| 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 3 |
January 14, 2010 |
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Quick Links |
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SMW Counseling
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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
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 2010 is here and that we are half way through the 09-10 school year. I hope each of you had a wonderful winter break. As we begin the new year it's time to begin thinking about next school year with regards to selection of classes for the 10-11 academic year.
Funding for Schools
Our District, like others around the state, are facing some very difficult decisions related to how we use our limited resources. Currently the district is facing a 10.6 million dollar deficit for the 10-11 academic year. We will be forced to reduce our teaching, custodial and support staff at West next year. As parents and members of the community you need to be contacting members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate and encourage them to increase the Local Option Budget (LOB). All LOB funds stay in SMSD and are not shared with other districts in the state. We need to keep strong viable schools in Shawnee Mission for the sake of our children and to maintain the value of our homes and businesses.
Choose Wisely
This month our 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 you need to get involved with the enrollment process. Talk with your student and look at the SMSD course offerings found in the High School Program Planning Guide. The Guide can be found on the District's website under the student section. Don't look for the easy way out. Encourage your student to stretch themselves - enroll in Honors and AP courses - take another math or science class. I can assure you that colleges today are looking more at what types of courses a student took in high school rather than just a GPA. 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 see of the future, I believe it's imperative that every student graduate with four years of math and science 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. Please get involved in this important decision making opportunity regarding the classes your child will take next year. If you have questions don't hesitate to contact your child's counselor at 993-7831. Folks, this really is important - choose wisely, the courses they will be taking next year as those decisions will have an impact on their future.
Attendance Concern
As I continually look at data regarding our students' performance, I still see a trend that is very troublesome. In the Shawnee Mission West community we have always prided ourselves on our work ethic. You could count on SMW students to go to school. They viewed it as their job and part of their responsibility was to show up for the job. The data trend indicates that students are 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 earth shaking insight, in fact, you might say it's just common sense.
Again, this past semester we made attendance a priority at West and to that end made sure the District's 85% attendance policy was followed. Many students that did not attend class 85% of the time and could not provide a faculty committee with data to justify their additional absences did not receive 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 District policy and it will be followed at West.
Always remember - WEST is the BEST!
Dr. Charles McLean
Principal, SM West | |
Upcoming PTSA Meetings
SM West Library
Monday, January 25th
Founder's Day
Honoring Former PTSA Presidents
Special Guest Speaker
Debbie Lawson, Kansas PTA President
6:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Meeting
Tuesday, March 2nd - 7 pm
Monday, April 19th - 7 pm
Monday, May 10th (tentative)
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January
18 - Martin Luther King Holiday - No School
19 - PLC Late Start Day - Classes begin 9:40am
19, 21&23 - Viking Classic Boys Basketball Tournament
20 - Viking View - 6:30pm
22 - Mr. Viking Pageant - 7pm
25 - PTSA Meeting - 7pm
27 - Masterworks Concert - 7pm
February
1 - Cheer Booster Club Meeting - 6pm
1 - Spotlighters Meeting - 6pm
2 - PLC Late Start Day - Classes begin 9:40am
2 - Band Aides Meeting - 7pm
6 - WPA/Sweetheart Dance - 8pm
8-12 Heart of the West Week
9 - PRESTO Meeting - 7pm
9 - Early Dismissal - 1:10pm
11 - Empty Bowls - 5:30pm
12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences-No School
13 - Band Chili Supper - 6pm
15 - President's Day-No School
16 - PLC Late Start Day - Classes begin 9:40am
18-20 - Musical - "Les Miserables" - 7pm
24 - Booster Club Meeting - 7pm
March
1 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin
1 - Cheer Booster Club Meeting - 6pm
1 - Spotlighters Meeting - 6pm
2 - PLC Late Start Day - Classes begin 9:40am
2 - PTSA Meeting - 7pm
2 - Band Aides Meeting - 7pm
2 - PRESTO Meeting - 7pm
5 - After Game Party - 9pm
9 or 10 - Girl's Soccer Parent Meeting - 6pm
11 - Collage Concert/Orchestra - 7pm
15-19 - Spring Break
22 - School Improvement Day-No School
23 - Percussion Concert - 7pm
30 - Dance Parent Meeting - 6pm
30 - PRESTO Meeting - 7pm
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Counseling Department News |
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Counseling Department Website
Our website is filled with information about college counseling and scholarships, 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.
