January 2010— 2010—Published OnOn-line Monthly Shawnee Mission Public Schools East Lancers
Lancer Newsletter Shawnee Mission East High School
51 Years www.smsd.org/schools/smeast
Update and Progress of Professional Learning Communities A Message from your Principal Since we first introduced you to the process of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) in August, we have made considerable strides in implementation. At the present time we feel we are dramatically ahead of schedule. The teacher buy-in to the process has gone well. In several departments we are seeing profound
Key Dates: 12/17
Semester Exam Hour 1, followed by hours 2-7 12/18 Semester Exams Hours 2, 3 Early Dismissal 12/21 Semester Exams Hours 4, 5 Early Dismissal 12/22 Semester Exams Hours 6, 7 Early Dismissal 12/23-1/1 NO SCHOOL, Winter Break 1/4 SCHOOL RESUMES 1/7 College Connection, 7pm 1/8 Last Day to Add New Class 1/14 9th Grade Enrollment Night 1/18 NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Day 1/19 LATE START, 9:40am 1/30 Feast for East 2/6 ACT Test Date 2/2 PTA General Meeting, 7:30pm 2/8 AP Registration Begins 2/9 EARLY DISMIISSAL, 1:10pm 2/11 Parent Teacher Evening Conferences 2/12 NO SCHOOL, Conferences 2/15 NO SCHOOL, President’s Day 2/16 LATE START, 9:40am 2/17 Culver’s Night Fundraiser 2/17 Parent Principal Coffee, 7pm 2/20 Sweetheart Dance, 8-10pm
changes in teacher preparation, which ultimately will result in higher levels of achievement by our students.
Systematic Interventions – Do we ensure that all students receive additional time and support for learning when and if it is needed?
In the August Newsletter, we provided you with a brief overview of the PLC process. Based on sound statistical data, PLCs focus on student learning as the priority instead of simple content coverage and teaching strategies (though both of these are part of the process). As a reminder, PLCs have the following characteristics and goals:
Focus on Results – are the results of assessments used to adjust the instruction of individual students? How?
The pre-service days of staff development provided us with the time to begin sharing information on PLCs with our teaching staff. The first order of business was to determine the content areas where PLCs were Common mission, vision, values, going to be formed. Generally, PLCs are made up of 2-4 teachers who and goals teach the same courses. Some Collaborative culture courses are what we call “singletons” Collective Inquiry – that is, only one teacher in the Action Orientation building teaches a particular course. Continuous Improvement These teachers were grouped to Focus on Results gether with their colleagues at the Goals other four high schools in the district. Mission – Is it evident that learning Once the PLC groups were formed, for all is our core purpose? time was spent developing group Collective Vision – Do we know norms. It is essential throughout the what we are trying to create? process that groups work in a posiShared Values – How must we be- tive and cohesive manner. This rehave to advance our vision? quired each group to come up with their own set of norms and guidelines Goals – What are our priorities? to maintain focus and direction. How do we know? Without question, our PLC groups Communication – How do we share have embraced this section of the what is important? process. The success of the PLC Clarity – What must students know, process hinges on the staff ability to adhere to the norms established in think and be able to do? each group. Since most of our teachAssessment – Have students learned ers teach more than one subject (but the essential curriculum? How do can only serve on one main PLC), we we know? (Continued on page 2)
(Continued from page 1)
have allowed teachers to act informally with other PLC groups in subject areas taught by any one teacher. On October 5, during our full-day staff development, each PLC had the opportunity to watch colleagues from the respective five high schools demonstrating effective group practice on public television. Our Chemistry I PLC group made up of Jeremy Higgins, Andy Sandoy, Steve Appier, and Cole Ogden presented on a common assessment they administered to their Chemistry I students. Once administered, the four teachers compiled some useful statistics to analyze student performances. From the discrepancies seen in student performance, the teachers then visited about how they taught the various components of the exam. From the shared experiences, the teachers were able to learn from each other what works best in helping students learn the content. This type of collaboration is at the root of what PLCs are all about. During the remainder of this school year, teachers will continue to undergo training in the PLC process. The eventual goal is to foster a climate of collaboration between all teachers who teach similar courses. In the end this will enhance the opportunity for all students to achieve at a much higher level. Look for continuing news and updates on PLCs as the year progresses. Karl R. Krawitz, Ed.D Principal
