| 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 4
| January 20, 2011 |
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Shake Off Winter's Chill at the Chili Supper
The Shawnee Mission West Band's Chili Supper will chase away winter's chill.
The supper includes homemade chili and chili dogs. The concert bands, jazz bands and percussion ensemble perform throughout the evening.
Support the band by coming to the chili supper on
Saturday, Feb. 5.
The event begins at 6 p.m at West.
Tickets are available from any band member.
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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 2011 is here and that we are half way through the 2010 - 2011 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 2011 - 2012 academic year. In this edition, I want to discuss the very real possibility of the district having to cut another 10 million dollars from the budget. This will mean that in three years, SMSD has reduced the budget by 30 million dollars. Also, I will be sharing the new district wide high school bell schedule for next year. Funding for SchoolsOur district, like others around the state, is facing some very difficult decisions related to how we use our limited resources. Currently, the district is facing a 10.5 million dollar deficit for the 2011 - 2012 academic year. Approximately 86% of the general fund budget is used to pay salaries and benefits. This means that in order to meet the 10.5 million in reductions we will have to reduce our teaching faculty, clerical and custodial staffs. This will result in having to make some tough decisions about what classes we can offer and the size of classes. I realize this is not the kind of news any of us like. As a community of parents, home owners and citizens, we must contact our local members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate and encourage them to find ways that will allow the Shawnee Mission Community to use the Local Option Budget (LOB) that allows us to raise funds for our schools. All LOB funds stay in SMSD. We need to keep strong, viable schools in Shawnee Mission for the sake of our kids and to maintain the value of our homes and businesses. Along with the faculty, we will be making decisions related to day to day operations of West next year. I want to encourage you to share with me any ideas you might have on how we can best use our limited resources to ensure that we continue to offer a quality education that will give West students the skills and talents they need to compete. Choose WiselyThis month, our students will be given the opportunity to enroll in the courses they want to take next school year. I can't over emphasize the importance of making choices that have been thought out carefully 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 website under the student section. Don't look for the easy way out. Encourage your student to stretch themselves, take Honors and AP courses, or 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 leaving high school take a math and science course all four years and with a minimum of Algebra 2 in math. Our ACT data shows that a student's score is directly related to the courses they have taken during their high school career. 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, select courses for next year wisely as those decisions will have an impact on the future. New Bell Schedule for 2011 - 2012The district high school principals, at the request of the superintendent, have developed a bell and daily schedule that will be consistent in all five high schools. The schedule is a combination of the block and 7 period schedules. On Monday, Tuesday, and Fridays we will have a 7-period day (our current Friday schedule). Wednesday and Thursday will be block days (90 minute classes). We will still have a seminar period but it will occur once a week on Thursday. The schedule will be posted on the SM West website as soon as it is finalized. I understand that change is always difficult. I believe our kids will have an easier time with the change than many of us adults. Please be supportive of the district's attempt to have all high schools on the same schedule as we look for ways to more efficiently use our limited resources. This schedule has been used at SMNW for the past three years and they believe that it is a good schedule for both students and teachers. Attendance ConcernAs 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 I am currently seeing shows a student body that is absent from 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 an 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 followed the district's 85% attendance rule. In fact, 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 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 every day, please do whatever you can as a parent to encourage your student to do the right thing and be in class everyday. There is a consequence for those not attending as they should. Thank you for your continued support. As parents, please look for ways to get involved with your student's education and become an active part of the West High School Family.
Always remember - WEST is the BEST!
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Looking for the Upcoming Schedule?
Find the Complete
2010 - 2011 West Calendar online
Click on the school calendar near the center of the page.  |
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News From The Counseling Dept
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Check Out Our Counseling 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.
http://www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors
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Enrollment for 2011-2012
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. 18/19
Finalize enrollment with counselor Jan. 26/27/28 (in US History classes)
Sophomores - Materials distributed Jan. 20/21
Finalize enrollment with counselor Jan. 31/Feb. 1 (in Eng.10 classes)
Freshmen - Materials distributed Jan. 24/25
Finalize enrollment with counselor Feb. 2/3 (in World Geo. classes) |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING SENIORS!
 ALL STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE A CAP AND GOWN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. TOTAL $30. ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE OPTIONAL.
If you have not ordered your cap and gown, contact Gary Waldrup at Herff-Jones - 913-952-5132.
Graduation Information
- Graduation will be held Wednesday, May 18th, at Shawnee Mission North District stadium. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. There is no limit on the number of guests that may attend the ceremony unless there is inclement weather and the ceremony is moved inside.
