A Message from Mr. Loe...  

School News  

Congratulations to Abbie Lavin on her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy for next year.

Congratulations to these seniors on being chosen for the College Book Awards.

Jack Snyder (Harvard University Book Award)

Parker Henley (Columbia University Book Award)

Tori Thomas (Dartmouth University Book Award)

Elaine Williams (Smith College Book Award)

Parent Teacher Conferences

Shawnee Mission West invites all parents to attend parent teacher conferences on Thursday evening, February 5^th or Friday, February 6^th.

 Thursday, February 5^th  5:00 - 8:00 pm

All teachers will be available for conferences.  Appointments are not 

required.  Teachers will be located on the bridge, main gym and auxiliary gym.  A map will be provided.

Friday, February 6^th   7:20 am - 3:20 am

All teachers will be available for conferences in their classrooms.  A list of room assignments will be provided.  Appointments can be made in advance; however, all unscheduled time will be available for open conferences.  Teachers will be unavailable from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

There will be no classes for students on Friday, February 6, 2015.

Attendance Waivers

Students with 11 or more absences in any class must submit a Request for Attendance Requirement Waiver Form.    This form must be completed and submitted to the attendance office with the required documentation (medical, court or other pertinent information) explaining the reason for the absences under appeal.  The forms are due by December 17^th, 2014.  The attendance committee will review the waivers for approval.

MacBooks & Student Use

We are experiencing a very large issue with students adding extensions to their MacBooks.  What are extensions?  They are shortcuts students are putting on their Macs, such as Browsec and Zenmate that override the district filters and allows students access to Facebook and other websites the district has blocked. The Acceptable Use Policy that students and parents signed when Macs were issued states that students will abide by district approved guidelines/usage. When students have difficulty accessing homework, teacher e-mails and other school webpages, the reason is most always because of the extension(s) students have added. Please ask your student(s) about extensions if they are experiencing difficulty with their Macs.  This will help cut down on a lot of issues we are seeing regarding Macs and the proper use of them.  

Thank you,  

Rhonda Mundy, Library Media Specialist

Food Service....Did you know............

Did you know ways to keep you and your family healthy during the holiday season?  Please follow these 4 basic food safety steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.

Clean

• Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.  Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Wash all kitchen counters, dishes, and utensils with hot soapy water.

Separate

• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from all other foods.
• Designate one cutting board for fresh produce and another for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

Cook

• Use a food thermometer to ensure your foods have been cooked to the proper minimum internal temperature.
• Keep food at 140° F or above after cooking.
• Microwave food thoroughly to 165° F.

Chill

• Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours.  Remember to store leftovers within 2 hours as well.
• Know when to throw food out.  When in doubt, throw it out.

Don't forget - if your child receives free or reduced meals, they are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch per day as part of this benefit.  All breakfast and lunch meal choices are available for all students regardless of eligibility status.

The school breakfast menus, lunch menus, and other nutrition information are available on the district's website at http://foodservices.smsd.org.

Food Service and Viewing Student Accounts

 Parents can access what their student purchased via the SMSD food service web page.

http://foodservices.smsd.org/pages/default.aspx

It is toward the bottom and it is called, "account history."  The parent will need to have their student's name and ID number to access this information.

S.A.I.L. Tutoring Program 2014-2015

Students Acquiring Individualized Learning

Mondays & Thursdays - Time: 2:45 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.

DATES:

January 12, 15, 22, 26, 29

February 2, 9, 12, 19, 23, 26

March 2, 5, 9, 30

April 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30

May 4, 11, 14

Location: LIBRARY (snacks will be provided)

Subjects: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and ACT Prep

****BUS DEPARTS AT 4:00 P.M. FROM THE MAIN ENTRANCE CIRCLE DRIVE****

News for Seniors - Class of 2015

Graduation Information

All students must wear a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Packets for ordering caps and gowns are available in the main office or in the counseling office.  Announcements are optional.

If you have not ordered your cap and gown, contact Balfour 913-549-3076.

