| Shawnee Mission West High School | |
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the Viking Voice
8800 West 85th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone (913) 993-7800 |
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| Volume 15, Issue 1 |
September 10, 2009 |
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Quick Links |
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SMW Counseling
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Homework Help 
We have a great website for students to find resources (books, databases and websites), organized by topics, to do their research and find help with their homework.
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Upcoming PTSA Meetings
Held at 7 pm in the
SM West Library
Tuesday, September 29th
Tuesday, November 10th
Monday, January 25th
Tuesday, March 2nd
Monday, April 19th
Monday, May 10th (tentative)
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Find the COMPLETE 2009-2010 SM West calendar online at www.smsd.org
Select Parents, School, choose West under High Schools, then click on School Calendar.
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Your newsletter from Shawnee Mission West, part of the award-winning Shawnee Mission Public Schools.  |
MESSAGE FROM DR. McLEAN
Outstanding Start to the School Year
Students and faculty are enjoying a great start to the 09-10 school year. Currently we have 1850 students enrolled. In fact, the Class of 2013 has 488 members and this is 50 more than last year's senior class. The Class of 2013 has been a wonderful surprise and great addition to our school. The class is adapting to the high school setting and appears to have many good leaders and academically gifted individuals. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding leadership I am seeing from the Class of 2010. I am proud of the way our seniors are stepping up with the Freshmen Mentor Program (FMP), STUCO and our many athletic and music squads.
Viking Voice is GREEN. This is the second year of our newsletter being shared with our community via e-mail. I want to thank the PTSA leadership for their courage and foresight to continue to support this form of communications within the West community. Last year we used over 4 million pieces of paper at West. The administration and faculty are committed to reducing that number in order to save our natural resources. We hope you enjoy receiving school news in this format and encourage other Viking families to complete the form in the front office and be placed in the email group.
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Update
Last spring our 10th and 11th graders took the State of Kansas math (10), science (10), writing (11) and reading (11) assessments. Unfortunately, I must report that West did not meet AYP for 2009. Obviously, I am not proud of this fact but I can assure you that our students and teachers are working hard and giving their best on the assessments. The overall result was that we were not successful in science and reading. In the areas of math and writing, our performance was outstanding.
The goal set by the State of Kansas is part of the No Child Left Behind legislation. When you look at West's overall performance, we did very well. In the areas of reading and science we had one or more segments of students that failed to meet the standard and this in turn caused the school to fail to meet AYP.
I can assure you that our teachers and students will be working hard this year to correct this situation and bring home the gold next spring when we take these very important exams. If you have questions about our performance or the AYP, please contact me at 913-993-7803.
Parent Involvement Still the Key
SMW parents are one of the keys to our school's success. Two issues I want to make you aware of as we start school are texting and driving & the economy. Please have a conversation with your teen driver about the risk of texting and driving. Research shows that individuals' texting and driving are 23% more likely to have an auto accident. Please stress with your student the need to shut the phone off while driving. The second issue is that there are a large number of our families in our community that are facing some very difficult times during this economic down turn. Please talk with your student and help them learn about family finances and the strain this economy might be putting on the family. This is an excellent time to be teaching your child about the good and bad aspects of the economy and to help them to be sensitive to the situations their peers might be facing.
Whether you're talking about band, debate, soccer, cross country, drama or yearbook, our parent support is outstanding. When parents are a part of the T.E.A.M. they help students, teachers and administrators improve. If you are a parent of a SMW Viking, thank you for not only your financial support but for your willingness to give of your time, energy, and talent to make sure our programs are the best they can be. 
Remember, YOU are an essential piece of the Viking Puzzle.
Dr. Charles McLean
Principal, SM West |
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NEW STAFF MEMBERS JOIN WEST THIS YEAR
West welcomed four new teachers to the staff this year.
Karen Crosby, ELL Department
Mohammed Mahmoud, Arabic
Maggie Moore, Spanish
Carolyn Rynott, French
The following support staff are also new to West.
Novice Buffo, Paraprofessional
Nancy King, Production Aide
Darren Siebert, Campus Police Officer |
HOW CAN I BE INFORMED AND HAVE MY VOICE HEARD?
