North News October 13, 2025

Shawnee Mission North High School

Office Hours 7AM - 3:30PM

913-993-6900

Attendance Hotline (24 hours)

913-993-6945

Website: https://smnorth.smsd.org/
Location: 7401 Johnson Drive, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-993-6900
Twitter: @SM_NORTH_HS

October

10/15 - District Night Event for Parents Conferences

10/17 - Parent Conferences - No School

North Community,

Our first quarter for the 2025-2026 school year is in the books! I am proud of our students and the progress they have made during this first quarter. I am also thankful for our incredible staff, who work hard to ensure success for our students.

This week is another four-day week, with Parent-Teacher conferences taking place on Wednesday night from 5-8 p.m. and all day on Friday. We will run a block schedule all week, with odd classes on Monday and Wednesday, and even classes on Tuesday and Thursday.

We will have a detailed data report in next week’s newsletter with updated information from the 1st quarter. We are making solid progress on our goals this year, and we are hoping to keep our momentum going!

Incentive Seminar

This year, we are using quarterly data to initiate an incentive pass during Tuesday seminar for students who have earned it. The criteria for earning an incentive pass will include the following:

Less than 5 absences (or less than 20 class periods) not connected to a school activity.
A’s and B’s for the quarter
No discipline referrals

We will run this report on 10/15 so staff members have time to update gradebooks in Canvas/Skyward. We are hoping to initiate the plan on 10/21. Students who earn the incentive pass will have the opportunity to be in the cafeteria or Rose Garden (weather permitting) on Tuesdays during seminar. Students who have earned the incentive pass can still be requested for intervention from a teacher if needed. Data will be re-evaluated at the end of each quarter/semester. Students can earn an incentive pass each quarter.

Thursday Night Football Game-Events

We will host our final home football game of the season on Thursday vs. Lawrence High School. It is a big evening of events, with Senior Night, a Pink Out theme, and the light show from the marching band at the end of the game.

Thursday Night Football Game-Safety and Security

As we approach our last home game, I wanted to remind all patrons that outside food or drink is not permitted at the games. Additionally, there is no re-entry into the game once you leave, and we will be encouraging people to keep the concourse area clear and watch the game. Finally, this is a friendly reminder that student backpacks are not permitted in the stadium.

Fall Cultural Connections

The SMSD is hosting a Fall Cultural Connections event at the CAA on 10/29/25. Details are in the following link.

Let’s have a great week! Go Bison! WE ARE NORTH!!!

Staff Member of the Week- Our award winner this week is Pat McLaughlin. His nominator said “Pat is the not only the building sub but also one of the most positive people at North. I am not sure if he has ever had a bad day. The kids love to have him in class and he just celebrated his 60th birthday!”

- Students of the Week
  - Elite of North- . Our award winner this week is Bryson McConeghey His nominator said “Bryson works incredibly hard to excel in all he does -- essays, advanced math classes, test prep, and much more! Plus, he does all of it with a positive and humble attitude.”
  - Heart of North- Our award winner this week is Gautham Padmakumar. His nominator said “Gautham has formed a great working relationship with a new student in class. He is patient, kind and really helpful - making sure the new student understands the work.”
  - I am North- Our award winner this week is Brooklynn Macan. Her nominator said “Brooklyn is a ray of sunshine in class. She works hard to be the best version of herself academically. She is also polite to all her teachers as well as her classmates. She is involved at North and is helping to make the Brickhouse the best SMSD high school!”

Gautham Padmakumar

Bryson McConeghey

Brooklynn Macan

Staff Conference Dinner

PTSA is providing dinner for the SM North Staff for conference night on Wednesday, October 14th and we need your help with donations of items and time. Please sign up to bring items on the SignUpGenius or give a monetary donation and we will do the shopping for you. Thank you for helping PTSA support our amazing North staff!

