| Shawnee Mission West High School | |
 the Viking Voice
8800 West 85th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone (913) 993-7800
Celebrating 50 years of excellence and Viking Pride!
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| Volume 16, Issue 2 | September 1, 2011 |
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Viking ClassT-Shirts Orders due Sept 2ndDelivered to students by the end of September. Special 50th Anniversary Edition Black Shirt With Gold/White Lettering 1962 Vikings on front; Class Year on back See end of Viking Voice newsletter for more info, or:
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PTSA Teacher Grants
Deadline for submission
is October 4th.
Forms can be found
here,
on the PTSA website, or from Katy Crow at WestPTSAgrants@gmail.com
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The next edition of the Viking Voice is scheduled for
October 13, 2011. Submit your articles by October 7, 2011 to: WestVikingVoice@gmail.com Future Viking Voice dates: Submit Deadline Publish Date 10/7/2011 10/13/2011 1/13/2012 1/19/2012 2/24/2012 3/1/2012 5/25/2012 5/31/2012 Thank you. |
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Your newsletter from Shawnee Mission West, part of the award-winning Shawnee Mission Public Schools. 
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Message from Dr. McLean...
Outstanding Start to the School Year
Students and faculty are enjoying a great start to the 2011 - 2012 school year. Currently, 1830 students are enrolled at West. The Class of 2015 has been a great addition to our school. The class is adapting to the high school setting and appears to have many good leaders and academically gifted individuals. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding leadership from the Class of 2012. I am proud of the way our seniors are stepping up with the Freshmen Mentor Program (FMP), STUCO and our many athletic and music squads.
Viking Voice is GREEN. This is the fourth year of our newsletter, the Viking Voice, being shared with our community via e-mail. I want to thank the PTSA leadership for their foresight and continued support of this form of communication within the West community. Last year, we used over 4 million pieces of paper at West. The administration and faculty are committed to reducing that number in order to save our natural resources. This was a reduction in consumption of paper by 26% from last year. We will continue to look for ways to reduce paper consumption this year and find other ways to reduce our use of electricity at West.
50 Years of Excellence and Viking Pride
This is our 50th year of service to the West community. In the fall of 1962 Shawnee Mission West became a reality. At that time it served only 10th through 12th grades. The school day was divided into 6 periods and the bridge was truly a bridge from the academic wing to the cafeteria, auditorium, shops and music classes. As we celebrate our golden anniversary, I hope you will use this as a teachable moment to help your student understand the importance of heritage and the importance of school to our community. Almost every day I meet former Vikings that are now major players in the Lenexa and Overland Park communities. Please take the opportunity throughout the year to attend special events that will recognize the different facets that make up this outstanding school. Our first major event will be Homecoming 2011. We will have our annual parade on Thursday, October 13th at 1:30 and our varsity football team will take on Shawnee Mission South the next evening at Shawnee Mission District Stadium South. We are encouraging either individual classes or classes by decades to put a float together and be a part of the parade. Viking Pride - 50 Years and going strong.
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Update
Last spring, our 10th and 11th grade students took the State of Kansas math (10) and Reading (11) assessments. Also as part of the Kansas Assessment program, many of our students took a competency test in science. Unfortunately, our school did not meet AYP for the 2011 school year. We were not successful in the area of reading with one of our subgroups. Enhanced classes and different education opportunities are being developed to assist students in reaching their potential. One opportunity is the use of Kindles in our reading classes. These kindles were funded by a grant from the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. Every effort is being made to insure that all students are successful.
This year we will continue to work hard to improve our performance on the state assessments by developing a building wide plan that will be implemented as we progress through the year. Our teachers have accepted the challenge and are committed to work with each student in their class to have the skills needed to become a positive and productive adult.
Parent Involvement Still the Key
SMW parents are one of the keys to our school's success. A couple of issues I want to encourage you to discuss or be aware of as we start school are: texting and driving. Please have a conversation with your teen driver about the risk of texting and driving. Research shows that individuals' texting and driving are 23% more likely to have an auto accident. Please stress with your student the need to shut the phone off while driving. The economy - there are a large number of our families in our community that are facing some very difficult times during this economic down turn. Please discuss with your students and help them to learn about family finances and the strain this economy might be putting on the family. This is an excellent time to be teaching your child about the good and bad aspects of the economy. Help them to be sensitive to the situations their peers might be facing.
