| Shawnee Mission West High School | |
|
the Viking Voice
8800 West 85th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone (913) 993-7800 |
|
| Volume 14, Issue 3 |
January 15, 2009 |
|
|
"The Viking View "
For all 8th Graders enrolling at Shawnee Mission West.
Orientation Night for parents and students.
Mark your calendars to visit SMW
Wed. January 21
6:30pm - 8:30pm
| |
Your newsletter from Shawnee Mission West, part of the award-winning Shawnee Mission Public Schools.  |
|
The faculty and staff at West want to extend a belated Happy New Year to our parents and community members. It's hard to believe that 2009 is here, and we are halfway through the 08-09 school year. I hope each of you had a wonderful winter break. As we begin this new year, it is time to begin thinking about selecting classes for the '09 - '10 academic year.
Choose Wisely
This month students will be given the opportunity to select the courses they want to take next school year. I can't over emphasize the importance of making choices that have been thought out and reflect the student's future goals and aspirations.
As a parent, I would encourage you to get involved with the enrollment process. Talk with your student and take time to look at the SMSD course offerings found in the High School Program Planning Guide. Don't let them look for 'the easy way out.' Encourage your student to stretch themselves - take Honors and AP courses - take another math or science class. I can assure you that colleges are more concerned today about the difficulty of classes taken in high school rather than mere grade point average.. Don't hesitate to call one of our counselors or visit with a teacher if you have questions about a particular course. The more I read of what the future holds, I believe it's imperative that every student take math and science all four years, with a minimum of Algebra 2 in math.
Job opportunities in the area of skilled labor are growing while jobs in the unskilled area are decreasing. The investment you and your child are making now in their education will have a direct impact on their future career opportunities and earning power. Again, please get involved in this important decision making opportunity regarding the classes your child will take. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact your child's counselor at 993-7830. This really is important - choose wisely the courses they will be taking next year as those decisions will have a direct impact on their future.
Attendance Concern
As I continually look at data regarding our students' performance, I see a trend that is still very troublesome. In the Shawnee Mission West community, we have always prided ourselves on our work ethic. You could count on SMW students attending school. They viewed it as their job. Part of their responsibility was to show up for their "job." The data I am now seeing shows a student body that is missing school more often. Because of the lack of consistent school attendance students have low or failing grades. The correlation between consistent attendance and passing grades is almost perfect. I realize to most of you this is not a new insight. In fact, you might say it's just common sense.
This past semester we made attendance a priority at West. To that end we made sure we followed the district's 85% attendance policy to receive credit. In fact many students that did not attend class 85% of the time and could not provide the faculty committee with data to justify their additional absences did not get credit for a class they had passed. I realize this is a strong stand but I believe it's important for West students to learn that attending class and meeting their responsibilities will serve them well as they move into the world of adulthood.
If your student is not attending his/her classes everyday, please do whatever you can as a parent to encourage, coerce or bribe (!) your student to do the right thing and be in class everyday. There is a consequence for those not attending as they should. Denying credit in a class that a student passed is not something I enjoy doing but it is the district policy and it will be followed at West.
Dr. Charles McLean
Principal |
|
Yearbook Orders
If you haven't reserved your copy of the 2009 Saga, this is your last chance! Yearbooks are $45 and you may bring cash or checks (payable to SM West) to room 11 by Friday, March 6. We will not take any more orders after that date.
A limited number of books will be available on yearbook day in May, on a first-come, first serve basis for $55. |
|
Student
Announcements
Did you know that the student announcements are posted on the web each day?
|
|
School Directories
School Directories can be picked up by stopping by the front office.
