Honor Roll

Congratulations to all the Vikings who made the Principal's Honor Roll and the Honor Roll for the fall semester.  We especially want to highlight the 138 students who earned all A's for first semester.  With the new Skyward program, the honor roll designation is now included on the transcript as well.  Please continue to encourage your son or daughter to pursue academic excellence!

From the High School Program Planning Guide:  Shawnee Mission recognizes academic excellence by placing students on one of two honors rolls:  a 3.0 Honor Roll or a Principal's Honor Roll.

To be named to the 3.0 Honor Roll, a student must have a GPA of 3.0 for a minimum of 2.5 credits per semester.  The grades of A, B, C, D and F will be used to calculate the GPA.  Grades of Q, P, E, K, NG, WP or WF are not used in the GPA computation formula.  A grade of N, D, F or I will eliminate the student from being named to the Honor Roll.

To be named to the Principal's Honor Roll, a student must have a GPA of 4.0 or above and be enrolled in a minimum of 2.5 credits per semester.  The grades of A, B, C, D and F will be used to calculate the GPA.  Grades of Q, P, E, K, NG, WP or WF are not used in the GPA computation formula.  A grade of N, C, D, F, or I will eliminate the student from being named to the Principal's Honor Roll.  Students who earn all A's will have special designation.

Unsupervised Students

Parents are reminded that students should arrange to leave campus as close to 3:00 p.m. as possible unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach.  This is a safety issue, and everyone's cooperation is needed.  Students who continue to loiter in the building or on campus will be subject to discipline.

SENIOR PARENTS

Shawnee Mission West High School does not sponsor or approve an activity called "Senior Skip Day".  Please do not allow your student to participate in any such activity.

Students participating in extracurricular activities need to be aware that participation in a "Senior Skip Day" will result in non-participation on that day and could result in further disciplinary consequences.

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 Derek Beck at Balfour, 913-568-7940.

• 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.  The day will include graduation practice, yearbook distribution, the senior panoramic picture and picnic.  Attendance is required for all seniors.  Caps, gowns, and tickets will be passed out at this time.
• Balfour will deliver graduation announcements to students on Wednesday, March 11^th and Friday, March 27^th during lunches on the bridge. 
• 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.
• Handicap requests for the graduation ceremony will be handled in the following manner.  Reserved parking and seats will not be offered.  Handicap parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis.  Parents and guests will need to be able to transport themselves to their seat in the stadium (or auditorium in the case of inclement weather).  Handicap seating will be available on the track of the stadium.  We request that handicap guests be seated along with one family member in the special seating; all other family members should be seated in the stadium.  We hope by following this request, ample seating for our disabled and elderly guests will be available.  

Senior Academic Awards Assembly

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/

AP Testing

AP testing will take place the weeks of May 4^th and May 11^th.  The cost for each test is $91 and the payment deadline is March 25^th.  This is a firm deadline as tests must be ordered ahead of time.  Cancellations PRIOR to the test day may qualify for a partial refund. Any cancellations on the day of the test will not qualify for any refund.  

There are several reasons students should consider taking AP tests: 

• The AP test must be taken to receive the AP designation on the transcript
• Earn college credit and/or advanced placement at most colleges and universities depending on the score received
• Earn consideration for AP Scholar Awards
• Gain valuable experience in rigorous exams (SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT)

Guidelines for the Exemption of Finals

Senior Final Exam Exemption (SENIORS ONLY)

• This option is only available to seniors for the second semester.
• A student can elect this option for a maximum of three classes.
• A student must have earned a 90% or grade of "A" in the class.
• A student cannot have any In-School or Out-of-School suspensions second semester.
• A student cannot have any unexcused absences in any class (including seminar) second semester.
• The exemption option is not available for College Now classes if the student is taking the class for College Now credit.

Advanced Placement Final Exam Exemption (any student)

• Any student enrolled in an Advanced Placement class may utilize the exemption policy.
• Students can exempt out of each class final for which they take the formal AP test. Proof of AP registration and participation in the AP test is required.
• A student must have earned a 90% or grade of "A" in the class.
• A student cannot have any in-school or out-of-school suspensions.
• A student cannot have any unexcused absences in any class.
• The exemption option is not available for College Now classes if the student is taking the class for College Now credit.
• Seniors may use both the senior exemption policy and the AP exemption policy.
• Students must take the AP test if they want the AP designation on their transcript.

Participation in exam exemptions are options that are to be available to all students who qualify for one or both of the options.

