SUMMER SM WEST OFFICE HOURS

The Shawnee Mission West offices will be closed from June 17^th - July 12^th.  The office will reopen on July 13^th.

The office hours are as follows:

          May 31^st - June 3^rd             7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday

          June 6^th - June 16^th            7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fridays closed

          July 13^th - July 15^th             7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

          July 18^th - July 21^st             7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Fridays closed

          July 25^th - School Year        7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Band Camp to begin at the end of July
 

July 29:  Band camp will begin for freshmen at 8:30 a.m.

The day will end at 4:30 p.m., with lunch provided by Band-Aides.

Aug 1 - Aug 3:  8:30 am - noon

Freshmen will participate in the 3 morning sessions only.

Full band camp will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1 - Thursday, Aug. 4, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 5.

Be sure and bring your instrument, music, water and sunscreen. 

Freshmen should not bring instruments their first day of school on Monday, Aug. 15. Instruments are needed on the first day of school for the full band on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Calendar

All families will receive a printed West calendar on fee payment day. 

SM West calendar information can also be found online at http://docs.smsd.org/districtCalendar/month1.cfm?CFID=105537&CFTOKEN=47105510. 

The online calendar will be updated when any changes occur. 

Fee Payment Dates and Times

Tuesday, August 2nd              11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Juniors & Seniors
                                              4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Open to all

Wednesday, August 3rd            8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Sophomores & Freshmen

News From The Counseling Dept

Counseling Office Updates

We continually update our web backpack, so please check our website for important information on a variety of topics.

http://www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors/

Schedules

Students will receive their class schedules in August after their fees have been paid.  Counselors are continuing to work on schedules and balance classes until fee payment time.  With decreased staffing, most of our classes are full.  So, there will be little room for students to change their mind about their original requests. 

However, counselors will work with students to make schedule adjustments for the following reasons:

1)    Failed a prerequisite course.

2)    Senior who needs to meet a graduation requirement.

3)    Completing a course in summer school.

4)    Health of a student (doctor's note required).

Also, Dr. McLean wants students to challenge themselves academically.  If a student signed up for an Honors or AP class, he would like the student to give themselves a chance to succeed at the more challenging level.  Therefore, no student will be allowed to drop an Honors or AP class without consulting with Dr. McLean first.

Summer Assignments

These classes have summer assignments that need to be completed prior to school starting in August.  Biology 1 Honors and all English Honors assignments can be found on the Counseling website.

Biology 1 Honors

English 9 Honors

English 10 Honors

English 11 AP/Honors

English 12 AP/Honors

US History AP/Honors - contact Mr. Ron Walker

American Government AP/Honors - contact Mrs. Sheryl Maguire

Geometry Honors (only for 7^th graders who will be 8^th graders next year at Westridge taking Geometry at the high school).

Presidential Service Award

SMW students may apply for this award by tracking their service hours on the sheet available from the Counseling Office.  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.

At the predetermined deadline, the committee chair collects the tracking logs from the Counseling Office.  The committee chair then compiles the information necessary for submission of the students for the award.  The awards are applied for online on the Presidential Service Award website:

www.presidentialserviceawards.gov

The awards will be delivered to SMW and the Counseling Office and SMW Administration will determine how and when recognition will be scheduled.

Reclassification of Students

Students must successfully complete a minimum number of credits to advance to the next grade level.  At the end of summer school, the counselors will notify students who will be reclassified to the previous grade level.  To advance to the next grade level, students must earn:

5.5 credits to move on to Grade 10

11.0 credits to move on to Grade 11

16.0 credits to move on to Grade 12

Saying Good-Bye to Ms. Laura Hicks

It is with much sadness that we say farewell to Ms. Laura Hicks, counselor for students with last names L & M as well as our ELL students.  After eleven years at Shawnee Mission West as a counselor and many more years in Kansas City, Kansas, as a business teacher and counselor, Ms. Hicks has decided to retire.  We wish her the very best in her retirement.  Dr. Lynn Leonard will return to Shawnee Mission West as a counselor to replace Ms. Hicks.

College Now/Advanced Placement Information Meeting

Plan now to attend the College Now and Advanced Placement Information Meeting before Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August, 25, 2011, at 6:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to attend this meeting if you want to be informed about how both of these programs work.  Besides reading information on the websites, this is the only opportunity to hear information before making decisions if your student is enrolled in College Now and/or AP courses.

http://www.jccc.edu/collegenow

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

SENIORS - Begin NOW to Plan for College

Seniors should be taking the ACT and/or the SAT for college entrance if they have not already done so.  The ACT is offered on September 10^th, but the registration deadline is Friday, August 12^th.  Students will need to register for this early test in the summer time if they want to take this ACT.  The next ACT will be October 22^nd.  Other test dates and registration information can be found at the testing websites. 