Whether you're talking about band, debate, soccer, cross country, drama or yearbook, our parent support is outstanding. When parents are a part of the crew, they help students, teachers and administrators improve. If you are a parent of a SMW Viking, thank you for not only your financial support but for your willingness to give of your time, energy and talents to make sure our programs are the best they can be.
Always remember, West is Best!
Dr. Charles McLean
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Looking for the Upcoming Schedule?
Check out the complete 2011 - 2012 SM West Calendar online
Click on the  " School Calendar" link near the top right side of the SM West website: |
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Parent & Teacher Conferences
SEPTEMBER 22nd & 23rd We strongly urge ALL parents to participate in parent teacher conferences regardless of your child's course grade status. We have two convenient formats available. The OPEN conference format is held in the gymnasiums, bridge and cafeteria. There is no need for appointments for these conferences. Plan to spend 7 - 10 minutes per teacher. If a parent and/or teacher would like to continue the conference past the allotted time, they should establish an appointment for a conference time on Friday afternoon allowing for a more private conversation. If a parent cannot attend the September 22nd or 23rd scheduled conference time, they should contact the teacher directly by phone or email to establish an appointment for an alternate time. Thursday, September 22nd 5:00 - 8:00 pm All teachers will be available for conferences. Appointments are not required. Teachers will be located in the main gym, auxiliary gym or bridge. A map will be provided. Friday, September 23rd 7:30 - 11:30 am All teachers will be available for conferences. Appointments are not required. Teachers will be located in their classrooms. A map will be provided. Friday, September 23rd 1:00 - 3:20 pm Conferences by appointment only. Parents should contact the specific teacher for an appointment. |
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
September 16th First quarter progress reports will be given to students
October 14th End of 1st Quarter
October 21st First quarter grade cards will be given to students
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Communication Between School and Home is Vital
Communication between school and home is a vital piece of academic success for students. SM West will be using several modes of communication to keep parents informed of student progress and important West information. Check the SM West website for more information.
E-MAIL
SM West will be using e-mail as a primary mode of communication to distribute important information related to all aspects of West High School, i.e. counseling updates, school wide information, schedule updates and changes, etc.
Please verify that SM West has correct parent/guardian e-mail information on record. If you have not received e-mails announcing Back to School Night or other information from West by e-mail this year, please contact the Counseling Office, 913-993-7809, to verify and/or update your e-mail address or other basic student information.
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New Staff Members Join West This Year
West welcomed the following new teachers to the staff this year: Mr. Ken Benson - health Ms. Marianne Eddy - language arts Mr. Matthew Egging - language arts Mrs. Geneva Grogan - social studies Dr. Lynn Leonard - counseling Mr. Walter Mansfield - business Ms. Tammy Simms - world languages Mr. Greg Smith - social studies Mr. John Stonner - business Ms. Jenny Yemm - math The following support staff are also new to West: Mrs. Ana Etherton - counseling aide Mrs. Sarah Fisher - paraprofessional Ms. Cassandra Parkinson - paraprofessional Mr. Fabian Solis - sysop |
NURSE'S PANTRY
Supplies Needed To Stock the SMW Nurse's Pantry
The Nurse's Pantry provides quick snacks for those students in need of a snack to carry them through the day. This program assists our nurse in providing a snack to those students that did not have access to breakfast and/or lunch and are not concentrating well in class due to hunger.
If you have a donation of granola bars, protein bars, cereal bars or any type of individually wrapped nutritious snack, please drop it off at the nurse's office or contact Cheryl Scott for pickup at 913-961-3500.
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Immunization Requirements
School is back in session. The long lazy summer days are over for the faculty and students. I want to thank all those parents who got their students immunizations over the summer. October 18th is the exclusion date for students who do not have their immunizations complete. Immunization requirements are as follows: 1. A single dose of Tdap is required for grades 7-9 grade if no previous history of Tdap vaccination regardless of interval since the last Td vaccine. A Tdap is required for all others if they have not had tetanus within 10 years. 2. Three Hepatitis B and at least one chickenpox up to grade 11. If your student has had chickenpox you may verify this with a statement from the doctor. You may get immunizations from your doctor, Johnson County Health Dept. (913-826-1201) or the clinics in Walgreens and CVS. Because eligibility for these health providers is tricky please call to determine if your insurance will be accepted by these providers. Immunization requirements include a Tdap within 10 years for all studentsif they have not tetanus within 10 years. A Tdap is required for all students up to 9th, three Hepatitis B, and at least one chickenpox up to grade 11. If your student has had the disease you must have documentation of this. Feel free to contact Wanda Vaughn if you have questions at 913-993-7816. |
 Information for Seniors and their Parents
Caps and Gowns/Graduation Announcements
October 19th - Senior Class Meeting 8:55 am in the Auditorium - Students will receive information regarding the ordering of graduation caps and gowns.
