Shawnee Mission West High School

"50 Years of Excellence and Viking Pride"

1962 - 2012

School News  

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?siteID=57&calID=1008 

The online calendar will be updated when any changes occur.

July 31^st & August 1^st                   Fee Payment Days (see times below)

August 13^th                                    First day of classes - 9^th grade only

7:40 am - 2:40 pm, SM West

Viking Voyage -parents only

7:00 pm, Auditorium

August 14^th                                   Classes for all students

7:40 am - 2:40 pm, SM West

August 21^st                                    Black & Gold - information meeting for  

                                                                parents and students participating in sports

7:00 pm, Auditorium

August 23^rd                                        Back to School Night

7:00 pm, SM West  

FEE PAYMENT DATES AND TIMES

Attention 2012-2013 Seniors

Seniors and their parents should watch the SM West daily announcements and the webpage for information regarding the ordering of caps and gowns and other important information for their senior year and graduation. All information will be updated as it becomes available.

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.

Parents may download a copy of the Bus Parent Pay Rider Agreement at http://www.smsd.org/parents/transportation.html. Click on the highlighted phrase "Bus Parent Pay Rider Agreement". First Student will begin accepting payments for the next school year on May 3, 2012. 
Fees:

Contact:

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

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

Terms & Conditions:

*Kindergarten mid-day transportation is available only at schools with 20 or more contracted bus riders.
**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.  Transportation stickers will be issued to secondary students only, and 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.  Students in grades K-6 will not have stickers.

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

Shawnee Mission School District

Food Nutritional Information

School Meals Update

You may have heard that starting in school year 2012-13, schools participating in the USDA's School Meal Programs are required to meet new meal patterns and nutrition standards for school meals.  The change is driven by the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (Public Law 11-296) which was signed into law to improve the health of our nation.  The meal patterns include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; contains less fat and sodium and meet specific calorie ranges for children.  In an effort to ease the transition to new menus the Shawnee Mission School District Food Service Department has already been gradually making many of the expected changes.

What to expect:

*    Students will now be required to have 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables as one of the three  required components on their tray for it to count as a full meal.  Anything less than a full meal is charged at a la carte prices.  We plan to offer an increased variety of fruits and vegetables daily to give the students more to select from.
*    There will be three different age groups: elementary, middle and high.  Before, we only had two age groups: elementary & secondary.  Next year's menus will include many items that we currently offer however portion sizes and recipes will be designed to meet the new requirements for specific age groups.
*    We are now limited as to how much "meat/meat alternate" and grains we can offer.  Previously, we only had a minimum to meet, but could offer more.  Now we have to stay within the specified ranges for each age group.

What we are already doing:

*    Half of all grains offered must be "whole grain rich".  Almost all of our grains offered already meet this requirement.
*    We must offer vegetables from the following subgroups each week: dark green, red/orange, legumes, starchy and other vegetables.  We've been working towards this goal by serving a variety of veggies including black beans, sweet potatoes, switching all lettuce to a romaine mix, fresh zucchini, and a variety of other vegetables during the week.
*    Schools have until 2014-2015 to meet the first level of sodium limits.  While this might be quite a challenge for some districts, we come very close right now.  We expect as manufacturers reformulate some of their products to bring down sodium levels that it will not be a problem to meet this requirement at all.  We've been able to accomplish this by using only fresh and frozen vegetables with no added salt or margarine. We make many items from scratch by adding our own dry spices, thus lowering the sodium in items such as our spaghetti sauce and taco meat.

How you can help:

*    Encourage your children to try new things at home and school.
*    Join your child for lunch and/or breakfast anytime.
*    If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We're here to help! 

School Lunch Account

& Meal Prices  

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. 

Free and reduced meal applications will be available for the 2012-2013 school year on July 16.  Parents will be able to apply for the program online or can pick up a paper application at the Food Service Office as of July 16.  Paper applications will also be available at all schools when the school office staff return in late July.

Milk is $.50 per carton.

Reminder from the Nurse

Immunizations

Even though it seems that school is a long ways off, it is important to remember that the state has changed immunization requirements. It is wise to review your student's immunizations so that you do not have to rush to get immunizations updated and run the risk of school exclusion.  

All students are required to have at least one TDAP (not the same as tetanus) which includes protection against pertussis.  

All must have documentation of at least one varicella, three hepatitis B, two MMR's, and three polios if all are IPV or OPV. If they are not all the same then they must have 4 polio.(So are you confused yet?)  

Your best bet is to check with your doctor or the Health Dept. with any questions, or I would be happy to answer questions once I return in the fall.
          
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 included in your student's planner.         

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

Do Not Burn.  

News From The Counseling Dept

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 or at:  

www4.smsd.org/SMWCounselors  

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 4/1/12 and ending 3/31/13.  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:

 

Plan now to attend the Information Meeting about College Now at JCCC/Baker University Concurrent Enrollment and Advanced Placement. It will be held before Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August, 23, 2012, at 6:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria. It is VERY IMPORTANT to attend this meeting if you want to be informed about how 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 JCCC/Baker courses and/or AP courses.

http://www.jccc.edu/collegenow

http://www.bakeru.edu/academics/concurrent-credit-partnership

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

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 8^th, but the registration deadline is Friday, August 17^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 27^th. 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.

Many colleges have early deadlines for scholarships and admission. For example, both KU and KSU have a November 1^st deadline to apply for scholarships. So, students would want to complete their ACT and/or SAT testing by that date.