Personnel will get you a copy. | |
15 - PLC Early Release, 1:45pm
19 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Holiday
21 - Viking View, 8th grade Parent Orientation, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
24 - SAT Test Date, SM East
26 - Site Council, 7 - 8:30pm
27 - Early Dismissal, 1:10pm, Teacher Workday
29 - ACT Prep Class 7-9pm
29 - Footloose The Musical, 7pm
30 - Footloose The Musical, 7pm
31 - Footloose The Musical, 7pm
31 - Senior Sizzle Silent Auction, 6-9pm
February
02 - Spotlighter Meeting, 6-8pm
03 - Band Aides Meeting, 7pm
07 - Band Chili Supper, 6pm
07 - ACT Test Date, SM West, 8am
10 - Presto Meeting, 7 pm
11 - Masterworks Concert, 7pm
12 - Progress Reports to Students
12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 5-8pm
13 - NO SCHOOL, Parent/Teacher Conferences
14 - Thirsty for Mercy, 8am-Noon
16 - NO SCHOOL, President's Day
17 thru 20 - Heart of the West Week/Spirit Week
18 - PTSA Meeting, 7pm
18 - Military Night, 6-8pm
21 - WPA/Sweetheart Dance, 8-11pm
25 - Booster Club Meeting 7-9pm
26 - PLC Early Release 1:45pm
26 thru 28 - KMEA State Music Conference
March 02 - Spring Sports Tryouts begin
02 - Spotlighter Meeting, 6-8pm
03 - Presto Meeting, 7pm
05 - Wrestling Banquet, 6:30pm
06 - Forensics Tournament, 3pm
07 - Forensics Tournament, 7:30am
07 - Citizenship & Reflections Award Ceremony
10 - H.S. Choral Festival, 7pm
10 - Girls Soccer Parent Meeting, 6-8pm
11 - Cheer Banquet, 6pm
11 - Bowling Banquet, 6:30pm
12 - Orchestra Concert, 7pm
12 - Girls Soccer Parent Meeting, 6-8pm
13 - End of 3rd Quarter - Early Dismissal 1:10pm
16 thru 20 - NO SCHOOL, Spring Break
23 - NO SCHOOL, School Improvement Day |
|
Check out the complete West calendar online at www.smsd.org
Select Parents, School, choose West under High Schools, then click on School Calendar
|
Enrollment Planning for Next Year and Summer School
The counselors will be busy in January presenting enrollment information to students in grades 9-11. After the students receive the information, they will have about one week before they will meet individually with the counselor to confirm their enrollment selections. We are asking parents to please look over the information and help your student make good decisions for next year. There is a place for parents to sign off on the enrollment card. Grade Presentation Dates Enrollment Card Due 11 January 14/15 January 26/27 10 January 20/21 January 28/29 9 January 22/23 February 2/3 If your student has failed a class necessary for graduation, summer school enrollment should be seriously considered. Summer school enrollment begins on February 9, 2009, and can be completed online using a credit card OR in person at Broadmoor. If you go in person, you must have an enrollment form signed by the counselor indicating the course and semester of the course the student wishes to enroll. Counselors verify the online enrollments with the summer school office. Summer school will be offered at SM West and the cost is $140 per semester. Classes are filled quickly so decisions should be made as soon as possible. Students who need to make up a semester of English are required to make that up during summer school. The link to additional summer school information is: http://www.smsd.org/parents/summer.htm Transfer Request Procedures
Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, all high schools will be open to transfers. The application deadline will be Monday, February 2nd, 2009, and requests will not be honored after that date. Parents seeking to transfer their child to a school other than their designated home school should obtain a student transfer form from their home school or from the McEachen Administrative Center, 7235 Antioch. In accordance with board of education policy, a transfer request for students currently enrolled in the Shawnee Mission School District must be completed and returned to the student's current school on or before February 2nd of the school year preceding the school year for which the transfer is requested. Requests should be made to the principal of the school in which the student is currently enrolled. Transfers received by that date will be considered and families notified by May 15th of intent to approve or deny the request.
Students must re-apply when changing levels; elementary to middle school; middle school to high school. A transfer may be rescinded at any time if a student fails to meet the requirements. Due to unexpected changes in enrollment, any transfer granted may be rescinded by the district up to the first day of the school year for which the transfer was requested.
For incoming kindergarten students, a transfer request must be completed and returned on or before May 15th of the school year preceding the school year for which the transfer is requested. Transfers received by that date will be considered and families notified by August 1st of intent to approve or deny the request.
Transfer requests are considered in the order in which they are received and approved based on space and staff availability. While the district will make every attempt to accommodate transfer requests involving members of the same family, the district may not always be able to do so. Requests for transfers involving elementary and secondary students need not be renewed annually, but shall be made subject to annual review.
Once a transfer is approved, students may remain at that school for the duration provided they are in good standing academically, behaviorally, and in regard to attendance. District guidelines require that students attending on an approved transfer must maintain satisfactory grades (for secondary students a minimum of 2.0 grade point average), maintain a minimum of 95 percent attendance record, and maintain an acceptable discipline record.
When requesting a transfer, it is important that the applicant fully understand the terms and conditions under which a transfer may be considered and granted. Parents and legal guardians of a student transferred must waive any claim to district-provided student transportation. Transfer may adversely affect the eligibility of a student to participate in interscholastic activities. |
| Seniors!!!!