Upcoming SME Performances Choir Events February 4,5,6 Footloose SME Auditorium March 5 Masterworks Concert (Choraliers) Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral March 9 District Choral Festival (Choraliers) March 13 – 20 Choraliers European trip April 5 Pre-Festival Choir Concert (no Freshman) May 12 Spring Concert SME Auditorium May 16 Choir Banquet Theater Events 1/8 Frequent Friday production by Jack Hawkings at 3pm, the Little Theatre 1/15 Frequent Friday production by Cara Rivers at 3pm, the Little Theatre 1/22 Frequent Friday production by Hannah Copeland at 3pm, the Little Theatre 2/4-2/6 Footloose at 7pm, Dan Zollars Auditorium 2/6 Footloose at 2pm, Dan Zollars Auditorium
Band Events 2/9 Jazz Band Concert, 7pm 2/23 Band Concert, 7pm 3/31 District Band Concert, 7pm
Orchestra Events 3/10 Collage Concert 7 pm 4/6 SM District Large Ensemble Festival (Symphony Orchestra) 7 pm at SM South 4/8 Ensemble Festival at Blue Valley Northwest 4/24 Solo Festival at SM East 4/27 Spring Fling; East Orchestra Festival at 7 pm in Gym If you know of a performance that should be included in this feature, please contact Joan Beahm at jmbeahm@hotmail.com or 913-341-3725.
SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 2
screening, Count Your Kid In (CYKI), at 993-2600. Parents may contact their neighborhood school Transfer applications are due to the principal for information about the Kschool office by February 1, 2010 for 21 early intervention processes. the 2010-2011 school year. Students currently on transfer do not need to Spring Conferencescomplete a renewal if they are staying February 11-12 in the same building. If a student is Conferences will be held at SME on matriculating to the next grade level Thursday evening from 4:30-6:30 at a different school, a new transfer p.m. and all-day on Friday. (There request must be completed. will be a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. Out of district tuition applications are -12:30 p.m., so please do not plan on visiting your child’s teacher during also due on February 1, 2010. that time.)
Transfer Application Deadline
Parking Changes
Mark you calendars for a great After Graduation Party immediately following Commencement May 17. 17 Plans are still in the works and the details will be announced soon. If you would like to be on the team that plans the event please contact Sara Stauffer sstauffer@kc.rr.com
Visitor parking has moved and is now “Lose the Training teers devoted totally to that camper's located closer to the main entrance, Wheels” Program on the circle drive. We ask all visitors JCCC will be host- learning. to the building to come in via the ing the 3rd Annual Those interested need to e-mail main entrance and sign in before vis“Lose the Training dkrug@jccc.edu for a Camper Appliiting any other parts of the building. Wheels” Bike cation Form. The camp will fill! The doors to the counseling entrance Camp during Do not wait to enroll!! at the front circle will be locked beSpring Break 2010 Click on the link below to view a ginning second semester. (March 15 - 19) on the JCCC camLose the Training Wheels Camp: pus. This wonderful program uses Locker Room Security specially-designed bikes to teach dis- www.youtube.com/watch? We've had several inciabled kids (and adults) how to ride a v=sswZ_I6yuxQ dents of items being storegular bike without the use of trainlen or turning up missing ing wheels. The individuals who par- Little Lancer Cheer from the locker room. Clinic ticipate in the program have a wide Please remind your son range of challenges - Down SynShawnee Mission or daughter to secure their drome, Asperger's Syndrome, AuEast "Little belongings in the locker. If a theft tism, etc. Lancer" Cheer does occur, please refer your child to Clinic - The We expect this camp to fill to capacour SRO or the campus police. Shawnee Mission ity as it has in past years. The parEast "Little Public Notice on Child ticipant will need to come to the Lancer" Cheer Find JCCC Campus each day, March 15Clinic will be held on Saturday, JanuThe Shawnee Mission School District 19, for about a 90-minute session. ary 16, 2010 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in is required to find children who are in They will work with specific volunneed of special education services SME Newsletter Publication Guidelines and provide a free, appropriate, public education for these students. Child •The SME Lancer Newsletter is