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Enrollment for 2010-2011
Choosing classes for next year happens in January! Students will be given enrollment materials according to the following schedule. Students have about one week to look over the materials with parents and then have them ready to return when their class visits the Counseling Office. 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.
Juniors - Materials distributed Jan. 13/14 Finalize enrollment with counselor Jan. 25/26 (in US History classes)
Sophomores - Materials distributed Jan. 19/20 Finalize enrollment with counselor Jan. 27/28/29 (in Eng.10 classes)
Freshmen - Materials distributed Jan. 21/22 Finalize enrollment with counselor Feb. 1/2/4 (in World Geo. classes) |
Transfer Request Procedures
All high schools are open to transfers. However, the 2010 - 2011 application deadline is February 1, 2010. Requests will not be honored after that date.
Transfer request forms may be obtained from any school office in the district. Students must re-apply when changing levels - elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. Requests for transfers need not be renewed annually once a student is attending a school, 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. A transfer may be rescinded at any time if a student fails to meet the requirements.
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. |
 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).
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. |
Juniors
Now is the time to get started on college research and planning. You should be working on the following things this semester to prepare for your senior year:
- Register for cllege 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 be used as a determining factor in your ability to be admitted to colleges.
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ACT Testing and Deadlines
Shawnee Mission West is a testing center for the ACT. Our school code is 172-773. Test Date Regular Registration Late Registration
Postmark Deadline Postmark Deadline
February 6 January 5 January 15
April 10 March 5 March 19
June 12 May 7 May 21
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From News You Can Use December 2009 - ACT's Monthly Newsletter
(re-printed with permission from ACT, Inc.)
Gear up for financial aid
January is fast approaching and that means it's time for seniors to apply for college financial aid for the upcoming school year.
Federal financial aid is available for students attending four-year or two-year, public or private, career or trade schools. The aid is intended to cover school expenses such as tuition, room and board, books and other supplies, and transportation. Most students receive the aid because of financial need.
Students can receive financial aid in the form of grants, loans or work-study. Grants are financial awards that do not have to be repaid. Examples include Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Loans are money you borrow and must repay. The best loans are those that are subsidized by the federal or your state government. These generally carry lower interest rates. Work-study provides jobs, usually on campus, so students can help pay for education expenses.
To find out about federal financial aid programs and your rights and responsibilities under these programs, read "Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid" from the U.S. Department of Education at www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide. You also can request a free paper copy by contacting the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-4-FED-AID. The guide is available in English or Spanish.
Also, be sure to check out the ACT website at www.actstudent.org/finaid. You'll find a good financial aid overview in easy-to-understand language, plus a list of resources to contact for more information on loans, scholarships and government programs.
How to apply for financial aid - Kansas priority date is March 1, 2010
If you're planning to attend college next fall, January is the time to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Information from the FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs-grants, loans and work-study. You can get the FAFSA online at online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Make sure you check financial aid deadlines! The FAFSA will list deadlines for federal and state aid - Kansas priority deadline is March 1st. Also check the requirements at the colleges you're interested in applying to. Some require additional financial aid forms.
Financial aid terms
Following are some key financial aid terms:
Aid package: A combination of aid (possibly including a scholarship, grant, loan, or work) determined by a college financial aid office.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): An amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. It is used in determining eligibility for federal student aid.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The application required for students to be considered for federal student financial aid. Obtain a FAFSA form or electronic filing information from a high school or college for the appropriate year (usually available in November). The FAFSA is processed free of charge and used by most state agencies and colleges.
Grants: Awards, usually based on financial need, which do not require repayment. Grants are available through the federal government, state agencies and educational institutions.
Scholarships: Awards to students based on merit or merit plus need that do not have to be repaid.