Need money for college or technical school?? To qualify for free government grants, work study and loans, you must complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA:
Any senior planning to attend college or technical school must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the U.S. Department of Education's federally funded program providing free grant money, work study and loans. Students who are receiving scholarships (academic or athletic) must fill out the FAFSA and submit it online. The deadline for Kansas and Missouri colleges is March 1st, 2008 and may be sooner for out of state colleges.
To begin, students must get a Federal Student Aid PIN by logging onto www.pin.ed.gov
- Complete the FAFSA between January 1st and April 1st.
- You will need 2007 income tax returns and W-2 forms to apply.
- The website for the FAFSA is: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Need help?
Free help is being given by financial aid officers across Kansas and Missouri at College Goal Sunday to complete the FAFSA form. College Goal Sunday will be:February 8, 2009 at the following sites: (Stop by anytime from 2-4 p.m.) Overland Park
Johnson County Community College Student Success Center 2nd Floor, Student Center Building 12345 College Boulevard Olathe
MidAmerica Nazarene University Cook Center 2030 E. College Way Kansas City, Kansas
Donnelly College Meeting Room 608 N. 18th Street For additional information log on to: www.CollegeGoal.org Senior Athletes:
In order to receive an athletic scholarship, you must be registered with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. You can do so at: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net For information about eligibility you can receive an on-line free guide at: http://www.ncaastudent.org/NCAA_Guide.pdf Juniors:This is the year to get a jump on college admissions. Waiting until the senior year is too late! You should be working on the following things this semester to prepare for your senior year:
Register for college exams. Take the ACT or SAT at least once, preferably twice this semester.
Visit college campuses. Talk to graduates and current students from schools to determine where you will want to apply next fall. Explore colleges you are interested in attending on the internet. You should settle on 4 or 5 schools you will be applying to next year.
Work hard on your grades; junior-year grades are extremely important for college admissions. Your grade point average at the end of your junior year will determine whether or not you are admitted to the college of your choice.
ACT Deadlines:
TEST DEADLINE TO ENROLL LATE REGISTRATION
(extra fee)
April 4, 2009 February 27, 2009 March 8-21
June 13, 2009 May 8, 2009 May 10-23
AP Testing:
AP testing will take place the week of May 4th and May 11th in the Shawnee Mission West library or the Antioch Station Community Room (the exact place for each test will be determined before the test). The cost for each test will be $86 and the payment deadline is March 13th. This is a firm deadline as tests must be ordered ahead of time. Dr. Leonard will be visiting AP classrooms at the end of February with enrollment information. Students will then bring their enrollment sheet and a check to the counseling office to cover the cost of all tests being taken. If a student has financial difficulties, please see Dr. Leonard as soon as possible.
There are several reasons students should consider taking AP tests:
- The AP test must be taken to receive the AP designation on the transcript
- Earn college credit and/or advanced placement at most colleges and universities depending on the score received
- Earn consideration for AP Scholar Awards
- Gain valuable experience in rigorous exams (SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT)
|
ASVAB Test To Be Performed Here on March 24th
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test battery. It consists of 10 short individual tests covering Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, Numerical Operations, and Coding Speed. The ASVAB test is a good mirror of how well students have developed their academic and occupational abilities at school, at home and the community. Scores can qualify students for certain jobs and training in the Armed Forces.
The ASVAB test will be administered here at Shawnee Mission West on March 24, 2009 in the library from 7:40-11:00 a.m. If your student is interested in this assessment, please have them sign up in the counseling department. An information booklet is available for both students and parents about the ASVAB Exam. |
Parent Teacher Conferences Available in Two Formats
We strongly urge ALL parents to participate in Parent-Teacher conferences regardless of your child's course grade status in school. We have two convenient formats available.
The SM West Parent-Teacher conferences on Thursday, February 12 will be OPEN and held in one of the two gymnasiums and nearby hallways. Conferences will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is no need for appointments for these Thursday evening conferences. Plan to spend 7-10 minutes per teacher.
If a parent and/or teacher would like to continue the conference past the allotted time, they should establish a conference time for Friday morning between 7:30 - 12:00 noon when teachers return to their classrooms allowing for more private conversation.
If a parent cannot attend the conferences held on February 12, they should contact the teacher directly by phone to establish an appointment for February 13. |
 Sign Language For Beginners
Presenter: Ginny Chapman, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
This sign language class teaches Signed English, a system that uses American Sign Language signs in English word order. Participants find learning with Ginny lots of fun. Your child (4th grade and up) can participate with you in this class.