Shawnee Mission School Board will have an "Ask the Board" meeting on September 21st at Trailridge Middle School at 7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for parents and students to have their questions answered on issues that are important to them. Please mark your calendar and attend! | |
September 8 - Band Aides Meeting - 7pm 8 - Presto Meeting - 7pm 9-10 - Little Girls Cheer Clinic - 4pm 11 - After Game Party - 9:30pm 12 - ACT Testing 14 - Spotlighters Meeting - 6:00-8:00pm 16-18 - Underclassmen Pictures 17 - ROTC Formation - Gym - 6:30pm 22 - STUCO Meeting - LT - 2:00pm 24 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 5pm - 8pm 25 - No School-Parent/Teacher Conferences 7:30am - Noon 29 - PTSA Meeting - 7pm 30 - College Planning Night - 6:30pm October
5 - Cheer Booster Club Meeting - 6pm 5 - Spotlighters - 6pm 6 - Choir Concert - 7pm 6 - Band Aides Meeting - 7pm 8 - Orchestra Concert - 7pm 9 - Homecoming Football Game/SM West vs. Lawrence - SMDS-South Location - 7pm 9 - Viking Voice Deadline
10 - Homecoming Dance - 8pm
13 - PRESTO Meeting - 7pm
14 - Late Start - 11am
15 - ROTC Formation - 6:30pm
16 - No School
16 - Little Girl's Dance Clinic - 9am
17 - Band Spaghetti Dinner - 6pm
20 - STUCO Meeting - 2pm
20 - National Art Honor Society Initiation - 6pm
23 - After Game Party - 9:30pm
24 - ACT Test Date
29-31 - Fall Play "Wait Till Dark" - 7pm |
| Student Council News
The newly elected student body officers are looking forward to the 2009-2010 school year. The X-Men, consisting of Blair Konczal as president, Cameron Volker as vice-president, Drew Humphreys as secretary, Dan Kornfeld as treasurer, and Sean Cunningham as parliamentarian, are the student body officers for the 2009-2010 school year.
The students appointed eight new members to serve on the student council executive board. Taylor Neff and Alex Burnett are part of the publicity committee, Danny Sanchez and Alyssa Parsons head up the charity group, Danny Neely and Michael Garrett co-chair the public relations committee, and Brynn Martin and Denise Suarez are in charge of the social spirit committee.
Elections: Student Council elections for 2012 class officers and representatives for all four classes will be on September 11th. Sign ups are in room 205 and run August 31st thru September 4th. Campaigning by those who signed up to run, will take place from Tuesday, September 8th-10th, with elections held the following day.
Big StuCo: It will be the newly elected group, along with class officers who were elected last spring, and the Executive Board, that will comprise Big StuCo. Their first responsibility will be to decide on a theme for Homecoming, to be held October 9-10. Friday night's football game will be against Lawrence. Hopefully, we will be celebrating a victory as we dance the night away on Saturday, October 10th, in the big gym, from 8-11PM. The best Homecoming parade in the district sponsored by StuCo will be on Thursday afternoon, October 8th. We start from Circle Drive in front of the school and march to the Commons and gazebo in Old Overland Park. Support our efforts by showing up along the parade route and cheering for your favorite float/organization.
Canned Food Drive: It's never too early to start putting aside can goods, boxed pasta, and peanut butter for the annual can food drive helping the Johnson County Christmas Bureau aid people needing food this holiday season and beyond. The best thing about this charity is that the support goes to those right here in our own area.
These are some of the fall projects that Student Council here at SM West is involved in. Thanks to the partnership of the PTSA for helping Student Council host the best Homecoming dance anywhere.
Remember:
StuCo: Stand up; Stand out! |
 News from the Journalism Department
Senior pictures
Seniors need to contact DeCloud Studios to make an appointment for senior yearbook pictures by the end of September. DeCloud will send you proofs. Select one to be the yearbook picture and return it to DeCloud. They will send the photo to the yearbook staff.
DeCloud Studios 913.648.2624.
Underclass yearbook pictures
Sept. 16, 17 and 18, all day in the library. Students will travel with their English class to get their picture taken. Students may order picture packages, but are not required to purchase pictures in order to be in the yearbook. The yearbook picture is different from the ID card picture. The last chance/retake day is Oct. 28
Senior ads
Yearbook senior ads are due Oct. 3. Click here to download the Senior Ads order form. Please contact Amy Morgan with questions at 913.993.7911 or amymorgan@smsd.org
Yearbook group photos
Group photos of school clubs and organizations will be Oct. 16, 21 and 28 during seminar in the gym. A schedule will be published closer to the date.
