th
College Algebra, Quick Step+ Guide & Deadline: October 7th
From the Nurse
Please see the following link for information regarding current SMSD COVID guidance:
https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/health-services/coronavirus-or-covid-19-information
If your student tests positive for COVID, please consider the day symptoms started or day of positive test as “day 0.” Your student may return on day 6 as long as they have been fever-free without the use of medications for 24 hours and other symptoms have resolved. Students should wear a mask on days 6-10 when they return to school.
When calling attendance for a COVID positive student, please leave the date symptoms started, as well as your student’s “day 6.” This will prevent having to call into attendance each day your student is absent.
Once a student is feeling better, but still isolating at home, we recommend they email their teachers regarding any school work they may be able to complete while home.
If you have visited the link above and still have questions, please call the SMNW nurse office. Positive cases do not need to be reported to the nurse office if you have left a message with the attendance office.
Late Start Reminders
- Route buses follow regular schedule
- Morning CAA / CTC bus leaves at 8:50am
- Quiet study area in library with pass from teacher or office
- Make Up Test Room is available if arranged with teacher
- Supervised basketball in the gym
Paying Online with eFunds
2022 - 2023 Online Fee Payment:
- Follow link www.smsd.org/families/pay-fees
New this year, fee waiver requests will be based on qualification for free or reduced lunch support. You may complete the application for lunch support after July 1 at the following link: https://www.schoolcafe.com/SHAWNEEMISSION.
*** Fees for first semester elective classes are due along with the Resource, ID and Participation fees. Contact the bookkeeper with questions.
Food Service
Breakfast at Northwest
Regular Days: Breakfast is served from 7:15 – 7:35
Late Start: Thursday breakfast is served from 8:15 – 8:45.
The Child Nutrition Meal Program Application is available on Skyward or can be found on School Cafe.
SMSD families can apply for Child Nutrition Meal Benefits on School Café - https://www.schoolcafe.com/SHAWNEEMISSION
Additional food service information is available on the district’s website at https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/food-service.
DS Bus Lines
TRANSPORTATION
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.
Angelo Giacalone - Athletic Director, Victoria Alvey - Athletic Secretary, Dan Fletcher - Athletic Trainer