Dates: Thursdays (8 Sessions)
January 15,22,29
February 5,12,19,26 |
Guiding Students to Success
Parent Resource Center
"Becoming a Love and Logic Parent"
Gail Dery, Shawnee Mission Registered Nurse
Certified Love and Logic Trainer
Are you looking for a better way to parent? Ideal for parents of toddlers to teens as this class will offer and build weekly on better ways to communicate with your children, create stronger family relationships, and raise the odds on raising a responsible child through learning how to set limits with enforceable statements, choices within those limits and consequences with empathy. Each week participants will build on the knowledge and experience of the week before.
Dates: Tuesdays, (Six Sessions)
January 13, 20, 27, 2009
February 3,10, 17, 2009
February 24, 2009 (make-up date for inclement weather)
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Multi Purpose Room
Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Cost: $28.00 includes workbook
To Enroll: Call the Shawnee Mission Parent Resource Center at 993-9315
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, Ks 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
|
Guiding Students to Success
Parent Resource Center
"BLENDED FAMILIES - STEP PARENTING SKILLS
Heightened by Separation/Divorce
and Single Parenthood
Presenter: Dr. Ciloue Cheng Stewart, Ph.D., LCMFT
Dr. Stewart is a psychotherapist who specializes in working with couples and families. She has over 15 years of counseling experience and has been a lecturer at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She is currently in private practice in Overland Park, KS. Dr. Stewart is the founder of Couples & Family Connection, helping families deal with various relational challenges. She has worked extensively with issues heightened by separation/divorce, single parenthood, and blended family situations.
Date: February 4, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 8:00
Location: Arrowhead Administrative Center
Multi Purpose Room
6601 Santa Fe Drive
*Park and enter from the lot south of the building.
Cost: $10 per family
To Enroll: Call The Parent Resource Center at 993-9315 to enroll for this class.
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
Shawnee Mission School District
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
|
Siblings of Kids With A Disability
Family Discussion Group
Presenter: Sally Wise
Nurse and brother with Down's Syndrome
Sibling Support is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.
We believe that disabilities, illness, and mental health issues affect the lives of all family members. Consequently, we want to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs and to increase parents' and providers' understanding of sibling issues.
Date: February 11, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Multi Purpose Room
Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
*Park and enter from the lot south of the building.
Cost: $10.00 per family
To Enroll: Call The Parent Resource Center at 993-9315 to enroll for this class.
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
Shawnee Mission School District
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
|
Parent Resource Center
"Educational Advocacy for Parents of Special Education Students"
Parents are given planning tools to help with IEP development to tips for improving communication with educators and engaging your child's team in better collaboration.
Presenter: Donna Beauchamp
Executive Director, Community Disability Network
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 8:00
Location: Conference Room
Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Cost: Fee is waived for all Shawnee Mission Parents
To Enroll: Call the Shawnee Mission Parent Resource Center at 993-9315
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, Ks 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
|
It's a Girl Thing: Female Bullying
Presenters: Jill Butler, LSCSW and Emily Dorothy, LSCSW
Shawnee Mission School Social Workers
Is your daughter affected by female bullying? More than 70% of females report being mistreated by their friends (Crick, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2002).
This class will focus on relational aggression, the most common form of mistreatment by females. According to Dr. Nicki Crick, relational aggression is defined as "emotional violence and bullying behaviors focused on damaging and individual's social connections within the peer group."
We will learn about the prevalence of relational aggression, different forms of relational aggression and teach procedures that can be used to intervene with rational aggression in schools and at home.
Date: March 11, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Multi Purpose Room
Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
*Park and enter from the lot south of the building.
Cost: $10.00 per family
To Enroll: Call The Parent Resource Center at 993-9315 to enroll for this class.
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
Shawnee Mission School District
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
Counseling Department Resources
Our website is filled with information about college counseling, academic counseling, personal/social issues, and upcoming dates. Please visit our Web Backpack often to keep current on important information for you and your student. You can access it from the SM West homepage or the district website under students, then teacher web pages. http://www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors |
Attention Seniors! Did you forget something?
Seniors who have not ordered a cap and gown for graduation need to contact Herff-Jones at (913) 952-5132 and make arrangements to do so.