ACT registration:                  www.actstudent.org

SAT registration:                  www.collegeboard.com

Senior year whizzes by quickly!  Summer is an excellent opportunity for incoming seniors to begin their college search.  In fact, by the end of summer, seniors should have most of their college search completed. Use the summer to explore websites, visit campuses, and prepare for upcoming exams.

College Search:

ATTENTION 2011-2012 SENIORS

Mark your calendars - Seniors will order caps and gowns, as well as graduation announcements October 25-27.

Herff-Jones Representatives will be on the bridge:
October 25th - 5:00 - 7:00 pm
October 26th - during all lunches
October 27th - during all lunches

Shawnee Mission School District

Food Service Information

for 2011-2012 High Schools

Breakfast is available each school day and starts the first day of school.  Breakfast includes a choice of 6 entrees, fresh fruit or 100% juice, and milk.  Breakfast entrees include, breakfast pizza, yogurt, bagel, biscuit & gravy, breakfast burrito, egg & cheese biscuit and many more.  Breakfast is $1.35.  If you have been approved for free or reduced priced meals you also get free or reduced breakfast.  Bring your friends and come check out breakfast!

At lunch, students have 18 entrée choices each day.  Some of the entrees include fruit plate, chef salad, yogurt & grahams, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, grilled chicken salad, deli turkey sandwich, deli wrap, plus many more choices.  Besides these entrée choices the student can select from various side dishes that include fruits, vegetables, potatoes, and bread items. 

A lunch consists of a protein, eight ounces of milk, ¾ cup of fruit/vegetable and at least one bread item.  Under the "offer vs. serve" program, students may choose all of the components and pay $2.40 at the elementary level.  They must choose at least three components to receive a reimbursable meal.

Interesting facts about lunch:

·         18 entrée choices available each day.

·         0 grams Trans fat on most entrees.

·         Fruits and vegetables are offered each day which include fresh fruits, raw vegetables, canned fruits packed in light syrup, and frozen vegetables. 

·         Students are permitted to select unlimited fruits and vegetables except fresh fruit and potatoes.

·         Whole grain items include, all pasta, corn dogs, pizza crust, pretzel, French toast sticks, waffle sticks, egg roll, all hamburger & hot dog buns, sliced bread, dinner roll, mozzarella sticks and nacho chips.

·         All potato products are baked and not fried. 

·         All breaded entrees are baked and not fried.  For example, chicken nuggets.

·         Skim milk is available in white, chocolate, and strawberry flavors.

·         Skim milk has 11grams of sugar occurring naturally whereas flavored milk has 22 grams of sugar.

·         Vegetables are prepared without adding any margarine, butter or salt.

·         Corn dogs are made with chicken and hot dogs are made with turkey.

·         Lower fat items include hamburger patties, steak fingers, and teriyaki chicken.

·         Vegetarian entrees are available daily (complete list on district web page under food service).

·         New products are evaluated by students as developed by manufacturers.

Students can use their food service account or cash to purchase any item in the cafeteria.

Student input is important.  Input is obtained by the food service manager meeting with small groups of students to discuss food service related items.  Other times new food items are sampled in the cafeteria during a lunch period. 

A print out of your child's account is available upon request or on the district web page.  On this printout it will indicate if your child selected a meal or if they have selected ala carte items.  The ala carte items will be listed by price.  There are no charges for high school students.

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

FOOD SERVICE....Did you know............

Did you know that your student's money on their lunch account will roll over to next year? Whatever money is on their account the last day of school will transfer to next year even if your student changes schools within the district. Negative balances will also transfer so it's important to clear those up before the end of school.

Free and Reduced meal applications will be available for the 2011-2012 school year on July 18.  You will be able to apply for the program online and it will be available at www.smsd.org on July 18. We encourage you to use the online application process as it will speed up the approval process. If you don't have access to a computer, you can visit the food service office and apply online there. Paper applications will still be available in our Food Service office at 6701 W. 83^rd in the Broadmoor Technical Center Room 120 or at the school.  Please apply before school starts so you can begin receiving your benefits the first day of school.  It can take up to 10 days to process your application and you will be responsible for any meals your student buys before your application is processed.  Waiver of Confidentiality letters for kindergarteners can also be submitted online for anyone using the online application process.