SignUpGenuis:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849AFA92BA4FA7-58944089-copy

Monetary Donation Link:

https://smnorthptsa.givebacks.com/shop/items/945113

Bus Registration Needed

BUS REGISTRATION NEEDED Starting the week of September 29th , DS Bus Lines will implement roster checks to verify registered riders receiving transportation services. Starting October 13th , any student riders not yet registered for transportation, please note that parents will be contacted by the school to arrange alternative (parent provided) transportation. To register students for transportation, go to DS Bus Lines registration link: https://dsbuslinessm.revtrak.net. To reach DS Bus Lines call 913-384-1190. You can find SMSD transportation information @ www.smsd.org/families/transportation. Please sign up to receive late bus notifications: https://my.textcaster.com/asa/2795

SE NECESITA REGISTRO DE AUTOBÚS A partir del 29 de septiembre, DS Bus Lines implementará verificaciones de la lista para verificar que los pasajeros registrados reciben servicios de transporte. A partir del 13 de Octubre los estudiantes que aún no se hayan registrado para el transporte, tenga en cuenta que la escuela se comunicará con los padres para organizar un transporte alternativo (proporcionado por los padres). Para inscribir a los estudiantes para el transporte, vaya al enlace de inscripción de DS Bus Lines en: https://dsbuslinessm.revtrak.net. Para comunicarse con las líneas de autobús DS, llame al 913-384-1190. Puede encontrar información de transporte de SMSD en: www.smsd.org/families/transportation. Este es el enlace para la aplicación de text: https://my.textcaster.com/asa/2795

PTA Reflections Contest.

Late Start Thursdays

If you have a student that comes to North early on late start Thursdays, we are advising you to have a conversation with them about going (or not going) to the nearby QuickTrip and Target. Both business’ have reached out to our resource officers and administrators notifying us that they are seeing an abundance of shoplifting by SMN students on Thursday mornings. The business’ informed us that they will begin to charge students for shoplifting from now on. Be advised and please inform your student that if they walk over to QuickTrip (or Target) on late start Thursday’s that they need to purchase any items that they desire.

Thank you. -SMN Administration and Resource Officers

We will be completing the yearly vision screenings on October 27.

Our 10th graders will have their vision screened by our community partners the Lions club.

If you do not want your students screened you must contact Nurse Kelly prior to that date.

Results will be shared with parents if your student does not pass the screening.

Thank you again, for sharing your students with us!

Parent-Teacher Conferences – 1st Quarter

As we conclude the first quarter, Shawnee Mission North will offer two opportunities for families to connect with teachers regarding student progress.

1. Walk-In Conferences

Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Format: Walk-in (no appointment necessary)
Note: Please bring your student’s class schedule or be prepared to access it via Skyward.

2. Scheduled Conferences

Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 7:40 AM – 3:00 PM
Format: By appointment only (10-minute time slots)

3. Student Services Educational Opportunities

FAFSA Night w/ JCCC Financial Aid Staff

When: October 15th 5:30-8pm
Location: Cafeteria
Sessions will be drop-in for questions and assistance as needed.
Spanish interpreters available

Postsecondary Information - English and Spanish options available

Open to families of students in any grade level
When: Begins at 6pm and will last approximately 30 minutes
Location: TBD

We encourage all families to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to support their student’s academic success.

For Friday, parents will schedule conferences through Skyward. Directions on how to do this are included here.

Directions to Sign Up:

1. Log into your parent account in Skyward. https://skyward.smsd.org/

2. Click on “Conferences” on the left hand navigation

3. Click on “All Conferences”

4. Click on “Select a Time” for the class you would like to schedule a conference for

5. Find the time slot that works for you to have the conference and click “Select” and then “Save”

6. You will repeat this process for each teacher/class that you would like to schedule.

7. You will then receive an email receipt for each time slot you select for your student.

8. WebEx conferences can be scheduled by corresponding with your student’s teacher(s).

Purpose of Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Our conferences are designed to foster meaningful and constructive dialogue between parents, students, and teachers, with the shared goal of supporting each student’s success at Shawnee Mission North.

We kindly ask that students attend conferences alongside their parents or guardians. If your student is unable to attend, please take time to speak with them beforehand to gather insight into their experience in each class. This will help ensure that your conversations with teachers are informed and productive.

Additional Support During Conferences

NJROTC and National Honor Society (NHS) members will be stationed throughout Shawnee Mission North to assist in guiding parents and visitors to the appropriate locations.

Spanish-speaking interpreters will be available on both days to support families as needed. If Spanish-speaking parents require assistance scheduling conferences through Skyward, please contact Viviana Sanmiguel at 913-993-6920 for support.

Thank you,

SMN Administration

_________________________

Spanish Version

Padres y Guardianes.

Conferencias de padres y profesores, del primer trimestre.

Al concluir el primer trimestre, Shawnee Mission North ofrecerá dos oportunidades para que las familias se conecten con los profesores con respecto al progreso de los estudiantes.

1. Conferencias sin cita previa

Fecha: Miércoles, Octubre 15
Hora: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Formato: Entre sin cita previa
Nota: Por favor traiga el horario de clases de su estudiante o prepárese para acceder a través de Skyward.