College Now

College Now is a program through Johnson County Community College where students can earn college credit by taking certain classes at their high school. College Now is a concurrent credit program, so your high school enrollment stands separate from your JCCC enrollment. The 24 credit limit of College Now credits has been lifted by the state.  This is great news as students can earn as many College Now credits as they choose while in high school.  Courses at Shawnee Mission West where students can also earn college credits through JCCC include:

Visit www.jccc.edu/collegenow (click "Admission and Enrollment Information") for detailed instructions on how to receive college credit for your classes.  The cost per credit hour for this year is $88, but the JCCC board of trustees has the right to change the cost per credit hour without notice.   Mrs. Neely, in the Counseling Office, can answer additional questions about College Now.

College Now deadlines cannot be extended. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the process early (for example, applying and taking the COMPASS test over the summer or taking the ACT for math, science, and English placement). College Now students are considered students of JCCC and are afforded the same privileges as on-campus students - access to the library, tutoring, gymnasium, etc. College Now students are also subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Visit www.jccc.edu and search FERPA for more information on this federally-mandated privacy law. JCCC is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; therefore, a majority of the credits will transfer. It is the student's responsibility to check with the admission or advising office at the institution one may wish to attend to ensure transferability of courses.

We also have an agreement with Baker University to offer credit for AP Psychology and the Teacher Education Program.  More information about this option will be presented to the students in that class.  These credit hours are separate from the 24 credit limit for JCCC.  The cost this year has been $100 per credit hour.  Both of these classes are 3 credits.  Mrs. Neely can also answer questions about the concurrent credit program options with Baker University.

FAFSA and Scholarship Information

ACT Tests for Juniors

Juniors should be taking the ACT (if they have not already taken at least one ACT this year) to begin preparation for college admission.  There are two test dates still available this spring.  Register at www.actstudent.org.   If a student is on free or reduced lunch, a fee waiver is available from the Counseling Office.  Our school code is 172-773.

Test prep websites and classes are listed on the Counseling Web Backpack under "Testing".

The next ACT test date will be September 12, 2015.  The registration deadline will be during the summer months (August 2015).  Class of 2016 students should plan on taking this ACT to improve scores for college admission and scholarship purposes or take it for the first time if they do not take it this spring.

PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD

We want to recognize our students 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 (click here to print) or on the SM West website.  The hours must be completed over a twelve month period beginning 4/1/14 and ending 3/31/15.  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.

Forms need to be turned in by 4/4/15 to 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.

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.

Promoting a Safe Prom 

High school proms are very expensive affairs. The prom dresses and tuxedos, prom tickets and pictures, limos, extravagant dining, flowers, and those special hairstyles and manicures can add up quickly for one special event that they want to remember the rest of their life. 

For parents, however, the primary prom-related concerns aren't financial. Parents' biggest prom worries are the risky behaviors associated with proms, most specifically driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and unsafe sex. Prom night always seems to be linked with drunken-driving injuries and deaths, date rapes, pregnancies and STDs.  Don't let this happen to your child. The following tips may ease your prom anxieties, while helping to keep your kids as safe as possible:

Prom Safety Tips
 

Talk, talk, talk -- Tell your children that you want them to have a wonderful, memorable prom. Keep that wish as a central focus. They need to give you their complete itinerary for the evening, including whom they will be with, where they'll be going after the prom and the phone numbers where you can contact them. "We'll just be driving around" is not an acceptable response. Come to a fair decision on a curfew, based upon your children's past level of responsibility in this area. Express your concerns about their health and safety and explain to them why prom night makes it more difficult to make safe and smart decisions. Don't be vague -- discuss drinking, drugging, driving under the influence, and sex. Ask them how they plan to keep safe and avoid actions they will regret. Reinforce your belief in their character and in their ability to act responsibly.

The Ride -- If they're not driving themselves, you must know who'll be driving them. Regardless of how many times you have talked about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, emphasize that these dangers are particularly high on prom night. Your children cannot drink or take drugs and drive. They also must be driven by someone who has not drunk alcohol or taken drugs. You need their promise on these rules. These rules are non-negotiable.

The Connection -- If your children are not returning home right after the prom, you need to be able to contact them at all times until they return home. You also need to be reachable at all times as well. There can be no doubt where your kids will be and with whom throughout the evening and morning. If they're going to other kids' houses after the prom, check ahead of time with these children's parents. You also have a right and a responsibility to ask if these parents are going to allow drinking in their homes. Many parents believe that as long as they "take keys" in a situation like this that underage drinking is permissible in their houses. You must answer the question, "Do I want my kids at after-prom parties where parents aren't present?" Post-prom, parent-child check-in calls make sense. Establish a couple of mandatory call-in times with your kids.