October 25th - Herff-Jones Parent Night on the bridge from 5:00 -7:00 pm - Herff-Jones representatives will answer questions and collect order forms for graduation caps and gowns. Class rings may also be ordered.
October 26th and 27th - Herff-Jones representatives will be on the bridge during all lunches to collect order forms.
Very Important: All students who are planning to participate in the graduation ceremony on May 16th MUST purchase a cap and gown from Herff-Jones. The total for this is $30. All announcements and other products offered by Herff-Jones are optional.
Important Dates
Around Spring Break - Graduation Announcements will be delivered to students at school
April 19th - Graduation Speech Tryouts afterschool in the Little Theatre.
Sign up with Mrs. Benge in Room 15
April 26th - Readers of the Roll Tryouts after school in the Little Theatre.
Sign up in the front office
May 11th - Last day for seniors. Graduation Practice, Caps and Gowns will be handed out
May 16th - Graduation at Shawnee Mission North, 7:00 pm
Contact Phone Numbers:
Herff-Jones - Gary Waldrup - 913-952-5132
Lisa Benge - Senior Class Sponsor - 993-7919
Senior Class Fundraiser
The 2012 Senior Class will be collecting used printer cartridges, laser cartridges and cell phones. Please go to www.fundingfactory.com and click on qualifying lists to see if you have anything that can help us, then bring your items to the West front office or Room 15. Your donations will help our class purchase a gift for the school. |
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News From The Counseling Dept
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 SENIORS and College Planning
Has your senior taken the ACT yet? Has your senior decided on a college or career path yet? Now is the time - our office recommends that seniors take the ACT for the last time in October or December of their senior year. (October for scholarship purposes at KU and K-State since they have November 1st scholarship application deadlines.)
So what else needs to be done?
- Pull the applications together. Seniors need to narrow their lists of colleges to five or so and review those with their academic/college counselor. They need to check application due dates and financial aid requirements from the colleges themselves.
- Do the student "brag" sheet (found on the Counseling web backpack). We'll use this in the Counseling Office to write recommendations for college and scholarships. The Parent Comment Sheet is also very helpful in preparing letters of recommendations.
- Put together a master calendar of all the application due dates and tests being taken.
- Complete the online applications whenever possible, especially for our state universities (KU, K-State, Wichita, Emporia, Pittsburg, Ft. Hays).
- Sign up to take the ACT and, if necessary, the SAT.
- Check out the FAFSA4Caster and establish your pin number for the FAFSA: go online to www.fafsa.gov .
- Scholarships: already we are making announcements about available scholarships in the Counseling Office. Check the web backpack regularly for updates.
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Check Out the Counseling Office's Website!!!
Counselor assignments for the 2011-2012 school year
*Please note that counselor assignments in the student planner are incorrect
A - E Mr. Tommie Davis 993-7835
F - K Mr. Rick Rogers 993-7837
L - M & ELL Dr. Lynn Leonard 993-7834
N - S Ms. Chris Foster 993-7832
T - Z Mrs. Cindy Neely 993-7827
9th grade Ms. Mary Lea Kieffer 993-7836
Personal Social
The Shawnee Mission West Counseling Department is always adding new information to our web backpack. Keep checking it regularly. If you need information regarding tests, career options, college applications, scholarships and financial aid, log on to: www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors or the Shawnee Mission West website and click on "Counseling Home"
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College Information Night at SM West
Parents and students are invited to attend a College Information Night at West in the Cafeteria to learn about college admissions, scholarships, and testing. Please join us in the cafeteria on Wednesday, September 28th, at 6:30 p.m.