Newspaper subscriptions
If you are interested in subscribing to the Epic, contact Amy Morgan at 913.993.7911 or amymorgan@smsd.org. We need your name and mailing address, along with $20 cash or check (payable to SM West). All students receive a copy of the Epic at school, but we will mail a copy to your home if you subscribe.
Newspaper advertising
If you are interested in advertising in the Epic, please click here to download the Epic Ad form. You can also contact the newspaper staff at 913.993.7911 or smwestepic@hotmail.com. You can also e-mail Amy Morgan at amymorgan@smsd.org |
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September Exhibition:
Catherine Vesce
Paintings & Prints
Reception Tuesday, September 8, 6 to 7:30 pm
Gallery Talk
Thursday, September 3, 11am
Catherine Vesce received a Master of Arts degree in Printmaking & Painting from UMKC and Master of Arts in Art Education from Oberlin College in Ohio. She retired in 2004 from thirty years of teaching art at the secondary level. She was department chair at Pembroke Hill, was the district art department chair at Hickman Mills and also taught at Barstow. She received a national fellowship award from the Marie Walsh-Sharpe Art Foundation and was selected by the National Art Education Association for its highly selectiveTeacher-Artist program.
Vesce has work in the permanent collections of KU Med Cancer Center, H&R Block World Headquarter, the city of Overland Park, Ernie Miller Nature Center, Rockhurst University, Heartland Reginal Med Center and the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art. ( Click here for samples of her work.)
For the reception, park in the Antioch lot and use the building entrance by the gallery. If you would like to attend the gallery talk or visit the gallery during regular school hours, park in the visitor area in the front of the school and check in with the receptionist in the main office. |
 Orchestra Students/Families Pull Strings Well, actually the students pulled a rope - in a tug-o-war contest at the annual PRESTO picnic, but you get the idea. This was just one of the fun activities for the students at the annual picnic held at Shawnee Mission Park on August 23rd. The picnic attracted approximately 100 students and their family members, who enjoyed a variety of dishes, chips, desserts, burgers and hot dogs. It wasn't just about eating, though. The tug-o-war contest pitted the different orchestra sections against each other - cello vs bass, violin vs viola and other combinations. Parents are still probably trying to get the grass stains out of the clothes as students were pulled across the line. Or should we say....dragged across the line? Cameras flashed and families watched on in amusement as each group tried to outdo the other. Everyone started to join in, including Mr. Mulvenon. All activities were put together by the Orchestra Student Officers: Emily Miller, Rashin Alipour, and Steven Crooke that the students and siblings enjoyed. What picnic would be a success with out the cooks to man the grills - J.D. Miller, Dave Rogers and Rex Railsback finessed the grills and produced some great burgers and hot dogs. Michelle Sweet handled the sign-in and door prize registration and provided a great banner welcoming the incoming freshman and their families. Jennifer Morris handled the membership table and raffle and the Karsten's help at the picnic was invaluable. Moments were captured on film for posterity by Jeannie Miller. You know it wouldn't be an orchestra event without Mr Mulvenon - orchestra director extraordinaire - who MC'd the event and door prize drawing, with the help of Rex Railsback. Luckily the crowd was in control and Rex didn't put his crowd control techniques to use! There were lots of door prizes for the students and we want to thank the following businesses/organizations for making the Orchestra picnic a memorable event: Panera, PizzaMaker, Blackdog Coffeehouse, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Dickinson Theaters, Borders Bookstore, and SMW Booster Club. Thanks the Laura King Hagen and Steve Crooke for their efforts with the donors.
Upcoming Orchestra Events:Fall Concert - October 8 Winter Concert - December 10 For more information regarding PRESTO, to check out the picnic pictures and how to join, please check out the website at http://www.prestowest.org/index.html |
Help Us Welcome Our New Arabic Teacher
We are thrilled to give our students at West an opportunity to learn Arabic. Please help us welcome Mohamed Mahmoud who just arrived here on August 16th.