- In case of inclement weather, each family will receive five (5) tickets for admission to the gymnasium. Extra seating & closed circuit TV for guests who do not have tickets will be available in the SM North auditorium.
- Finals for seniors will be:
- Wednesday, May 11th; blocks 3, 5 & 7
- Thursday, May 12th, blocks 2, 4,& 6
- Friday, May 13th, block 1
- Graduation practice will be held on May 13th, the last day of school for seniors after their Block 1 final exam. The day will include graduation practice, yearbook distribution, the senior panoramic picture and picnic. All seniors must be present. Caps, gowns, and tickets will be passed out at this time.
- Graduation announcements will be delivered to school sometime around spring break. Have your students watch the daily student announcements for the exact dates.
- Tryouts for Graduation Speeches will be held on Thursday, April 21st. Students must sign up in advance with Mrs. Benge in room 15.
- Tryouts for Readers of the Roll will be held on Thursday, April 28th, after school in the Little Theatre. Students wishing to try out need to sign up in the main office. Students should watch the daily student 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 with an outstanding balance. Students may check with the bookkeeper to determine what is owed.
- Seniors will keep their caps and gowns after graduation.
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Seniors - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Counselors have made visits to senior English classes to discuss the FAFSA and College Goal Sunday. Please ask your student to see these materials.
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form must be completed by students and parents to apply for federal student aid. Be prepared to provide extensive information about your family's income and income taxes from previous year, assets, family size, the number of amily members attending college, and more. The first step is to get a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. After collecting the needed documents, you can begin the process at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, free help is being given by financial aid officers across Kansas and Missouri at College Goal Sunday. College Goal Sunday will be February 13, 2011, from 2-4 p.m. at JCCC (and other local 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
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Gathering Your FAFSA Documents
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was posted online January 1. It is important to complete the form and submit as soon as possible, as financial aid is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are some of the items you will need:
- Your Social Security number and your parents' Social Security numbers if you are a dependent.
- Your driver's license number if you have one.
- Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a United States citizen.
- 2010 federal tax information for you (and your spouse, if married) and your parents if you are providing parent information. You will still be able to submit your FAFSA even if you have not filed your taxes at the time, but you must still provide income and tax information.
- Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, welfare benefits and veteran's benefits for you and your parents.
- Information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for you and your parents.
- Federal Student Aid advises families with unusual circumstances, including job loss, to complete FAFSA on the Web whenever possible, submit it and then contact the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend.
- Also, scholarship and financial aid scams are out there; do not pay a fee for FAFSA completion and filing. Help completing the FAFSA can generally be found from the school you are planning to attend, a school counselor or Federal Student Aid.
- To get started, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. Don't miss out!
From ACT News You Can Use |
Calling All Sm West Seniors!
Mark your Calendars Now...Senior Sizzle is May 13th, 2011!! Don't Miss all of the Fun - This is one of the last opportunities for your Senior Class to be together!What is Senior Sizzle? Senior sizzle is a Drug and Alcohol Free Senior Class of 2011 Graduation Celebration. When is it? Friday, May 13, 2011 - after Seniors' last day of school 11PM to 3AM Where it is? PowerPlay in Shawnee, KS Includes tons of Games, Activities, Food and Prizes! Parents & Students: Senior Sizzle Needs Your Help!Senior Sizzle is funded by SM West Students, Families and Community Members. To date, the following fundraisers/events have been held this school year: Panera Bread Strip Coupons, Hy-Vee Car Wash, Home-made Pizzas, Corsage/Boutonnieres, Poinsettias, Future Viking T-shirts, and Pop/Candy Sales (ongoing fundraiser). Thank you to all who have supported these fundraisers/events! And there are more fundraisers/events to come....Please support the upcoming fundraisers:
- Pop/Candy Sale - These items are sold on the Bridge every Wednesday. If you can help by donating either canned pop or candy, please contact Jacqui Higgins at 913-894-8568 or thehiggins@kc.rr.com
- Mr. Viking Pageant - This 2nd Annual Event will be held on January 21 @ 8PM in the Auditorium. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 14 - Jan. 21 during lunch. The tickets are $5.00 and $6.00 at the door. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bowen at 913-642-5043 or kristenb@everestkc.net.
- Basketball Concessions - Selling Concessions at Feb. 8 Boys Basketball Games. Additional dates to be announced in the SM West Daily Announcements.
- Papa Murphy/SM West Pizza Nights - Dates to be announced in the SM West Daily Announcements.
- Spring Car Wash - Date to be announced in the SM West Daily Announcements.
- Graduation Banners Sale - Order and sale date information to be announced in the SM West Daily Announcements.
- Donations/Contributions - If you are interested in making a tax deductible cash donation, please contact Sara Henke at 913-888-4856 or dduck10661@aol.com.
