The West Weekly

8800 W. 85th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66212

http://smwest.smsd.org/

Phone: (913) 993-7800

Fax: (913) 993-8099

Report an Absence: (913) 993-7845

Main Office – 993-7800

Student Services Office – 993-7830

Attendance Hotline – 993-7845 Please call this number to report an absence

Spanish Interpreter – 993-7840

Oficina Principal – 993-7800

Oficina de Los Consejeros – 993-7830

Línea de Asistencia 24 horas al día – 993-7845 Por favor,

Intérprete de español – 993-7840

You can leave a message at anytime. Staff listens to messages and processes them in the order that they are received, so it is suggested to allow at least 30 minutes of time before you need your student released. Students need to stay in their class until the pass is delivered to them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Asistencia

Gracias por llamar a la línea directa de asistencia al 993-7845 para informar una ausencia.

Puede dejar un mensaje en cualquier momento. El personal escucha los mensajes y los procesa en el orden en que se reciben, por lo que se sugiere llamar con anticipación y permitir al menos con 30 minutos para que su estudiante pueda salir. Los estudiantes deben permanecer en su clase hasta que se les entregue el pase.

Below you will find an image of our Bell Schedule.

-Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 7:40am-2:40pm school day.

-Thursdays are Late Start Thursdays 8:40-2:40 school day. (BEGINNING ON AUG. 20th)

Busses run normally on late start days - there is no change in the pick up times on late start days.

Students will arrive to school and will be directed to go to the bridge, the gym or the cafeteria until the 8:30 bell rings. All students will then be released to their 2nd block classes that will begin at 8:40am.

Aug. 24 - Meet the Coach Night - All student athletes in Fall, Winter and Spring Sports should attend

Sept. 7 - NO SCHOOL LABOR DAY

Sept. 14 - PTSA Meeting 6:30 pm - SM West Library

Sept. 18 - NO SCHOOL for students - Teacher Professional Development Day

Oct. 1 - Homecoming Parade 1:30pm

Oct. 2 - Homecoming Game

Oct. 3 - Homecoming Dance

Oct. 9 - NO SCHOOL for students - Teacher Work Day (End of 1st Qtr)

Oct. 14 - Evening Conferences

Oct. 16 - NO SCHOOL for students - Conferences

Our SM West calendar is linked in the smswest.smsd.org website under "Calendar."

All student athletes and families should plan to attend the mandatory "Meet the Coach" event on Aug. 24th, 6pm. in the Auditorium.

Each team coach will then take their participants to a small group meeting.

Although medical notes are not required to excuse an absence, we encourage students to bring in a note from appointments for their file. Guardians still need to call to excuse a student for being late or absent for a medical appointment, a doctor’s note on letterhead with the specific date of the appointment will be put on file when provided. Notes will need to be turned into the attendance office so they can be entered into Skyward.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT?

It is the responsibility of the guardian to contact the attendance office and state the reason for

your student's absence. Only guardians or a person on the student’s approved list can excuse an absence, late arrival, or release a student from school. For your convenience a phone answering line will be in operation 24 hours 7 days a week. The attendance office number is 913-993-7845. A guardian may also report an all day absence through the absence portal on Skyward. We cannot accept early releases through the “Absence Request” on the portal.

WHAT IF I FORGET TO CALL OR MY STUDENT IS MARKED ABSENT IN A CLASS?

Students unaccounted for will be placed on a telephone call list. The attendance office will

contact those guardians on the same day of the absence by an automated calling system. The automated message will explain the absentee situation.Students are also able to view their attendance on Skyward. If a student is marked absent in a class, please have your student check with the teacher who marked them absent. The teacher will then contact attendance to correct.

WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO LEAVE EARLY?

All students leaving early must report directly to the attendance office. When students leave the

campus during the school day, a telephone call from the guardian and a pass from the attendance office is required. We cannot accept early releases through the “Absence Request” on the portal. When requesting an early release, please call as early as possible in the morning. If you are unable to call in the morning, please allow 30 minutes notice before release time.

Thank you

ZUM has delivered their RFID cards for school staff to distribute.