Mr. Mohamed had a busy week as you can imagine getting settled in after he arrived. He now has his social security card application, bank account, driver's permit, teacher's certificate and all the appropriate West tee shirts :) Thank you Dr. McLean, Mrs. Springfield, Mr. Burgat & Mrs. Warren.
He loves his Arabic 1 class here at West...he says it is great and the students are very clever.
He has also been out in the community. Monday night we attended an ice cream social at South (where he team teaches with Mervat, the Arabic teacher there in the afternoon) hosted by CIS. Wednesday night he made a presentation to our PTSA...Mr. Burgat said he did a great job and they loved him. They gave him a West football Jersey. Friday night he went to our TGIF and loved it...he said it reminded him of home with all the people, music and energy....thank you Mrs. Dercher for the ride.
He is currently staying with the Seversen's a family from Blue Valley. For the month of September he will be with our own wonderful Mr. Ron Walker.
BIO
Mohamed Mahmoud is from Fayum and holds an Education Degree in English. He has been an English teacher since 1992 and has been teaching at both the Information Technology Training Center and the Nasser Technical Secondary School (4,800 students and 400 teachers) in Fayum since 2003. In 2001, Mr. Mahmoud was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Central Directorate for In-Service Training for extended efforts in Strategic Planning for Training.
His continued educational experiences include participation the Train the Trainer Seminar, the European Institute for Public Administration (Netherlands, 2006), Best Practices in Professional Development (Santa Cruz, USA, 2002) and the Teacher Training Initiative (University of Delaware, 2000). He also received a Certificate for Overseas Teachers of English from American University in Cairo (2000).
He is being hosted by Shawnee Mission West High School in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
Mohammed El Naggar is from Dekerness
- article submitted by Fabiola Herdoiza, Spanish Teacher |
 Yearbook Pictures
Seniors: Deadline for senior yearbook pictures is Sept. 12. Seniors must be photographed by DeCloud Studios to be included in the yearbook. Contact DeCloud at 913.956.7200. The studio is located at 6717 Shawnee Mission Parkway...this is a new location. You are not obligated to purchase any photos, but will be asked to pay the sitting fee.
Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors: Pictures will be taken Sept. 16, 17 and 18. Students will travel to the library with their English class to be photographed. Picture package order forms will be handed out the week before in English classes. You are not obligated to purchase any photos to be included in the yearbook. Retakes are scheduled for Oct. 27 |
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Parent & Teacher Conferences
SEPTEMBER 24TH & 25TH
Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday evening, September 24th, from 5 - 8 p.m. and Friday morning from 7:30 am - 12:00 pm. Thursday evening conferences will be OPEN and held in the gymnasiums and cafeteria. Friday conferences are also OPEN but will be in individual classrooms. Room assignments will be available on Friday morning. There is no need for an appointment. Plan to spend 7 - 10 minutes per teacher.
Appointments for conferences can be made for Friday morning, Sept. 25, with individual teachers by contacting the teacher directly.
Conferences are an important communication tool between parents and school. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit with your student's teachers. |
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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 the club activities and philanthropies.
If you can help us reach our goal of 1,000 labels, send the labels to room 210 or to the mailboxes of Carolyn Rynott or Barbara Summers.
Merci beaucoup! |
Assistance Needed to Help Stock the Nurse's Pantry
Nurse's Pantry is an opportunity to provide snacks in the nurse's office for students that have come to school so hungry they can't concentrate on their classroom work. This situation does occur and it is a huge help to the teachers if the nurse has some snacks to make available on an occasional basis. Please donate individually wrapped items such as granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, etc. by dropping them off directly with the nurse or calling Cheryl Scott at 888 8467 to make arrangements for pickup. Another item that is helpful for our nurse to have on hand is feminine sanitary products. Next time you are shopping please pick up a box of snacks for SMW.
Thanks so much for your donations. |
JCCC/SMSD Driver's Education Course Scholarships
The Shawnee Mission School District in cooperation with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) will be offering driver education training to eligible SM high school students beginning with the fall semester. SM students may qualify for a course scholarship that will cover the course fees. The classes will be conducted through JCCC. These classes will not be offered for credit. Two sessions will be offered this fall from Sept. 8th through Oct. 15th, and Oct. 20th through Dec. 8th. Classes will meet every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm. SM students may contact their school's counselor for more information. |
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The West Band Booster Club cordially invites one and all to attend its annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction to be held at Shawnee Mission West on October 17, 2009. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m.
