Happy Fall Trailblazers
Are you ready for some Shawnee Mission North Football Trailblazers? SFT students are invited to attend the Shawnee Mission North Football Game for FREE on Friday, September 22. Read full article below.
Stay connected with us on Facebook!
SFT PTA Meeting Recap
The SFT PTA held its first general meeting on Wednesday, September 13. Thank you to all that were able to join in person and on Webex. The SFT PTA is truly powered by parents, teachers and guardians volunteering their time and providing support in a variety of ways. Questions? Please reach out! sftptapresident@gmail.com
- The PTA Standing Rules and 2023-2024 Budget were approved.
- An official Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was established as a standing committee.
- Next Meeting: November 15 in SFT Library and on Webex at 6 pm.
- Seeking: Legislative Chair to liaison district information to advocate for public schools.
SFT will be VIP at SMN Friday Night Lights: Sept. 22!
Shawnee Mission North is partnering with feeder elementary schools to encourage community engagement and support of athletic and activity programs. This year they will host two feeder elementary schools per home game. SFT and East Antioch will be welcomed and featured on Friday, September 22!
What to Expect
- SFT students get free admission and a brickhouse bound t-shirt at check-in!
- Parent/guardians can attend for $5 CASH.
- SFT students will check-in and purchase parent/guardian tickets at the SFT table outside the main gate between the swimming pool and sidewalk entrance from 6-7 pm.
- SFT student designated seating will be in the northwest stands, look for the SFT banner.
- At 6:45 pm the announcer will call for SFT students and ONE adult to meet on the track to help form the tunnel along with the Band, PEP Club, Dance Team and Cheer Squad as the football team runs onto the field!
Shawnee Mission North looks forward to hosting all the “lil” Santa Fe Trail and East Antioch Elementary students for Friday Night Lights!
Say Cheese! Picture Day: Oct. 2
SFT Picture Day is October 2.
- Order your package online today!
- Use order code: 70015RF
SFT Fun Run: Oct. 6
The Fun Run is an annual SFT student-led fundraising tradition. Please save the date to volunteer along the fun run course or simply come and cheer on the SFT students as they complete the most FUN run the morning of October 6th.
More information and donation packets will be coming home with students Sept. 22. Online giving is also available (see link below and QR code on right). Each student's goal is $80 per student or $120 per family. All students and SFT staff receive a free fun run t-shirt.
Ms. Leiker's Letter
Thank you to everyone who came to Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop-Off Night and helped kick off the year! As of September 11, all students have completed the beginning of the year benchmark assessments in math and reading. The staff will determine each child’s needs and come up with the best educational plan for each one. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
It’s hard to believe, but the first quarter ends October 11. There will be no school on October 12 (teacher professional learning) and 13 so teachers can complete grade cards. Great ways to support your child’s learning here at school for younger students is to read aloud to them often and for those a bit older, to take turns reading at home and reviewing math facts often. Checking backpacks nightly and reading emails from teachers ensures that you have all the important information that the teachers and office are sharing with you.
Thank you for partnering with us on your child’s learning journey.
Educationally yours,
Ms. Leiker
Become an MVP!
If you would like to volunteer in any capacity in which you will be directly responsible for students, such as a field trip, you must sign up through the "My Volunteer Pal" (MVP) Program. The district schedules these trainings, and it is a two-step process.
TWO-STEP SCREENING PROCESS for NEW VOLUNTEERS:
- Attend an MVP training session (see dates below) at either the District office (Center for Academic Achievement) or at any SMSD school. Training sessions will last about an hour.
- Complete the online background screening process. Volunteers will be given the link for background screening at the conclusion of the training.
In most cases, applicants will be approved and ready to serve as a MVP volunteer within 48-72 hours after completion of the online screening. Once screened, volunteers will not need to renew for 5 years.
Class Fall Parties
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0C4BA4AA2DA1F85-ptavolunteer
SMSD Legislative Corner
The Shawnee Mission School Board has four contested seats this fall! SMAC can point you in the right direct with the click of a button to find your local information and to stay informed.
Additional resources are available on the SMSD district website and can quickly connect you to the elected officials working for you! Happy Voting!
Shawnee Mission School Board 2023 Elections
Four races are contested for seats on the Shawnee Mission Board of Education.
- Mario Garcia III and Ronald N. Occhiogrosso are vying for the SM North Area seat being vacated by Sara Goodburn.
- Incumbent SM South area member Jessica Hembree faces a challenge from Mark Tallent.