published monthly (electronically) during find in Kansas involves a screening the school year except for a combined November/December edition. process for children from birth to age •Deadline for submissions is the 1st Friday of each month with newsletter 5, and a general education intervendistribution occurring on the last Friday of the month. tion process for children from kinder- •Submissions in Word are preferable. You may also send articles in other garten through age 21. Schools in word processing formats or graphically as a pdf or jpeg. Electronic conjunction with parents use these submissions are best, but hard copy material can be placed in the processes to locate, evaluate, and “Newsletter” folder located in the PTA mailbox. identify children who may need spe•Your submissions may be edited due to space considerations. cial education services and supports. •Questions? Contact Heather Royce, SME Associate Principal at 993Parents may call the Shawnee Mis6600, earoyce@smsd.org; or Joan Beahm, PTA Newsletter Editor at sion Instructional Support Center for 341-3725, jmbeahm@hotmail.com. information about the early childhood SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 3
the SME Gym. This clinic is for all Kindergarten through 8th grade students! Participants will have the opportunity to cheers with the SME Cheerleaders during half-time of the January 21 SME Girl's Varsity Basketball Game. All participants will learn chants, cheers, and jumps. Each child will receive an SME Cheer tshirt, poster and snacks! An individual from each grade level group will be chosen in each group to receive a "Spirit Award." Registration fees are $30.00 per child. Advanced registration is recommended but walk-in registrations will be accepted. For more information, please contact Kelly Chapman, SME Cheer sponsor, at 993-6801 or at kellychapman@smsd.org.
SHARE News SHARE has lots of events planned in January and February. Please check our web-site, www.smeshare.org for details. In January, Freshman Connection will be making baby blankets for Children's Mercy Hospital and we'll be doing a SuperBowl of Caring food drive for The Village Food Pantry in conjunction with The Kansas City Chiefs. The children our A Chance to Dance project have been working with will perform at the January 21 basketball game half-time. In February, our Annual Blood Drive is planned for the 25th and the Downs Syndrome Dance will be held on February 10.
SME Choirbooster News The following students participated in the Northeast KMEA District Choir on December 5 : Sydney Henley, Jake Parelman, William Carey, Kristina Grandon, John Meyer, and Ashley Guerricagoitia. Congratulations ! Upcoming Choirbooster meetings for second semester are: Wednesday January 27 @ 7 PM in Choir Room Monday, March 1 @ 7 PM in Choir Room Wednesday, April 21 @ 7 PM in Choir room
Theatre News Don’t miss the SME musical production, Footloose, on February 4, 5, and 6 at 7:00 p.m. and February 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dan Zollars Auditorium. The cast is directed by Brian Cappello, with technical direction by Tom DeFeo. Admission for the play is $7; $5 for students with ID; and free for SME students in theatre classes (with SME ID). Tickets will be February 1 - 5 on the south ramp during lunch. Frequent Friday productions will be presented January 8 by director Jack Hawkings, January 15 by director Cara Rivers and January 22 by director Hannah Copeland at 3:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Our next Theatre Boosters meeting will be January 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. All families of students interested in theatre are encouraged to attend. At the meeting you will hear all about Footloose – the Theatre department’s spring musical scheduled for February 4, 5 and 6; get your questions answered; and have the opportunity to volunteer. If you’d like to join Theatre Boosters, please contact Pat Latshaw at platshaw@kc.rr.com or 341-5725. Information is also available at www.smetheatreboosters.org.
Hello Senior Parents! We are in the process of designing the senior ads. ads A link to the database with the complete list can be found on the school website. We are designing the ads in alphabetical order, and you will be receiving a call to proof your ad once it’s completed. We should be almost done with the senior ads in March, but feel free to call us or e-mail us if you haven’t heard from the yearbook staff by late February. Contact us at: hauberkads@gmail.com OR 913-993-6688 SME Newsletter - January 2010
(ContinuedPage on page 4 5)
Pet Connection in Mission always needs more volunteers. Please contact us if your child is interested. We have both Freshman and Upper Classmen Pet Connection groups.