This annual event is a tasty way to support the band. Great food, swinging music, and terrific bargains! Games such as bingo and a traditional cake walk provide entertainment for those who are waiting to see if they have successfully bid on hundreds of items or perhaps will be the winner of the coveted "Mystery Box". This year's dinner/auction is sure to be memorable. |
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The West Band family lost an extraordinary supporter on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, with the unexpected and untimely death of "Bongo" Barry Bernstein.
 Barry was the father of Leah, a 2009 graduate of Shawnee Mission West and presently a freshman at the University of Kansas as well as Sydney, an 8th grader at Westridge Middle School. Both girls are active in music and afforded Barry the opportunity to share his enthusiasm and talent with fellow students, parents and teachers.
This summer, he performed "The Dewey Decimal Stomp" on the local library circuit, marking the 10th anniversary of his children's program.
Barry's lust for life will be missed by all. |
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Counseling Department News |
Check Out Our Website!!!
The Shawnee Mission West Counseling Department is always adding new information to our web backpack. Keep checking it regularly.
If you need information regarding tests, career options, college applications, scholarships and financial aid, log on to http://www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors or the Shawnee Mission West website and click on "Counseling Home". |
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College Information Night at SM West
Parents and students are invited to attend a College Information Night at West in the Cafeteria to learn about college admissions, scholarships, and testing. Please join us in the cafeteria on Wednesday, September 30th, at 6:30 p.m.
Financial Aid Night - located at Shawnee Mission Northwest
Save the Date - Wednesday, November 18th, 7 p.m., Auditorium of SMNW
Shawnee Mission School District "College Clinic"
All students and parents are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, October 14th
Shawnee Mission East High School
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
SENIORS and College Planning
Has your senior taken the ACT yet? Has your senior decided on a college or career path yet? Now is the time - our office recommends that seniors take the ACT for the last time in October or December of the senior year. (October for scholarship purposes at KU and K-State since they have November 1st scholarship application deadlines.)
So what else needs to be done?
- Pull the applications together. Seniors need to narrow their lists of colleges to five or so and review those with their academic/college counselor. They need to check application due dates and financial aid requirements from the colleges themselves.
- Do the student "brag" sheet (found on the Counseling web backpack). We'll use this in the Counseling Office to write recommendations for college and scholarships. The Parent Comment Sheet is also very help in preparing letters of recommendations.
- Put together a master calendar of all the application due dates are and tests being taken.
- Complete the online applications whenever possible, especially for our state universities (KU, K-State, Wichita, Emporia, Pittsburg, Ft. Hays).
- Sign up to take the ACT and, if necessary, the SAT.
- Check out the FAFSA4Caster and establish your pin number for the FAFSAA: go online to www.fafsa.gov.
- Scholarships: already we are making announcements about available scholarships in the Counseling Office. Check the web backpack regularly for updates. College Admission Testing - upcoming dates
SM West School Code: 172773
ACT
October 24th at SM West
Registration deadline: September 18th
Register on line at: www.actstudent.org
SAT
October 10th, SM East & other schools
Registration deadline September 10th
Register on line at www.collegeboard.com in the Counseling office
November 7, SM East
Registration deadline October 2nd
Register on line at www.collegeboard.com or in the Counseling office |
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Wednesday, October 14th is Testing Wednesday
Students who register and pay for tests should report to school at the regular time (7:40 a.m.). Students in grades 9-11 have the option to take tests on that morning. All other students should report to school in time to begin class at 11:00. More information will be given to students closer to the date. Parents: It's time to register your students for tests!!
All registrations take place in the Counseling Office.
9th graders - can take PSAT for practice for $15 - see attachment10th graders - can take ACT PLAN for $15 - see attachment11th graders - can take PSAT for $15 - see attachment Then on Saturday, October 17th, 10th graders may take the PSAT for practice at Broadmoor Technical Center - cost is $18 - see attachment. |
From the Desk of: Ms. Hicks, Career and Occupational Counselor
ACT PLAN Scheduled for 2009
All sophomores may take the ACT Plan which is scheduled on "Testing Wednesday" October 14, 2009 from 7:40-11:00.