Students who do not have a cap and gown may not participate in the graduation ceremony. |
New Year, New Adventures
With a new year come new changes, new ideas, and new adventures. This year I decided to try something new, much to the disgust of my teenagers, and signed up for a Facebook account. They didn't understand what a middle aged woman would want with teenage technology.
For one thing, as a sign language interpreter, online technology is great for networking and as a communication tool for interacting with the deaf/hard of hearing community.
Secondly, I've had a blast reconnecting with my former High School classmates. It's been interesting to see where their life paths have taken them and to see pictures of their families. This has all been a stroll down memory lane. While it's been 25 years, in my mind it's just like it was yesterday.
The connections we make and the ways we get involved in high school impact us more than we can imagine. It doesn't matter whether you're a cheerleader, a member of the band, a "labbie", a Care Bear or helping a classmate with an algebra problem. What matters is we feel a sense of belonging; we find a connection, a commonality and a sense of purpose. And sometimes the smallest connection can propel us to another level.
As I reminisce with my former classmates, comments about events we went to or clubs we belonged to always seem to come up. They laid the ground work for our knack to work as a team member, develop social interaction skills, rationalize, as well as gave us the ability to revel in glory and accept our defeats. I don't downplay the importance of studying, doing homework and going to class. But the experience of high school is greater than the classroom.
SMW PTSA strives to help facilitate the experience. We encourage the student, the faculty and the parent to be involved. Are you doing community service? Going to After Game Parties? Helping at SMW events? Part of a student organization? PTSA offers over 50 events or organizations to link the student body with the school, faculty and community. Whether you're a student, faculty member or parent we have a place for you to enjoy the experience.
So, as we welcome in a new year, try something new. Find something at SMW to give you a connection, a commonality and a sense of purpose. Find PTSA.
Submitted by Carrie McGoldrick, Co-President, SMW PTSA |
| PTSA Membership Update
Our SM West PTSA Membership is still growing! Thanks to our many parents, students, teachers and community who have shown their support for PTSA by purchasing a 2008-2009 membership. Since our last update, we have added 11 additional PTSA members. Our current total is 1,125!
Special thanks to our newest members:
 Chris Cindric Darcy Clum
Greg Clum
Davis Clum
Teri Kelly
Patricia McCluskie
Don Perkins
Micah Rigler - H&R Block, Community Member
Alec Rockwell
Doug Rockwell
Jan Rockwell |
|
Upcoming PTSA Meetings
Please join us at 7 pm in the SMW Library
Jan 14
Feb 18
Apr 08
May 06 |
|
Student Council Update
StuCo has been playing a very active role at West so far this year!
On November 24th, the StuCo Executive Board presented a check for $4,000 along with 10,287 cans to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau to be used in their Christmas Store. The donation went a long way toward helping families enjoy their holiday season. Kevin Garrett, Alex Burnett, and Denise Suarez organized the can drive this year. Fundraisers included a dodgeball tournament, t-shirt sales, and class paper chain wars.
The annual WPA Sweetheart Dance will be held on February 21st. It will be from 8:00-11:00 PM on the bridge. In order to make the dance go smoothly, all students must have a picture ID with them and should sign their last name on purchased tickets to prevent loss. Students should dress for the occasion by wearing a shirt and tie for boys and party dresses for girls. No jeans allowed.
Heart of the West Week will be held the week of February 17-20th. Each day will have its own unique theme for students to dress up as to show their West pride.
Student body officer elections will be held before Spring Break, and class officers and representatives for grades 10, 11, and 12 in the 2009-10 school year will be held after Spring Break.
Student Council is always happy to work with PTSA to make West a more exciting place to attend. |
|
The West Patrons' Art Gallery opened to rave reviews in October with a staff exhibit. A wide variety of art produced by members our own staff and faculty was on display - jewelry, photography, drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture and handmade books. The gallery was offically opened in November with a ribbon cutting by principal Chuck Mclean, board member Graig Denny and superintendant Gene Johnson.
November's exhibit featured the work of North art teachers Greg Brantman and Sally Jones. The West Area Vertical Team Show in December featured student work from all the elementary schools in the West attendance area, Westridge Middle School and West High School. Prints from the private collections of members of the Nelson-Atkins Museum's Print Society were featured in the January exhibit. Future exhibits include retired West art teacher Dan Dakotas in February, Stephen Sellars in March and West seniors in April and May.