School Bus Transportation

The SMSD Board of Education provides free bus transportation to students living 2.5 miles or more from the school in their attendance area.  Students who qualify for district-provided bus service in the Shawnee Mission School District may pick up a list of bus stops and pick up times at their school of attendance by July 26th of each school year.

Students riding school buses must follow all safety rules and regulations.  Violations of bus regulations may result in the student receiving appropriate and prescribed disciplinary actions which may include being removed from the bus, and/or suspension from school.  To help ensure compliance with necessary safety rules, video cameras may be used on school buses.

Bus Parent Pay Rider Program

Parents of students who live less than 2.5 miles from the school in their attendance area may contract for bus service directly with First Student under certain conditions. 

The information below is provided to help parents determine if they might be interested in the Bus Pay Rider program. 

Fees:

Contact:

First Student
Office: 913-432-1900
Fax: 913-432-1902

Mailing Address:
FIRST STUDENT
5519 Merriam Drive
Merriam, KS  66203

Terms & Conditions:

**Bus service for grades 1 through 12 is available at schools where 40 or more students are contracted to ride the bus or where pay ridership has been mandated.

Service will not be started until a signed contract with payment is submitted to First Student. Bus transportation stickers will be sent via US mail or may be picked up in person. Stickers should be placed on the student's ID card.  Your secondary student will not be allowed to ride the bus without his/her ID card.  Replacement bus stickers will cost $1.00. 

Bus fare is payable by credit card, money order or check.  CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

Bus Fare is payable by mail to First Student, 5519 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS  66203

First Student reserves the right to hold parents or guardians responsible for any vandalism their child may do on the bus.

SHAWNEE MISSION WEST BOOSTER CLUB

2011-2012 FALL, WINTER & SPRING SPORTS PROGRAMS

FAMILY AD ORDER FORM

SUBMISSION DEADLINE JULY 15, 2011

Now is the time to order your ad to be placed in all three of the sports programs - fall, winter and spring!  All sales go to support uniforms and equipment for ALL SM West sports teams, cheerleading squads, and dance teams.

Current plans are to print the entire fall 2011 issue in color. If this occurs and you submit a 4-color family ad, it will be printed in color, ONLY in the fall 2011 issue (at no extra charge!). Your ad will be printed in black & white in the remaining issues.

Click here for the order form and more details.

Cheer and Yell Leader Clinic

(for girls and boys K-8) 

Come learn new material and perfect your cheer style. We promise a lot of fun, along with new cheers, chants, and dances.

Tuesday 9/13 4-5:30 PM (SM West, on the "bridge")
Wednesday 9/14 4-5:30 PM (SM West, on the "bridge") 

Thursday, 9/15 - cheer during halftime at the Varsity West football game! 

Two day clinic, perform at a SMW Varsity Football game, plus a SMW t-shirt and snacks all for $30!  Click here for signup form.

Wear shorts, T-shirts and comfortable shoes to the clinic. You'll wear your new clinic T-shirt to the game on Friday! 

Shawnee Mission West Varsity cheerleaders and yell leaders will conduct the clinic.
Carly Martz, Varsity coach, will supervise the clinic. Clinic participants will be released
to parents after their performance during halftime.

The game on Thursday 9/15 will be held at the SM District Stadium - South Location at 107th and Lamar.

News From The Language Arts Department

Parents of English AP/Honors Students:

Please ensure that your student meets the required summer reading assignments before school starts. Also, encourage your students to avoid the temptation of website shortcuts. Students who meet the expectations perform much better in class discussion and on assessments. Furthermore, any student who plagiarizes material may jeopardize his or her induction into National Honor Society.

Journalism News

yearbook purchase

Back to school time is the best time to reserve your copy of the 2011 Saga.  You may buy a yearbook for $55 at registration or by contacting Mr. Pennington in the bookkeeper's office.  All orders are due by Dec. 2.  We will not be ordering extras to sell after Dec. 2. If you are interested in setting up a payment plan, please contact amymorgan@smsd.org or call 913.993.7911.

yearbook senior ads

Summer is the time to start planning your senior yearbook ad. The deadline for yearbook senior ads is Sept. 30 for early bird pricing and Oct. 21 for regular pricing.  Ad information is also available at http://www4.smsd.org/amymorgan/ or by contacting Amy Morgan at amymorgan@smsd.org or 913.993.7911. We will send the ad mailing at the beginning of the school year.

senior yearbook pictures

The deadline for senior yearbook pictures is Sept. 10.  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. The absolute last chance for seniors is at SM West Thursday, Sept. 29 in the Little Theatre.