Thanks for your help in making Senior Sizzle 2011 a HUGE success!! Gail Arner & Ja Jones, Co-chairs Senior Sizzle Planning Committee gail@everestkc.net or 913-481-7163 ladyjajones@aol.com or 816-805-3795
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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 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 be used as a determining factor in your ability to be admitted to colleges.
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 ACT Testing and Deadlines
Register online: www.actstudent.org.
Shawnee Mission West is a testing center for the ACT.
Our school code is 172-773.
Regular Registration Late Registration
Test Dates Postmark Deadline Postmark Deadline
April 9 March 4 March 18
June 11 (not at West) May 6 May 20
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 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 14, 2011, 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 13 - July 1
Semester 2 is July 11 - July 29
Tuition is $160.00 per semester. Summer school will be held at Shawnee Mission North. 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 14 - All Shawnee Mission School District Patrons
April 4 - Open to all students on space available basis
June 8 - Semester 1 enrollment closes at 12:00P.M.
July 7 - Semester 2 enrollment closes at 12:00P.M.
The link to additional summer school information is
http://www.smsd.org/parents/summer.htm
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AP Testing
AP testing will take place the week of May 2nd and May 9th at Shawnee Mission West. The cost for each test will be $87 and the payment deadline is March 10th. 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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Transfer Request Procedures
All high schools are open to transfers. However, the application deadline is February 1, 2011, to requests a transfer for the 2011-2012 school year. 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. |
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Who will be the next Mr. Viking?
Join us for the second annual Mr. Viking Pageant on Friday, January 21 at 8 p.m. in the Auditorium (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Twelve of West's most talented senior gentlemen will compete for the coveted title of Mr. Viking. Contestants will compete in the categories of Beachwear, Formal Wear, Random Question and Talent.
Mr. Viking is a fundraiser for Senior Sizzle 2011, a drug and alcohol free graduation celebration in May at PowerPlay in Shawnee, KS.
This year's candidates are: Christian Owens, Trevor Ricketts, Chris Brown, Navid Yeasin, Jordan Vandeberghe, John Ceballos, Hayes Grissom, Paul McArdle, James Clayton, Sean Jones, Preston Felgate, Matt Smith.
The judges for our event include: Dani Adams, Homemaker and mother of 4, SMW Class of 1992 , Denise Olson of Strahm Automation and Mailing, SMW Class of 1986, Niki Neal, Teacher, Pawnee Elementary School, SMW Class of 1987 , Matt Johnson, Principal, Westridge Middle School , Melinda Messmer, Teacher, Westridge Middle School and Dennis Way, Principal, Sunflower Elementary School
Tickets available over lunch this week for $5, and at the door for $6.
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 Hi West families....
We are off to a busy start to the New Year. I am thankful for the parents that stepped up and gave up a Saturday night to help out the PTSA in chaperoning the STUCO's first ever MORP Dance/Fundraiser. For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to volunteer yet, please consider helping out at one of the next parties. Mark your calendars now! Upcoming events are Sweetheart - February 12th, the last All School Party - April 2nd and finally, Prom (the real one!)- April 30th. We will need snacks and chaperones for each party in addition, for the Sweetheart Dance, we need help decorating that morning too.
Coming up the week of February 7th - 10th is the Heart of West week. The PTSA provides pop on the bridge during lunch. This is a quick easy way to help out and to interact with the students. Please contact...Lisa Moylan at moylan@everestkc.net
Another BIG Event is the return of the Mr. Viking Pageant!! It will take place on Friday, January 21st from 8:00 - 9:30 in the Auditorium. I know that everyone who attended last year's inaugural event has circled it on their calendars to attend again this year. It is a wonderfully entertaining way to spend an evening watching 12 of our SMW senior boys "pageant" to raise funds for Senior Sizzle!
We cancelled our January 12th meeting due to the extremely cold weather and re-scheduled it for Wednesday, January 26th. We will still have Amy Morgan and Lauri DeNooy - Clothing Center representative for SMAC as our guests! We would love to see a big crowd there!
Thanks and have a GREAT start to 2011,
Val Barth and Merilee Crow
crow.merilee@gmail.com
Co-Presidents SMW PTSA
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THANK YOU to all the parents, students, staff and community members that have joined the ranks of the Shawnee Mission PTSA for the 2010-2011 school year. PTSA at Shawnee Mission West sponsors a number of programs and activities including the Freshman Mentor Program, sponsorship of After Parties, Senior Scholarships and Teacher Grants just to name a few. In a time of continuing budget cuts, your membership helps us continue these programs. CONGRATULATIONS to the following departments at West that have achieved 100% PTSA membership among their staff members: Language Arts, Math, PE, Health, NJROTC, Social Studies, and Technical Education (Business, FACS, Industrial). These departments have received a staff luncheon courtesy of the PTSA Membership Vice Presidents (no cost to PTSA.)