Student Aid Report (SAR): The information you will receive approximately two to four weeks after your FAFSA has been processed. It will report the information from your application, and if there are no questions or problems with your application, it will report your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Estimate college aid with ACT's calculator
If you're preparing to file your federal financial aid form or you just want an idea of what college costs, check out ACT's free financial aid need estimator. The estimator can calculate both your expected family contribution and typical costs at specific colleges.
The calculator first provides you with an expected family contribution (the amount you and your family would be expected to pay toward your education). This amount is the same for all colleges. Next, the calculator estimates costs of attending specific colleges, and using your expected family contribution, estimates your eligibility for federal need-based financial aid. You may select as many colleges as you wish without reentering your personal information. Also, the financial aid estimator does not ask you to identify yourself, nor does it retain any of the information you enter.
To sign up for additional updates regarding testing, college, and financial aid, please go to: http://www.act.org/news/use/index.html 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 21, 2009, from 2-4 p.m. at the following sites. Participants are encouraged to register online to attend (but not required): www.CollegeGoal.org Overland Park
Johnson County Community College Student Success Center 2nd Floor, Student Center Building 12345 College Boulevard Olathe
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Mabee Library 2030 E. College Way Kansas City, Kansas
Donnelly CollegeMeeting Room 608 N. 18th Street Kansas City Kansas Community College
Upper Jewell Building7250 State Avenue |
 Summer School
If your student has failed a class necessary for graduation, summer school enrollment should be seriously considered. Summer school enrollment begins on February 8, 2010, 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.
Dates for Summer School:
Semester 1 is June 14 - July 2
Semester 2 is July 12 - July 30
Tuition is $150.00 per semester. Summer school will be held at Shawnee Mission Northwest. 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
When to Enroll:
February 8 - All Shawnee Mission School District Patrons
April 5 - Open to all students on space available basis
June 10 - Semester 1 enrollment closes at 12:00P.M.
July 8 - Semester 2 enrollment closes at 12:00P.M.
The link to additional summer school information is:
http://www.smsd.org/parents/summer.htm |
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test battery. It consists of 8 short individual tests covering Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information. 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 Tuesday, March 23, 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 Office beginning January 10. Deadline to register is Friday, March 12. An information booklet is available for both students and parents about the ASVAB Exam. Additional information is available online at www.asvabprogram.com. |
AP Testing
AP testing will take place the week of May 3rd and May 10th 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 12th. This is a firm deadline as tests must be ordered ahead of time. Mr. Davis 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 Mr. Davis 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.
- A student may earn college credit and/or advanced placement at most colleges and universities depending on the score received.
- A student may be recognized for AP Scholar Awards.
- Students gain valuable experience in rigorous exams (SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE).
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 Seniors Must Order Caps and Gowns Now
Seniors - If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please call Herff-Jones at (913) 952-5132 and do so as soon as possible.
You must have a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you have any questions, see Mrs. Benge in Room 15. |
Graduation Information!
- Graduation will be held Wednesday, May 19th,
at Shawnee Mission North District stadium.
There is no limit on the number of guests that may attend the ceremony.
- In case of inclement weather, each family will
receive six (6) tickets for admission to the gymnasium. Extra seating & closed circuit TV
for guests who do not have tickets will be available in the auxiliary gym.
- Graduation practice will be held on May 14th,
the last day of school for seniors, at 9:30 a.m. after their Block 1 final
exam. All seniors must be
present. Caps, gowns, and tickets
will be passed out at this time.
- Graduation announcements will be distributed on
the bridge during all lunch periods sometime in March. Have your students watch the
announcements for the exact dates.
- A required senior meeting will be held on
Thursday, April 29th, at 1:10 p.m. Seniors will be given important
information regarding procedures and requirements for graduation.
- Tryouts for Readers of the Roll will be held on
April 22nd, after school in the Little Theatre. Students wishing to try out need to sign
up with Ms. Gill outside Room 123.
Have your students watch the announcements for the dates to sign
up.
- The date for tryouts for Graduation Speeches will
be announced at a later time. Have your students watch the announcements
for the dates to sign up.
- Seniors should be sure ALL FEES and FINES have
been paid prior to graduation.
Students will NOT be allowed to participate in the graduation
ceremony if they have any outstanding fees or fines. Students may check with the bookkeeper
to determine what is owed.