The Offer -- Give your children the unconditional option of calling you at any time for help or advice. That includes picking them up at any time of day or night, with a promise not to shame or humiliate them in front of others. Assure them that you always welcome being part of their making smart and safe decisions. This unconditional offer of help and advice should be an outstanding offer throughout their lives.

Parts of article adapted from Carleton Kendrick, LCSW

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 immediate danger.
• Contact School Social Worker (Mary Lea Kieffer 993-7836) or your student's counselor (993-7830) for referrals/resources.
• JOCO Mental Health: 913-831-2550.  After hours: 913-384-3535
• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Emergencies:  call 911

Viking Athletics

Spring sports begin, Monday, March 2.  Coaches for the spring season are:

Playing Sports in College

Any athlete who wishes to receive an athletic scholarship or even participate in intercollegiate athletics at the Division I, Division II or an NAIA School must receive initial academic clearance from the respective eligibility center.  It is recommended to begin the application process at the start of the student's junior year in high school.

Full requirement details along with the online application can be found at http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA_EMS.html#  for NCAA Division I and II schools and at http://www.playnaia.org/ for NAIA institutions.

Join us for our last meeting of the year - April 20 in the SM West Library at 7pm. 

Thank you to the following for serving on the 2013-2014 PTSA Executive Board:

Jan Ochsner & Lori Stamm, Co-Presidents

Kim Witters, VP of Membership

Tina Sedlacek, VP of Programs

Kris Stout, VP of Ways & Means

Lisa Teague, Treasurer

Kelly Tines, Secretary
 

We look forward to seeing you at our April 20 meeting!

Nominations Accepted for PTSA Achievement Award

A PTSA Achievement Award is a wonderful way to say "Thank you for your service" to a SMW volunteer. It is a significant way to recognize a worthy person in the SM West Community (parent, teacher, staff, etc.) who has given outstanding service to our youth and worked hard to promote the goals of PTSA.

Click here for a nomination form.  Nominations are due March 13.

Reflections Winners

SM West PTSA is proud to announce the winners of the 2014-2015 PTA Reflections Contest:  Jenna Heng for Literature and Hanna LaLonde for Dance Choreography. 

Things are getting busy now as we get closer to the end of the year. There are quite a few fundraisers planned and we'd love to have your participation. Here are a few. Watch our website (www.smwseniorsizzle.shutterfly.com), Facebook (SMWest 2015 Senior Sizzle) and Twitter (@Sr_Sizzle_2015) accounts for more updates.

If you have not been receiving emails from me, please send me your address and I'll add you to the list. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have comments, questions or ideas.  Denise Riedel, Senior Sizzle Chair - riedelfive@yahoo.com. 

Nurse's Pantry

The nurse's office at SMW has a need every year to stock her Nurse's pantry. Items to be donated include: sanitary napkins and supplies and snacks for certain populations as well as if needing a small snack for various reasons. She requests the following:
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Pretzels
Saltine crackers
Plastic cups
Raisins
Peanut butter/cheese crackers
Sanitary female supplies

Please bring any donated supplies to the nurses office. Any questions, please contact Courtney Wellman, Nurse's Pantry Committee Chair, at cawellman@cmh.edu or 913-991-0178

Thank you so much for your donations!!

What a great night at the New York themed Sweetheart / WPA Dance on Valentine's Day!  STUCO did a great job turning the bridge into New York complete with skylines, subways, and the Statue of Liberty.  Hope all your students had a great time!

PTSA would like to acknowledge all the parents who either helped at the dance or spent the morning doing set-up and decorating the cafeteria.   It looked great!  Thank you to Gail Arner, Eric Arner, Connie Berggren, James Berggren, Donna Braxdale, Alexa Byrd, Stephanie Foss, Matt Foss, Kathy Griffin, Annye Howell, Jana Kessler, Kathy Klema, Mike Klema, Theresa Lansdon, Art Lansdon, Deb Lilla, John Lilla, Steve Loe, Becky Martin, Kevin Martin, Paige Moxness, Andrea Peck, Cabrini Potter, Tina Sedlacek, Tammy Songer, Lori Stamm, Craig Stout, Lisa Teague, Lowell Teague, Wendy Trueblood, Kim Witters, & Mark Witters.