2. Horarios de Conferencias

3. FAFSA Noche con/JCCC Personal Ayuda Financiera

Cuando: Octubre 15 a las 5:30-8:00 PM

De cualqui

Las sesiones serán sin cita previa para preguntas y asistencia según sea necesario

Interpretes de Español estarán disponibles

4. Información y Opciones serán disponibles en Inglés y Español

Abierto a familias de estudiantes en cualquier nivel de grado

Cuándo: Comienza a las 6 pm y tendrá una duración aproximada de 30 minuto

Ubicación: Por determinar

Alentamos a todas las familias para aprovechar estas valiosas oportunidades para apoyar el éxito académico de sus estudiantes.

Para el Viernes, los padres programan reuniones a través de Skyward. Las instrucciones para hacerlo se incluyen aquí.

Instrucciones para registrarse:

1. Inicie sesión en su cuenta de padre en Skyward. https://skyward.smsd.org/

2. Haga clic en ¨Conferencias¨en el panel de navegación de la izquierda.

3. Haga clic en ¨Todas las Conferencias¨

4. Haga clic en ¨Seleccionar una hora¨para la clase que desea programar una conferencia.

5. Encuentra el horario que te convenga para tener la conferencia y haz clic en ¨Seleccionar y luego Guardar¨

6. Repetirá este proceso para cada profesor/clase que quieras programar.

7. Luego recibirás un recibo por correo electrónico por cada espacio que selecciones para tu estudiante.

8. Las conferencias de WebEx se pueden programar comunicándose con cada profesor de su estudiante.

Propósito de las conferencias de padres, profesores y estudiantes

Nuestras conferencias están diseñadas para fomentar un diálogo significativo y constructivo entre padres, estudiantes y profesores, con el objetivo de compartir y apoyar el éxito de cada estudiante en Shawnee Mission North.

Solicitamos a los estudiantes que asistan a las reuniones junto con sus padres o profesores. Si su estudiante no puede asistir, por favor, tómese el tiempo para hablar con él para conocer su experiencia en cada clase. Esto ayudará a garantizar que sus conversaciones con los profesores sean informadas y productivas.

Apoyo adicional durante las conferencias

Los miembros de NJROTC y de la sociedad [HNS] estarán ubicados en todo Shawnee Mission North para ayudar a guiar a los padres y visitantes en la ubicación adecuada.

Habrá intérpretes disponibles ambos días para apoyar a las familias según sea necesario. Si los padres necesitan ayuda para programas a través de Skyward, por favor contacten a Viviana Sanmiguel al 913-993-6920 para obtener ayuda.

Gracias,

Administración SMN

_________________________

Spanish Version

SM North Football Booster Club is hosting our final tailgate of the season, and we’re so excited to have the SM North Father’s Club stepping in to help make it happen!

Stop by to grab a burger or brat, hang out, and say hi to our awesome dads!

Did you know the Father’s Club is all about serving and supporting our community? Come by, show some love, and help us celebrate an amazing season together!

We look forward to having your senior celebrated in the 2025 yearbook.

Prices and dates are listed, if you have any questions, please contact yearbook adviser Becky Tate at 913-993-7012 or email her at beckytate@smsd.org. We look forward to having your senior celebrated in the 2025 yearbook.

“Attendance Calls – What You Need to Know

Getting automated calls about your student’s absence, even after reporting it? Here’s why.

Once a student reaches 10 absences, any absence moving forward will be marked unexcused and will result in an automated call unless documentation is provided.

We send two calls daily: one in the late morning and one in the afternoon. If a call is missed, it may be repeated.

You may receive a call if your student:
• Misses one or more periods
• Misses over half a class period
• Misses a full day that is considered unexcused

To excuse your student, please call the Attendance Hotline: 913-993-6945

College Admissions - Rep Visits – 1st Semester Visits

College admissions representatives have started to schedule 1st semester visits with juniors and seniors interested in attending their schools. Students need to be in good standing and have permission from their teachers to attend these meetings. Open the link to sign up. https://forms.gle/Ds6FETjnHFJRjocL7 . Check frequently for any rep visits added throughout the semester. Contact Pam Morris in Student Services with any questions.

This weeks Activities

We will celebrate our coaches and sponsors on Thursday morning at 7:15 am with a celebratory breakfast. If your so inclined please send our coaches or sponsors a note of appreciation.

