Briarwood Newsletter
May 10, 2022 www.briarwoodpta.org
Message from Mr. Lash
As we enter the final couple weeks of the school year, I want to take time to thank our teachers, parents, and students for all their efforts to make this another GREAT school year. The past 26 months have been a unique and challenging time for all of us, and I am grateful for the ongoing support and grace from our students, staff, parents, school district, and community. I am excited that we will be able to have many of our traditional end of year activities, such as the carnival and field day.
Thank you for being actively involved in your student’s education and partnering with the school staff. TEAM Briarwood is a community that fuels a passion for learning while educating all students to achieve their full potential. Working together, our students have been able to flourish academically and socially. Go TEAM Briarwood! Go Bulldogs!
Al entrar en las últimas dos semanas del año escolar, quiero tomarme un tiempo para agradecer a nuestros maestros, padres de familia y estudiantes por todos sus esfuerzos para hacer de este otro gran año escolar. Los últimos 26 meses han sido difíciles y desafiantes para todos nosotros, y estoy agradecido por el continuo apoyo y la gracia de nuestros estudiantes, personal de la escuela, padres de familia, distrito escolar y comunidad. Estoy emocionado de que este año escolar podamos tener muchas de nuestras actividades tradicionales de fin de año, como el carnaval y el día deportivo.
Gracias por participar activamente en la educación de sus hijos y asociarse con el personal de la escuela. El EQUIPO Briarwood es una comunidad que alimenta la pasión por el aprendizaje mientras educa a todos los estudiantes para que alcancen su máximo potencial. Trabajando juntos, nuestros estudiantes han podido prosperar académica y socialmente. ¡Vamos al EQUIPO Briarwood! ¡Vamos Bulldogs!
Important Dates & Deadlines at Briarwood
Last Day of School-
early dismissal at 12:30pm
Thursday, May 19
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Briarwood's Annual Carnival
Friday, May 13 from 5:30pm-8:00pm
Volunteer today by clicking here
*
Summer Water and Weeding from May 9 to September 19
Please click here to sign up
*
School Supply Kits
Last day to order is Friday, July 1
see flyer below for more details
Don't miss it! The All-School Carnival is Friday, May 13 from 5:30-8:00pm

Briarwood Landscaping - Summer Water/Weeding needed
Summer Water and Weeding from May 9th to September 19th
Please sign up to help water and weed our gardens over the summer months. We need two families to water and weed each week starting on May 9th and ending September 19th. You can either sign up for the Front Circle Bed or the Butterfly and Raised beds Behind the school. We will send an email to everyone who signs up with additional information on how to water the front and back beds before May 9th.
Signup Genius for Summer Water and Weeding:
Parent survey - thank you for your feedback!
We had a great response to our PTA Family Survey and want to highlight some of the findings before we wrap up this school year.
The top 3 areas where you would like to see PTA focus our efforts are:
- Support for Teachers and Staff
- Academic Enrichment
- Community Events
We agree these are important! Thank you for all of your contributions to our Staff Appreciation efforts this year; we are wrapping up 2021-2022 with a staff lunch, as well. Your generous support of our biennial Auction will allow us to fund a full time Math and Reading Specialist position at Briarwood next year. And don’t forget the Carnival on May 13th - it will be great to have everyone together again!
Speaking of Community, this was a major theme of your feedback and we couldn’t agree more! Many families at Briarwood have not had the opportunity to attend some of our “normal” community events, like the Bulldog Jog and Grade-Level Parent Parties, both of which will happen in the fall. We will continue to look for creative ways to support our Briarwood Community and offer events for families - volunteer “social chairs” are always welcome!
We were thrilled to see that our PTA newsletters, along with Mr. Lash’s emails, are an effective way to communicate All Things Briarwood! Look for a revamped website in the fall – we hope this will be an even easier way to access the store and directory through Membership Toolkit. We know not everyone uses Facebook, but the grade-level private Facebook groups are certainly available for parents to post questions or give notice about meet-ups at the park.
We look forward to the 2022-2023 school year and hope that it is again possible for parents to spend more time in classrooms. You gave us some great ideas for PTA General Membership Meetings and we’ve shared your feedback about school clubs, musicals, etc. with Mr. Lash.
We always appreciate feedback, not just through a survey! Mary Boomer (maryseltzerboomer@gmail.com) and Deana Curtin (deanacurtin@gmail.com) will be the Briarwood PTA Co-Presidents for the 2022-2023 school year, please feel free to contact either of them or any member of the PTA Executive Committee with questions.
Wishing you a Fun and Healthy summer!
Would bus transportation to Briarwood be a help to you?