A variety of volunteer services qualify. Fundraising for community services and faith – based service can be included. Activities must be unpaid. Travel time and actual work time on volunteer trips counts.
Be sure to save the date for our annual Garage Sale on April 10
The following do not qualify for volunteer service hours: Fund-raising for sports teams, choir, plays, etc., from which the student benefits, Court – ordered community service, Sleeping or entertainment time after you traveled to the volunteer location.
It's never too late to volunteer. Have your student stop by the SHARE office or e-mail me at PatKaufman@smsd.org.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award
This a national program to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding service to their community, nation Forms are available online at smeshare.org. Award apor abroad during the 12 – month period between April 1, plications and log forms may also be picked up outside the SHARE office room 463. 2009 and March 31, 2010.
Both SHARE hours and other volunteer hours conducted Questions? Contact SHARE advisers Pat Kaufman or Lesley Multer at 993-6820 or eamulter@smsd.org or independently may qualify. PTA rep Jan Roach at 649-1981 or LamonFor most SME students, age 15 or older, the awards are: ter@swbell.net. GOLD: 250 or more hours of service All forms are to be returned to the SHARE office SILVER: 175 – 249 hours of service (Attention: Lesley Multer) by April 1, 2010. Also, you BRONZE: 100 – 174 hours of service may email the form to Lamonter@swbell.net or post For those SME students who will not have turned 15 by mark it by April 1, 2010 to April 1, 2010, the awards are as follows: Jan Roach GOLD: 100 or more hours of service 4409 West 82nd Street SILVER: 75 – 99 hours of service Prairie Village, KS 66208-5036 BRONZE: 50 – 74 hours of service
Attention Ladies! Don’t forget to order your BOUTONNIERE For $10 for the Sweetheart Dance! Rose color (circle one):
Red Hot Pink White
Name:__________________________________________________ Grade__________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________ Closest cross street(s)________________________________________________________ Cell number:_____________________ Home Number:________________________
Note: The drill team may need to leave the boutonnière by your front door if nobody is home at time of delivery. I understand this policy! Initials_________ Please contact Mrs. Welter with any questions: 913913-461461-6198 Mail your registration form to: Sara Welter, 4007West 67th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208 SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 5
Counseling Office News— News—www.smecounselor.org Registration for AP Exams Begins Monday February 8, 2010
Enrollment for 2010-2011
January is busy with enrollment for all students attending Shawnee Mission East next year. Parents play a very What is the Advanced Placement Program? The Advanced Placement Program includes college-level important role in this process. Please encourage your student to take advantage of the variety of courses ofcoursework taught within a high school. fered at SM East. Students should keep an eye on preWhich colleges accept AP exam results for college requisites and pay attention to the courses they select as credit? alternates. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit Starting this school year, the district is no longer providand/or advanced placement for qualifying scores. Go to ing each student their own copy of the High School Prowww.collegeboard.com to determine which colleges pargram Planning Guide. The guide will be available onticipate in the AP Program and the scores required for line at the district website (www.smsd.org) under the college credit or advanced standing. On the website, type “Student” tab. We will have hard copies of the booklets a college name in the “College Quickfinder” box, click in the Library and the Counseling Center. The handbook on “AP” in the menu at the top and then scroll down until can be viewed on the Counseling Web Back Site under you have reached the section on AP. the “Documents” tab as well.
Who may take the AP exams?