Your student will be able to pick up their RFID card Tuesday, Aug. 24th from their Seminar Teacher.

Cards not picked up will be at the front desk for students to retrieve after Tuesday.

Students should keep this with them for when they get on the bus each morning and afternoon.

Thank you.

Student lockers are not automatically assigned and are not required. Many students use team lockers, band lockers, or carry all items in their backpacks.

If your student would like a locker assigned, please have them complete this google form. A staff member will assign them a locker and then the student should see that in their Skyward account.

All requests for lockers have been fulfilled at this time. Students can still request lockers using the link below.

Only Students are able to see the locker assignment and combination. This information can not be viewed from the parent account.

Locker Request Form

The 26-27 student parking stickers should be arriving any day :)

If your student plans to park at West, they will need to complete a Parking Registration Form.

We have copies in the front office, and the link for the form is below:

Parking Registration

Students should complete the form and then bring that as well as proof of payment for the parking pass to the front Security office. (Please wait until the stickers have arrived - I hope by Wednesday, Aug. 26). Skyward accounts should show your payment for a parking pass. If you would like to purchase one, please email our bookkeeper at cristinaseyler@smsd.org.

Guidelines are listed on the registration. It is important for students to park in student areas only and not in STAFF PARKING. Please view the map below and avoid areas that are circled in Red, Blue or Yellow.

Thank you.

Dear Shawnee Mission School District Families,

On Monday, August 24, two-way direct messaging will be opened in ParentSquare in the Shawnee Mission School District. This feature will provide an additional way to connect and engage with your school and provide a safe digital communication space for students and staff.

This feature will be open to the following groups:

Early Childhood and Elementary Schools: Two-way direct messaging will be available to parents and staff members. (Adult/Adult two-way communication)

Secondary (middle and high schools): Two-way direct messaging will be available to parents and staff. Staff and students will be able to communicate via two-way messaging through StudentSquare. (Adult/Adult two-way communication and Staff member/student two-way communication).

Permissible Messaging Resource

Staff and students will be able to communicate via two-way messaging through StudentSquare. This feature provides an approved way to engage with middle and high school students in digital spaces following the state passage of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2299. Click here for more information. ParentSquare provides a permissible, monitorable resource for communicating with secondary students.

Ability to Monitor

Parents are able to see messages received and sent by their students on ParentSquare. In order to view:

Go to www.parentsquare.com

Enter the email or phone number you use to log on

Go to your student’s profile

After logging in, look for your student’s name on the left side of the screen. Click it to open your child’s profile page.

View your student’s communications

On your student’s profile page, click the View Communication button in the upper right hand corner. You will be able to see posts, alerts and notices, and messages.

Click here for a full step-by-step from ParentSquare.

Additional Resources

For Information from ParentSquare on how to engage in direct messaging click here. (ParentSquare log-in required)

For information on ParentSquare in the Shawnee Mission School District, click here.

For information on Getting Started and registering your account in ParentSquare, click here.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Join Viking Chess Club! Mondays from 2:50-3:50 PM in Dr. Heusel’s classroom (Room 16 - we moved!). All experience levels are welcome. Come learn, play, and sharpen your strategy skills.

“He's only a junior, but Joey Duncan's wisdom will leave you inspired and excited for the future. This week you'll learn about one of the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation programs that truly embodies "Building Tomorrow Together."

The Shawnee Mission School District is in the process of developing a policy related to artificial intelligence (AI).

As part of this process, Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher announced the formation of a Superintendent’s work group focused on AI. Students, families, staff, and community members interested in joining the work group are invited to complete an interest form. Click here for the SMSD AI Work Group Interest Form.

Those interested are encouraged to submit their interest by no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

The process and next steps will include:

1. Research & Study: The work group will review emerging best practices, legal considerations, and current research on AI in K-12 education.

2. Draft Policy: The group will draft advisory policy language specific to student access and usage of AI.

3. Policy Review: The Superintendent will review and consider the group's recommendations and present the draft policy to the Policy Review Committee for study and consideration.

The Group will include representative voices and perspectives from each of SMSD's 5 feeder patterns (approx. 20-25 participants total). Whether you are interested in serving yourself or would like to nominate someone else, we appreciate your willingness to support this important work.