Briarwood does not currently have an established bus route. A new bus route would be considered if at least 50 PAYING families sign up and pay to cover the cost of the bus route.
If your family would be interested in bus transportation to Briarwood for next year, please put your student’s name on the wait list. The wait list is open now and you can sign up for it here. No money will be requested until a bus route is approved and it does not matter where you live in the Briarwood attendance area. Bus routes will be decided mid-July so please don’t wait to show your interest.
The 2022-23 bus rate is $185.00 per student, per semester or $370.00 per student for the school year. Routes will be established annually based on interest and enrollment numbers. Routes will be built around those who have registered by July 22 for the 2022-23 school year.
To pay for busing visit DS Bus Lines website.
Families who pay fees by July 22, 2022 will receive a discount:
- $160.00 per student per semester ($320.00 per year)
- Payment must be received or postmarked by July 22, 2022 to receive the discount.
Contact DS Bus Lines at 913-384-1190 with any questions.
One of the limiting factors for DS Busing this year has been finding qualified bus drivers. If you know someone who might be interested in driving a school bus, please send them to DS Busing.
Briarwood actualmente no tiene una ruta de autobús establecida. Se consideraría una nueva ruta de autobús si al menos 50 familias que PAGAN se inscriben y pagan para cubrir el costo de la ruta del autobús.
Si su familia estaría interesada en el transporte en autobús a Briarwood para el próximo año, ponga el nombre de su estudiante en la lista de espera. La lista de espera está abierta y puedes apuntarte aquí. No se solicitará dinero hasta que se apruebe una ruta de autobús y no importa dónde viva en el área de asistencia de Briarwood. Las rutas de los autobuses se decidirán a mediados de julio, así que no espere para mostrar su interés.
La tarifa de autobús para 2022-23 es de $185,00 por estudiante, por semestre o $370,00 por estudiante para el año escolar. Las rutas se establecerán anualmente según el interés y los números de inscripción. Las rutas se construirán alrededor de aquellos que se hayan registrado antes del 22 de julio para el año escolar 2022-23.
Para pagar el transporte en autobús, visite el sitio web de DS Bus Lines.
- Las familias que paguen las cuotas antes del 22 de julio de 2022 recibirán un descuento: $160.00 por estudiante por semestre ($320.00 por año)
- El pago debe ser recibido o matasellado antes del 22 de julio de 2022 para recibir el descuento.
Comuníquese con DS Bus Lines al 913-384-1190 si tiene alguna pregunta.
Uno de los factores limitantes para DS Busing este año ha sido encontrar conductores de autobuses calificados. Si conoce a alguien que podría estar interesado en conducir un autobús escolar, envíelo a DS Busing.
Order your school supplies now!
Back to school shopping for next year right now, are you kidding me? Avoid the chaos that comes with last minute back to school shopping in the summer. Why not shop online with 1stDaySchoolSupplies versus online at Wal-Mart, Target or Staples? In just a few clicks, you will get the exact supplies your teacher requested without the risk and aggravation that comes with shopping last minute at big box retailers.
Last day to order is Friday, July 1st.

A Space for Every Bulldog- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Briarwood

Celebrations and Recognitions in May:
- Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- 2nd - Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan is a holy month celebrated by Muslims around the world, celebrated in April this year. Eid al-Fitr is the celebration that marks the end of this month of fasting. To learn more, watch these short videos with your student.
THINGS TO DO
Muslim – American Student’s Ramadan Experience
What is Eid al-Fitr? Ramadan & the Festival of Breaking the Fast - Behind the News - YouTube
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:
- Mes de los asiáticos americanos y de las islas del Pacífico
- Mes de la herencia judía estadounidense
- 2nd - Eid al-Fitr
El Ramadán es un mes sagrado celebrado por los musulmanes de todo el mundo, celebrado en abril de este año. Eid al-Fitr es la celebración que marca el final de este mes de ayuno. Para aprender más, mire estos videos cortos con su estudiante.
COSAS PARA HACER
Musulmán: la experiencia de Ramadán de un estudiante estadounidense
¿Qué es Eid Al-Fitr? Ramadán y el festival de romper el ayuno - Detrás de las noticias - YouTube
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.

Read Across SMSD- May
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.
April's book is: “Someone Builds the Dream”
By Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Loren Long
Click here for additional information and related resources




Prairie Village Art Show- Children's art contest

Earn Money for Briarwood while you shop on Amazon!
Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7152153 and designate Briarwood as your charitable organization. Briarwood will earn .5% from most purchases.
Bookmark the website to use each time you shop! https://smile.amazon.com All of your account information will remain the same, but you’ll be raising money for Briarwood
SMSD Covid Information
Briarwood’s social worker, Cassie Horn is available to provide support to all families
- 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
La trabajadora social de Briarwood, Cassie Horn está aquí para brindar apoyo a todas nuestras familias de Bulldog
- 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
Social Media Info
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
2021-2022 PTA Executive Committee
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