We are again requesting students get a math recommendation from their teacher before the counselors return to finalize enrollment in 9th-12th Grade English classes. We also request that all parents sign their student’s enrollment card. Please help your student to select his/her courses carefully. This will help avoid schedule change What is the cost and how does a student register for requests in the future. For a variety of reasons it is sometimes impossible to change a schedule once the the exams? courses have been selected. Each exam costs $86.00. Registration starts Monday, February 8th and ends Wednesday, March 10th, 2010. We hope that the enrollment process will provide famiCome to the Counseling Center for the registration form. lies with an opportunity to help their students to evaluate College Board and the State of Kansas provide a reduced their strengths, interests, and goals. All high schools exam fee for families with acute financial need. will have open enrollment next fall and in-district transStudents who have been preparing for the exam by taking the corresponding course may register for and take the exam. Course enrollment is not required for testing but students who have prepared for the exam by taking the course score much higher.
fer paperwork must be turned in to Dr. Chapman’s office by February 1, 2010. The exams are only given over a two-week period of time each year. Administration of each exam is assigned a specific morning or afternoon during those ten days. These assignments are made by The College Board and are fol- Current Grade Level Enrollment lowed nationwide. Below is the schedule. Sessions and Materials Distribution How will students enrolled in AP courses know about the Finalize Enrollment with each student
When are the exams?
exams and registration procedures?
8th Grade Mission Valley The teachers of the AP courses will be distributing copies January 12, 2010 of the AP Bulletin and discussing the exams before regis- January 22 2010 tration begins on Monday, February 8th. Students may 8th Grade Indian Hills listen to daily announcements as well. January 12, 2010 Questions? Additional information about the AP Program January 21, 2010 or exams may be found on www.collegeboard.com and/ Private School Students or by contacting Deanna Griffey, Counselor, at 993-6635 Materials due January 15, 2010 or eagriffe@smsd.org. You can find a the schedule on January 26, 2010 my Web Back Pack at www4.smsd.org/SMECounselors/ html27558.htm. SME Newsletter - January 2010
(Continued on page 7)
Page 6
9th Grade January 11, 2010 January 28-29, 2010 10th Grade January 25, 2010 February 2-3, 2010 11th Grade January 19-20, 2010 February 4-5, 2010
2010 -2011 Concurrent Enrollment Options Simply stated, concurrent enrollment means a student, grades 10 – 12, enrolled in a high level high school class has the option to enroll and pay tuition at Johnson County Community College or Baker University and earn college credit.
The list of high school classes offered for concurrent enrollment is on page 65 of the Program of Studies. The guide is available on line at SMSD.org. Click on the StuCollege Goal Sunday, February 21, dents drop down box, and from that page click Program 2010—2:00-4:00 p.m. of Studies. From that page you can select Program of No matter whether your child plans to attend a traditional Studies 2010 - 2011. college, community college, or vocational or trade The state schools in Kansas accept JCCC and Baker school, high school seniors and their parents receive free Credit earned through concurrent enrollment. Although advice on filling out financial aid forms at College Goal many colleges accept college credit earned through conSunday. Financial Aid Counselors will be available to current enrollment, some do not. It is wise to consider help you apply for a Department of Education Pin and/or where the student plans to attend college and contact the complete your 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal admissions office to see if they will accept college credits Student Aid (FAFSA). earned in this manner. The good news is that college Attend for a chance to win a $500 scholarship. College credit earned in this manner is an economical purchase Goal Sunday will be held at the JCCC Success Center, when compared to the cost of attending a four-year col2nd Floor, Student Center Building, 12345 College lege. The limit of College Now hours that can be earned Boulevard. For more information, take a look at is 24, so students should be judicious in their decision www.CollegeGoal.org. making.
Semester Grade Cards
College Now
First semester grade cards will be mailed out on January 8, 2010. If your son/daughter is struggling in a class, please encourage them to utilize their seminar time to work with their teachers. Teachers are available before and after school as well.
With the exception of American Government Honors and Physics Honors all the courses listed on page 65 of the Program Planning Guide are offered for college credit through the College Now Program at Johnson County Community College. All pertinent information about College Now can be accessed online. Google JCCC. On the home page search for “College Now.” The list of Shawnee Mission East courses can be accessed by selecting College Now course – academic from the left column. Classroom instructors will talk to students about College Now options when classes begins next fall. Enrollment materials are available in the counseling office.
