December 4, 2025
Transfer Window Open
The in-district transfer window, a period of time when a resident student can apply to transfer from their home school to a different school, will open on December 1, 2025 for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Click here for important details about this process and information on applying. Students who reside within the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) (including incoming Kindergarten students) who wish to transfer to a different attendance area school may apply during the in-district transfer window.The application window for nonresident students who reside in Kansas and who have a parent who is a current district employee will also open on December 1, 2025 for the 2026-2027 school year.Students in good standing who are currently approved for transfer to a different school or for nonresident enrollment do not need to reapply.
Inclement Weather Procedures
We want to be sure families are as ready as possible for schedule changes or bad weather cancellations. Click here to review Shawnee Mission’s Inclement Weather procedures for the 2025-26 school year. This webpage also includes information about how you can be informed about any inclement weather announcements from the Shawnee Mission School District.
Winter Classroom Parties
I am excited to share that we will have our traditional winter classroom parties on Thursday, December 18th at 2:30. Only designated room parents and needed volunteers will be allowed to attend so we do not have overcrowding in the classrooms and we can check in all room parents in a timely manner beginning at 2:15. Reminder: All food brought in for parties must be store bought in the original packaging with ingredients listed.
Student Council's Stay Warm Campaign, 12/8-12/12
Culver's Giveback Partner Night, 5:00-8:00 PM
Citizenship Writing Contest Entries Due 12/12
Comanche Elementary Holiday Mart Donations due by 12/12 at 4pm
Examples of new/gently used items requested: Small household items, home decor, personal items, children’s items, supplies, etc. No electronic items, large items or appliances, please. More information and items needed here.
All Donations are due to Comanche by 4pm on December 12. We appreciate your consideration! If you cannot drop off your donation, please text Telma Weisman (816) 518-7002
Winter Classroom Parties • 12/18 • 2:30pm
There will be more information to come about this family-friendly evening event, but in the meantime, we are reaching out to Briarwood parents who have a science-related career or hobby who might like to share their talents with our students and families!
The format for Science Night is meet, greet and inform. It is a busy evening, so individual contact is short – a quick hands-on activity or demonstration works very well.
Please reach out to Anya Arnold, Science Night Chair at anya.e.arnold@gmail.com or 913-709-6179 if you have any questions or are interested in being a presenter.
Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to another fun Science Night this winter!
Thank you to all of Briarwood’s 2025-2026 Reflections Contest Participants. Good luck to students moving on to district level on Dec 4th!
Visual Arts:
Berkeley Swenson
Photography:
Ellie Pacey
Literature:
Evie Wolf
Alana Saysoff
Great Reads
Hanukkah
- Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel
- Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer
- Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David A. Adler
- Meet Latkes by Alan Silberberg
- The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket
- Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel
Christmas
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
- Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
- The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson
- The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel
- The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Recipes Around the World
Christmas Recipes from Around the World
Christmas is celebrated around the world, bringing families and friends together to share joy, laughter, and delicious food! From sweet treats to savory feasts, food is at the heart of these celebrations, and here you’ll find a collection of traditional Christmas recipes from many different countries.