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Shawnee Mission School District "College Clinic"
All students and parents are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, October 12th
Shawnee Mission East High School
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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College Financial Aid Night
located at SM Northwest
Save the Date - Wednesday, November 16th, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium of SMNW
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| College Admission Testing - upcoming dates
SM West School Code: 172-773
ACT October 22nd at SM West
Registration deadline September 16th
Register online at www.actstudent.org
SAT October 1st at SM East & other schools
Registration deadline September 9th
Register online at www.collegeboard.com or in the Counseling office
November 5th at SM East & other schools
Registration deadline October 7th
Register online at www.collegeboard.com or the Counseling office
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Wednesday, October 12th is Testing Wednesday
Parents: It's time to register your students for the PSAT!!
All registrations take place in the Counseling Office.
All 10th graders will be taking the PLAN (pre-ACT) on this day. Our school has arranged for all sophomores to take this test at no cost. There is no registration necessary. Sophomore students should come to school at the regular time and will be directed to their testing room.
9th graders- can take PSAT for practice for $17 - click for Info/Registration Form
11th graders- can take PSAT for $17 - click for Info/Registration Form
11th and 9th graders who register and pay for the PSAT test should report to school at the regular time (7:40 a.m.). All other students (seniors included) should report to school in time to begin class at 11:00. More information will be given to students closer to the date.
Sophomores can also take the PSAT for practice:
On Saturday, October 15th, 10th graders may take the PSAT for practice at Broadmoor Technical Center - cost is $20 - click for Info/Registration Form |
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help!
A Note to Exhausted Parents of Challenging Teens... Don't give up! Avoiding the issues is not going to help either! Parents of consistently difficult teens ride an emotional roller coaster that frequently dips into confusion, frustration, anger, pain, guilt and exhaustion. Ask for help during difficult times of trouble or even to PREVENT serious difficulty. Find out what your options are. Mary Lea Kieffer, our school Social Worker, can help you get started. For confidential advice you can call Ms. Kieffer at 993-7836. Other great resources are: Johnson County Mental Health 913-826-1565 Heart of America Family Services 913-342-1110 www.JoCoFamily.net www.mentalhealthkc.org PLEASE SEE SM West Counseling Web Backpack for a more detailed list of helpful community resources available to you. |
YouthFriends Needed
As a YouthFriends mentor, you can choose from a wide range of in-school activities including having lunch with a student or group of students; sharing special talents or career interests, tutoring; or simply being a good friend who listens. YouthFriends accommodates your interests and busy schedules. Volunteer for as little as one hour a week and select a school location close to home or work. For an application, go to www.youthfriends.org. For more information, please contact Mary Lea Kieffer, School Social Worker, at 913-993-7836. If you are interested in having your son or daughter connected with a YouthFriend, please call Mary Lea Kieffer 913-993-7836. |
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Volunteerism & Essay Contests
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PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD
We want to recognize your student for their dedication of services to our community!
SMW students may apply for the Presidential Service Award by tracking their service hours on the sheet available from the counseling office or on the SM West website. The hours must be completed over a twelve month period beginning 4/1/2011 and ending 3/31/2012. 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. Click here for the Student Service Tracking Log. Forms need to be turned in by 4/3/12 in the Counseling Office. The committee chair then compiles the information necessary for submission of the students for the award. The awards are applied for on line on the Presidential Service Award website, www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. The awards will be delivered to SMW and the counseling office and administration will determine how and when recognition will be scheduled. |
Citizenship Essay & Poetry contest - 9th gradeE
9th graders are eligible to submit entries in the state PTA Citizenship competition. Winners at Shawnee Mission West will receive a cash prize and may advance to the district competition. All 9th graders may submit entries in both the essay and poetry categories. The 2011-2012 theme is: "I should volunteer in my community because . . ."
Rules and entry forms are available on the state PTA website www.kansas-pta.org. Click on "Awards & Contests" under the "Events" menu. Entries are due to SMWest PTA by Monday, October 17. For more information, contact chair Denise Riedel at 385.3229 or riedelfive@yahoo.com. |
| Nominate a Teacher...that inspires kids every day!
Announcing the 7 Wonders of the World Promotion!
Wonder Bread is on a mission to find those special teachers that inspire kids every day!
Nominate a teacher and he/she could win a trip to teach from one of the 7 Wonders of the USA (Grand Canyon, Mt. Kilauea, Mt. Rushmore, New Orleans Jazz Park, National Mall in Washington D.C., Statue of Liberty, or Kennedy Space Visitor Center Complex) while the class watches via tablet computers!