East also offers a couple of tutoring opportunities after school. Our East for Excellence provides tutoring with staff members after school in Room 503 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A late bus is available on Wednesday and Thursday. The National Honor Society provides peer tutoring after school in the Library on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. The Counseling Office can also provide you a list of paid adult tutors.
Quick Step Plus
Last year Johnson County Community College began offering College Algebra credit as a concurrent enrollment option for the Shawnee Mission East course ColEnrollment for next year The counseling office will enroll all students for 2010 – lege Prep Math. Information about this concurrent enrollment option can be found on the internet. On the 2011 this month. JCCC homepage search for “Quick Step Plus” to access If your son/daughter is planning to take honors classes as this information. The College Prep Math instructors will a sophomore, junior, or senior this is a good time to con- talk to their students about the Quick Step Plus program. sider how your family can save some money. Some of the classes we offer are also available for college credit. Keep reading to see how these programs work.
SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 7
Concurrent Enrollment through Baker University This year Shawnee Mission will be offering concurrent enrollment with Baker University. The two courses that will be offered in this program are American Government Honors and Physics 1 Honors. Mrs. Laura Carter, SME counselor, will talk to the students in these classes and distribute enrollment materials to interested students. Call Mrs. Carter with any questions you have about these programs- 993-6633.
College Planning - Meeting for Parents What: College Planning – Parent Meeting – Designed for parents of Juniors and recommended for any parent of a college bound student. Where: SME Band room (K.U.), Choir room (selective college), and cafeteria (JCCC) When: At 6:30 p.m. on February 24, Wednesday, the Shawnee Mission East Counseling Department will present a college information night to the parents of current juniors. How: You may select two sessions or just one. Each school will present the same information twice. The first session is from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. The second session is from 7:20 – 8:05 p.m.. Details: Representatives from the University of Kansas, Johnson County Community College, and St. Louis University will present information about admission, curriculum and paying for college. Junior year timeline, college entrance testing, college selection, and other topics will be discussed. There will be time for questions and answers. This evening meeting follows the Monday, February 22 meeting with each of the juniors during English class. Students are welcome to attend. Questions: Call the counseling office 993-6630.
PLAN TEST Interpretation Parents and students are invited to attend a PLAN TEST interpretation meeting the evening of January 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Individual test results will be available for those that have not picked up their tests. A brief explanation of the test and results will follow.
News from the Library Media Center SM East has an award-winning author! Senior Phoebe Unterman wrote and illustrated a book entitled Through Eva’s Eyes about her grandmother’s experiences during the Holocaust. Phoebe’s tribute to her grandmother was released in November by Landmark House, a local publishing company. The following month Phoebe presented seminars in the library for Laura Beachy’s Writer’s Workshop classes and James Meara’s Design classes to share her book and discuss the publishing process. January begins a busy time in the library for the seniors as they start preparing for their research paper. All twelfth-grade English classes come to the media center for a PowerPoint on all the resources available, both print and online. If your student has questions, please make sure they check with Mrs. Larson or Mrs. Kurle. The Friends of the Library Committee is ready to roll and plan the Book Drive in March and Used Book Sale in April. A pizza party will be held in mid-January to plan these events. We will be partnering with SHARE to hold a Garage Sale/Used Book Sale on Saturday, April 10. As you begin spring cleaning, you may find books, DVDs, and CDs that you no longer need. Consider donating them to the sale. All the proceeds from the Used Book Sale will go to benefit the library and purchase new materials for our East Library Media Center! If you would like to help with this fun day, please contact Mrs. Larson at ealarson@smsd.org, and we will be in touch! Speaking of gifts, one of the parents in our Lancer community, Joyce Burner, reviews books for School Library Journal. She then gives the titles she receives to our library. In November she donated books worth $1700. to our library media center. Thanks again Joyce for helping us stretch our budget!
Mark Your Calendars!! Journalism/Yearbook Showcase Come check out the behind-the-scenes action for East's nationally-awarded newspaper and yearbook. Meet the staff! See displays of their favorite articles, photographs, graphic design projects, etc.
