SMSD News

Reading and kindness often go hand in hand. A good story can help readers see the world through someone else’s eyes and remind us of the power of empathy and connection.  This March, Read Across SMSD focuses on the theme...

This year, a skilled group of Shawnee Mission student writers have been reflecting on kindness and how to show it. The Shawnee Mission Board of Education and Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) recognized these students in the Shawnee Mission Area...

For thousands of Shawnee Mission students, the school day begins before the first bell rings. It starts at the curb, at a bus stop, or at the end of a driveway. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the Shawnee Mission...

Reading and writing are not just subjects, they are important skills that can help shape lives in so many ways.  In February, for Read Across SMSD, the Shawnee Mission School District explores how throughout history, reading and writing have been...

In the Shawnee Mission School District, everyone who serves our students is an educator and everyone plays an important role in helping each student achieve their personal best. Every interaction, every encouraging word, every effort is all done for...

The launch of middle school cheer has brought a boost of energy and excitement to football and basketball games across the Shawnee Mission School District this school year.  Following the recent additions of football and soccer, cheerleading is the latest...

Creativity takes center stage as the Shawnee Mission School District celebrates this year’s Reflections honorees. This year, student choreographers, painters, musicians and more–participated in this PTA-led program and created artwork reflecting on the theme “I Belong.” The Shawnee Mission Board...

Anyone looking for a summer experience for students that combines learning with fun can find it through the Shawnee Mission School District’s Summer Enrichment program. Summer Enrichment offers a variety of classes designed to help students explore, discover, and...

No matter who the student or teacher is in the Shawnee Mission School District, they belong! Belonging is a strategy outlined in the district’s strategic plan, developed by our community, and across the district there are people working every...

There are even more reasons to celebrate the completion of five rebuilt elementary schools in the Shawnee Mission School District. All five of these buildings have now achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver, a designation given...

This fall, SM North senior Macey Heikkila was working on a huge art project for one of her largest audiences yet. She was selected to exhibit her artwork at Oak Park Mall. Once complete, it will be displayed in...

When Savannah Ryan started her freshman year of high school at Shawnee Mission South, she and her classmates were tasked with helping the City of Overland Park solve a community issue that was keeping public pools from opening.  During her...