The ACT PLAN:
- Is given at our school to help students gauge their academic achievement and to give them the information they need for educational and career planning.
- It is designed to benefit all students, whether they plan to enter the workplace after high school, enter military service, go to college, seek vocational training or are still undecided about their future plans.
- As a "pre-ACT" test, the PLAN is good predictor of performance on the ACT Assessment.
- Students may use a calculator for the Mathematics Test.
- The plan includes academic tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. It also contains a career interest inventory and a Student Information Section on student plans, needs, and goals.
For the 2009 school year, parents and students will need to pay for the ACT Plan. Cost will be $15.00. Please have your sophomore student bring in $15.00 to pay for the ACT Plan in the counseling department. If writing out a check, make checks payable to: Shawnee Mission West. Deadline to register for the ACT Plan is September 30, 2009.
Career and Tech Expo
JCCC will be sponsoring this annual event for 57 area middle schools and high schools. Over 250 different Career and Technical Preparation Program representatives have been invited to have information with parents and students ranging from Automotive Technology to Veterinary Technology. The wide array of new and exciting options for 21st Century Careers, information about job outlook, salary potential, training/education requirements plus financial aid information will be available in one convenient location for this event. Many of the programs have the option of expanding into a 4-year degree if the student has interest in doing so. Mark your calendar and plan to attend:
Career and Tech Expo
Monday, September 21, 2009
JCCC Indoor Track Area-Gym Building
12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS
Admission: Free |
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help!
A Note to Exhausted Parents of Challenging Teens...
Don't give up! Avoiding the issues is not going to help either! Parents of consistently difficult teens ride an emotional roller coaster that frequently dips into confusion, frustration, anger, pain, guilt and exhaustion. Ask for help during difficult times of trouble or even to PREVENT serious difficulty. Find out what your options are. Mary Lea Kieffer, our school Social Worker, can help you started. For confidential advice you can call Mary Lea at 993-7836.
Student Support Groups are available for students to participate in for emotional and academic support. Written parent permission is required for students to attend groups. Sessions are held during seminar and during partial classes. Groups available are:
Personal/ Growth: Improve self-esteem, recognize and express feelings, problem solving.
Anger Management: Recognize triggers, de-escalation, stress reduction.
Academic Motivation: Study and organizational skills, set academic goals.
Good Grief: Support for students experiencing grief issues.
Please call Mary Lea Kieffer or your student's counselor for additional information!
Other great resources are:
Johnson County Mental Health 913-826-1565
Heart of America Family Services 913-342-1110
www.JoCoFamily.net
www.mentalhealthkc.org
www.youthinformation.org
PLEASE SEE SM WEST COUNSELING WEBPAGE for a more detailed list of helpful community resources available to you.
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ADHD/LD SEMINAR SERIES 2009-2010
For Parents, Teachers, & Clinicians
Sponsored by
Avner Stern, Ph.D., Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc
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September 21, 2009
A Family Focus to Managing AD/HD
Presenter: Kyle Roste, LSCSW, Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc
This presentation deals with the ways child & teen AD/HD impacts family members, including siblings, and practical ways to manage as a family.
October 19, 2009
Discover Your AD/HD Child's Need for Speed
Presenter: Michelle Benton, ACG, FocalPoint Coaching, LLC
Learn what drives your AD/HD child to seek stimulation and how it helps them pay attention. Gather tips & strategies to incorporate stimulation into the classroom, at home, & homework.
November 16, 2009 **
Cogmed Working Memory Training: A Research-Supported, Non-Medical Intervention for AD/HD & Memory Problems
Presenters: Avner Stern, Ph.D., Michelle Benton, ACG, Kay Grossman, MA (Cogmed Certified Coaches)
Information is provided about this important evidence-based intervention for AD/HD and other learning problems. Parents and children who have gone through the training will discuss how it has helped them.
January 25, 2010
Learning & Family Issues for Children & Teens with Asperger's Divergence Presenter: David Bennett, Ph.D., Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics Primarily for parents and educators, this presentation deals with the subtle learning, social, and behavioral issues of children & teens with Asperger's. Practical advice will be given.
February 22, 2010
Dyslexia or Not. What Should We Do?
Presenter: Trudy Stegelman Odle, MS.ED, Horizon Academy
Learn about the different forms reading difficulties can take, the major reasons why reading skills may not develop, and how we can provide the best possible program for success.
