August 10, 2026
Online Verification • Student Fees • Free or Reduced Lunch
Forms for the 2026-2027 school year are now online, and need to be reviewed and signed with an electronic signature. Students cannot be assigned a computer/device until forms are complete. To get started, visit smsd.org and click on “Skyward" in the top navigation. Here are more detailed instructions.
Families must apply annually for meal benefits. Here's everything you need to get started.
Support our students • Family Directory • 26-27 Yearbooks
Joining the PTA means a one-time donation for programs for our students, gaining access to the school directory, and allowing us to communicate directly with you about upcoming events and initiatives. If volunteering is your thing, we’d love to have you!
Click Here to complete or update your school directory information, join the PTA, and purchase your 26-27 yearbook.
Briarwood Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope each of our Bulldog families had an amazing summer break! I had an awesome summer spending time with my wife Kodi and our three boys (Drew-12th Grade at SM East, Chuck -9th Grade at SM East, Brody - 8th Grade at Indian Hills). Kodi and I stayed busy taking our boys to their activities and attending their sporting events. We took a family vacation to San Diego and had a blast spending time at the beach and enjoying the great food and weather! We also enjoyed spending time at the pool, reading, exercising, and taking our two goldendoodles for walks.
The Briarwood staff and I are super excited to welcome back students and families today at Popsicle Pop-In! School season is here, and it is an exciting time in the Shawnee Mission School District and in Bulldog Nation! The theme for the SMSD District this school year is Building Tomorrow Together. I encourage you to watch the video below to learn more about what inspires and drives our work as educators.
Building Tomorrow Together Video Link
With the start of a new school year comes excitement, anxiousness and hope for a great year ahead! Briarwood is a community that fuels a passion for learning while educating all students to achieve their full potential. As principal, I encourage all our students, families and staff to Dream Big as we build tomorrow together and make this the best school year ever!
iPad Carts/Expectations
As part of the SMSD technology refresh for 2026, our district was able to purchase iPad carts for all schools kindergarten through sixth grade. Now with the ability to safely store and charge student devices at school, iPads will not be sent home each night. iPads should be inaccessible or returned to the iPad cart when not in use during the school day. iPads are an instructional resource to support intentional and purposeful learning. Teachers may choose to send iPads home with students for a specific instructional purpose to enhance learning. Guardians will be notified in advance if iPads are being sent home and will also be informed of the specific learning goal to be achieved by use of the technology.
Personal Communication Devices
On Monday, July 20, 2026, Shawnee Mission Board of Education approved changes to Board Policy JCDC legally required of all Kansas school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. Click here to read Board Policy JCDC.
Kansas law prohibits students from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices — including, but not limited to, personal cell phones, tablets, computers, smart watches, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging devices, or personal digital assistants — during the school day. "School day" is defined as the time from the first bell at 8:10 am until the last bell at 3:10 pm. The expectation is students turn off all electronic devices and store them in their backpacks before entering the building. Once in the classroom, backpacks must be stored in the designated cubby area.
The law further requires that all personal electronic communication devices be turned off and securely stored away from the student's person in an inaccessible location during the school day. Students may store their electronic devices in their backpack but they must be turned off and inaccessible.
If school staff observe a student using or accessing a personal device in violation of Policy JCDC, the student will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the discipline matrix. Click here to view the discipline matrix. The legislation does provide limited exceptions for students whose device use is required as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or documented medical necessity approved by a licensed physician. Please reach out to your child's school office with any questions regarding allowable exceptions.
We understand this represents an adjustment for students and families, but it is important to note that these changes are being implemented to follow state law. We appreciate your partnership in helping students adjust to this new expectation. Updated handbook language reflecting Policy JCDC is available in the student handbook link below.
Betty Rae's Giveback Partner Night • 8/19 • 5-9PM
Join us at the Betty Rae's on 95th and Nall between 5-9 pm on Wednesday, August 19th. A portion of the proceeds will support our school!
PTA Meeting • 8/19 • 7:00PM • Zoom
Join us Wednesday, August 19th at 7:00 p.m. *Updated Date* Learn about upcoming PTA events, fundraisers, how to get involved – and vote on the 2026-2027 budget.
Culver's Giveback Partner Night • 9/1 • 5-8PM
Order from Culver's on StateLine between 5-8 pm on Tuesday, September 1st. Mention Briarwood when you place your order, and a portion of the proceeds support Briarwood!
Join the PTA
Joining the PTA is a one-time donation for programs for our students, plus access to the school directory! If volunteering is your thing, we’d love to have you.
Sign up to be a Room Parent
9/4 at 10am: Help at the SMSD Clothing Exchange
The exchange is a free service for residents within the district boundaries, offering gently used clothing for all ages, plus new socks and underwear for SMSD students. Email Allison: allisonjstedman@gmail.com
Great Reads
Many kids might be feeling anxious about going back to school after a long summer break. Others may feel nervous about starting school for the first time. Parents/guardians can help ease the transition back to school by being able to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety and implementing some creative strategies.