Parents should make a priority to sign up for Parent Square and then also Bound if you have a student athlete.

All students needing to ride the bus MUST register with ZUM.

You will find information about all of these applications if you continue to scroll.

Helpful tips for parents:

How to create a family account in Bound.

How to upload a physical from a web browser.

How to add a student to a second family.

How to add a replacement document when one has been rejected.

High Schools:

• Practices begin Monday, August 17th for Middle and High School Fall Sports. The first allowable competition dates are set by KSHSAA as follows:

- Friday August 21 for Girls Golf and Girls Tennis.

- Friday August 28 for Volleyball and Boys Soccer.

- Wednesday September 2 for Football, Flag football and Cross Country

To access Calendar Use This Link:

SM West

The Shawnee Mission School District is excited to announce the rollout of a new communication platform that will be used across the district. ParentSquare will be replacing School Messenger/Skylert as the district’s emergency and mass notification platform.

Training began this July for specified staff members. Prior to school starting, families and staff members will start to see more information via email about launching their use of ParentSquare.

Families and staff watch for messaging about the adoption of ParentSquare and your next steps during the week of August 3. This will be an important way for families and staff to receive emergency messaging as well as important announcements from the district and schools.

Through a phased implementation, ParentSquare will provide a more streamlined communication experience for staff and families.

Please continue to look for more information and resources in the coming weeks!

SMSD Communications website

If your student is having difficulty riding the bus:

First - Make sure you have registered.

REGISTER HERE FOR BUSING

Second - Ensure you have made your payment.

-If your student lives more than 2.5 miles from school - they receive free bus service (but you still need to register).

-If you live between 1.5-2.49 miles, paid bus service is available on an existing route.

-If you receive Free and Reduced benefits - you will receive free bus service from 1.5 miles and above on an existing route.

Administrators are available after school at bus dismissal to write temporary passes for students.

Your student can also come to the middle office during the day to pick up a pass.

It helps if your student knows the cross streets of an existing bus stop that is close to your home.

Thank you for your patience.

If you pick up your student in the front of the building at dismissal, please be aware that our ZUM Busses have priority to load on the right side of our circle drive in the front of the building.

We highly recommend that if your student is a car rider that you come after the busses dismiss at 2:47pm just to alleviate traffic flow issues and ensure proper bus pick up.

Viking Families: School-issued student technology (MacBooks) rollout began last Friday.

Students who did not receive their device will be called down to pick it up throughout the week.

Help avoid end-of-year fees.

As we begin the school year, please help students keep their school-issued MacBook charger safe. Families are responsible for chargers that are lost, stolen, or damaged, and fees from $19 to $58 may apply.

One option is to keep the school-issued charger in a safe place at home whenever possible. Student MacBooks can be charged with any compatible 30–60 watt USB-C chargers, so students may use another compatible charger they already have available when charging at school. Compatible chargers are available for around $10 at popular online stores.

A little planning now can help prevent lost or damaged equipment fees later.

Click HERE to find all the info, including sizes, dates and rates.

All ad sales are online HERE.

This includes individual ads and elementary school groups. The yearbook staff does not coordinate elementary groups- a student or parent from that school should coordinate that process.

ALL AD MATERIALS ARE DUE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. Photos, messages and payment.

Senior Open Lunch will not begin until AFTER Labor Day at the earliest.

Our first step is to ensure our seniors have their student ID’s. Picture Days are this Thursday and Friday and it does take some time for those to be printed and delivered.

We will send senior parents/guardians an email with a google form to complete to give your student permission to leave for lunch. We anticipate sending that email next week.

Thank you.

Order now for the best price! You can order online HERE, or online through SMSD when you pay fees. You can also pay the school bookkeeper.

$55 until Dec. 18, $70 after that until books are sold out.

• Adult All-Season Sports Pass — $70
  Provides admission for one adult to all regular-season Varsity home games during the 2026–27 school year.

• Student All-Season Sports Pass — $30
  Provides admission for one elementary or middle school student to all regular-season Varsity home games during the 2026–27 school year.