It's not too late to join our ranks! If you can't remember if you have already joined this year, check out the roster here. Membership forms can be found on the Shawnee Mission PTSA website at http://www.smwestptsa.org/ptsaforms.htm and can be sent in with your student to the office at West.
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Seeking Nominations
for PTSA Lifetime Membership Awards
We are currently seeking nominations for parents, teachers, administrators, or community members who have shown outstanding dedication to SM West, the students, and the PTSA.
The Lifetime Membership award is a wonderful way to say "Thank you for your service" to a SMW volunteer. Please either complete the form here or email why you think your nominee is deserving of this award to Susan Suzuki, momsuzuki@yahoo.com. Thank you.
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Health Careers II Students Sell Roses
for Valentines Day
 Plans are under way for Health Careers II students to sell roses again for Valentines Day, they will sell them on the bridge during lunches the week of Feb 7th - 10th and deliver on Monday Feb 14th.
This is a fundraiser for their State Competition in the spring. Parents can order by e-mailing Jan Evans: janevans@smsd.org. Prices to follow in the daily announcements by the end of the month.
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FOOD SERVICE....Did you know............
Did you know that breakfast is available each day at your student's school? Breakfast is a good indicator of doing well at school. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better academically and behaviorally. Students who eat breakfast have healthier overall eating habits and better weight management than those students who don't. If it is difficult to fit breakfast into your morning routine, breakfast is available in 31 elementary schools and all middle and high schools. A student must choose a full portion of at least three of the four components to receive a reimbursable school breakfast. The components include: entrée, toast, fruit/juice, and milk. If your school does not have a breakfast program, crackers and milk will be available to any student, regardless of ability to pay, who is hungry upon arrival at school in the morning. These items will be available at the child's school.
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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Volunteers Needed For Home Girls Basketball Games
 PTSA is looking for additional volunteers to help staff the concession stand at the remaining home Girl's basketball games. If you can help from approximately 5:30 - 8:30 on the following dates:
Monday, Jan 31st
Monday, Feb 7th
Monday, Feb 21st
Please contact Mary Beth Meier at 913-481-9425 or dmeier2@kc.rr.com.
Even if you can't work the entire shift, I would love to have your help!
Thanks for considering this fun way to support SM West and PTSA and catch some of the action of our very talented Lady Vikings!
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Parent Resource Center
"Mean Girls"
Emily Dorothy, Shawnee Mission Social Worker
More than 70% of females report being mistreated by their friends (Crick, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2002). Has your daughter been affected by mistreatment from female peers?
Attend this class to learn about 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 relational aggression in schools and at home.
Dates:
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Time:
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Multi-Purpose Room
Arrowhead Administrative Center
6601 Santa Fe Drive
Cost:
$10.00 per family
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 |
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Parent Resource Center
Entrepreneurship/Self-Employment as a Viable Work Option
for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Presenters: Anthony's Beehive www.anthonysbeehive.com Anthony received Transition Services in Lawrence, KS Barbara Millard Associate Professor - Business Entrepreneurship CEO Faculty Advisor Johnson County Community College Tim McEvoy, PASS Specialist Social Security Administration
Date:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Time:
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:
Arrowhead Multi-Purpose Room
6601 Santa Fe Drive (west of Metcalf & 2 blocks south of Shawnee Mission Pkwy)
Overland Park, Kansas
Cost:
$10.00 per family
Speakers will address:
- Benefits and challenges of self-employment
- Tapping into resources - who are they, where are they, what they can do
- Considerations for writing a successful business plan
- Government Regulations and other legal issues
- How to avoid losing SSI benefits
- What is a Pass Plan & how it can be used to start a small business
Call the Shawnee Mission Parent Resource Center 913-993-9315 to register 6601 Santa Fe Drive Shawnee Mission, KS 66202-3925 |
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Adolescent Angst??
Harvard University gathered research on adolescents and has come up with the following information about raising those budding adults. Here is a small segment of the information provided. However, if you wish to review the entire article here is the link. www.hsph.harvard.edu/chc/parenting/report.pdf
These are the 10 tasks adolescents should accomplish to prepare them for adulthood. You will find a detailed discussion in the article which can be viewed at the above link.