- Seniors will keep their caps and gowns after
graduation.
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Guidelines for the Exemption of
Finals
Senior Final Exam
Exemption (seniors only)
- This
option is only available to seniors for the second semester.
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A
student can elect this option for a maximum of three classes.
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A
student must have earned a 90% or grade of "A" in the class.
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A
student cannot have any In-School or Out-of-School suspensions.
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A
student cannot have any unexcused absences in any class.
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The
exemption option is not available for College Now classes if the student is
taking the class for College Now credit.
Advanced Placement Final Exam Exemption (any student taking
an AP course)
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Students can exempt out of each class final for which they
take the formal AP test. Proof of AP registration is required.
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Students must meet all criteria for the senior exam
exemption regarding grades, discipline and attendance.
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The exemption option is not available for College Now
classes if the student is taking the class for College Now credit.
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A student who exempts the final in a first semester AP
course but does not take the AP exam in the spring must either take the course
final in the spring (the final grade will be adjusted based on the score
attained on the final) or have his/her grade in the course changed to reflect
the equivalent to earning 0% on the final.
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Seniors may use both the senior exemption policy and the AP
exemption policy.
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Winners of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award
Congratulations! Two Shawnee Mission West students are winners of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.
Brooke Banning and Kyle Neely are among five SMSD seniors who received recognition from Wendy's.
This program recognizes students for achievements in and out of the classroom. Students must showcase academic aptitude, athletic talent and community leadership. Kyle and Brooke will advance to the state level of the program. |
 S.A.I.L. Tutoring Program
As we start a new semester we would like all parents to be aware of the SM West S.A.I.L. Tutoring Program (Students Acquiring Individual Learning).
This free tutoring program is open to all students Wednesdays and Thursdays after school from 2:45 - 3:30 in the West Library.
Teachers are available to assist in English and Math both afternoons ....with Science tutoring available on Wednesdays and Social Studies tutoring available Thursdays.
This service is free however there will NOT be a late bus available.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this program throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Ann Duncan annduncan@smsd.org or Kevin Warner kevinwarner@smsd.org. |
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Nurses Thank You!
I want to extend my thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who came and assisted with the H1N1 clinics. These volunteers showed up, pulled up their sleeves and went to work. We were very busy both days giving your students the protection they needed from H1N1.
Approximately 502 students were vaccinated and 58 faculty and staff were immunized. Thirty percent of the student body received protection against a possible future outbreak.
I cannot express enough gratitude for the wonderful effort put forth by these volunteers that were so ready to be involved.
-SMW Nursing Staff |
Immunization Requirement Changes for 2010 - 2011
There is a change in the vaccination requirements for next year. This year all 9th grade students are required to have three Hepatitis B, and a varicella with two by next year (or proof of the disease verified by a health care provider), in addition to having a TDAP within the last 10 years. Next year all students will be required to have these immunizations.
Please have your health care providers update these immunizations and get those copies to the West nurse. |
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Public Notice On Child Find
 The Shawnee Mission School District is required to find children who are in need of special education services and provide a free, appropriate, public education for these students.
Child Find in Kansas involves a screening process for children from birth to age 5, and a general education intervention process for children from kindergarten through age 21. Schools in conjunction with parents use these processes to locate, evaluate, and identify children who may need special education services and supports.
Parents may call the Shawnee Mission Instructional Support Center for information about the early childhood screening, Count Your Kid In (CYKI), at 993-2600. Parents may contact their neighborhood school principal for information about the K-21 early intervention processes. |
FOOD SERVICE....Did you know............
Did you know that if you list temporary or zero income on an application you can only be approved for 60 days at a time?
Anyone approved for free or reduced lunches, gets an automated phone call stating that they have been approved. If you receive a follow-up letter in the mail, it means that the approval is temporary and the letter will have an expiration date on it. You must contact us by phone a few days before the date on the letter to update your income information. If it is not updated, you will return to a paid status and will be responsible for paying full price for meals until a new application can be processed. To update a temporary application call 993-9710.
Did you know that the school meals meet the nutrition requirements from USDA?