When: Monday, January 11 7-8:30 p.m. Where: SM East Cafeteria
SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 8
SME PTA SME PTA SME PTA SME PTA SME Nominating Committee Seeking Of- Grants purchase books, computer ficer Candidates accessories The PTA nominating committee has been slated and will be working in January to draft a slate of nominees for the PTA officer positions for the 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested in serving as an officer, please contact Nominating Committee Chair, Sally Dannov. PTA officers make up the PTA Executive Board and include the following positions:
President Elect/Vice President of Administration Vice President of Membership Vice President of Programs Treasurer Corresponding Secretary Recording Secretary
PTA Thank You’s
The PTA Instructional Grants Committee approved four requests in November. These grants are funded by your membership fees and other activities. The requests approved will fund:
Audio books for required reading in the English 11 and English 12 classrooms serving special ed students
A computer software package to create calculus exams to assist students in preparing for AP and other exams
25 microphone headsets for the library
Additional copies of a mythology textbook for the Language Arts department
"The PTA would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Tim Sernett, CPA, of Virtual Bean Counters, for his generous donation of tax preparation services. It is a pleasure to work with community businesses and to enjoy the support of East parents such as Tim."
REFLECTIONS CONTEST 2009-2010 The Reflections theme for the school year 2009-10 is "Beauty is...." The contest includes all class levels, and the categories range from artwork to literature, so almost any medium will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Monday, January 4th, 2010. Please go to http:// www.kansas-pta.org, then click on "Events", and then on "Awards and Contest" under that. There is all the information you need to get your submission ready. A student entry form is also available on the web site, and there is one included in this newsletter, also. You have the month of December, including the break, to polish off your submission, so get to work and turn something in to the PTA box in the main office. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Ellen Murphy, Reflections Chair, at 831-2502.
SME Night At Culver’s Wednesday, February 175:00 to 8:00 p.m. 7953 State Line Road Enjoy a great meal & support SME! Culver’s will donate 10% of all sales during this time to our school. SME Newsletter - January 2010
Future Funding for Education in Danger I mpo rta n t S ME Paren t M ee ti ng Ja nua ry 20 All SME parents are encouraged to attend a special meeting Wednesday, January 20, 7-8 p.m. in the SME library to learn more about what lies ahead for school funding in Shawnee Mission and the state of Kansas. The purpose of this meeting is not to alarm parents, but provide facts about the state and district funding situation and discuss constructive ways to respond to the funding crisis. We will look at how the funding crisis might impact SME and what funding options might be available. Please try to attend and encourage your neighbors to come as well. School funding affects all SM citizens, not just district parents. Speakers will include SME PTA Legislative Liaison, Teresa Throckmorton and SMSD Committee for Excellence leader Fred Logan. District leaders will be on hand as well.
Page 9
Journalism Booster Club Offers Online Photos of SME Events If you've ever forgotten to take your camera to an SME event, don't worry. We've got you covered. The SME student photographers have been busy this year taking photos of all the great activities at East and are posting many of the photos online for purchase at www.smephotos.com. You can browse these photos and see if there are any you'd like to have for yourself. Go to www.smephotos.com and take a look around. If you don't find what you're looking for today, check again, because photos will be added to the site on a regular basis. Any purchase you make from www.smephotos.com supports the award-winning publications and students in the SME Journalism program. Thank you for your support.
Save the Date: Annual East Fund Event Saturday, February 27 Milburn Country Club
Valentine’s Day Carnations Sale Please support the SME Love Fund and send a carnation to students, teachers, or support staff. Not only will the recipients appreciate the gesture, but the money collected will be used to assist qualifying SME students and families who are in need of financial assistance. January 27, 28 and 29 Order forms will be collected during lunch and after school February 10 Recipients will be notified February 11 Carnations will be distributed Volunteers are needed to help with this fun event. To volunteer for a shift or ask questions, please contact Lori Sherk at ljsherk@aol.com or Julie Sykes at sykesfamily@kc.rr.com. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order Form # of Carnations___
@ $1.00 each = $_________
teacher/staff
or student
To___________________ Grade ____ English Teacher _______________ From:__________________________ Phone:_______________________ Message:__________________________________________________________
SME Newsletter - January 2010
Page 11