1. Adjust to sexually maturing bodies and feelings.
2. Develop and apply abstract thinking skills.
3. Develop and apply a more complex level of thinking.
4. Develop and apply new coping skills in areas such as decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
5. Identify meaningful moral standards, values, and beliefs systems.
6. Understand and express more complex emotional experiences.
7. Form friendships that are mutually close and supportive.
8. Establish key aspects of identity.
9. Meet the demands of increasingly mature roles and responsibilities.
10. Renegotiate relationships with adults in parenting roles.
Each one of these tasks is discussed in detail in the article. Please see the full discussion at the above link.
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StuCo News
StuCo, the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City would like to thank the Shawnee Mission West community for making the Canned Food Drive and the Blood Drive a success.
Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City collected 174 pints of blood at the Blood Drive. Thanks to the West community, StuCo passed its goal of 165 pints of blood. The Canned Food Drive was also a great success. 8,400 total canned goods were collected. StuCo donated $3,500 to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau; that's 1,000 more than last year's donation. In addition, StuCo members volunteered at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau after school. This year, Johnson County Christmas Bureau helped 12,000 individuals and 3,300 families at the 2010 holiday shop.
MORP will place January 15, 2011. MORP lasts from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and takes place on the bridge. MORP is prom spelled backwards and it is just what it sounds like: instead of formal attire, students dress in mismatched and crazy clothing and eat somewhere cheap, like McDonalds, for dinner. This dance focuses on having fun and dancing with your friends without spending much money. Student Council simply asks that students "Get Tacky". This is the first year StuCo is hosting MORP.
The executive board has been busy planning the MORP dance, and a music playlist has been approved and emailed to the DJ. Tickets will be sold for $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Students may only buy singles tickets, though they may go as couples. Because tickets are sold as single tickets, students may not invite dates from other schools.
At the last Big StuCo meeting, StuCo voted that the proceeds from MORP would go towards supporting the (RED) foundation in their fight against AIDS.
The next Big Student Council meeting takes place January 20th. During the meeting, stuCo officers and representatives will vote on the theme for the next dance, WPA/Sweetheart dance.
WPA stands for "Women Pay All". The dance is more formal than homecoming and girls ask the boys to go. WPA/Sweetheart dance will take place February 12th from 8-11 pm on the bridge.
StuCo members will also brainstorm themes for Heart of the West Week. Heart of the West Week lasts from Monday, February 7th to Thursday, February 10th. Each day, students dress to a certain theme. The week focuses on celebrating school spirit and encourages all students to participate in the themed days.
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SM West Theatre Department Presents "Annie"
"The Little Orphan Comes to SMWest!"
Three Performances
Thursday - February 17
Friday - February 18
Saturday - February 19
Time - 7:00 pm
Location: Shawnee Mission West Auditorium
www.smwspotlighters.com
In the depths of the 1930's, Annie is a fiery young orphan girl who must live in a miserable orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Her seemingly hopeless situation changes dramatically when she is selected to spend a short time at the residence of the wealthy Oliver Warbucks.
The cast of "ANNIE" includes: Rae Myers as Annie, Christian Owen as Oliver Warbucks, Helen Paolo as Grace, Emeri Eaton as Miss Hannigan, Austin St. John as Rooster, Garrett Viets as Bert Healy, Michael Garrett as FDR, Brooke Benson as Lily St. Regis, Jenny Brown as Connie Boylan, Makaela Terance as Ronnie Boylan, Maddie Duncan as Bonnie Boylan, Libby Flood as NYC Star to be, Evan Zambrano as Drake, Ryan Traistaru as Officer Ward, Adam Morris as Mr. Bundles and dozens more!.
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket prices: $5 for students showing an SMW activity pass at time of purchase and $7 for adults. Ticket Sales will take place over the lunch hour on the Bridge beginning February 10. Spotlighters members may preorder tickets online using the link on the Spotlighters website. "Will Call" tickets not paid for at least 20 minutes prior to performances will be sold to those waiting in line. Tickets are available at the door beginning 45 minutes before each performance. All seats are reserved. All seating will be "best available," at the discretion of ticket sellers. The only exception to this seating policy will be requests for handicapped seating.
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West's Winter Wonderland Dance
Offers an Evening of Music and Memories  Let the songs of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Les Brown and otherscarry you and a sweetheart around the dance floor during the Winter Wonderland Dance on Jan. 29 at Shawnee Mission West High School.
The music will be performed by West's renowned Overland Express Jazz Ensemble and The Grand Marquis, a Kansas City-based group that offers a classic, timeless 'straight-from-the-speakeasy' sound. The night of great music and memories will be held in the gym at Shawnee Mission West, 8800 West 85th Street in Overland Park. This event is a fundraiser for Overland Express.