There will be 7 winning teachers and 7 winning schools. Each winning school will receive 25 tablet computers!
Visit www.7WondersoftheUSA.com for more details.
The deadline to nominate is October 24, 2011 at 11:59:59 p.m. CDT.
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After Party - Volunteers Needed
 
West will host five after parties and two dances: September 9 - after party October 15 - Homecoming dance October 21 - after party (Halloween theme) December 2 - after party January 13 - after party February 18 - WPA (sweetheart dance) March 31 - after party (after Spring Show)
- Grab your friend and come help us serve pop, work coat check, or serve cookies. We need YOU or the party doesn't happen!
- We need about 30 adults at each party, so please consider volunteering at least once this year.
- YES, we have both dads and moms at the dances!
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Student Council News
2011-2012 Student Council
Executive Board
President: Amy Hocker
Vice President: Connor Henderson
Secretary: Ava Clark
Treasurer: Mitchell Kelly
Parliamentarian: Danielle Neighbour
Committee Chairs
Publicity
Kara Humphreys
Social Spirit
Sandra Kincaid
Monica Tadros
Charity
Alex Holcomb
Molly Norburg
Matt Franchett
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ELECTIONS - Student Council elections for 2015 class officers and representatives for all four classes will be held on September 2nd. Campaigning by those running will take place from Monday, August 29th - September 1st. BIG STUCO - The entirety of our representative student government will consist of the newly elected class representatives, along with current officers and the Executive Board. Their first order of business will be to decide on a theme for Homecoming. This will be decided during our first meeting on Thursday September 8th, at 2 pm in the Little Theater. SUMMER PREPARATION: The officers and Exec. Board Members have been working hard this summer to start off the year right! President Amy Hocker and Vice President Connor Henderson attended the California Association of Student Leaders camp in Santa Barbara, CA in early July! They learned many new strategies and skills that we hope will make for a more successful StuCo in 2011-12! Secretary Ava Clark and Parliamentarian Danielle Neighbour attended the Students Today, Leaders Forever camp in Wisconsin. They worked on many personal leadership skills and brought back more new ideas for the year! Monica Tadros, Mitchell Kelly, Matt Franchett, Alex Holcomb, and Kara Humphreys all attended the state leadership camp hosted at Emporia University! Thanks to camp they all came back energized and excited about another great year of StuCo! HOMECOMING - The Homecoming football game will be played against the Shawnee Mission South Raiders. Hopefully, we will be celebrating a victory as we dance the following Saturday night away on October 15th in the main gym, from 8-11pm. The famous SMW Homecoming Parade organized by StuCo will take place on Thursday afternoon, October 13th at 1:30pm. The parade begins in the Circle Drive in front of SM West and will end at Santa Fe Commons gazebo area in Old Downtown Overland Park. Support West's 50th Homecoming by gathering along the parade route and by joining us at the football game Friday night to cheer on your Vikings! CAN FOOD DRIVE - It's never too early to start putting aside canned goods, boxed pasta, and peanut butter for the annual canned food drive helping the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, which aids people needing food this holiday season and beyond. The best thing about this charity is that the support helps those in need here in our own area! Donation pick-ups will be starting in November. PTSA - Thanks to the partnership with the PTSA for always helping Student Council host the best Homecoming and several other events. StuCo encourages both parents and students to join PTSA! StuCo Executive Board 2011-2012 
STUCO: STAND UP, STAND OUT!
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after party
September 9th, 9-11pm SMW Bridge & Cafeteria - DJ (stuco requested playlist)
- FOOD
- Say Cheez PHOTO BOOTH (benefiting Joplin High School)
Admission $3, West Students ONLY (must have West Student ID) 
Upcoming: Homecoming - October 15
after party - October 21
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Attend a Play at Westridge 
"Thank You for Flushing My Head in the Toilet"
followed by a Poetry Slam
October 13th & 14th, 7:00 PM
Westridge Middle School, MPR
$2 for Adults, free for students
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What matters to you and your student? Let us share some numbers with you.
5 Number of After Parties at West. Our average attendance is 500 students and the cost of the
dances is $3. Our first dance will include a new photo booth! More details in the flyer in this newsletter.
2,000 Number of dollars given out in teacher grants this year for classroom use. Some of the grants have gone to books for social studies, atlases for geography, calculators for the math classes, silicone mitts for foods, and frames for student artwork that is displayed here in the school. Our goal this year is to give out $3,000 in Teacher Grants.