New Security Measures for Students Registering to Take the ACT College Entrance Exam

Reprinted from ACT News You Can Use:

ACT is proud to announce new safeguards that will further ensure score integrity and meet students in the advanced technology world they live in today. During the upcoming 2012-2013 testing year, the following rules will be implemented:

• Students will be required to upload their photo at the time they register.
• The uploaded photo will be printed on the student's admission ticket and on the roster the testing staff use to check in students on the day of the test.
• On test day, testing staff will match the uploaded photo with the roster and the student's ID.
• After testing, the uploaded photo will be available to the high school the student attends.

"Under our revised test security protocols," said Jon Erickson ACT Education president, "test security will be enhanced by the latest Web and photography technology, while being reinforced by the people who know the students best - the teachers and counselors at their high schools."

Like the vast majority of students, ACT understands the importance of honest test scores. We also know the importance of ensuring that students maintain access to the educational opportunities the ACT test provides. Our solution achieves both objectives, by investing our own reserves so that the new rules do not impact the normal cost of the test.

ACT continues to work out the operational details for the new test security protocols. Information about new procedures will be distributed to testing staff through normal communication channels and to students, parents, teachers, and the public through ACTstudent.org.

For additional college planning information from ACT, go to their website:

http://actstudent.org/college/11.html

By the end of summer you should have completed your list of colleges where you would like to apply. Your college research should include a profile of college costs, admission requirements, and study programs.

1. Search colleges using the internet. Examples include:  

http://student.collegeboard.org/?student

www.anycollege.com

www.petersons.com
 

2. Take a virtual tour with online videos of college and universities 

www.campustours.com

3. Narrow your list of possible colleges to three categories:

• 2-3 schools that you could definitely get in
• 2-3 schools that you could probably get in
• 3-5 schools that you would like to get it

4. Visit prospective colleges. It is important that you visit schools you might want to attend. Schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance.       Call the admissions office to arrange the visit and ask if you can sit in on classes, visit the dorm, talk with a professor, and take a campus tour. Speak to faculty and students and ask LOTS of questions.       Ask students what they like the best and least about their school. TAKE notes!!

5. Request applications and brochures from your top colleges.             Create files with each college you are applying to and track your progress.

6. Create a resume of things that you have been involved in both in and out of school. This is your opportunity to show colleges what sets you apart from other applicants. There are four things important to schools in admitting students: academic record which includes your transcript and your test scores, extra-curricular involvement, essays (if required) and recommendations (If required). Schools like to see leadership positions and community involvement. They look for scope and depth; you have started something and committed to it rather than a listing of many different clubs or organizations.

7. Athletes who want to play sports at a Division 1 or Division 2 school should register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common at the beginning of the junior year.  Then students should send a transcript at the end of their junior year.

PTSA News 

PTSA News

Thanks to everyone who joined PTSA last year.  We had a great year, and we were able to provide many teacher grants, senior scholarships, after parties, and many other programs because of your support.

Be on the look out for 2012/13 Membership Forms that will be sent out with the next school year's enrollment forms this summer.  You can save time at registration by mailing in the form or by having it already completed when you come to register.  The membership fees will remain the same as last year:  $10 per Parent/Guardian, $5 per Student or Teacher.

School Beautification Day

Have you taken a look at the flower beds in front of the school?

If not, take a moment to appreciate the work done by this fantastic crew of students, parents and teachers.

The efforts were led once again by teacher, Renee Stevens.  The irises that line the wall in front of the bridge and many of the other perennials are originally from Renee's yard!  Lucky us!

Department News 

Journalism News ...

Viking Athletics

Make plans to get your sports physical for next school year. A physical for next school year must be dated May 1, 2012 or after. Fall Sports begin August 13^th. In order to be able to participate in tryouts, a complete physical form and a concussion and head injury information release form must be on file in the athletic department by Friday, Aug. 10. Waiting to hand it in when school starts will delay eligibility to participate. No student can participate without these documents being handed in. Physicals for fall can be mailed to the athletic office anytime over the summer or hand delivered during office hours or during fee payment.

For Information on summer camps and weights and conditioning check the district virtual community bulletin board or contact the coach directly.

Fall Coaches

Winter Coaches

Spring Coaches

Clubs 

Survivors of Cancer 

We are searching for survivors of cancer to participate in the opening ceremony lap. If you are interested, please fill out the attached form and return before September 10^th.

Purchase a Luminaria 

If you would like to purchase a luminaria in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who passed away due to cancer, please fill out the attached form.

More Info 

If you would like to more information, please contact Jeannie Wilde with the American Cancer Society at 816-218-7273. Mary Lea Kieffer is the faculty sponsor and can be reached at 913-993-7836 or wekieffer@smsd.org.  

Students Register Teams 

You can also find more information and students can register teams online at www.relayforlife.org/shawneemissionyouthks.

American Cancer Society

SMW FCCLA Success!

Shawnee Mission West Students Participate in BPA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL for Competition, Recognition and Interaction with Industry

Eight students from Shawnee Mission West High School participated in the April 25-29, 2012 National Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America in Chicago, Il. Kayla Kroenlein placed top ten in the nation in the Graphic Design Promotion event and Kaylee Miller placed top ten in the nation in the Desktop Publishing event.  

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, business meetings, leadership workshops, contests, election of national officers, and tours of Chicago.

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.

Kaylee Miller and Kayla Kroenlein-Top Ten in the Nation for SM West BPA