• Graduation will be held Tuesday, May 19^th, at Shawnee Mission North District stadium.  The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m.  There is no limit on the number of guests that may attend the ceremony unless there is inclement weather and the ceremony is moved inside.
• In case of inclement weather, each family will receive five (5) tickets for admission to the SM North gymnasium.  Extra seating & closed circuit TV for guests who do not have tickets will be available in the SM North auditorium.
• Graduation practice will be held on the last day of school for seniors after their Block 1 final exam (exact date to be determined).  The day will include graduation practice, yearbook distribution, and the senior picnic.  Attendance is required for all seniors.  Caps, gowns, and tickets will be passed out at this time.
• Graduation announcements will be delivered to school sometime around spring break.  Students should watch the student announcements for more information.
• Tryouts for Graduation Speeches will be held on Thursday, April 16^th.  Students must sign up in advance with Mrs. Benge in room 15.
• Tryouts for Readers of the Roll will be held on Thursday, April 23^rd, after school in the Little Theatre.  Students wishing to try out need to sign up in the main office.  Students should watch the student announcements for dates to sign up.
• ALL senior FEES and FINES must be paid prior to graduation.  Students will NOT be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony with an outstanding balance.  Students may check with the bookkeeper to determine what is owed.
• Seniors will keep their caps and gowns after graduation.

Counselors will make visits to senior English classes in January/February to discuss the FAFSA and College Goal Sunday.  Please ask your student to see these materials.

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This form must be completed by students and parents to apply for federal student aid.  Be prepared to provide extensive information about your family's income and income taxes from previous year, assets, family size, the number of family members attending college, and more.  The first step is to get a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.  After collecting the needed documents, you can begin the process at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  

If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, free help is being given by financial aid officers across Kansas and Missouri on College Goal Sunday.  College Goal Sunday will be February 22, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at JCCC (and other local sites).  Participants are encouraged to register online to attend (but not required): www.CollegeGoal.org

Overland Park
Johnson County Community College
Student Success Center
2nd Floor, Student Center Building
12345 College Boulevard  

News From The Counseling Dept

Counseling Department Update

Our website is filled with information about college counseling and scholarships, academic counseling, personal/social issues, and upcoming dates.  Please visit our Web Backpack often to keep current on important information for you and your student.  You can access it from the SM West homepage or the district website under students, then teacher web pages.

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

Enrollment for 2015-2016

Choosing classes for next year is just around the corner.  In January, students will be given enrollment materials according to the following schedule.  Students have about one week to look over the materials with parents and then have them ready to return when their class visits the Counseling Office.  We will also have the opportunity for online enrollment.  Students should begin thinking about enrollment, asking teachers questions, and speaking with their counselors in November or December if they want help in planning for enrollment.

• Juniors - Materials distributed - Jan. 20

Finalize enrollment with counselor - Jan. 29/30 & Feb. 2 (in US History classes)

• Sophomores - Materials distributed - Jan. 15/16

Finalize enrollment with counselor - Jan. 26/27/28 (in Eng.10 classes)

• Freshmen - Materials distributed - Jan. 13/14

Finalize enrollment with counselor - Jan. 21/22/23 (in World Reg. St. classes)

• Westridge - Materials distributed - Jan. 9

Forms due to 8^th grade English teacher - Jan. 26

Finalize enrollment with counselor - Feb. 4 (in English 8 classes)

ACT Testing and Deadlines

Register online:  www.actstudent.org.  School code is 172-773.  We would like you to put our school code down so that we receive your scores and place them on your transcript.  But most colleges want your score sent directly to them from the testing agency.

Shawnee Mission West is a testing center for the ACT in February and April but not in June.  Test center code #176140.  Search for our school testing center under "Shawnee Mission."  Students on the free or reduced lunch program can ask their counselor for a fee waiver for the ACT.

Test Date                   Registration Deadline

February 7                     January 9

April 18                      March 13

June 13                      May 8

Summer School

 If your student has failed a class necessary for graduation, summer school enrollment should be seriously considered.  Summer school enrollment begins in February.  There will be a change in the enrollment process so stay tuned for details.

AP Testing

AP testing will take place the week of May 4^th and May 11^th at Shawnee Mission West.  The cost for each test will be $91 and the payment deadline is March 25^th.  This is a firm deadline as tests must be ordered ahead of time. Mr. Davis will be visiting AP classes at the end of February with registration information. Students will then bring their enrollment sheet and a check to the Counseling Office to cover the cost of all tests being taken. 

There are several reasons students should consider taking AP tests:

• The AP test must be taken to receive the AP designation on the transcript.
• A student may earn college credit and/or advanced placement at most colleges and universities depending on the score received.
• A student may be recognized for AP Scholar Awards.
• Students gain valuable experience in rigorous exams (SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE).

TIPS ON STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR TEEN

Positive communication with your teen is the key to a successful parent-child relationship.  Here are some helpful hints on how to "keep on talking"!