Non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and dessert will be served throughout the evening. Dress is formal, so dust off those tuxes and suits guys, and take your best girl out on the town.
The doors will open at 5:45 p.m., and there is seating for 300 people. Tickets are $20 for individuals and $30 for couples. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Shawnee Mission West Band office at 913-993-7852 or from any SM West Jazz Band member, or by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Shawnee Mission West Bands Attn. Winter Ball 8800 W. 85th Street Overland Park, KS 66212. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event. Please make checks payable to "Band-Aides West" or "BAW."
For more information please contact Bill Thomas, Director of Bands at West, at 913-993-7852, or Cheryl Raya, Winter Ball coordinator, at 913-461-6273. |
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Viking Athletics
Spring sports tryouts begin February 28 after school.
Sports offered in the spring are: baseball, boys' golf, girls' soccer, softball, girls swimming, boys' tennis and coed track. Coaches for these sports are respectively Todd Reed, Tim Bishop, Sarah Gonzalez, Debbie Giudicessi, Ian Hutchison, Jed Bair and Rick Rogers. Feel free to contact them with any questions. Be watching student announcements for any preseason meetings.
In order to be able to participate in tryouts, a physical form must be on file in the athletic department and activity fee paid prior to February 28.
In preparation for fall sports and the 2011-2012 school year, your student athlete can pick up a sports physical form anytime after May 1, 2011.
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2011 Little Vikings Baseball Camp - Sign up soon!
SMW Camp Week #1 - Fundamentals of Baseball
(With the exception of pitching and catching)
Current K-5th Graders (limit 80 campers)
March 14-17
Fee: $40
12noon-1:30 pm
About the camp
The Little Viking baseball camp will focus on the basic fundamentals of baseball with the exception of pitching and catching. The camp will also include situational work and defensive alignment using the SM West system. There are a limited number of spots, so sign up early!
About the instructor
Camp instructor Todd Reed is in his 11th year as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Shawnee Mission West High School and his 16th year coaching at the high school level. Under Coach Reed, the Vikings finished second in Kansas 6A in 2009. He has won Regional Titles in 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2009 making four state tournament appearances in 10 years. Coach Reed's philosophy is building a program based on great character, academics and fundamentally sound baseball players. Coach Reed played baseball at the collegiate level for Cowley County Community College ('90 and '91) as well as Pittsburg State University ('92 and '93). Coach Reed, his staff and players are looking forward to developing the young area players to become the future of the Shawnee Mission West baseball program!
Who can attend the camp?
Any current K-5th grader can register. Due to the desire for low instructor/camper ratio, we limit the number of participants. Parents and/or coaches are also encouraged to attend.
Where is the camp?
All sessions will be held at SM West (8800 W. 85th Street, Overland Park, 66218)
What do I bring to the camp?
Glove, tennis shoes, appropriate baseball attire, hat, bat, sunscreen, and a water bottle with name on it. Cleats are not required.
Rainout Line
If inclement weather arises, please use the rainout line (913) 568-5803. However, the rain date will be Friday, March 18th.
To Register on-line go to www.3and2baseball.com select your camp under the Camps link.
FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CAMP CONTACT: Coach Reed at (913) 568-5803.
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2011 Viking Baseball Camp
SMW Camp Week #1 - Fundamentals of Baseball
(With the exception of pitching and catching)
Incoming 6th,7th,8th and 9th Graders (limit 80 campers)
June 6-9
Fee: $100
9:00am - 12noon
SMW Camp #2 - Specialized Hitting
Incoming 6th,7th, 8th, and 9th Graders (limit 30 campers)
June 13-16
Fee: $60
9:00am - 10:30am
SMW Camp #3 - Specialized Pitching
Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders (limit 20 pitchers)
June 13-16
Fee: $60
10:30am - 12noon
SMW Camp #4 - Specialized Catching
Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders (limit 10 catchers)
June 13-16
Fee: $60
10:30am - 12noon
About the camp
The first week of the Viking baseball camp will focus on the basic fundamentals of baseball with the exception of pitching and catching. The camp will also include situational work and defensive alignment using the SM West system. The second week will concentrate solely on either hitting or pitching and catching depending on the session(s) you choose. You can enroll in as many sessions of the camp as you desire but there are a limited number of spots, so sign up early!
About the instructor
Camp instructor Todd Reed is in his 11th year as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Shawnee Mission West High School and his 16th year coaching at the high school level. Under Coach Reed, the Vikings finished second in Kansas 6A in 2009. He has won Regional Titles in 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2009 making four state tournament appearances in 10 years. Coach Reed's philosophy is building a program based on great character, academics and fundamentally sound baseball players. Coach Reed played baseball at the collegiate level for Cowley County Community College ('90 and '91) as well as Pittsburg State University ('92 and '93). Coach Reed, his staff and players are looking forward to developing the young area players to become the future of the Shawnee Mission West baseball program!