The gallery is an extension of the art classrooms - a unique opportunity for West art students, faculty and the community to create a dialogue with art and artists who have reached a high level of accomplishment. Each exhibit that features an outside artist will also include a workshop or critique by that artist with West students. In November Sally Jones conducted a gallery walk-through to talk about her photography and Greg Brantman conducted a pottery demonstration. In January artist Doug Osa did a gallery talk with the new printmaking class and Ms. Nicklas' drawing class and later talked at length with students about what it's like and what it takes to be a professional artist. Also in January, art appraiser Justin Rogers will meet with the AP art students to talk about portfolio preparation, exhibiting their work and collecting art.
You can visit the gallery during school hours by checking in with the receptionist at the front desk who will direct you room 68 for a key. After hours visits can be arranged by appointment - call 913-993-7984 or email weschies@smsd.org.
Support West Art - BECOME A MEMBER OF THE WEST PATRONS' GALLERY. Lifetime Charter Member - $100, Annual Family Membership - $10, Annual Individual Member - $5 or Annual Student Member - $1.
|
 First Annual From the HeART Event to be Held at Shawnee Mission West High School on Valentine's Day
Shawnee Mission West National Art Honor Society (NAHS) will be hosting the first annual From the HeArt event from 8:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, February 14th, 2009.
This event was organized in order to raise awareness & funding to help feed the hungry in Kansas City. Purchasing a ticket provides entrance to the event, a hand crafted mug, and a cup of coffee & pastry provided by Panera Bread. Other fun activities are scheduled for participants of all ages such as a take and make Valentine station for kids (all materials provided). All proceeds & donations raised will be given to City Union Mission & Harvesters. Canned food donations will be accepted on site, so bring what you have to help others in our community. Tickets are $10.00 and available for purchase from January 15th until February 9th at West.
INFORMATION
From the HeART
Saturday, February 14th 8:00am-11:00am
Tickets: $10.00 available at Shawnee Mission West High School from January 15th-February 9th.
|
|
Senior Sizzle 2009
Dear SENIOR '09 Parents,
Your support is needed for the 24th annual Senior Sizzle, a drug/alcohol free, safe, fun celebration for Seniors only. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be Saturday, May 16th, 2009, 8pm to midnight. The funds for this are raised solely by the senior families.
Your Senior Sizzle committee has taken on a year long commitment, but we can't get the job done without the help of the awesome '09 families. We need cash/check donations.
'09 SENIOR SIZZLE DONATION ___ $100+ True Viking (you bleed black and gold) ___ $75-$99 Viking Captain (distant relative of Leif Ericsson) ___ $50-$74 Viking Warrior ___ $25-$49 Nobel Viking Oarsman ___ Other amount You can also click here to download/print the donation form.
Checks payable to: SMW PTSA 'SENIOR SIZZLE'
Please mail your donation to:
Katharine Drath
Attn: Senior Sizzle
15600 W. 84th Street
Lenexa, KS 66219
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at home.
Rita Hogue (913) 220-4471 (hoguemovies@kc.rr.com) or
Judi Derks (913) 492-7872 (jdmizzou@everestkc.net) |
|
SHAWNEE MISSION WEST TO STAGE
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
"FOOTLOOSE"
Shawnee Mission West's Theater Department will present the popular Broadway musical "Footloose" on Thursday January 29th, Friday January 30th, and Saturday January 31st.
Shows start at 7PM and doors open at 6:30PM. Tickets are $7 ($5 for students with activity cards) and are sold at the door the nights of the performances.
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the adjustment to his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the local laws - including a ban on dancing - which are the brainchild of a local preacher bent on exercising control over the town's youths. When the Reverend's rebellious daughter sets her heart on Ren, her boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation and many of the locals are eager to believe the worst about the new kid. With its Oscar-nominated hit score (the film soundtrack album has sold over 15 million copies world-wide) the celebrated film musical now bursts explosively onto Shawnee Mission West's stage.
Keegan Rice stars as Ren, Emeri Eaton is Ariel, Liannaia McKenzie plays Rusty, Eric Morris is Reverend Shaw, David Gomez plays Willard, Stacey Van Hoecke is Vi, Rosie Kelly is Ethel, and Katie Barrett is Wendy Jo. |
| Vikings Invade London
About 100 band and dance team members traveled to London with over 30 parents and directors for the 23rd annual London New Year's Day parade. Travelers enjoyed a few days of sightseeing before marching in front of approximately 500,000 spectators in London on New Year's Day. |
Orchestra Winter Concert
The SMW Orchestras performed their Winter Concert on December 11, 2008. The program was very full and the audience was treated to wonderful music - a great mixture of seasonal classics, as well as other genres. The setting was very festive which set the mood with red poinsettias and trees on the stage, matching red backlight peeking around the curtains and snowflake spotlights decorating the sides of the stage.