30 Number of chaperones needed at each after party. Without you, the party doesn't happen. We have needs for coat check, serving food, serving pop and taking tickets. Please consider signing up to work one of the parties. Yes, we have both moms and dads at the parties.
10 The cost of a parent PTSA membership Student cost is $5. Our income to do all these wonderful things for the school comes from your membership to PTSA. Please join!!!
0 The number of fundraisers done by PTSA. We know that you are supporting fundraisers for your student's other activities, so our operating budget comes from memberships.
50 The prize money given to the winning essay and $50 to the winning poem in this year's citizenship contest which is open to only freshmen. The theme this year is "I should volunteer in my community because..." Great way for your freshman to earn some spending money and something to put on those college applications! Details will be available in the newsletter and through your student's English teacher
3,000 Number of dollars given out by PTSA in scholarships to West students. Your student can earn points by being a PTSA member and by volunteering at PTSA events. That money will sure come in handy as they head off to college!
728 Number of current PTSA members. Our goal is 1,000 members-- Thanks to all of you who have already joined. Unlike elementary and middle school, students are also members of the West PTSA We work with Student Council and student volunteers as well as parents at our events.
52 Number of student and parent volunteers that planted hundreds of flowers that you see in the front gardens at West. We hold the annual landscaping day in the spring each year and would love for you to join us in helping West look it's best in it's 50th year of serving the West community. Happy Anniversary West!
5 Upcoming PTSA Meetings (7:00 PM in the SM West Library)
September 19th November 3rd January 5th February 27th April 23rd Whatever number matters most to you, West PTSA could use your support by purchasing a membership. Consider giving a form to grandparents, aunt and uncles, or neighbors who want to support Shawnee Mission West. Here's to a great 50th Anniversary year at West!
Val Barth and Teri Kelly
PTSA President's SM West
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PTSA Membership Update
Thanks to all of our parents, staff, and students who have already joined SM West PTSA this year. Our enrollment is a little behind where we were last year at this time, so we really need your help to meet our 2011-2012 goal. Please join PTSA, and help us continue to support our programs that benefit students and teachers. These programs include all School After Parties, Teacher and Staff appreciation functions, Senior Scholarships, Heart of the West Week, Landscaping and much, much more. Click here for PTSA Membership Form. Remember, at high school level, the students also join PTSA. Through PTSA, they can receive volunteer hours for helping with events like Registration, Landscaping, Party Prep, etc... Student PTSA members are also eligible for scholarships their senior year. Attached is a PTSA Membership form or visit our website at: www.smwestptsa.org. You can mail the form to the SMW office (address on the form), bring it into the SMW office, or we will be accepting memberships at the PTSA meetings. Thank you for your support of SMW PTSA!! Paula Dougherty & Ann Foster Co- 1st Vice Presidents - Membership |
| Thanks from the Teacher's Breakfast Committee
The teacher's first day back to school on August 10th started off with a healthy breakfast sponsored by the PTSA, that was greatly appreciated by the teachers! We want to thank all the wonderful parents who donated food and/or their time. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and we could not have done it without your help. West truly does have the BEST parents!
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News from the Journalism Department
yearbook purchase Back to school time is the best time to reserve your copy of the 2012 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, look for the form in the documents section of this site or please contact amymorgan@smsd.org or call 913.993.7911. yearbook senior ads The deadline for yearbook senior ads is Sept. 30 for early bird pricing and Oct. 21 for regular pricing. Ad information is available by clicking here or by contacting Amy Morgan at amymorgan@smsd.org or 913.993.7911. Senior parents should have received a postcard in the mail with senior ad information. 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. Epic ad forms are available by clicking here as well. 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) Friday, Dec. 2: yearbook orders due |
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Visual Arts Update
We are very excited to kick off another great year here in the visual arts department. Here's what we have going on so far.
New World Border
This September we will be hosting a traveling exhibit of art pertaining to the construction of a wall on the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Most of the works deal with immigration as well as the environmental impact of the wall. Included with the exhibit there will be a screening of a film that looks at families who are left behind while others leave to work in the U.S. The opening reception will be on September 8th and the film screening will be on the 14th. For more information, please contact Greg Schieszer at gregschieszer@smsd.org.