Who can attend the camp?
Any incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grader can register. Due to the desire for low instructor/camper ratio, we limit the number of participants. Parents and/or coaches are also encouraged to attend.
Where is the camp?
All sessions will be held at the SM West practice facility at Broadmoor, located at 6701 W. 83rd St.
What do I bring to the camp?
Glove, spikes, appropriate baseball attire, hat, bat, sunscreen, and a water bottle with name on it. Catchers bring gear if you own it.
Rainout Line
If inclement weather arises, please use the rainout line (913) 568-5803. However, make-up days will be available during other sessions.
To Register on-line go to www.3and2baseball.com select your camp under the Camps link.
FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CAMP CONTACT: Coach Reed at (913) 568-5803.
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S.M. West Viking Boys Soccer
Player & Parent Information Meeting
For Fall 2011 Season
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 7 - 8pm in the West Little Theater
Boys' Soccer Hotline is 993-8070, then 1 & #252.
Website: http://smwestvikingssoccer.tripod.com
Head Coach - Gordon Wetmore; West Voice Mail 993-7942 |
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2011 Viking Boys Soccer Camp
Sponsored by Lenexa Kiwanis Club
When:
May 31-June 3, 2011 (Tuesday to Friday) 8:00-11:45am.
(Arrive 15 min. early - Bring water)
Summer weights begin June 6
Daily Hotline 993-8070 & 1-252
Where:
SM West Soccer Field park in Antioch parking lot
Who:
Any boy entering grades 9-12 who plans to play soccer at SM West in the 2011-2012 school year.
What:
The coaches and players begin this important off-season time together emphasizing individual development and team play. Bring indoor, running and outdoor shoes.
Why:
This is an excellent way to begin the summer preparing to play soccer at West.
Cost:
$60.00 ($65.00 after Monday, May 25)
Cash or make check payable to: Lenexa Kiwanis Club
(put Viking Boys Soccer camp on Memo line)
Mail to:
Lenexa Kiwanis Club
P.O. Box 14632
Lenexa, KS 66215
Attention: Gary Bilton
Deadline:
Send form/payment as soon as possible and no later than Mon., 5/25/11.
Questions? Gordon Wetmore - Head Coach
(913) 829-7379 - Home
Home e-mail: noiinteam@att.net
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Apparel Construction Students Help the Community
 Apparel Construction students learned to knit hats on looms using donated yarn. They had fun making 20 hats which were donated to Operation Breakthrough, a program that cares for homeless children in Kansas City.
The students also used donated fabric and batting to create "wearable quilts" for homeless adults. The Feed My People program has been feeding Kansas City's homeless every weekend for 20 years. It's founder, Jerry Whisler welcomed the donation of three quilts which he distributed on December 25, 2010. Apparel Construction students learned about the history of quilting and even had a quilting bee to prepare the quilts for donation.
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SMW Family, Career & Community Leaders of America Organize Trick-or-Treat Event
SMW FCCLA members sponsored a Safe Trick-or-Treat community service event on Monday, Oct. 25 at Shawnee Mission West High School.
FCCLA students transformed SMW into a haunted forest. Many SMW student organizations teamed together to host trick-or-treat booths and Halloween games. Over 200 children visited this fun, safe environment to celebrate Halloween as a community. In addition, children each brought a canned food item to donate to a food pantry as they entered, so young kids got involved with community service as well.
 "Not only is this a wonderful community service project, but it also allows community members with young children to visit our school, see what great HS students we have and to be supportive of their child's future HS" said Jenny Choquette, FCCLA Advisor.
The idea for the event was brainstormed after students attended a FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference and networked with other area FCCLA groups. Student officers, Abbey Johnston and Jamie Hay, along with many other members put lots of time, effort and creativity into making sure this event went well. Karla Montoya, Megan Mathews, Shelby Schiraldi, Diamond Wells, Alyssa Rushing, Ruese Awusa and Ting Ngov were all strong leaders in organizing this event.
In addition to all the games and trick-or-treating hosted by student organization, SMW classes got involved as well. Woods and art students created a giant wooden pumpkin in which kids and parents entered through the mouth of and donated their cans into a shopping cart. The Collaborative Technology class created Halloween signs for each student organization that participated in the event, and the special education students constructed bats and ghosts for the haunted forest.
FCCLA stands for Family, Career & Community Leaders of America and it is a national student organization that focuses on encouraging personal growth, leadership development, career preparation, preparation for adult life as well as family and committee involvement. It was established in 1945 and is 65 years old this year.