All menus are analyzed on a week average to meet daily calories and nutrient levels for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium. We offer a variety of fruits and vegetables and offer fresh items daily. We are increasing whole grains in the meals. For example, the pizza has a whole grain crust, the corn dog has whole grain breading, and the French toast sticks are whole grain. All breaded entrée and potato products are baked and not fried. We are in the process of reducing sodium and trans fat. New products will be evaluated by students as developed by manufacturers. The school breakfast menus, lunch menus, and other nutrition information are available on the district's website at http://www.smsd.org/parents/foodservices.htm. |
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Third Annual Lose the Training Wheels Bike Camp
JCCC will be hosting the 3rd Annual Lose the Training Wheels Bike Camp during Spring Break 2010 (March 15th - 19th) here on the JCCC campus. This wonderful program uses specially-designed bikes to teach disabled kids (and adults) how to ride a regular bike without the use of training wheels. The individuals who participate in the program have a wide range of challenges - Down Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, etc. This camp is expected to fill to capacity as it has in past years. The participant will need to come to the JCCC Campus each day, March 15-19th, for about a 90-minute session. They will work with specific volunteers devoted totally to that camper's learning. Those interested need to e-mail dkrug@jccc.edu to receive a Camper Application Form. Do not wait to enroll!! Click on the link below to view a Lose the Training Wheels Camp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sswZ_I6yuxQ |
 News from the Shawnee Mission West Band
Shawnee Mission West Band's Annual Chili Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, beginning at 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. All will dine on delicious chili or chili dogs, dessert and drink and be entertained by the Jazz Lab, the Freshman Band, the West Area 6th Grade Honor Band, the "Thundering Herd" Parents and Alumni Band, the Symphonic Band, Overland Express and the Wind Ensemble.
February 13
5:30 - 8:00 pm Tickets: $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for ages 4-12.
No charge for children under 3 years of age.
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The Shawnee Mission West Band is delighted to report the following students were selected to the District Honor Band:
Flute: Connor Bowman, Jenna Gottschalk
Oboe: Danny Sumrall - (1st chair)
Clarinet: Ashley Pratt, Ellory Mohr, Erica Lindstrom, Emma Fahrlander,
Bass Clarinet: Nick Clow
French Horn: Beth Stewart
Trombone: Chris Colvin, Andrea Wilson
Percussion: David Howell
In addition, the following students were selected as Freshman District Honor Band Members:
Clarinet: Mark Maiden
Trumpet: Ben Hower
Trombone: Kirk Kennedy, Garrett Wilson
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The Shawnee Mission West Wind Ensemble is thrilled to have been selected to perform at the upcoming convention of the Kansas Music Educators Association. The group is honored to keep up the tradition of excellence set by last year's Wind Ensemble whose recording was used in the selection process.
____________________
The Shawnee Mission West Jazz Program treated friends, family, and the community to a night of lively music at the annual Harvest Moon Ball held at the school on November 21, 2009. The bands were joined by the Able Rameriz Band. Patrons were treated to an array of desserts and light snacks while they danced the night away.
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Spring Sports Are Right Around The Corner
The activities offered in the spring are: baseball, boy's
golf, girl's soccer, softball, girl's swimming, boy's tennis, and track. Tryouts
will begin on March 1. Students wishing to participate must have a sports
physical on file with the athletic office, and the activity fee paid. Any
student not having a physical on file prior to March 1 will not be allowed to
tryout for a spring sport.
If you have any questions, you may call the athletic
secretary, Patti McCluskie, at 993-7806.
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Nurse's Office Needs Your Donation
PTSA sponsors a
program to help stock
the SMW Nurse's Pantry. This Pantry will assist the SMW nurse,
Dr. Vaughn, in providing a snack for students that are in need of some nutrition
during the day. This will help them concentrate and focus on class when lunchtime or
dinnertime is several hours away.
Items such as granola bars,
individually wrapped packages of crackers, peanuts, anything with protein would
be greatly appreciated. Also feminine
sanitary products are also needed by the
nurse.
Items for donation
can be brought to the January PTSA meeting
or dropped off directly in the nurse's office or contact Cheryl Scott at cdscott@everestkc.net for
pickup.