March 29, 2010
How to Obtain a Good Evaluation & Documentation for AD/HD & LD Students Transitioning to College
Presenter: Avner Stern, Ph.D., Behavioral Health Specialists, Inc
For parents of students with AD/HD & LD, this presentation provides practical guidance on how to obtain adequate evidence-based evaluations. Appropriate instructional and test-taking accommodations will be discussed.
May 10, 2010 ** Cogmed Working Memory Training: A Research-Supported, Non-Medical Intervention for AD/HD & Memory Problems Presenters: Avner Stern, Ph.D., Michelle Benton, ACG, Kay Grossman, MA (Cogmed Certified Coaches) Information is provided about this important evidence-based intervention for AD/HD and other learning problems. Parents and children who have gone through the training will discuss how it has helped them. _____________________________________________________________________________ LOCATION: Indian Creek Technology Center, 4401 W. 103rd, Overland Park, KS 66207
TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm
COST: $10 per seminar per person, payable at the door. No pre-registration needed.
For information: astern@bhsks.com or (913) 906-9559, ext. 106
** No charge for these presentations |
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THINK GREEN: SAVE MONEY- LIVE BETTER
In these difficult financial times, we can pull resources together to help each other. Throughout the school year we will be asking for donated items to be recycled for students in need. You can drop items off in the Counseling Office and call for items if in need (913-993-7836).
August - September: SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Currently there are school supplies (backpacks, notebooks, paper, pencils, etc) available for students in need.
October- December: WINTER COAT DRIVE
Donate gently used, clean coats that can be recycled for students in need.
January - March : PROM DRESS DRIVE
May: GRADUATION GOWN DRIVE: If you know your graduating student will not want to keep their graduation gown- please donate it for students in need. If you have graduation gowns you want to get rid of, drop it off anytime. |
YouthFriends Needed
As a YouthFriends mentor, you can choose from a wide range of in-school activities including having lunch with a student or group of students; sharing special talents or career interests; tutoring; or simply being a good friend who listens.
YouthFriends accommodates your interests and busy schedules. Volunteer for as little as one hour a week and select a school location close to home or work. For an application, go to www.youthfriends.org. For more information, please contact Mary Lea Kieffer at 913-993-7836 or Terry Wintering, Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator at 913-993-6411.
If you are interested in having your son or daughter connected with a YouthFriend, please call Mary Lea Kieffer 913-993-7836. |
Sign Language For Beginners
Presenter: Susie Hogsett-Duncan
Interpreter 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 Susie lots of fun. Your child (4th grade and up) can participate with you in this class.
Dates: Thursdays (8 Sessions)
September 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12
November 19th (make-up date for inclement weather)
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Dr
Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $35.00 per person - additional cost of text 15.00
$59.00 per couple or parent/child cost of text 15.00
To Enroll: Call the Parent Resource Center at 993-9315
Sponsored by
The Parent Resource Center
Shawnee Mission School District
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202-3925
913-993-9315 |
| Winter Sports Tryouts In November
Tryouts for all winter sports begin November 16. Physicals dated May 1, 2009 or later need to be turned in prior to November 16 in order to be able to participate in tryouts.
Physicals can be turned in to the athletic secretary or the coach.
Winter sports programs include boys and girl's basketball, coed bowling, boy's swimming, and wrestling. |
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DATES TO REMEMBER
September 18
Progress reports will be given to students
October 23
Grade cards will be given to students |
 PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD
We want to recognize your student for their dedication of services to our community!
SMW students may apply for the Presidential Service Award by tracking their service hours on the sheet available from the counseling office or on the SM West website. The hours must be completed over a twelve month period beginning 4/1 and ending 3/31. The students self report the service hours and at the completion of the tracking period return the completed service hour form to the counseling office to be submitted for the award.
Forms need to be turned in by 3/31 in the counseling office. The committee chair then compiles the information necessary for submission of the students for the award. The awards are applied for on line on the Presidential Service Award website, www.presidentialserviceawards.gov
The awards will be delivered to SMW and the counseling office and administration will determine how and when recognition will be scheduled. |
UPDATE FROM PTSA
We are excited to begin our year as a part of SM West PTSA. We are quickly coming up to speed! It is amazing the number of people that graciously volunteer their time and care to make West PTSA work for the students and staff! I will continue on that refrain and ask each of you to focus on volunteering. I know everyone "says" that they want to get involved and this year we are giving you lots of opportunities!
