PTA Auction March 5th

We hope you can join us for the 2022 Briarwood Auction & Casino Night on Saturday, March 5 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center in Overland Park. The evening starts at 6:30pm and includes a silent auction, casino games, optional poker tournament and culminates with the live auction at 10pm. Buy your tickets now to be part of our school’s biggest fundraiser. Visit briarwoodauction.com to purchase your tickets before February 28th!

Update on Elementary Masking

On Monday, February 14, 2022, the Shawnee Mission Board of Education approved an update to second semester COVID-19 mitigation measures. These mitigation measures went into effect on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Click here to view the approved measures.

In the approved measures, the Board stated:

• Masks are required for all elementary students and staff while the county mandate is in effect. At such time as the county removes the mandate, elementary schools will revert to the district threshold for masking (see below) set for all other SMSD facilities.

As of February 17, 2022, the County Board of Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Health, rescinded the mask mandate for elementary school-age students. Thus, starting February 18, 2022, masks will be optional for all students in the Shawnee Mission School District, and all schools will follow the district threshold for masking (see below.) As of today, all schools are below the district threshold.

As a reminder, due to a federal mandate, students must continue to wear masks while on school buses.

District Threshold for Masking

If a school building reaches > 3% positive COVID-19 cases or the overall absentee rate related to illness is > 5%, the building will return to full mask requirements. The building will remain masked for at least 14 days and until the percentage of positive cases is < 3% and overall absentee rate related to illness is < 5%.

If school building rates of positive cases or illness rates are unknown due to one of the extended district breaks (such as Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring or Summer breaks) AND the percent positive rate is 8% or higher according to the JCDHE dashboard, all buildings will return to school with full mask requirements until data can be collected to determine the actual building rate. This time period will be no longer than one week unless > 3%.

Information regarding building percentages will be posted weekly on the district data dashboard. ​​​​​​​

Subasta de la PTA 5 de marzo

Esperamos que pueda unirse a nosotros para la noche de casino y subasta de Briarwood 2022 el sábado 5 de marzo en el Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center en Overland Park. La velada comienza a las 6:30 p. m. e incluye una subasta silenciosa, juegos de casino, un torneo de póquer opcional y culmina con la subasta en vivo a las 10 p. m. Compre sus boletos ahora para ser parte de la recaudación de fondos más grande de nuestra escuela. ¡Visite briarwoodauction.com para comprar sus boletos antes del 28 de febrero!

Actualización de las medidas de mitigación

El lunes 14 de Febrero de 2022, la Junta de Educación de Shawnee Mission aprobó una actualización de las medidas de mitigación de COVID-19 del segundo semestre. Estas medidas de mitigación entraron en vigencia el Miércoles 16 de Febrero de 2022. Haga clic aquí para ver las medidas aprobadas.

En las medidas aprobadas, la Junta señaló:

• Se requiere uso de mascarilla para todos los estudiantes y el personal de primaria mientras el mandato del condado esté vigente. En el momento en que el condado elimine el mandato, las escuelas primarias volverán al límite del distrito para el uso de mascarilla (ver a continuación) establecido para todas las demás instalaciones de SMSD.

Hoy, 17 de Febrero de 2022, la Junta de Comisionados del Condado, actuando como Junta de Salud del Condado, rescindió el mandato de uso de mascarillas para los estudiantes en edad escolar primaria. Por lo tanto, a partir de mañana, 18 de Febrero de 2022, las mascarillas serán opcionales para todos los estudiantes en el Distrito Escolar de Shawnee Mission, y todas las escuelas seguirán el limite del distrito para el uso de mascarillas (ver a continuación). A partir de hoy, todas las escuelas están por debajo del límite del distrito.

Como recordatorio, debido a un mandato federal, los estudiantes deben continuar usando mascarillas mientras se encuentran en los autobuses escolares.

Límite del Distrito para el Uso de Mascarilla
Si un edificio escolar alcanza > 3 % de casos positivos de COVID o la tasa general de ausentismo relacionada con la enfermedad es > 5 %, el edificio volverá a cumplir con los requisitos del uso completo de mascarilla. El edificio permanecerá usando mascarilla durante al menos 14 días y hasta que el porcentaje de casos positivos sea < 3 % y la tasa general de ausentismo relacionado con enfermedades sea < 5 %.

