Shawnee Mission School District celebrated a remarkable fall athletic season, showcasing impressive achievements across various sports. The Shawnee Mission East Girls Tennis and Girls Golf teams both secured state runner-up positions, while standout athletes like junior Andy Prendiville and sophomore Charlotte Hardy earned second places in gymnastics and cross country, respectively. The district also saw strong performances in football, with both Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission Northwest qualifying for state competitions.

In addition to athletic accomplishments, the district highlighted significant academic achievements. Savannah Sisaloff, a junior at Shawnee Mission Northwest, received an invitation to the prestigious American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Conference in Puerto Rico, recognizing her research on spaceflight's effects on female fertility. Furthermore, Jessica Tickle, an instructor in the district's engineering signature program, was honored with the Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award, a prestigious accolade given to only two educators nationwide each year.

Looking ahead, the district is gearing up for online enrollment for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year, starting January 1. This initiative will expand pre-k offerings to 21 of the district's 34 elementary schools. A slight fee increase for pre-kindergarten programs was also proposed to ensure operational costs are met while remaining competitive.

The meeting also announced upcoming events, including the Research and Development Forum in April, which will feature a student showcase and a pitch competition for innovative ideas. The district is excited to foster creativity and innovation among its students.

In a heartwarming segment, the meeting recognized outstanding staff members, including Allison Meyer from Shawano Elementary and Sydney Sarate from Bluejacket Flint Elementary, both honored for their exceptional contributions to their school communities. Their dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students was celebrated by colleagues and students alike.

As the Shawnee Mission School District reflects on a successful fall season, the focus remains on nurturing student success and community engagement in the months to come.