North News January 5, 2026
Where Tradition began, Excellence continues.
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
Instructions in Spanish
Calendar
January
1/05 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday
1/14 - Booster Club Meeting
1/19 - NO SCHOOL - MLK day
1/20 - NO SCHOOL - PL day
School Events
A monthly schedule of our events can be found here.
Message from Principal David Ewers
North Community,
Welcome back! I hope your family had a wonderful holiday season! We are excited to have our students back tomorrow and start the second semester. We will have data updates for next week’s North News.
Schedule this week
Our schedule this week is as follows:
Tuesday- 7 period day-students will go to all of their classes for 50 minutes each
Wednesday- 7 period day-students will go to all of their classes for 50 minutes each
Thursday- Late Start and even blocks
Friday- Odd blocks
School Events
We are coming back to a busy week in the building! A comprehensive schedule of our events can be found here.
Let’s have a great week! Go Bison! WE ARE NORTH!!!
Staff Member of the Week
Bison Standard Staff Members of the Week- If you would like to nominate someone for the Bison Standard Staff Member of the Week, please complete this form. Our award winner this week is Audrey Lauber. Her nominator said “Audrey is an amazing teacher and club sponsor! Last week she recreated a catacombs experience in the tunnels of SMN for a spooky interpretive reading activity. She also leads KEY club and International Club as they serve our community.”
Students of the Week
Students of the Week
Elite of North- Our award winner this week is Mazie Ridgeway. Her nominator said: Mazie puts the phrase "above and beyond" to shame. Oftentimes, other languages have words or phrases to describe something, and we don't have an equivalent for it in English. I am not sure there is a word in the English language apt enough to describe the level of craft, vision, and dedication in her work. In other words, just how good it is can be difficult to articulate. Mazie doesn't just complete assignments; she creates something extraordinary every time. She is, to borrow her generation's language, simply built different. For the second time in as many years, she has produced a mini-documentary project that stands as the finest work any student has submitted—not just in her class, but across all my classes.
I AM NORTH- Our award winner this week is Caleb Guild. His nominator said: Caleb is one of the funniest students in class and makes sure that he greets all of his teachers when in class. The banter that we can have in class makes the day more enjoyable. I look forward to having him in class every day and what the new current event or sport stat is that he is going to tell me.
Heart of North- Our award winner this week is Juan Ramirez Sandoval. His nominator said Juan is always very kind and respectful to other students, staff, and teachers. He is always willing to help another student and works hard in class. Overall, he is a compassionate and smart
New Information
Please join the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation for a
Scholarship Shawnee Mission Scholarship Night
Tuesday, January 13
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. CAA
Families are invited to come meet with scholarship representatives from:
Black Community Scholarship Fund
Bloch Scholars
Hispanic Development Fund
KC Scholars
Rudd Foundation Scholarship
Questions? Please reach out to Edward Marquez (edwardmarquez@smsd.org)
The Shawnee Mission Education Foundation’s application for Excellence in Education (E2) Grants is LIVE! Through E2 Grants the Foundation will fund innovative projects. We believe in fostering our teachers' big ideas for their classrooms. E2 Grants of up to $3,500 are awarded for projects that foster innovative and challenging teaching and learning. The application can be found online at www.smef.org/e2grants.
There will be an information meeting about the Greg Brantman Art Scholarship for graduating SM North seniors on January 14, 2026 at 3:00 pm in Room 191.
This scholarship has specific requirements to be met in order to be considered for it.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, contact Stephanie Dalley, Juliet Miller-Martin or Jamie Daylor in the art department for this important information about how to apply for the scholarship. Deadline for applications is March 6, 2026.
Sincerely,
Cathy Thomas
Win an Xavier Worthy autographed Kansas City Chiefs Jersey (courtesy of the Chiefs Ambassadors) and support the SMN Booster Club and SMN PTSA!
$25 per ticket and ONLY 100 tickets available!!! Online purchases open through NOON on January 24, 2026 although tickets will also be available at Trivia Night.
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
Winner will be drawn at the SMN Trivia Night on Saturday, Jan 24, 2026. Do not need to be present to win. Winner will be notified by text and/or email to make arrangements for pick up of item at Shawnee Mission North High School. Shipping is NOT available.
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 12th Annual SMN Trivia Night
Be a part of the fun on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm! Join us at St Pius X Church (5500 Woodson Rd, Mission, KS) for costumes, competition, and a whole lot of cheer!
The team registration fee is $320 – this includes ONE mulligan* (free answer). Teams are a MAX of 8 people. *Additional mulligans (one per round) will be available at the event for $20 each
**This is an adult-only event – no one under age 21 will be permitted**
As always, we will give $100 of your team's registration fee to the SMN team/student group that you designate! All other proceeds will benefit SMN PTSA and the SMN All-Activities Booster Club to support students and staff at North.
We will contact team captains in January to get your Team Name, a list of your team members and your designated group for the $100 grant.
TEAM REGISTRATION IS ONLINE ONLY using the link below. The DEADLINE to register your team is January 16, 2026 - there are limited slots available so don’t wait!
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
RAFFLE ITEMS NEEDED!
Do you have a favorite business that you would contact to donate an item or gift card? Are you willing to team up with a friend to create a gift basket? Donate an item to our raffle and the business or individual(s) will be promoted at the event! Items are needed no later than January 16, 2026.
If you have an item to donate, contact SMN PTSA at smnorthptsa@gmail.com with information about the item. If needed, we can provide you will a donation letter from Shawnee Mission North for tax purposes.