Thanks so much for
your support of this program! Learning is why we are here at SMW. This
is an effort to help ensure that all our students can focus during
class.
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 PTSA Update
Well, as one who normally loves a good snow storm (I even check out Gary Lezak's weather blog!), even I hope our "snow days" will be a thing of the past!
It is hard to believe that just 10 years ago, we were just starting the 2000's! With 2010 comes some steep hills to climb. We need to have your help in continuing to support West through your participation in activities and events as well as at the state and local level in providing your input into our budget and educational goals.
Please use the resources available on the SMSD website to keep updated on the budget process (http://www.smsd.org/publicinfo/Budget/budget.htm?ref=homepage) and for information on how you can contact your local representatives (http://www.smsd.org/publicinfo/legislative.htm)
There are many fun events to look forward to over the next few weeks! Personally, I am circling Friday, January 22nd on my calendar for the Mr. Viking Pageant. This is a fun, new way to raise funds for Senior Sizzle...Rumor has it that we are going to be very entertained by several of our senior boys as they walk the runway, entertain us and tell us their visions of "World Peace". Several other local schools have their own Mr. "Something" but, I am sure ours will be the best!
Merilee Crow and Sally Chew
Co-Presidents SMW PTSA
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PTSA Senior Scholarships
Available
Must be a student PTSA
member
Application deadline is April
1st Forms available in the Counseling Office or at www.smwestptsa.org in the Forms Section |
| We Need Your Nominations!
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in support of SM West and has worked hard to promote the goals of PTSA? How about nominating that individual for the SM West PTSA Honorary Life Membership Award! Nominations are due by February 12, 2010. Please complete the nomination form and send to the SM West office or email your nominations to Gail Arner at gail@everestkc.net.
If you have problems downloading the nomination form above, just email the following information to gail@everestkc.net:
I would like to nominate _______________________________ to receive an SM West PTSA Honorary Life Membership Award because he/she has gone above and beyond the normal requirements of his/her job, volunteer or otherwise. Listed below are some of the reasons why I believe he/she is so deserving of this honor (or attached separate documentation):_____________________________________
This nomination submitted by _____________________________________
For further information on my nomination, call or e-mail me at the following:
___________________________________.
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SENIOR SIZZLE UPDATE!!
We have not set a
date for the next meeting yet, but please continue to look at the announcements
on the website for upcoming information.
We will continue
to sell candy and pop on the bridge during lunch. If you can donate either please
contact Mary Jo Gerrity at 913-219-1167 or you can send her an email at mjgerrity@kc.rr.com. Thanks for your
generous donations!
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First Annual "Mr. Viking" Pageant Coming Soon
The First Annual---Mr. Viking Pageant will be held on Friday, January 22nd in the
Auditorium. We will be pre-selling tickets on the bridge
during lunch. The tickets will be $5 in advance and $6 at the door. It promises
to be very entertaining as many of our Senior Guys vie for the title of Mr.
Viking! Break out of those Winter Blues
and share a fun evening at West. Parents, students and friends are welcome! We
will have the drum line, the cheerleaders and I believe the Overland Express
will also be performing between acts.
Please mark your calendar for a fun filled night and a chance to support
your seniors as we raise funds for a safe non-alcoholic environment on their
last day of school.
Thanks again to
all that have helped to make this night a success for our seniors.
Laura Balazs &
Stephanie Foss
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Reflections Contest
Over 25 Vikings entered this
year's Reflections Contest.
The theme "Beauty is ..." was well represented in
the art pieces and writings.
Congratulations to our three first place
winners:
Mickaela Hoffpauir with her photograph
titled Rare Findings
Rachel Stamm with her drawing titled
Sunset
Kyle Neely with his poem titled The
Pathway
Each winner has been awarded $50 from our
West PTSA. These Award of Excellence entries will be entered into the Shawnee
Mission District contest.
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Look for the next edition of the Viking Voice
in March 2010.
If you have articles to submit for the next issue, the deadline is March 11, 2010. Please email shirlleines@everestkc.net and begin your subject line with the words "Viking Voice". Thank you. | |
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