We are One Shawnee Mission…Because Kids

We have officially started the 2025-2026 school year in the Shawnee Mission School District! Even though students will return to classes in August, many educators are already at work preparing for the start of this school year. As they prepare, they do so with the 2025-2026 Shawnee Mission School District theme for this year: Because Kids.

Click here to see a video of Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher talking about the Because Kids theme.

This theme inspires our community to think about why we do the work we do. In our schools, whether it is feeding students, cleaning buildings, nursing students through sickness or injury, or teaching or coaching – our purpose always points back to “Because Kids.” We are also so grateful that our community does so much to help Shawnee Mission schools “Because Kids.” This is seen in so many ways, including but not limited to, volunteering, supporting facilities improvements, and cheering, mentoring, and encouraging students for all of the academic and extra-curricular experiences they pursue.

We want each student to achieve their personal best and we help them do that by providing them the best learning environments and opportunities. We serve every student, every day–and we will do all that is necessary in serving that mission. Because Kids!