The Cougar Connection
Weekly Update for Families - August 25, 2022
SMNW
Office Hours 7 AM - 3:30 PM
Attendance (Please call direct line)
Attendance Hotline 913.993.7245 (All Day)
Attendance Office 913.993.7242 (Partial Day)
jamieprosser@smsd.org
From Dr. Gruman
Dear Northwest Families,
We have really enjoyed an outstanding start to this school year and are looking forward to the many learning opportunities with our students this semester. One of those learning experiences I would like to highlight this week is the Individual Plan of Study. Our students will use the Xello platform to build their plans. The Xello program includes modules that match student interests and strengths with potential careers or college majors for students and families to explore. Under the leadership of our Real World Learning Counselor with our counseling team, students will complete lessons to help them shape their plan of study while at NW and look beyond to their postsecondary goals. These lessons are completed during our seminar or advisory time throughout the school year.
As students refine their plan of study, we will also explore opportunities for them to earn a Market Value Asset. These assets are aligned with opportunities that prepare our students to be college and career ready. They include experiences such as earning nine hours of college credit, earning an industry credential like certified nursing assistant or fire science, or completing an internship.
Our first deadline for students interested in earning college credit in qualifying courses is approaching. Please see the College Now section below. If you have questions, reach out to Ms. Jablonski or our counseling team.
Have a wonderful weekend!
All the best,
Dr. Lisa Gruman
Highlights for this Week
- Bonfire is on Wednesday, August 31st at 7pm. The evening opens with a pep assembly to kick off our fall sports and activities in the main gym and transitions to the bonfire in the parking lot.
- Thursday, Sept 1st is the first late start. Class begins at 8:50. Buses run their regular schedule.
- Friday, September 2nd is a professional learning day, so there is No School for our students.
- Schedule for the week is all block with Odd Blocks on Monday and Wednesday and Even blocks on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Visit our Athletics Website for schedules of upcoming events: https://smnwcougars.com/
Adjusted Schedules
Monday, August 29 - Odd Block Day
Thursday, September 1 - Late Start
Friday, September 2 - No School
Monday, September 5th / Office Closed - Holiday
- - - Breaking News - - -
Teacher of the Year
We all know how outstanding Shawnee Mission educators are. Right now is the time to nominate a Shawnee Mission teacher for Teacher of the Year. Shawnee Mission is able to nominate one elementary and one secondary educator for Kansas Teacher of the year.
Click here for more information .
Form in English
Form In Spanish
Submissions are due by September 6, 2022.
Yearbook Photos - October 4th
Photos for Seniors that missed the previous dates and grade 9 - 11 retakes. Let's make sure every student has taken their photo for the Yearbook.
College Now
SMNW College Now Yearlong / Fall Courses Enrollment 2022:
· Enrollment Opens – August 22
· DEADLINE Priority Application – August 26
o Last day JCCC guarantees they will be able to process applications so students can enroll on time.
· DEADLINE Accuplacer & Enrollment – September 16
From the Nurse
Juniors Vaccination Requirements
We must have verification of a completed MCV4 vaccine (meningitis ACWY, not meningitis B) for all juniors by early October. A dose after turning 16 is required, regardless of receiving this same vaccine in middle school. If records are not received by the first exclusion date in October 13, 2022, students will not be permitted to attend school until verification is provided. Email vaccination records to stacielaney@smsd.org
Daily Medications
If your student has a medication that cannot be taken at home before or after the school day, then please contact the health office to make arrangements for medication drop-off. This form will need to be completed & turned in with the medication https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1525187393/smsdorg/upgupqlfd2dylufc5hni/medication-guidelines-permission-form.pdf (copies are available in the health office). Please be sure the medication is in the original bottle with the correct Rx label attached.
Paying Online with eFunds
2022 - 2023 Online Fee Payment:
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.
DS Bus Lines
TRANSPORTATION
ALL general education students who ride the bus are required to register with DS Bus Lines.
To register or pay for busing visit DS Bus Lines website.
Sign up for Textcaster Alerts here to receive text messages when a bus is delayed more than 10 minutes. This is very convenient during times of bad weather. Contact DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190 with any questions.
August 26 - Football Jamboree @ North Stadium - 5:30
August 31 - Bonfire Assembly will start in the Gym @ 7pm
