Support for Learning

High School Program Planning Guide 2026-2027

Universal Screening for Reading Difficulty

In Shawnee Mission, all students kindergarten through 9th grade are screened each year for reading difficulties, including characteristics of Dyslexia, per KSDE guidelines. The screening data allows school personnel to respond immediately with evidence-based interventions that address reading difficulties for all students. Shawnee Mission guarantees annual screening and responsive, targeted interventions for all students who demonstrate difficulties with reading. In most cases, interventions happen within core and interest-based classes, with students practicing reading, writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills every day. However, when screening data indicates that the difficulty is caused by a significant gap in foundational reading skills, a student will receive targeted support through a reading intervention course.

Special Education Department

Shawnee Mission High schools provide individual programming for students eligible to receive special education services. The district offers a continuum of service options ranging from collaboration in the general education classroom to direct services provided in special education classrooms. Individualized services and programming are provided as determined by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. Placement in these programs/ services is by Special Education action only. For information regarding special education services, contact your high school administrator or the Special Services Office at 913.993.8600. For additional information please see the district website at https://www.smsd.org/academics/special-education.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal civil rights law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1973. The law prohibits entities receiving federal financial assistance from discriminating against individuals on the basis of a disability. The law also requires that public elementary and secondary schools provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), which may include accommodations and related services designed to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of a nondisabled student. For more information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please visit https://www.smsd.org/academics/section-504-information.

English Language Learners

At the secondary level, English Language Learner (ELL) courses are designed to help students improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. These courses provide targeted instruction to support students in developing language proficiency while also working on academic content. Through a combination of language practice, content-area support, and individualized strategies, ELL courses aim to build students' confidence and ability to succeed in both language and academic coursework.

Health Information

The Shawnee Mission School District complies with Kansas school health statutes. A student entering a Kansas school for the first time must provide a copy of their immunization record showing that the student has received all required immunizations appropriate for the student's age. The student must have received at least one of each required immunization to attend school. Kansas and SMSD recognize two legal waivers for immunizations based on medical contraindication and authorized by a licensed physician annually or a religious belief exemption written by the parent. Students without the required immunizations or legal waiver may be excluded from attending school until the required documentation is received.

Students who become ill at school should report to the school nurse and upon staff notification of parents, if leaving school, sign out in the office.

By district policy, all medications must be dispensed from the nurse’s office during the school day. Medication must be in the original, properly labeled container. The medication must be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian giving instructions about dosage, reason for administering, time to be given, how long the medication should be administered at school, and if there are any side effects of which the nurse should be aware. The permission forms are available from the school nurse or on the district health services web page. Students may not carry prescription or non-prescription medications with them at school with the exception of diabetic, asthma, or anaphylaxis prevention medications. However, these medications may be carried only with written permission from parents or guardian and physician and in collaboration with the school nurse.

Library

Students have the use of a library in each high school. The libraries are open before, during, and after school. Librarians teach research strategies in the library during scheduled classes. Students have access to the collection in their school library and have interlibrary loan privileges for items in our Shawnee Mission school library collections. Online databases are available for student use both in school and at home from the high school library web page.

Summer School

For questions about summer school programming and course offerings please refer to the Shawnee Mission School District website or the following link: https://www.smsd.org/academics/summer-programs.

Horizons

The district provides a high school alternative education program for those students who are struggling or have not been successful in the traditional high school setting. SMSD students wishing to attend Horizons High School must initiate their request at their current comprehensive high school through their counselor or social worker. Students on suspension or expulsion are not eligible to enroll and attend Horizons High School until those periods of suspension have been completed.

eSchool

For information regarding course costs associated with eSchool, please contact (913.993.9740) or refer to eSchool webpage: https://www.smsd.org/academics/eschool

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