Each attending adult or student needs their own pass. All proceeds benefit the Shawnee Mission West Booster Club and help support Viking athletic teams and student-athletes.

The image of the shield does have a link to purchase the sports pass.

Wrap yourself in game-day spirit with the ultimate SMW Viking stadium blanket—engineered to keep you warm through chilly Friday night lights, frosty morning track meets, and every cheer in between.

https://www.vikingtouchdownclub.org/online-registration/p/pre-sale-viking-stadium-blanket

Current student meal prices are available on the district website:

smsd.org/meals

Meal Payments: Options for Families

To help ensure a smooth and efficient meal service, please encourage families to add funds to student meal accounts prior to the start of school and throughout the year.

How Families Can Make a Payment

• In Person:Cash or check can be sent to the school office. Please remind families to place payments in an envelope labeled with the student’s name and marked “for meals.”

• By Phone:Families may call the Student Nutrition Services Office at 913-993-9710 to pay by credit card (no additional fee).Office hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

• Online:Through eFunds (transaction fee applies) — families should look under Optional Fees to access the lunch account.

• At School (while open):Credit card payments may also be accepted at most school offices.

The Shawnee Mission School District is entering Year 3 of our 5-Year Strategic Plan, and our Action Teams continue to be central to how the plan moves forward. These teams, made up of students, families, staff, and community members, research, discuss, and bring recommendations to district leadership.

At this stage in the plan, our Action Teams are at different points in their work:

• Some teams have completed their work. They delivered recommendations, and district departments are now carrying those out.

• Some teams are continuing ongoing work and are not currently seeking new members.

• Some teams are ready to launch or expand and are actively looking for new volunteers right now.

The form below reflects only the teams that are currently open to new participants. If you don't see a team you expect, including one you may have served on before, it is because the Action Team work is complete or it's not currently recruiting, not because the work has stopped mattering. We're grateful for every volunteer who has contributed so far, and their input continues to shape district decisions even after a team's active phase ends.

Click here for the Action Team Interest and Nomination Form.

Whether you'd like to serve yourself or nominate someone else, we appreciate your willingness to support this work.

What to expect with Action Teams:

• Most Action Teams meet approximately once per month, September–May.

• Meeting schedules vary depending on the team's work.

• Participation is voluntary.

• Members are selected based on interest, experience, and Action Team needs.

• We will make every effort to match volunteers with one of their selected Action Teams.

Learn more about the SMSD’s Strategic Plan and see progress across all six strategies - Learning, Belonging, People, Technology, Mental Health, and Facilities - on our Strategic Plan Implementation Updates page.

Please see the link below with an update Principal's Honor Roll list.

Principal's Honor Roll List

Please see the multiple fliers below from PTSA -

-Join PTSA

-Purchase your student a SMWest YardSign

-Purchase SMWest PTSA Spirit Wear: https://smwptsa2026.itemorder.com/

• The store is open now for "early bird" orders and will close at MIDNIGHT on Sunday, August 16. Early bird orders should be ready for pick up on September 1.

• The store will reopen September 1 for regular orders.

Follow us on:

Facebook: @smwestptsa

Instagram: SMW_PTSA

Thank you for your support.

For 15 years, our community has made the MEGA Car Wash an amazing success, raising over $15,000 each year for our talented students! This year, we’re coming together not only to support future band trips and expenses, but to stand beside one of our own.

A portion of this year's proceeds will go directly to our band member Abby Buell to assist with medical expenses following a serious spinal injury.. Bring your dirty cars, bring your neighbors, and help us show Abby the power of West Pride community support!

• Date: Saturday, August 29

• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Locations: Westlake Hardware (87th & Grand OR 87th & Lackman)

Come get your car washed for a fantastic cause—we can't wait to see you there!

The message from SMSD referenced the importance for all students and families to complete the yearly ONLINE VERIFICATION.

2026–2027 Back-to-School Forms: Action Required

Quick Summary

What: Mandatory online verification and health forms must be completed for the 2026–2027 school year.

Why: This process makes sure schools have current information regarding student enrollment, family contacts, health and wellness, emergency contacts, etc.