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 SM West Orchestra Director Named Outstanding Music Educator
Everyone that has had the opportunity to work with Orchestra Director, Curtis Mulvenon, already knows that he does an outstanding job with the program and with the students both at SM West and at Westridge Middle School. Now everyone else will know it at well.
The Kansas Music Educators Association - Northeast District has named Curtis Mulvenon as the 2010-2011 Outstanding Middle Level Music Educator. The Northeast District is comprised of Johnson, Miami, Franklin, Douglas, Osage, Shawnee, Jefferson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Jackson, Atchison, Nemaha, Brown and Doniphan Counties.
Mr. Mulvenon keeps busy conducting the SM West Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Strings Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and the 7th and 8th grade orchestras at Westridge. Starting this school year, he has also taken on conducting the West Strings orchestra group - a group of West area elementary orchestra students that rehearse after school at the West orchestra room.
His enthusiasm for the orchestra program can be seen in all aspects of the program - from the music selections, concerts, district involvement and his encouragement of all his students to surpass their goals. His quick wit and fun antics at concerts have been know the keep the students and audience laughing.
Congratulations Mr. Mulvenon!
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District Orchestra
Six orchestra students qualified for District Orchestra. Auditions were held at Baldwin Primary Center on November 6th.
Congratulations to:
Bass - Charlie King-Hagen
Cello - Blake Martin
Cello - Julia Marquez-Uppman
Viola - Lauren Lanigan
Viola - Xivianne Matos
Violin - Lauren Martens
State Orchestra auditions will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Salina Central High School.
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Thank You to the West Area Families and Sponsor!
The Orchestra will be participating in a music competition in San Francisco in April 2011 and have held several fundraising projects this school year.
PRESTO and the orchestra program wish to thank all the West Area families for their generous support of the orchestra fundraising functions held so far this year - you have supported the program during Sonic car washes, Blackdog Coffee at parent/teacher fall conferences, the Orchestra Garage Sale or Hen House sacking program - your generosity is greatly appreciated! Your support will help with the students on this competition trip.
Thank you for also supporting the Viking Pride pendants program as well. Proceeds from this fundraising go to support the general PRESTO program and provider overall support for the Orchestra program.
We are also please to have the support of our community business sponsors:
Beckman Violin Shop, Santa Fe Tow Service, Super Shuttle, Joyce's Flowers, Fine Photo, King-Hagen Lawn Care, R.E.W Music and The 1010 Taxi.
Please visit the PRESTO website to view links to our business sponsors:
http://www.prestowest.org/
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Winter Orchestra Concert
The Winter Concert was held on Thursday, December 9th at SM West Auditorium.
The following selections were performed:
Concert Orchestra - comprised of Freshman
Joy to the World
Overture to Lucia Silla
Danza
Chamber Orchestra - comprised of smaller group of students who successfully auditioned for Chamber
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Bahn Frei Polka
Symphonic Strings - comprised of Sophomore, Junior and Senior students
White Christmas
St. Pauls Suite - IV. Finale
An Irish Party in Third Class
Symphony Orchestra - Symphonic Strings with Winds and Percussion
Marche Slave
A special thanks to the Winds and Percussion students from SM West band for their participation in Symphony Orchestra:
Jillian Benson Ben Hower Debera Thompson
Connor Bowman Kelli Miller Debekah Todd
Kacey Brown Ellory Mohr Garrett Wilson
Allison Colonna Rae Myer Cherys Eland
Chris Colvin Matt Peery Chase Clayton
Dylan Grier Ashley Pratt Warren Johnson
Geovandie Hough Josh Strausser Faraji Kendagor
The orchestra program continues with the tradition to conserve/recycle - programs are not printed for the concert, but they are available online at: http://www4.smsd.org/curtismulvenon/docs.htm
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Looking for a way to get involved at West?
Want to get the latest information on what's happening at school? Consider serving as one of the board members on next year's PTSA Executive Board. We have a variety of positions which have varying time commitments. Many don't require any hours during the school day. It's a great way to meet new people and have fun.
If you are interested in serving as a board member or just want more information, contact one of the nominating committee members: Denise Peery, Jan Oschner, Jona Vance, Brenda Holliman; and Teri Kelly. Teri is serving as the chairperson. Her cell is 913-485-5118 or email tkelly@jazzercise.com.
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Look for the next edition of the Viking Voice
in March.
If you have articles to submit for the next issue, please email shirlleines@everestkc.net and begin your email subject line with "Viking Voice".
Please submit your articles by March 11, 2011.
The next publication is scheduled for March 24, 2011.
Thank you.
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