underclass yearbook pictures

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors will have yearbook pictures taken Sept. 14, 15 and 16.  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. 25.

yearbook group photos

Club group photos will be taken Friday, Oct. 28 in the auxiliary gym. Club members will be given passes by their sponsors with the assigned times. Music groups and sports team photos are taken separately.

newspaper advertising

If you would like to advertise your business in the student newspaper, the Epic, contact Amy Morgan at amymorgan@smsd.org or Scott Aldrich at scottaldrich@smsd.org.

calendar

Saturday, Sept. 10: senior photo deadline (at DeCloud Studios)

Wednesday, Sept. 14: underclass pictures (Library)

Thursday, Sept, 15: underclass pictures (Library)

Friday, Sept. 16: underclass pictures (Library)

Thursday, Sept. 29: last chance for senior photos (Little Theatre)

Friday, Sept. 30: early bird senior ad deadline

Friday, Oct. 21: senior ads due

Tuesday, Oct. 25: underclass retakes

Friday, Oct. 28: group photos (clubs)

Reminder from the Nurse 

Even though it is mid June and school seems like it is a long ways off it is important to remember that now is a good time to become currant on all immunizations. The new regulation for Kansas is that all incoming ninth graders must have a Tdap regardless of when they had the last tetanus shot. All other students must have a Tdap if they have not had tetanus within 10 years.

Please remember that I am unable to give any over the counter medication or prescription medication unless I have written permission from a parent. Please find the form on my web backpack at http://www4.smsd.org/wandavaughn/html28438.htm. 

     
Enjoy the summer and here are a few tips for keeping you safe in the sun. 

Do Not Burn.

Avoid intentional tanning.

Generously Apply Sunscreen

Wear Sun-Protective Clothing

Seek Shade

Use Extra Caution near Water and Sand

Hello!  

My name is Fabiola Herdoiza - I am a Spanish teacher and Department Chair for World Languages at Shawnee Mission West High School.  I am happy to announce the new members who were inducted into the Sevilla chapter of Shawnee Mission West's Spanish National Honor Society for 2011 (founded by Karl Krawitz and myself in 2000-2001).  Our ceremony was this last Wednesday, April 13, 2011. To become inductees, students must be enrolled in Spanish 5 or Spanish 6, have 5 semesters of A in Spanish with an overall grade point average of 3.6.  They must also perform 10 hours of community service in the local Hispanic community. We do a lot of service with El Centro. In addition, all the inductees participated in a fall fundraiser to support the Society's fifteen year old adopted child (Roxana) in Peru. When we first adopted her she was 5 years old and had trouble walking. We have provided her with therapy and special shoes and now she can run! Our fundraiser also provided for local Hispanic families that we adopted at Christmas, from El Centro and also here at West. Students are eligible only as juniors or seniors. This is our biggest group of two year members to date! These are exceptional students, not only in their mastery of Spanish but also in the goodness of their hearts. I hope you will be able to publish this information in recognition of these amazing students! 

Sincerely,
Fabiola Herdoiza
Department Chair for World Languages
Shawnee Mission West High School
913-993-7951
fabiolaherdoiza@smsd.org

Row 1: **Madison Crocker (officer), **Kaitlin Beeman (officer), **Taylor Carr (officer), **Megan Frohardt(President), ~Nicole Howard
Row 2: **Hannah Krueger, **Christina Ralston, **Brooke Katterhenry, **Lana Fanous, **Jessica Griesemer, Fabiola Herdoiza (Sponsor), **Ruchi Shah, *~ Young Hyun, *~Lauren Rasins, ~Danny Kostroske
Row 3: *~Emily Elam, *~Whitney Knightly, **Alejandra Maldonado, **Mary Lipp, **Michael Garrett, **Michael Higgins, **Nick Scobee, **Sukhindervir Sandhu, ~Danielle Neighbour, ~Layne Viets, ~Michelle Willis, ~Emma Carson, Sara Hundertmark (2012 Sponsor), ~Andrew Cook
Row 4: **Angie Szczesny, **Liz Bukaty, ~Connor Henderson, ~Chandler Blanton, **Canaan Coker, *~Jenny Allin, **Nick Dorau, **Evan Williams, *~Dan Kandah
Not Pictured: Charles McLean (Principal), ~Ava Clark, **Drew Humphreys and **JJ Higgins (officer)

*= seniors  ~= Inductee **=two year member

Viking Athletics  

Fall sports tryouts begin August 15 after school. Sports offered in the fall are: Coed Cross Country, Football, Girl's Golf, Gymnastics, Boy's Soccer, Girl's Tennis and Volleyball. Coaches for these sports are respectively Jeff Onnen, Tim Callaghan, Tim Bishop, Jane Opsahl, Gordon Wetmore, Paige Salveter and Ryan Call. Feel free to contact them with any questions.  