Si se desconocen las tasas de casos positivos o las tasas de enfermedades en los edificios escolares debido a uno de los recesos extendidos del distrito (como los recesos de Acción de Gracias, Invierno, Primavera o Verano) Y el porcentaje de casos positivos es del 8 % o más según el tablero de JCDHE, todos los edificios regresará a la escuela con los requisitos del uso de mascarilla completa hasta que se puedan recopilar datos para determinar la tasa real de los edificios. Este período de tiempo no será mayor a una semana a menos que sea > 3%.

La información sobre los porcentajes de construcción se publicará semanalmente en el tablero de datos del distrito. ​​​​​​​

Briarwood Skate Party

Friday, February 25 @ 4:00pm

*

Class and Briarwood Club picture day!

Monday, February 28

*

SMAC PTA "Support our Public Schools"- postcard project

see information below for details

*

Briarwood's Biennial Auction

Saturday, March 5

@ Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center

*

KC Community Garden Project @ Briarwood

Volunteers needed Sunday, March 6 and Friday, March 11

see below for more details

*

Order your 2021-2022 Yearbook now!

Deadline to order is March 25

https://briarwoodptaop.membershiptoolkit.com/login

see more details below

Time is ticking to get your tickets to the 2022 Briarwood Auction! Visit briarwoodauction.com to purchase your tickets today!*

Don’t miss out as Briarwood parents put the “fun” in fundraising on Saturday, March 5 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. The evening starts at 6:30pm and includes a silent auction, casino games, optional poker tournament and culminates with the live auction at 10pm. Your ticket purchase includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and there will be cash bars available.

Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we count down to the Auction. We can’t wait for you to see some of the amazing items available for bidding in both the Silent Auction and Live Auction!

*Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, February 28. Limited entries are available for the poker tournament.

Already purchased your tickets? Start getting your game plan together for the auction! We have so many fabulous items that you’re going to want to plan your attack in advance. Check out date nights, birthday party ideas, sporting events, and one-of-a-kind experiences here: https://one.bidpal.net/briarwoodelementaryauction/browse/all

Hint: You can even click on an item and mark it to “Watch” so that you don’t lose track of it during the silent auction bidding!

SMAC PTA - Legislative Alert:

The Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA is sponsoring a postcard project asking legislators to Support our Public Schools. There are a number of bills being introduced this legislative session that could negatively impact our schools, students, and teachers, so this is a perfect time to remind our legislators that they should stay focused on keeping our public schools strong.

We are looking for 20-30 parents who are willing to write 4 postcards to their Kansas State legislators; detailed instructions and a script will be provided. The goal is to have these complete by the end of February, please contact Molly Lund (mollylund@gmail.com) if you have 30 minutes to spare!

As you clean out your student's closests for clothes that no longer fit, please consider donating any gently used items to Nurse Blizzard.

Nurse Blizzard is looking for:

• sizes 5T- 18 for both boys and girls.
• Pants, stretchy waistbands work the best as many kids don’t like to wear jeans.
• shirts
• Underwear, please send in new and all sizes for boys and girls (boys are in greater need)

Any donations that can't be used at Briarwood, Nurse Blizzard will offer to other nurses in the district or will donate it to the SMAC Clothing Exchange.

We are looking for volunteers to help nominate the PTA chairs for the 2022/2023 school year. This committee will work together to identify candidates in February and March, and is a small time commitment (10 hours or less).

If you’re interested in participating, please contact Kim Shelton (kim.shelton@outlook.com or 816-615-9064).

Raised Garden Bed Preparation on March 6th at 2:00pm

Please sign up to help us prepare one of the native garden beds behind the school to become a raised garden bed area. Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG) is helping us to construct three raised gardens to grow vegetables and fruits. We will be leveling the dirt and laying fabric to get ready for the raised beds.