The Concert Orchestra performed Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - arranged by Custer. The students then performed four movements of Serenade for String Orchestra - Norman Leyden. Movements were: I. Prelude; II. Fugue; III. Nocturne; and IV. Cakewalk. The third movement featured a violin solo by Lauren Martens.
The audience also had the pleasure of listening to a quintet of Concert Orchestra students. The quintet was selected by their peers to play in the concert. The quintet members were Christine Hruska - Violin, Amy Hocker - Violin, Xivianne Matos - Viola, Taylor Sullivan - Cello and Hannah Sprick - Bass. They performed Allegro in D for Strings - Vivaldi/Frackenpohl.
Symphonic Strings performed a seasonal favorite, The Little Drummer Boy - arranged by Mulvenon. (hmmm, doesn't that name look familiar??) They also performed Bold Venture - M.L. Daniels and it was enjoyed by the audience as well. Both pieces showcased the talents of all the Symphonic Strings members.
Chamber Orchestra was up next, performing Overture on a Housetop - Traditional/Jones. The students wore themselves out playing Hoe Down from "Rodeo" - Copeland. Soloists Kathleen Martin and Kayla Viets were featured. If you aren't familiar with this piece, it is the background music for a well known commercial advertising the beef industry and can wear you out just listening to it, much less performing it - but they performed it to perfection.
The final piece of the night was performed by the Full Orchestra - featuring both the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras along with Winds and Percussion students from the SMW Band. The Full Orchestra rocked the auditorium by performing Kashmir - Led Zepplin/Mosier. The piece, almost seven minutes long, brought the audience to their feet with a standing ovation. 'Nuff said!
We can't say enough about the orchestra conductor - Mr. Mulvenon. He encourages the students to always do their best and it shows in every performance they give. The Winter Concert was no exception, from the selection of music to the performances - we all know he rocks!
So now that you know what you are missing at these awesome concerts, why don't you join us for the next concert? It is the famous Collage Concert and will be held on March 12 in the SMW Auditorium. See you there!
Also coming up:
Presto Meeting - Feb 10, Mar 3
State Orchestra - Feb 26-28
|
Honors for Band Students
The following students were selected for the NE District KMEA Honor Band: Leah Bernstein, Nick Clow, Chris Mehrer, Brian Scarborough, Thorsten Schmidt, Beth Stewart, Danny Sumrall, Andrea Wilson, and Basil Zimucha. Freshman District Honor Band: Geovondie Hough, Erica Hui, Ellory Mohr. Sousa Honor Band: Erica Lindstrom.
State Honor Band auditions are being held on January 10 in Salina, KS.
Congratulations and good luck to all these outstanding musicians! |
Students: Do you need volunteer hours?
If so, please call Lisa Humphreys (894-2224) to volunteer in the concession stand at any of the Girl's Basketball home games on Monday 1/12, Tuesday 2/3, Thursday 2/5, Monday 2/16, Thursday 2/19, and Thursday 2/26." |
Candy and Soda/Pop Donations
A major fundraiser for Senior Sizzle is selling candy and canned soda/pop on the bridge every Wednesday during lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We need YOU to donate boxes of candy (i.e. Starburst, Super Ropes, Skittles, gum, M&M's, etc.) purchased from Sam's, Cosco, Target, etc. and canned soda/pop. Sunkist Orange, Dr. Pepper, Coke, even diet are big sellers.
Please contact Tracy Jones @ 888-6757 or tjones@everestkc.net to get your donations to Tracy. Her home address is 9115 Allman, Lenexa.
Thanks so much for helping to make Senior Sizzle '09 a success! |
| Do you want to contact a teacher?
There you will find each teacher listed with their e-mail address under their subject area. |
|
Attendance Hotline
The 24 hour attendance hotline is 993-7845.
Please include:
Parent/Guardian Name
Name of Student (please spell)
Student's grade level
Reason for absence
Phone number where caller can be reached during the day.
Also, students are not to leave school without first checking out with the attendance office or with the nurse.