How: Log in to Skyward via www.smsd.org. Either guardian in Family 1 can fill out the Online Enrollment Verification forms. Guardians in Family 2 can view the information.

Additional Step: For families who may qualify, fill out the meal benefit application during verification to qualify for free or reduced meals and waived school/transportation fees.

Help: School offices have reopened. If you have questions please contact your school office. Click here for a listing of schools with links for contact information.

Dear Shawnee Mission School District Families,

We hope you are enjoying your summer! As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, it is time to complete your required Online Enrollment Verification Forms. Please complete these forms as soon as possible so your student's materials are not delayed at the start of the year.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to the Portal: Visit www.smsd.org and click Skyward in the top navigation bar to log in.
   • Note: Either guardian designated in "Family 1" in Skyward has editing rights to complete these forms.
2. Locate the Forms: Under the Home tab, click on "2026-2027 RETURNING Student Annual Online Verification."
3. Complete the Packet: Follow the prompts to review and electronically sign the required documents and please “Submit” the forms to the district in the last step. This includes permission forms, health history, and medication permissions.

Need a Skyward Account? If you do not have a Family Access account, please contact your child’s school office.

Meal Benefits & Fee Waivers:

Families are strongly encouraged to complete the Child Nutrition Program Meal Benefit Application during the online verification process.

• Why apply? Approved families receive free or reduced-price school meals, and may also qualify for waived or discounted instructional resource fees, transportation fees, and Pre-Kindergarten enrollment.
• How to Apply: The application can be accessed via Skyward or online at School Cafe, where you can create an account if you do not already have one).
• Directly Certified Families: If you receive state assistance, your eligibility notification was recently emailed to you. Please still complete the Consent for Disclosure form on our website so the district has permission to automatically waive your school and transportation fees.

Important Meal Benefits Step: Consent for Disclosure and Eligibility:

Why Complete this form? All families, including those directly certified, are encouraged to complete the Consent for Disclosure found on the SMSD Nutrition Services Free and Reduced web page. Completing the Consent for Disclosure permits SMSD Nutrition Services to share a child’s eligibility status information with the programs that families designate on the consent form.

How to Complete this Step: If a family is directly certified for meal benefits due to state assistance, an email notification of eligibility was sent recently to the email address associated with the parent/guardian in the Skyward system. Notifications are also saved in School Cafe under eligibility benefits for parents to access as needed. If you receive state assistance and have not received a notification of eligibility, contact the SMSD Nutrition Services office before completing a meal program application.

Questions & Support:

General Form Questions: Contact your child's school office. Click here for a listing of schools with links for contact information.

-Meal Application Questions: Contact Student Nutrition Services at 913-993-9710 or email studentnutrition@smsd.org.
Click here for helpful information from the Student Nutrition Services Office.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these essential steps. We look forward to welcoming your students back for the 2026–2027 school year!

Breve Resumen

De que se trata: Se deben completar los formularios obligatorios de verificación en línea y de salud para el curso 2026–2027.

Por qué: Este proceso asegura que las escuelas dispongan de información actualizada sobre matrícula de estudiantes, contactos familiares, salud y bienestar, contactos de emergencia, etc.

Cómo: Inicie sesión en Skyward a través de www.smsd.org. Cualquiera de los tutores de la Familia 1 puede llenar los formularios de Verificación de Inscripción en Línea. Los tutores de la Familia 2 pueden ver la información.

Paso adicional: Para las familias que califiquen, llene la solicitud de beneficio de comida durante la verificación para optar a comidas gratuitas o con descuento y exención de tasas escolares/de transporte.

Ayuda: Las oficinas de la escuela han abierto. Si tienes preguntas, por favor comuníquese con la oficina de su escuela. Haga clic aquí para ver la lista de escuelas con enlaces a información de contacto.

Estimadas familias del distrito escolar de Shawnee Mission,

¡Esperamos que esté disfrutando de su verano! Mientras nos preparamos para el año escolar 2026–2027, es momento de completar los Formularios de Verificación de Matrícula en Línea que requieren. Por favor, complete estos formularios lo antes posible para que los materiales de su estudiante no se retrasen al inicio del año.