Signup Genius for March 6th prepare garden area for three raised garden beds:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080545AFA92AA5FB6-briarwood3

Raised Garden Construction Workday on March 11th from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Please sign up to help us construct three raised beds with assistance from Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG). KCCG will provide all the tools and equipment, but we need at least 4 adults to help with the construction. Adults and kids that are 3rd Grade or higher are welcome to help.

Signup Genius for March 11th KCCG workday for raised garden beds:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080545AFA92AA5FB6-briarwood2

Recognizing volunteers, educators, students and your PTA unit is easy to do with Kansas PTA. Nomination forms are available on the Kansas PTA website: www.kansas-pta.org for the following:

• Virginia Peak Outstanding Leadership Award

(for individuals)—deadline March 15, 2022

• Outstanding Student Award

(for individuals)—deadline March 15, 2022

• Outstanding Educator Award

(for individuals)—March 15, 2022

• Marjorie Holwick Wall of Fame (for individuals) This is a fundraiser for the Future Teacher Scholarship fund as well as a recognition event for volunteers who you feel need some deserved recognition for their time and efforts in PTA and at the school.

For additional information, contact the Kansas PTA office at kansaspta@gmail.com . Please make sure deserving educators, volunteers, and PTA units get the recognition they deserve.

Look for more details soon on how to donate your used books and sign-ups to volunteer to help run the fair. All proceeds will go towards the Briarwood PTA to fund various school initiatives.

• Tag Board ( Cereal boxes, mac & cheese boxes, etc.)
• Coffee Filters
• Play-Doh
• crafting beads
• Chess/Checker Boards
  
• Cleaning wipes

Celebrations and Recognitions:

Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month:

Black history is part of American history. Have you ever wondered why it is celebrated in February? You can learn more here.

Here are some additional resources to learn about Black History Month with your students, along with a list of Black-owned local businesses to support throughout the year.

32 Activities to do With Children for Black History Month

Johnson County Museum – Special Exhibit: Redlined: Cities, Suburbs and Segregation

Upcoming Events | Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Supporting Black Businesses:

Johnson County Black Owned Businesses

Black Owned Businesses in KC

If you are interested in taking an active role in diversity, equity and inclusion at Briarwood, please contact PTA Chair of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Jessica Brooks-Bryon @ bryonfamkc@gmail.com.

Celebraciones y Reconocimientos:

La historia negra es parte de la historia estadounidense. ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado por qué se celebra en febrero? Puedes aprender más aqui.

Aquí hay algunos recursos adicionales para aprender sobre el Mes de la Historia Negra con sus estudiantes, junto con una lista de negocios locales de propiedad de negros para apoyar durante todo el año.

Museo del Condado de Johnson – Exhibición especial: Redlineado: Ciudades, Suburbios y Segregación

Próximos Eventos | Biblioteca pública de Kansas City, Kansas

Apoyando a las empresas negras:

Empresas propiedad de afroamericanos del condado de Johnson

Empresas propiedad de negros en KC

Si está interesado en asumir un papel activo en la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión en Briarwood, comuníquese con Presidente de la PTA de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión

Jessica Brooks-Bryon @ bryonfamkc@gmail.com.

• Children must walk themselves and/or their bikes/scooter across the crosswalk
• Cars are not permitted to turn left off of 86th Street before and after school times
• Crosswalk times are 7:50-8:10am and 3:05-3:20pm (12:25pm-12:40pm on half days)
• If you are unable to make your assigned time, please find a sub or trade with someone
• Please try and sign up at least once a month and wear a mask!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4EA5AE2BA13-briarwood1

• Who can enter: Any interested student, grades K-12
• How to apply: Application information can be found on the R&D webpage.
• Deadline: The deadline to apply for the pitch competition is Friday, February 25, 2022.
• Practice sessions with industry mentors will be scheduled for students who apply to compete.

Final Competition and Prizes:

Applicants chosen as finalists will pitch their Next Great Idea to a panel of judges during the morning of April 30, 2022 at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St. The pitch competition will be live-streamed so friends and family can participate as well. Top awards are $2,500, of which $1,000 is a cash award to be used by the winner to pursue their passion and education and up to $1,500 will be awarded as "build it" grants to support making the winner's pitch a reality. A People's Choice category, determined by public voters, will be awarded a $500 prize. There will also be an Idea of Promise award with a prize of $500.