The varsity boys soccer team is on a roll! The team secured two Sunflower League victories! On Tuesday, they beat SMNW 3-2 in over-time and on Thursday, they beat Olathe Northwest, 3-2. This week they celebrate senior night on Tuesday vs Olathe West and on Thursday they travel to SM East.

The varsity boys football team lost a tough road game to SM East. We look forward to celebrating the senior football team members on Thursday evening at 6:25pm vs Lawrence High. The band seniors will be recognized at half-time and they will follow-up the game with the annual light show.

The varsity volleyball team lost both of their matches this past week - Olathe West and Olathe South. On Tuesday, they celebrated our seniors and their contributions to the program. This week, the team plays Olathe East, SM East and in the Pembroke Hill tournament.

The Cross-Country team will compete in the SFL championships at Rim Rock Park this Saturday. Varsity girls at 9:00 am and varsity boys at 10:00am.

The Girls golf team competes in KSHSAA Regional Golf Championships on Tuesday at Heritage Golf Course.

The Unified Bowling Team kicks off their season Wednesday at Mission Bowl at 3:00pm.

CoreCourseGPA.com now makes it easier than ever to educate your student-athletes and families on various aspects of NCAA/NAIA initial-eligibility and recruiting. Just click on the 1-Minute Recruiting Webinars below:

NCAA Core Course GPA vs Cumulative GPA

What are the NCAA D1 Initial-Eligibility Requirements?

What are the NCAA D2 Initial-Eligibility Requirements?

The Full Ride Scholarship Myth

Scholarship Facts

When Should I Start to Prepare for NCAA Initial-Eligibility

Shouldn't my Counselor Track my NCAA Eligibility Status?

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

Golden Rule of Social Media

3 Rules of Being a Parent of a Student-Athlete

Does the NCAA Accept Online Classes?

What is the NAIA Eligibility Center?

Student-athletes may activate a new CoreCourseGPA.com member account by clicking this link: http://qrly.me/9cn2

The NCAA provides a helpful FAQ for prospective collegiate athletes at https://ncaa.egain.cloud/kb/EligibilityHelp/home.

Click Picture for program

Friends of Shawnee Mission North -
Join us on Monday, October 13 at 6:30pm in the Learning Commons at North for the next meeting of the SMN All-Activities Booster Club. Come learn about upcoming events and share with other members of our school community.
You can earn $$$ for your favorite group at North by attending Booster Club meetings. We offer Attendance Grants to any SMN club, group or team that sends a parent, student, or sponsor/coach to our meetings. If your team or group has a representative attend at least 4 Booster Club meetings a year, we will give your group a $100 grant - attend 6 meetings and receive a $200 grant!

BE A VOLUNTEER!
Assist with SMN Booster Club Spirit Wear Sales - no experience necessary!
Multiple shifts are available for each event. Click on the corresponding link below to learn more and sign-up!

Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Home Football Game
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-59431425-help#/

Thursday, Oct 23 - Hocker Grove Family Engagement Night
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-59431554-help#/

Coach/Sponsor/Advisor Appreciation Breakfast
October is High School Activities Month, and within that, we celebrate National Coaches, Advisors and Sponsors Week. Thus, we are working with the school and the SALT students to provide an appreciation breakfast for all coaches/advisors/sponsors who give so much of their time and talents to the kids. The link below list items we are looking to have donated and times we need volunteers to help work.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EAFA62FABF58-59330342-coachsponsoradvi#/

DID YOU KNOW… Each year the SMN All-Activities Booster Club supports student clubs, groups, and teams by funding grant requests from coaches and club sponsors for expenses that are not funded by the school district? Since our organization began, we have given OVER $250,000 in grants to student organizations & teams at North! We raise funds for our grants through our spirit wear sales, memberships, Annual Trivia Night & Annual Golf Tournament.

At the September Booster Club meeting, we awarded the following grants…
· $726 Weight Room for strength & conditioning bands.
· $1,570 Cross Country for backpacks for varsity. Old backpacks will be passed down to JV.
· $713.49 Student Council for four 10-gallon, custom wrapped, white water jugs for dance and other community events.

DON'T FORGET TO STOCK UP ON NORTH GEAR!!
SHOP 24/7 AT OUR ONLINE STORE…
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/

For SMN Booster Club news & updates find us on...
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=403968853023402
Twitter https://twitter.com/SMNorthBooster

North Pride!
Maureen Kronawitter

Corresponding Secretary/Membership