The 12th Annual SMN Trivia Night is co-sponsored by SMN PTSA and the SMN All-Activities Booster Club. All proceeds will be used to support SMN students, staff, and programs!
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
SMN yearbooks are only $50 until Jan. 10. Pay online via eFunds through Jan. 10 when the price increases to $65.
To purchase after Jan. 10, payment can be made at www.yearbookforever.com. Choose SM North. Only a few books will be available then. We ran out of books last year, so don’t be left out.
Questions, contact Becky Tate at notate@smsd.org or call (913) 993-7012.
Spring Semester Bus Fees Due January 17th
Dear Families,
This is a friendly reminder that 2nd semester bus fees are due. Payment of $185/student can be made to DS Bus Lines through their website or in person at DS Bus Lines, 5519 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 66203. Payment must be received by January 17th for your child to continue to ride the bus. If you have any questions, please call DS Bus Lines @ 913-384-1190.
Pago de transporte 2do semestre
Queridas familias,
Este es un recordatorio amistoso de que vencen las tarifas de autobús del segundo semestre. El pago de $185 por estudiante se puede hacer en DS Bus Lines a través de su sitio en línea en website o en persona en DS Bus Lines, 5519 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 66203. Para que su hijo continúe viajando en el autobús, el pago debe recibirse antes del 17 de enero. Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame a DS Bus Lines al 913-384-1190.
Notes from the Nurse
Health Partnership Clinic at SM West Update:
- Beginning next week, the clinic will be staffed every week and available for appointments on a new day
- Beginning 10/15, the clinic will be open on Wednesdays from 8:30-12:30
- We hope this new day will allow you to more easily refer students who are sick, and the hours will help families not have to fight the drop off crowds.
- You will soon be receiving small wallet cards with info to hand out—in English and in Spanish. This is what they will look like:
STUCO
Attendance
“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
News from Student Services
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.
Real World Learning
Bison Athletics and Activities
Winter Sports parents please take time to review the Winter Sports Information for 2025-2026
We look forward to a competitive season and a great experience for your student-athlete. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
SMN Booster Club
Join us for the JANUARY GENERAL MEETING held on 1/14/26 on Zoom at 6:30 pm. Meeting information is below.
Topic: January SMN Booster Club General Meeting
Time: Jan 14, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72309006987?pwd=aU0bBYTWv3Se3KZBG2ryx1qyHbnMFr.1
Meeting ID: 723 0900 6987
Passcode: 5WsH2J
Win an Xavier Worthy autographed Kansas City Chiefs Jersey (courtesy of the Chiefs Ambassadors) and support the SMN Booster Club and SMN PTSA!
$25 per ticket and ONLY 100 tickets available!!! Online purchases open through NOON on January 24, 2026 although tickets will also be available at Trivia Night.
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
Winner will be drawn at the SMN Trivia Night on Saturday, Jan 24, 2026. Do not need to be present to win. Winner will be notified by text and/or email to make arrangements for pick up of item at Shawnee Mission North High School. Shipping is NOT available.
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 12th Annual SMN Trivia Night
Be a part of the fun on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm! Join us at St Pius X Church (5500 Woodson Rd, Mission, KS) for costumes, competition, and a whole lot of cheer!
The team registration fee is $320 – this includes ONE mulligan* (free answer). Teams are a MAX of 8 people. *Additional mulligans (one per round) will be available at the event for $20 each
**This is an adult-only event – no one under age 21 will be permitted**
As always, we will give $100 of your team's registration fee to the SMN team/student group that you designate! All other proceeds will benefit SMN PTSA and the SMN All-Activities Booster Club to support students and staff at North.
We will contact team captains in January to get your Team Name, a list of your team members and your designated group for the $100 grant.
TEAM REGISTRATION IS ONLINE ONLY using the link below. The DEADLINE to register your team is January 16, 2026 - there are limited slots available so don’t wait!
https://shawnee-mission-north-booster-club.square.site/
RAFFLE ITEMS NEEDED!
Do you have a favorite business that you would contact to donate an item or gift card? Are you willing to team up with a friend to create a gift basket? Donate an item to our raffle and the business or individual(s) will be promoted at the event! Items are needed no later than January 16, 2026.
If you have an item to donate, contact SMN PTSA at smnorthptsa@gmail.com with information about the item. If needed, we can provide you will a donation letter from Shawnee Mission North for tax purposes.
The 12th Annual SMN Trivia Night is co-sponsored by SMN PTSA and the SMN All-Activities Booster Club. All proceeds will be used to support SMN students, staff, and programs!
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
PTSA
Hello everyone!
We’re getting excited for the 12th Annual Trivia Night, hosted by SMN PTSA and the SMN Booster Club, happening on January 24th! We have three big asks because hey, three times the luck, right?!
First up: Teams needed!
We’re still looking for a few more teams to join the fun. Grab up to 8 friends, grab a table, and see if you’ve got what it takes to bring home the big W!
Register your team here:
Next: Raffle prize donations
We’re collecting donations for our raffle prizes! If you have an item to donate or know someone who might, please reach out to us at:
And last (but biggest!): Volunteers needed!
We need help with set-up, clean-up, raffle tickets, bartending, and more. If you can lend a hand, we’d love to have you!
Sign up here:
Thank you all for supporting SMN, we can’t wait to see you there!
To Join PTSA: https://smnorthptsa.givebacks.com/shop
To learn more: https://smnorth.smsd.org/families/pta