Instrucciones paso a paso:

1. Ve al portal: Visite www.smsd.org y haz clic en Skyward en la barra de navegación superior para iniciar sesión.
   • Nota: Cualquiera de los tutores designados en "Familia 1" en Skyward tiene derechos de edición para completar estos formularios.
2. Localizar los formularios: En la barra de Inicio, haga clic en "Verificación Anual en Línea de Estudiantes QUE REGRESAN 2026-2027."
3. Completar el paquete: Siga las instrucciones para revisar y firmar electrónicamente los documentos requeridos y, por favor, "Envíe" los formularios al distrito en el último paso. Esto incluye formularios de permiso, historial médico y permisos para medicación.

¿Necesita una cuenta Skyward? Si no tiene una cuenta de Family Access, por favor contacte con la oficina de la escuela de su hijo.

Beneficios de comidas y exenciones de tasas:

Se recomienda a las familias completar la Solicitud de Beneficio de Comida del Programa de Nutrición Infantil durante el proceso de verificación en línea.

• ¿Por qué solicitar? Las familias aprobadas reciben comidas escolares gratuitas o a precio reducido, y también pueden optar a tarifas sin pagos de recursos de instrucción o con descuento, tarifas de transporte y matrícula en Pre-Kindergarten.
• Cómo solicitar: La solicitud se puede acceder a través de Skyward o en línea en School Cafe, donde puede crear una cuenta si aún no tiene una).
• Familias Certificadas Directamente: Si recibe ayuda estatal, su notificación de elegibilidad fue enviada recientemente por correo electrónico. Por favor, complete el formulario de Consentimiento para Compartir en nuestra página web para que el distrito tenga permiso automáticamente para no cobrar sus pagos escolares y de transporte.​​​​​​​

Paso importante de los beneficios de las comidas: Consentimiento para la compartir y elegibilidad:

¿Por qué completar este formulario? Se anima a todas las familias, incluidas aquellas certificadas directamente, a completar el Consentimiento para la Compartir que se encuentra en la página web de Servicios de Nutrición Gratuitos y Reducidos de SMSD. Completar el Consentimiento para Compartir que permite a SMSD Nutrition Services compartir información sobre el estado de elegibilidad de un niño con los programas que las familias designan en el formulario de consentimiento.

Cómo completar este paso: Si una familia está certificada directamente para los beneficios de comida debido a la ayuda estatal, recientemente se envió una notificación por correo electrónico de elegibilidad a la dirección asociada con el padre o tutor en el sistema Skyward. Las notificaciones también se guardan en School Cafe bajo los beneficios de elegibilidad para que los padres puedan acceder según lo necesiten. Si recibe ayuda estatal y no ha recibido una notificación de elegibilidad, comuníquese con la oficina de Servicios de Nutrición de SMSD antes de completar la solicitud del programa de comidas.

Preguntas y apoyo:

Preguntas generales sobre formularios: Comuníquese con la oficina de la escuela de su hijo. Haga clic aquí para ver la lista de escuelas con enlaces a información de contacto.

-Preguntas sobre la solicitud de comidas: Comuníquese con los Servicios de Nutrición Estudiantil al 913-993-9710 o envíe un correo electrónico a studentnutrition@smsd.org.
Haga clic aquí para obtener información útil de la Oficina de Servicios de Nutrición Estudiantil.

Gracias por su pronta atención a estos pasos esenciales. ¡Esperamos dar la bienvenida de nuevo a nuestros alumnos para el año escolar 2026–2027!

ara el año escolar 2026–2027!

All families should make plans to pay fees at the beginning of the year.

Most of the SM West families choose to pay fees online. We thank you for your timely completion of this task. You may use the link below to access the site to make an online payment.

EFUNDS LINK

Those wanting to make in person payments with our bookkeeper, Cristina Seyler, may come to SM West during business hours or you may call her for phone payments at 913-994-7810.

We will also be able to take payments in the evening during our Back to School Night on Aug. 6th beginning at 5pm.

Timely payment of fees as well as the development of payment plans allows for our instructors to have available funds to purchase materials necessary for the beginning of the school year.