- Incumbent SM Northwest area board member Jamie Borgman faces a challenge from Lynn McLarty.
- David H. Westbrook and Logan Austin face off in November for the at-large seat being vacated by Brad Stratton.
SFT Office Reminders
Please review these helpful reminders from the SFT Office to keep the school days running smoothly.
*Attendance Reminder*
- Please call the school by 8:30 am to report your child’s absence or late arrival.
- The Attendance Line is available 24/7 at 913-993-5088.
- You may also e-mail brigettejones@smsd.org to report an absence.
- This number applies to ANY and ALL absences.
- It is not necessary to call the nurse unless you have a specific question about your child.
Removing Students Early
These procedures ensure the minimum number of interruptions and maximum amount of valuable classroom time for your student.
- Only parents/guardians are permitted to take students out of school during the school day. If you would like your child released to anyone else, arrangements must be made with the office.
- If you know in advance that you will be taking your child out during the school day, it is helpful to send a notice to the classroom teacher.
- When you need to take your child out of school during regular school hours, remember to come to the building intercom system or call the office (993-5000) to check out your student.
- If you let us know ahead of time about the appointment, just call when you pull up out front and we will send the student out to you.
- This is also how you check a student in after 8:20 am or when they return from an appointment.
- Please bring an appointment note from the doctor/dentist/specialist’s office when you bring them back to school or the send it the next day if they are leaving early for the appointment.
Excusable reasons for absence from class in all Shawnee Mission Schools include:
- Personal illness (doctor/dental/medical appointments). The school may, with notice to the parent, require verification from a physician of absences due to reasons of health.
- Serious illness or death of a member of the family.
- Religious observances of the student’s own faith.
- Emergency situation requiring immediate action.
- Participation in a Kansas State High School Activities Association activity, a district-approved function, or a school-sponsored activity.
- An absence that has been requested in writing and approved in advance by the building administration.
Photographs
You do not have permission to come into the school or on the property and take pictures of any child except your own unless it is for our yearbook. Please Do Not Post or Share Pictures of our students on websites or social media! Some parents have chosen not to provide a photo release for their students. Please be respectful of all of our parents/guardians preferences.
Clothing Reminder
Recess is an integral part of the school day and proper outdoor clothing is essential. Please see that your child is prepared for abrupt weather changes at times of the year when the weather may take a sudden turn for the worse.
- A jacket is often needed in the mornings as fall approaches. Please put student names on outdoor wear.
- For safety reasons, we ask that each child wear gym shoes during physical education classes.
- No flips flops, slides, platform shoes, sandals or shoes that do not fit snugly to the foot are to be worn to school. This rule is in place as a safety precaution for your children. Students need appropriate footwear for recess each day.
SFT Social Worker: Rebecca's Resources
Parents/Guardians & Educators! If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 immediately. If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the crisis text line.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Additional resources included below.
Recognize an SFT Employee!
Do you want to recognize a fabulous SFT employee?! An "All Star" Review Committee meets monthly to review and complete the selection process for submissions in advance of the Shawnee Mission Board of Education meetings. It's easy! Fill out the form at the link below and show the district that SFT staff are the best! The form includes basic information about the employee and three questions.
Art Room Volunteers
SMAC Clothing Exchange
Every PTA in the Shawnee Mission School District supports the SMAC Clothing Exchange through annual dues and providing volunteers. Because of this collaboration, the Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Clothing Exchange is able to offer gently used clothing and shoes from infant to adult sizes for families who live within the SMSD boundaries for FREE. All are welcome! Full schedule and details located in flyer link below.
Did you know the Clothing Exchange also offers an Underwear and Socks Program? Each child enrolled in the Shawnee Mission School District can receive 5 new pairs underwear and socks each semester. Proof of enrollment is required and can be provided through a Skyward account on phone, letter from the school, or student ID card.
Each elementary school PTA provides volunteers annually. SFT is scheduled for spring. However, volunteers are always welcome!
SFT Calendar
2023
September 15 --> No School K-6 Teacher Professional Development
September 22 --> SFT Night at SMN Football Stadium 6 pm
October 6 --> Fun Run!
October 11 --> Why Cook Wednesday: Chipotle Mission 4-8 pm
October 12 --> No School K-6 Teacher Professional Development
October 13 --> No School K-6 & End of First Quarter
October 20 --> No School K-6 Conferences
November 15 --> General PTA Meeting SFT Library 6:00 pm
2024
February 21 --> General PTA Meeting SFT Library 6:00 pm
April 10 --> General PTA Meeting SFT Library 6:00 pm