Student Showcase:

The R&D Forum student showcase, with display-only and competitive exhibits will be held in Spring 2022. Students, families, and staff members are encouraged to enter student-created projects, experiments, or art projects to share in this districtwide 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 25, 2022.

The SMSD community is invited to take part in this year’s 60th R&D Forum by attending the following events at the Center for Academic Achievement, 8200 W. 71st St.

MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL ART & ALL GRADES SCIENCE SHOWCASE

• April 18-21, 2022 - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Open House at CAA (entries on display)
• April 21, 2022 - 4:00 - 7:00pm - Reception for all entrants and families

ELEMENTARY ART & CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) SHOWCASE

• April 25-28, 2022 - 3:00 - 5:00pm - Open House at CAA (entries on display)
• April 28, 2022 - 4:00 - 7:00pm - Reception for all entrants and families

Click here for more information and contacts if you have further questions

Read Across SMSD- February

Each month of the school year features a new theme and book recommendations, provided by the National Education Association. Shawnee Mission School District librarians and educators have also compiled lists of similar titles that connect to each monthly theme.

February’s book is: “The Electric Slide and Kai”

By Kelly J. Baptist

Illustrated by Darnell Johnson

Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7152153 and designate Briarwood as your charitable organization. Briarwood will earn .5% from most purchases.

• Help students/families with anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, peer relationships and other family/school dynamics
• Help create behavior support plans with students/families/teachers
• Assist teachers with social emotional teaching and trauma informed approaches in their classroom
• Individual and group counseling within school setting
• Provide resources to parents struggling with emotional/behavioral issues at home
• Connect families to resources, such as our community partner Hillcrest Covenant Church. Resources include groceries, housing, clothing etc.

Please contact Mrs. Horn with any questions or concerns:

cassiehorn@smsd.org 913-993-2262

• Ayudar a los estudiantes / familias con ansiedad, depresión, prevención del suicidio, relaciones con los compañeros y otras dinámicas familiares / escolares.
• Ayudar a crear planes de apoyo al comportamiento con estudiantes / familias / maestros.
• Ayudar a los maestros con la enseñanza socioemocional y enfoques informados sobre el trauma en los salones.
• Asesoramiento individual y grupal dentro del entorno escolar.
• Proporcionar recursos a los padres que luchan con problemas emocionales o de comportamiento en el hogar.
• Conectarlo con recursos junto con nuestro socio comunitario Hillcrest Covenant Church para nuestras familias. Los recursos incluyen comestibles, vivienda, ropa, etc

Comuniquese con ella con cualquier pregunta o inquietud

cassiehorn@smsd.org 913-9932262

Briarwood Elementary Bulldogs on Facebook- Grade-level private Facebook groups, search:

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2028 (6th grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2029 (5th grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2030 (4th grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2031 (3rd grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2032 (2nd grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2033 (1st grade)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2034 (K)

Briarwood Elementary Class of 2035 (incoming 2022-2023 Kindergartners)

Instagram @briarwoodbulldogs

Twitter @BriarwoodElem

Briarwoodpta.org

Co-Presidents:

Molly Lund • mollylund@gmail.com

Mary Boomer • maryseltzerboomer@gmail.com

President-Elect:

Deana Curtin• deanacurtin@gmail.com

VP Administration:

Kim Shelton • kim.shelton@outlook.com

VP Communications:

Jennifer Freund • jfrenchjhawk@hotmail.com

VP Community Events:

Krissie Kiehne • krissiekiehne@gmail.com

VP Student Services:

Kristin McClasky • Kdp1202@gmail.com

VP Funding:

Sadie Durbin • sadiedurbin@gmail.com

VP Finance:

Laura Strongman lstrongman@kc.rr.com

Treasurer:

Michelle Wiens mwiens678@gmail.com

Secretary:

Ashley Hunt • ashleyhunt910@gmail.com

Briarwood Foundation:

Wendy Hill • Wendyhill329@gmail.com

Diversity & Inclusion Chair:

Jessica Bryon • bryonfamkc@gmail.com