If your family has applied for the USDA Meal Benefit Program and received confirmation of benefits, please either email our bookkeeper a copy of the approval letter or make sure to choose "Yes" for the Consent for Disclosure when completing the form. (This program also assists with some of the school fees and even bus service).

Below are links to fee information as well as images.

Fees (English Version)

Fees (Spanish Version)

We thank you again for making this a priority.

SMSD Families, and Staff,

We are writing to share an important update about a new Kansas law affecting all students statewide. House Bill 2299, signed by Governor Laura Kelly earlier this year, requires every Kansas public school district to prohibit student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. This is often described as a "bell-to-bell" standard or policy.

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.

What the law requires:

Kansas law prohibits students from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices — including, but not limited to, personal cell phones, tablets, computers, watches, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging devices, or personal digital assistants — during the school day. A personal electronic communication device is not owned or issued to students by the school district.

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. "School day" is defined as the time from the start of school until dismissal, including recess, lunch, and passing periods.

What this means for SMSD students and families:

1. Students are prohibited from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices during the school day, except as permitted by Board Policy JCDC; and

2. Students must store personal electronic communication devices in an inaccessible location during the school day — such as at home, in the student's vehicle, or in a school-issued locker or assigned cubby.

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 on this page.

The Activities office has been working with our secondary schools to roll out our new athletic management software, Bound, for the 2026-2027 school year. We have posted more information on our district website here.

As we move towards the roll out, here are a few resources to assist our families:

• Creating a Family in the App

• How to Add a Child to a 2nd Family

• How to Upload a Physical (Specifically, Page 4 of the physical needs to be uploaded.)

All Athletes must be registered in BOUND first and foremost. Any student athlete waiting to play a sport, MUST have a physical on file (within Bound) before they can participate in the 1st day of practice/tryouts. If a student athlete does not have a physical on file, they will not be allowed to participate.

Below is a link to the SMSD website on information on Bound and how to register.

https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/athletics-student-activities/bound-athletic-management

The Zum application is available for download, however it is not for registering. Please use the link below to register. All families who wish to use the bus service must register each school year.

• Shawnee Mission School District offers free bus transportation to students living 2.5 miles or more from their school of residency. Registration is required.

• Students living less than 2.5 miles from their school of residency may pay to ride the bus in areas with established routes.

• All 5 SMSD high schools offer paid busing to students living between 1.5 & 2.49 miles from their school of residency.

• All 5 SMSD middle schools offer paid busing to students living between 1 & 2.49 miles from their school of residency.

• Out of our 34 elementary schools 18 offer busing in designated areas. The following 16 schools do not offer general education busing:

• Bluejacket-Flint / Briarwood / Brookwood / Comanche / East Antioch / Highlands / Mill Creek / Nieman / Overland Park / Pawnee / Prairie / Rosehill / Santa Fe Trail / Shawanoe / Westwood View / Tomahawk

• Students who qualify for Direct Certification or Child Nutrition Meal Benefits may register to ride the bus at no cost in areas where busing currently exist. Visit School Cafe to complete an application for free or reduced meals starting July 1st. Parents must complete a Consent for Disclosure Form for Student Nutrition Services to share meal benefit Status with Transportation.

• Zum Customer Service contact information: 1-855-ride Zum (1-855- 743-3986) / SMSDsupport@ridezum.com

REGISTER HERE FOR BUSING

Zum has created a QR link to use if you are having difficulty registering or have other questions. Use the QR code below and a representative will be able to assist you.

Beginning of the year supplies:

Recommended:

Pencil/Pen and Spiral for the first day of class.

Year:

Some organization system - 3 ring binder, or folders , or accordion folder.

Each teacher will recommend other supplies like highlighters, dry erase, calculator, etc.

West staff is very proud of our students and their hard work and efforts during 2nd semester of last school year.. Please take a moment to view the attached lists below to view our 3.0 honor roll list, our Principal’s honor roll list (4.0 and above) and our All A’s honor roll list.

Principal’s Honor Roll

All A Honor Roll

3.0 Honor Roll

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