Leaving school without permission from the attendance office or the nurse, is an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. Please refer to page 6 in the student planner. |
Fire Lanes Cannot Be Blocked At Anytime
Fire lanes cannot be blocked at anytime. As a reminder from OP Police and SMSD Campus Police, vehicles parked on school property should not park in the marked fire lane areas for any length of time. These fire lane areas are marked with painted curbs and signage. These areas are generally found adjacent to the building, but there are some other fire lane areas on campus. A fire lane violation may result in a ticket in the amount of $80 (OPMC 12.04.85c). Also, please be respectful and leave the marked handicap accessible parking and areas available to the patrons who have a valid state issued handicap permit. A handicap parking violation ticket is $100 (OPMC 12.04.087). If you have any questions, please contact Officer Lofflin at 993-7986 or e-mail philiplofflin@smsd.org |
Severe Weather Protocol
Severe weather may cause the early dismissal or closing of school.
Local television and radio stations will be notified to report school closings during their newscasts.
If school is dismissed early, all practices and events scheduled for that evening are canceled or postponed. If school is canceled all day, the decision to proceed with scheduled activities will be made that day.
If school is closed, all radio and TV stations will be notified prior to 6:00 am on the day of the closing.
You may call the SM School District 24-hour Information Line 967-8020 for information or visit our web site at www.smsd.org. |
|
The Citizenship Committee would like to thank all who turned in essay's and poem's for this years contest. This years winners are:
Megan Smith - Essay
Tricia Worden - Poetry
They will both move on to the regional contest as well as winning Gift Certificates.
Congratulations!! |
 Cheer and Dance Clinic
For girls Kindergarten - 8th grade Come learn new material and perfect your cheer and dance style. We promise a lot of fun, along with new material to perform at the basketball game on Friday night!
Tuesday, January 27th. 2-4:00pm (early dismissal day) at SMW
Wednesday, January 28th. 4-5:30 PM at SMW
Thursday, January 29th. 4-5:30 PM at SMW
Friday, January 30th. Perform at the home Basketball game.
3 day clinic, perform at a SMW Varsity Basketball game, plus a SMW t-shirt and snacks all for $30 Wear shorts, T-shirts and comfortable shoes. You'll wear your clinic T-shirt to the game on Friday! 
Please click here to print the registration form. T-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed unless this form and payment are received by Friday, January 16th, 2009. |
| Cameras Needed
Enrollment in Photography classes at West continues to increase, but the number of available loaner cameras is falling short of the need. Please consider donating your unused 35mm SLR Film Camera to the West Photography program. Call 913-993-7984 or email weschies@smsd.org for more information or to make arrangements for a donation. |
|
**********************************************
Back By Popular Demand!
SM West "Graduation Year" Viking T-Shirts
SM West students can order Viking t-shirts highlighting their graduation year. Short-sleeve t-shirts in black and dark grey are available for just $12 and long-sleeve t-shirts in black are available for only $15.
Parents, teachers and staff can order the t-shirts without a specific year.
Place your orders before the February 11 deadline; shirts will be delivered before spring break. Just complete and return the order form with payment to Susan Holcomb.
Click here for pdf version of the t-shirt order form.
Questions?
All proceeds benefit '09 Senior Sizzle.
Go Vikings!
************************************************************** |
|
Do You Have Best Choice Products In Your Pantry?
French Club is collecting the bar codes with the words "Best Choice" to raise funds for club activities and philanthropies.
If you can help us to reach our goal of 1, 000 labels, send the labels to room 210 or to the mailboxes of Barbara Summers or Myrtle Mohart.
Merci beaucoup! |
Let H&R Block review your tax return, no matter who prepared it, for only $29*. In the past, we found errors on 87% of all the returns that were brought to us for a Second Look® review. Those who expected a refund and refiled with us received, on average, an additional $1,300!
We stand behind our work. The H&R Block Promise means your satisfaction is guaranteed, you'll get the maximum refund you're entitled to, we'll pay penalties and interest if we make a mistake and we'll be there to assist you all year long if you are audited.
Preparing taxes now at every location in the area. Some of the locations nearest you are:
15810-G Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS (913) 248-1427
13221 W. Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS (913) 631-3033
7323 Quivira, Shawnee, KS (913) 248-0257
5546 Hedge Ln, Shawnee, KS (913) 422-1156
| |
|
|
|
|
Look for the next edition of the Viking Voice
in March 2009.
If you have articles to submit for the next issue, the deadline is March 13th, 2009. Please email shirlleines@everestkc.net and begin your subject line with the words "Viking Voice".
Do you know someone who would like to sign up for the Viking Voice? Send them to the online sign-up form located on the PTSA's website.
Thank you. | |
|