Of course we would like every parent, student and staff member to join PTSA. We really need your monetary support to continue our great programs at West. But, with the economic reality hitting many of our families, we realize that donating your time is more likely than increasing your donations. But, with all the activities at West, in this sense..time is money! We would like you to consider helping right here in the "Halls of West." The administration staff is spreading more work out among one less administrator and substantially fewer teachers. We need people to help with meeting and greeting people as they come into the school. You are not required to "police" the front desk, just direct people to the area they need to go. It will be a great way to be a part of West...Also, they have a great need for help in the library. We would love to have West families be a part of assisting, but, we also would be interested in community members coming in to help. We have many in our retirement community that would benefit from an outreach activity. Please think of those family, friends and neighbors in your area that might be a good fit to help at West.
Amy Wilkerson is busy getting ready for our first After Game Party..(AGP). I hope that all our parents realize what a special opportunity the AGP's are. Not many administrators and parents at other schools are willing to give up their Friday evenings to dedicate to their students. We would like to personally thank Dr. McLean and all the administrators for being such staunch supporters of this awesome tradition at West. We need to have literally 100's of cookies and treats along with around 40 parents to help! Please look for the emails coming your way for this wonderful way to volunteer. Also, please remind your students that this party is a privilege that not many SM district students have. We would like the kids to focus on fun and responsible behavior as keys to successful AGP's!
In closing...please meet us in September for our next PTSA meeting. It will be held in the library starting at 7:00 on Tuesday, September 29th. There are many issues facing our school district and cities that impact your children and the quality of their education. Your PTSA has been working with the administration, our wonderful teachers and students to keep you informed. Attending our meetings is the best way to get the information first hand. So, on behalf of your 2009-2010 Board we hope to see you at our next meeting on Tuesday, September 29 in the library. Have a great school year.
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Thank you for Joining SM West PTSA!!
SMW PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) is a volunteer organization seeking to unite home, school, and community in promoting the education, health and safety of children, youth and families. We are an organization that strives to promote spirit, inspire creativity and make a positive difference in the lives of students and faculty here at SM West.
Thanks to the many parents, teachers and students who have shown their support for PTSA by purchasing a 2009-10 Membership! Without you, PTSA would not be able to sponsor the many programs at SM West including Freshman Mentoring Program, After Game Parties, Teacher Appreciation, Heart of West Week, Teacher Grants, Senior Scholarships, and many more!
If you would like to join SM West PTSA, please visit the PTSA Website at www.smwestptsa.org. Just click on "PTSA Forms" to download a copy of the PTSA Membership Form. You can also click here to download the form. We would love to add YOU to our current list of 971 members!
Please look here to see a complete list of the parent, student and community PTSA members so far. Thank you so much! |
 Attention Freshman Viking Writers
Get Shot At State Acclaim and Win Prize Money
If your Freshman enjoys writing, tell them to get their pencils ready!
PTSA is sponsoring a Citizenship Contest which offers prizes at the local and state levels. Freshman can submit a poem or essay on the topic
"The historic inauguration on January 20, 2009 means to me".
The poetry must be between 50-500 words and essays must be between 200-1,000 words. Entries can by handwritten or typed. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 30th.
Interested students can contact their English teacher or Teri Kelly, event chair, at 913-888-2070 or mikekelly@everestkc.net.
Students for whom English is not their first language may submit entries in their own language. An interpretative translation must accompany the entry.
Encourage your freshman to showcase their citizenship and their writing by entering this great contest. |
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Come celebrate a Viking Victory at the first AFTER GAME PARTY of the year!
Friday, September 11
9:30 pm - 11:30 pm
on the BRIDGE
Other upcoming events for 2009:
10/10 - HOMECOMING Dance, 8 - 11 pm
10/23 - After Game Party, 9:30 - 11:30 pm | |
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Look for the next edition of the Viking Voice
in October 2009.
If you have articles to submit for the next issue, the deadline is October 9, 2009. Please email shirlleines@everestkc.net and begin your subject line with the words "Viking Voice". Thank you. | |
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