• Talk daily with your teen- even if they do not seem to be listening.  Try to talk about topics that interest them.
• Respect and ask for their opinions.  Be open-minded!
• Set limits and clear expectations based on your values and principles.  Talk about agreed consequences before troubled situations occur.
• Continually tell them and show them how much you love and care for them.  Voice your disappointments, but always try to stay positive and avoid put-downs.
• Arrange for "special time" together.  Walks, working out, going to lunch...something you both can enjoy!
• Seek professional help if your teen's abnormal behaviors last more than three weeks.  You can call Mary Lea Kieffer, School Social Worker, for additional support, 913-993-7836.

TEENAGE SUICIDE AWARENESS

WARNING SIGNS:

 The following are some of the warning signs of the suicidal teenager:

           SUICIDAL THREATS - Veiled, disguised threats like "sometimes I just want it to be over with" - "I can't take it any more".  Specific desire to die statements - "I am going to kill myself".

            SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR - Includes changes in eating behaviors - sleeping patterns - dress - personal appearance - changes in friends - academic failure - skipping school or not attending- activities that were once important are no longer meaningful- substance abuse- inability to deal with pressures.

            DEPRESSION - With depression comes isolation, withdrawal from their worlds - persistent boredom.

            GIVING AWAY PRIZED POSSESSIONS - I know what I am going to do and my friends should enjoy what I most enjoy.

            A LOSS IN THEIR LIFE - Death of family member or friend, break-up with boy/girlfriend - a loss of an ability they once had, but no longer can perform.

            ACTS OF AGGRESSIONS, REBELLIOUS BEHAVIOR, DISOBEDIENCE,

- All these behaviors for no apparent reason.

            COMMUNICATE LESS AND LESS - More isolated, says out loud and feels inside they are worthless - loss of self esteem.

WHAT TO DO:

           KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS!  If you suspect someone is at risk of committing suicide, take the signs seriously.

         ASK the TEEN DIRECTLY if he/she is considering suicide.  Listening with no judgment or criticism- get all the information you can.

           TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!  Get them professional help.

RESOURCES:

• Take to emergency room for evaluation if in immediate danger
• Contact School Social Worker (Mary Lea Kieffer 993-7836) or your student's counselor (993-7830) for referrals/resources
• JOCO Mental Health: 913-268-0156
• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
• Emergencies:  call 911 

Forgot your Skyward password?  Go to the login screen and click on the "Forgot your Login/Password?"  You must know the e-mail that you have in the system.  You will be sent an e-mail with a link to reset your password.

Students may now see their GPA in Skyward as well as their credit history.  Students should look at their graduation requirements to prepare for enrollment in January.

Department News 

Have you ordered your 2015 yearbook yet? There's still time! The deadline has been extended until Feb. 20! Yearbooks are $55, and you can send cash or checks (payable to SM West) to Amy Morgan (mail it to school, drop it off in the front office or have your student bring it by room 11). Please include the student's full name and grade level.

Payment plans are available (form attached).

We will not sell yearbooks after Feb. 20.

Second Annual "West Reads" Night

The inaugural "West Reads" book event was a huge success last year, and we are excited to announce the Second Annual West Reads: Monday, March 2, Shawnee Mission West High School Library, 7-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by the West Area AP/Honors English Vertical Team, the purpose is to promote reading for pleasure and to provide an opportunity for West and Westridge students, staff, parents, and other interested adults to talk about literature in small groups. We will convene first in the library for refreshments and then break into small groups led by West student volunteers. Please save the date, and then watch your school news for the announcement of this year's book and the online registration.

PTSA News 

January 12

February 23

April 20

All meetings are held in the SM West Library at 7pm. 

We look forward to seeing you! 

AFTER PARTIES for 2014-2015 SM West 

A huge thank you to all the parents that helped with the first After Party of the year.  It was a success because of you.  We still need volunteers for the remainder of the parties this year.  If you are able to help, please contact Kris Stout to get signed up: kcstout86@gmail.com or (913) 568-7447.

Friday, January 9^th  - After Party

Saturday, February 14^th - Sweetheart Dance

PTSA MEMBERSHIPS

Have you joined PTSA yet?  Has your student?  Memberships are only $10 for adults and $5 for students!  Remember, students who are members of PTSA are eligible to apply for the PTSA Scholarship Awards their senior year!  Click here for a membership form.