In order to be able to participate in tryouts, a complete physical form must be on file in the athletic department and activity fee paid prior to August 15.
We encourage you to turn in the school physical over the summer months or during fee payment.

Spotlighters

Spotlighters is the parent-run organization dedicated to fostering the performing arts at Shawnee Mission West.  We encourage all parents whose son or daughter participates in the choir or theatre programs to join Spotlighters and support the programs with their time and talents. 

Spotlighter parents have several opportunities for parent involvement.  There are many chances to meet other parents with students in the performing arts, including the monthly meetings. Plus, your membership dollars will go toward helping the choir and theatre teachers meet their 2011-2012 goals, as well as, the annual Spotlighters scholarship awards presented to deserving seniors at the end of each school year.

All Spotlighter members will be listed in each performing arts program during the school year with recognition of their membership level - Member, Patron of the Arts, or Angel of the Arts.  Patron of the Arts members will receive one complimentary seat, and Angel of the Arts members will receive two complimentary seats to the two plays (non-rep.) and the one musical production during the school the year.  Angel of the Arts will also have early entry for the Annual Spotlight Spectacular Choir Show in May. 

Click here for the membership form and for more details.

SMW FCCLA Students Attend Leadership Conference, Earn Awards & Make it to Nationals!

The Shawnee Mission West chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently attended the 2011 FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Wichita on April 4 & 5, 2011.  The conference offered members the opportunity to gain recognition, become inspired by motivational speakers, and network with other members across the state.

STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) are competitive events in which member plan, carryout, and evaluate the results of their project.  Participants could obtain the rating of Gold, Silver, or Bronze.  These students had to earn the top award at the district competition in order to compete at the state level.  Marisa Collins, SMW sophomore, stated "STAR events taught me about problem solving, organization and taking in front of a group of people." 

Sydney Loper earned a Gold award in the Early Childhood Event and Anissa Litif earned a Gold award in the Teach and Train Event.  Both students have the opportunity to representing the state of KS at the FCCLA National Leadership Competition in Anaheim, CA this July!  Abbey Johnston, Mark Majewski and Matt Isbell earned a Gold award in the Culinary Arts Event.  Marisa Collins and Marie Leathers earned a silver award in the Focus on Children Event.  Jaime Hay and Abbey Johnston were student judges for STAR events.

SMW students were also successful at the District EE FCCLA competition.  Jaime Hay earned a gold in the Illustrated Talk Event, Kaitlin Peak earned a silver in the Early Childhood Event, and Alyssa Rushing, Destiny Roddy, Ruese Awusa earned a silver in the Focus on Children event.

Members at the SLC were motivated by two track session speakers and keynote speaker, Chad Hymas, who encouraged us to expand our Leadership Potential and Soar to New Heights.  Jaime Hay, SMW sophomore said "He was really inspiring and he taught us about how we can be active leaders in our own lives through his personal stories."

The state and national community service project this year is the Children's Miracle Network and SMW students participated in this by raising money for CMN and creating pillows and blankets for local families in need.  Other community service projects that they completed include:  collected food for Harvesters, working that the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, baking cookies for PTSA,

The mission of FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences Education.  Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation.  

Jenny Choquette, Advisor, Sydney Loper, Jaime Hay, Abbey Johnston, Anissa Litif, Marisa Collins, Marie Leathers 

Shawnee Mission West Students Participate in BPA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. for Competition, Recognition and Interaction with Industry 

Thirteen students from Shawnee Mission West High School participated in the May 4-8, 2011 National Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America in Washington, D.C. Andrew Franchett placed 10th in the nation in the Advanced Spreadsheet event and Kaylee Miller placed 11th in the Fundamental Spreadsheet event. Yuqi Hou placed 12th in Entrepreneurship.

Approximately 5,000 students from throughout the United States participated in Business Professionals of America's National Leadership Conference. Activities included General Sessions with keynote speaker on the lawn of the Washington Monument, business meetings, leadership workshops, contests, election of national officers, and tours of DC. 

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization's activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. BPA is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

Business Professionals of America is assisted in this endeavor with financial support from corporations and companies including AICPA, Microsoft, Adobe, CIW-Certification Partners, WeSeed, Shell and South-Western/Cengage, who sponsor BPA's National Leadership Conference, and member career building programs and scholarships.