Artsonia
Shawnee Mission West visual arts department has an Artsonia page. What is Artsonia you ask? It's an interactive online gallery of student work. You can view your student's work for free & purchase your student's artwork on teeshirts, mugs, mousepads, coasters and much more! All proceeds go to help make the West art department the best! Just go to www.artsonia.com and enter "Shawnee Mission West" and you'll be transported to this virtual gallery. For more information, please contact Rosie Riordan at rosieriordan@smsd.org
Gallery Gala
As you may know we have our annual Gallery Gala here at West in March. This event raises money for our gallery so we can invite artists in to display there artwork and work with students. The gallery is truly an extension of our classrooms and an amazing resource. The Gallery Gala event takes a lot of work to put on and we are currently looking for donations from local businesses and artists for our silent auction. We also would like to organize a committee of parent volunteers who would be willing to help with the event. If you would be interested in volunteering or have something to donate please contact Jennifer Nicklas at jennifernicklas@smsd.org or Rosie Riordan at rosieriordan@smsd.org
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Shawnee Mission West Orchestra
Concert Information
It's time to mark your calendars for the Shawnee Mission West Orchestra Concerts for the 2011/2012 school year. The concerts are open to the public so you are invited to stop by to listen to our wonderful Orchestras!
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Date
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Concert
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Place/Time
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
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Fall Concert
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SMW Auditorium 7 pm
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
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Winter Concert
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SMW Auditorium 7 pm
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Tuesday, March 08, 2012
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Collage Concert
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SMW Auditorium 7 pm
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Sunday, May 01, 2012
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West Area Orchestra Festival
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SMW Gym 7 pm
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Saturday, May 14, 2012
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Banquet and Concert
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SMW Auditorium 7 pm
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Shawnee Mission West Orchestra
Takes San Francisco!
The SM West Orchestra traveled to San Francisco April 14-17, 2011 to participate in the Heritage Festivals Orchestra competition. The students competed against talented and diverse orchestras from all over the West Coast. They also enjoyed a trip to Pier 59, a cruise around the San Francisco bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. A fun day at the Great American Theme Park rounded out the trip.
At the end of the day, against some very talented competition, it was the SM West Orchestra that received The Most Outstanding Orchestra award.
The trip was made possible through numerous fundraising events through out the 2010/2011 school year. Thank you to all who coordinated or participated in and who contributed to the fundraising efforts! Your efforts made this exciting trip worthwhile for the Orchestra students - making it a trip to remember for a lifetime.
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Annual Orchestra End of Summer Picnic
Good food + good times +good people = Annual Orchestra Picnic
The Orchestra picnic marks the end of summer, but it also marks the beginning of a new year of fun in Orchestra. It is a time for the students and families to get together and enjoy good food, games and fun times. It was held on Sunday, August 21 at Shawnee Mission Park and was attended by approximately 80 people. The kids enjoyed water balloon fights and tug-o-war and were almost able to sneak up and dump a cooler of ice water on Mr. Mulvenon - but he was a little to fast for them!
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PRESTO -Parents Really Enthusiastically
Supporting The Orchestra
PRESTO is a non-profit organization whose membership consists of parents and friends of students enrolled in the orchestra programs at Shawnee Mission West High School. Our sole purpose and function is to support the orchestra programs at SM West by providing both financial and volunteer support. PRESTO has supported the orchestra financially with purchases of sheet music, orchestra room equipment and supplies, and instruments. PRESTO provides annual scholarship awards to graduating seniors. PRESTO provides volunteer support in areas such as chaperones, uniform care, communication with parents and assistance to the Director.
Parents of orchestra students are encouraged to attend the PRESTO meetings. You can learn about upcoming events, fundraising activities and concerts at the meetings. Please mark your calendars!
PRESTO meets in the Orchestra Room - Rm 150 at 7pm on these dates:
September 13, 2011 February 21, 2012
October 11, 2011 March 27, 2012
November, 8, 2011 April 10, 2012
December 13, 2011 May 8, 2012
January 10, 2012
Information about PRESTO can be found at: www.prestowest.org
Or on Facebook - Shawnee Mission West PRESTO
If you would like to join PRESTO, please complete the application and return. You do not have to have a student in orchestra to join PRESTO. Associate Memberships are available for extended family, friends, etc. The Membership and Associate Membership Forms are on line.
