No matter what school community our students, staff, and families are connected to in our district, we are all part of ONE Shawnee Mission. In other words, we Stand Together, the theme for the first Read Across SMSD episode for the 2026-2027 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher helped kick off the sixth season of this celebration of reading by visiting students and staff at John Diemer Elementary School. Sixth graders Julian, Archer, and Kyra helped him introduce the September 2026 featured elementary book “We the People is All the People,” by author Howard W. Reeves. This story highlights how many people worked together to make our country what it is today and what it can be in the future. Superintendent Schumacher shared that just like this country, schools are made up of people who work to build tomorrow together.
The students helped introduce some of the individuals from their school who help make up ONE Shawnee Mission.
Julian introduced custodian Tina Sevieri.
“Custodians are very important to schools because they spend their time making our schools clean and safe places to be every day,” Julian added.
Archer introduced Selene Chavez, who works in Student Nutrition Services. “This team has such an important job because they make sure all students in every grade level have the food they need to keep learning.”
Sixth-grader Kyra introduced Breanna Renier who serves as a Paraeducator.
“These are also very important people because in our schools they help make sure that no matter what abilities we have, everyone gets the learning experience they need,” she expressed.
Dr. Schumacher also shared his appreciation for ongoing support and partnership from two Shawnee Mission organizations. Each year, NEA Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation support Read Across SMSD.
“As an educator and the president of NEA Shawnee Mission, I’m proud to support this celebration of reading and the sense of belonging it helps build in our community,” Jill Johnson shared. “No matter what role you play in Shawnee Mission, you are an important part of this district’s story.”
The Foundation provides Read Across SMSD books to every Shawnee Mission School District library.
“We hope in these books students see who they are, their connection to this community, and bright futures ahead,” said Kim Hinkle, executive director.
About Read Across SMSD
Read Across SMSD is modeled after the National Read Across America program and is led in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. Access to books for Shawnee Mission students is made possible through the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.
Click here for the Read Across SMSD webpage, featuring resources from previous years, archive videos, and more information about the program.
NEA Book List:
Elementary: We the People is All the People/Nosotros, el pueblo somos todos by Howard W. Reeves. Click here to learn more.
Middle Grade: What Fell from the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas. Click here to learn more.
Young Adult: Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Mendez. Click here to learn more.
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.smsd.org.
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