![SMSD Strong]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1602875929/smsdorg/tvspdfpeixnbnnmumhoo/BreakfastWeb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1602875929/smsdorg/tvspdfpeixnbnnmumhoo/BreakfastWeb.jpg","width":400}])
Community members had a front-row-seat for Shawnee Mission’s motion picture event of the year: SMSD Strong. It is a movie that tells the story of the resilience of our students, teachers, and community and the important work of the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. You may view the movie here.
This film was the Foundation’s annual fall breakfast celebration, having moved from an in-person event to a virtual celebration.
“Since we were unable to host our donors, sponsors, and community members in person, we thought about the best way to use this virtual opportunity,” Kim Hinkle, Shawnee Mission Education Foundation executive director said. “The Foundation has initiated several innovative programs like Scholarship Shawnee Mission and Leadership Shawnee Mission and this format gave us the chance to go deeper into telling our story.”
The Foundation also continues to fund Excellence in Education grants. Among these, three for diverse literature were the focus of one of the five stories along with Scholarship Shawnee Mission and Leadership Shawnee Mission.
Dr. Mike Fulton, Shawnee Mission School District superintendent, was featured in a conversation with Anthony Springfield, Foundation past president. Fulton updated viewers on the progress of the Strategic Plan and the five strategies. Fulton shared the intent to support student learning through an upcoming bond. If passed, the bond will allow the district to hire additional teachers, support five new elementary schools and improvements and maintenance to the 47 schools and facilities in the district.
The Foundation’s movie concluded with the story of Jetzel Chavira, a SM West graduate, who through Scholarship Shawnee Mission is attending the University of Missouri- Kansas City.
“Our sponsors are so important during this challenging time and they really stepped up,” Suzy Hall, Foundation president shared. “We are grateful to our sponsor partners including AdventHealth, Capitol Federal Foundation, DS Bus Lines, and JE Dunn, who continue to pledge their financial support.” You may view all the sponsors here.