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Sr. Sizzle 2012 
Candy and pop will be sold on Wednesdays during lunches on the bridge. Proceeds benefit Sr. Sizzle.  Sr. Sizzle is also selling Panera coupons and Car Wash coupons. Please contact Mary Beth Meier for the Panera savings and Amy Karlin for the car wash savings. |
Show Your West Pride with Spirit Decals
The Cheerleaders are selling spirit decals for car windows. The decals are 5" X 5" and are available for most sports and activities. Single sport decals are $10 each. Multi-sport decals (up to 3 symbols for sports only) are $11 each. You may purchase multiple decals and personalize each with your child's name. Click here for decal options.
Click here for order form Complete and mail it with your check payable to SMW Cheer Booster Club to the address on the order form. Look for the Cheerleading table at the first Home Football Game or visit the SM West Cheer web site at
www4.smsd.org/westcheer/html30619.htm for decal information and an order form.
Lots of Decal Options, such as:
Order deadline is 9/23/2011.
Please contact Sharon Tunakan, tunnaman@aol.com or
Jayne Beemer, jayne.beemer@att.net with any questions.
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Band's 19th Annual Spaghetti Dinner to Serenade Diners The West Band's Spaghetti Dinner - a highlight of the fall season - will be held from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the school. This is the 19th year for the event that brings together the community and the band. The event has something for everyone - delicious food, an auction of donated items and services, vendor tables and, of course, incredible music that will have diners swaying in their seats and shoppers dancing in the aisles. Mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind event that benefits the Shawnee Mission West Band. Tickets are available from band members and at the door. If you are interested in promoting your business while supporting music education in your community please donate an auction item or service. If you have any questions or would like us to pick up your donation, please call Jennifer Morris at 913-515-5980 or please send an e-mail confirmation to morrisbrood@earthlink.net of any donation by September 30 to allow for adequate publicity for special items. 
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 Join the club! Your support will actually save you money!Membership includes passes to all home games- the more you attend, the more you save!
The BOOSTER CLUB'S sole purpose is to support all athletic groups including cheerleaders, pep club and dance team, and to strive to keep the tradition of cooperative spirit and sportsmanship at West. The BOOSTER CLUB is composed of parents, friends and relatives of SMWest students. All money raised goes to the coaches/sponsors for uniforms, equipment and related expenses. Click here to see more details and to print the membership form.
Questions?
Please contact Robin Wade at 913-492-2734 or rlwade@everestkc.net
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| SMW Spirit Weat is Available Now!
Your SMW Booster Club is selling hoodies, pajama pants, crews, long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts, ball caps and polos, while supplies last! Prices range from $15 - $40; sizes range from small - XXXlarge.
Buy spirit wear on-site before home football games, at parent/teacher conferences and during a variety of other school activities this year.
Wear your West spirit! Find something for your student, yourself, grandparents...and how about your returning West grad for Homecoming? Get a jump on holiday and birthday gifts. Or just grab a hoodie for those chilly night games.
Contact Laura King Hagen at kinghagen@everestkc.net or Jan Ochsner at janlandon@everestkc.net for more information or to arrange a purchase.
Remember...SMW Booster Club Spirit Wear Sales benefit all SMW athletes and teams. Buy great West apparel - at reasonable prices - and support SMW sports at the same time! GO VIKINGS!
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Calling All Football Fans!
Come cheer on the SMW Vikings dressed in Viking Black & Gold
Purchase SMW Football Spiritwear!
Jose Pepper's Restaurant Fundraiser for SMW Football
SMW Football Team and Jose Pepper's are teaming up! Eat at Jose Pepper's at 16605 Midland Drive on Monday, September 5th (Labor Day). Mention SMW Football and 10% of proceeds from business all day long will be donated to the SMW Football program.
Want to show your support for SMW Football?
Join the Viking Touchdown Club
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Viking Class T-Shirts
Orders due Sept 2nd
Delivered to students by the end of September.
Special 50th
Anniversary Edition
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Look for the next edition of the Viking Voice
in October.
Submit your articles by October 7, 2011 to:
westvikingvoice@gmail.com
The next publication is scheduled for October 13, 2011.
Upcoming Viking Voice dates:
Submission Deadline Publication Date
October 7, 2011 . . . . . . . . October 13, 2011
January 13, 2012 . . . . . . . January 19, 2012
February 24, 2012 . . . . . . . . March 1, 2012
May 25, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 31 2012
Thank you.
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