Middle School Program Planning Guide 2026-2027
2026-2027 Middle School Program planning guide Accessible Web Text
- Letter from Superintendent
- Shawnee Mission Middle Schools
- Introduction
- Shawnee Mission School Philosophy
- Middle School Course Offerings
- Counseling and Career Planning
- High School Credit in Middle School
- Middle School Planning Worksheet
- Activities & Athletics
- High School Pre-Planning
- Signature Programs
- Support for Learning
- Course Information
- Courses at a glance
Letter from Superintendent
Dear Students and Families ,
Welcome to this year 's Program Planning Guide . Each school year brings new
opportunities for our students to grow, discover their passions, and prepare for the
future. This guide is designed to help students make thoughtful choices about courses ,
experiences, and pathways that will shape their high school journey and beyond .
In the Shawnee Mission School District , we believe every student should graduate with
more than just a diploma . We want them to leave high school prepared for college and
careers, with the interpersonal skills they need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Our
commitment is to ensure that every decision we make and every opportunity we create
is focused on supporting student success.
This program planning guide has been redesigned to support students as they :
• Explore Areas of Interest - We want every student to explore subjects and
experiences that spark curiosity and align with possible future careers .
• Earn a Market Value Asset (MVA) - Our goal is that by 2030 every student leaves
high school with at least one MVA.
This guide is more than a list of classes-it is a roadmap to help students connect
learning to life after high school. I encourage every student and fam i ly to review it
carefully, talk with school counselors and teachers , and think strategically about the
opportunities ahead . Together, we can ensure that every graduate leaves Shawnee
Mission prepared , confident , and ready for the future .
It is an honor to serve our students and families . Thank you for joining us in this
important work-Because Kids .
With gratitude,
Dr. Michael Schumacher
Superintendent
Shawnee Mission School District
Shawnee Mission Middle Schools
Hocker Grove Middle School
10400 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203
913-993-0200
Indian Hills Middle School
6400 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208
913-993-0400
Indian Woods Middle School
9700 Woodson, Overland Park, KS 66207
913-993-0600
Trailridge Middle School
7500 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66216
913-993-1000
Westridge Middle School
9300 Nieman Road, Overland Park, KS 66214
913-993-1200
Introduction
This Middle School Program Planning Guide is designed to give students and their
parents/guardians information that will help them make appropriate selections from the wide
variety of course offerings in the Shawnee Mission School District. Each course is described
and specific prerequisites are listed so that students will know which course selections are
most appropriate to take.
In addition to describing the courses offered in middle school, this guide provides information
about high school graduation requirements, grades, credit, eligibility requirements, and
recommended college preparatory programs as students plan for high school. During their
eighth-grade year, extensive assistance will be provided to help students make educational
decisions for grades nine through twelve. It is important that educational decisions be made
carefully with personal objectives and future goals in mind. Teachers and counselors are
available to help in this process.
Shawnee Mission School Philosophy
Students in the seventh and eighth grades (12, 13, and 14 years old) are experiencing a critical
period of development. They require unique educational and social experiences. During this
period of growth, they are confronted with increasing their knowledge of the world around
them and learning to work with others while trying to become independent. The middle school
program is designed to meet the individual needs of young adolescents.
It is essential for each student to better understand himself/herself. Students must learn to
accept individual differences and to respect each other. The Shawnee Mission middle school
program offers positive learning experiences and effective guidance for the academic, social,
emotional, and physical development of each student. Student-centered programs and
activities provide a bridge from elementary school to high school.
The Shawnee Mission middle school program provides a wide range of core academic courses
and electives. The core classes in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies are
aligned to state and national standards and provide the foundation for student success at the
high school level. Advanced courses and high school credit options are available, as well as
courses for students needing additional academic support. The variety of elective options allows students to explore various subjects so they can determine areas of interest for future
study. Teachers, counselors, and administrators strive to balance academic goals with
adolescent needs. Students are scheduled with different teachers and in different rooms for
each subject.
Collectively, we share the responsibility of making sure students receive the best possible
education. The goal is to provide all students with a good foundation in the academic core, an
opportunity to explore other subjects, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Middle School Course Offerings
The Shawnee Mission middle schools offer a variety of educational opportunities for students.
During the middle school years, students have the opportunity to choose elective courses.
These choices are very important as they create a foundation for further study in high school.
The daily schedule for middle school consists of seven periods. Four and a half of those
periods are filled with required courses. Two and a half periods are reserved for student
selection of elective courses. All of the course offerings are listed below. Students needing
additional support to meet state and district standards may be required to take Reading
Foundations or Math Workshop I or II in lieu of elective offerings. Course availability is based
upon adequate student enrollment.
Real World Learning
The Shawnee Mission School District provides Real World Learning opportunities for students,
preparing them for college and careers. SMSD, along with over 30 school districts in our region,
have partnered with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to better prepare students for
learning and work. Real World Learning thrives when the community and schools collaborate
to provide immersive experiences for students while building a pipeline for future talent.
Market Value Assets
Market Value Assets (MVAs) are at the core of Real World Learning. MVAs are identified as
specific work opportunities or accreditations that contribute to student success in work and
learning beyond graduation. Our goal by 2030 is for all students to graduate with one or more
MVAs. They are defined in four categories:
● Work-Based Learning
○ Internships
○ Client-Connected Projects
● Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs)
● Dual-College Credit
● Entrepreneurial Experiences
Individual Plans of Study
The SMSD Strategic Plan acknowledges the importance of personalized learning plans for all
students. We support that goal by developing an Individual Plan of Study (IPS). The IPS is not
only a product, but also a process employed by the school to help students think about
possible college and career options and opportunities. The purpose is to assist students as
they explore areas of interest and how those areas intersect with possible career choices.
It is the intent of Shawnee Mission School District to facilitate student exploration of their
interests in order to begin thinking longer-term about what they want to pursue after
graduation and how they can position themselves to take advantage of relevant opportunities.
It is also the district’s goal to foster communication between students and their parents about
the students’ interests and aptitudes.
The following are minimum components of a student’s Individual Plan of Study:
1. A graduated series of strength-finders & career interest inventories
2. 8th–12th Course builder function with course selections based on career interests
3. A general post-secondary plan (workforce, military, certification program, 2-yr. College,
4-yr. college)
4. Portable electronic portfolio
If you would like to know more about the IPS process, please contact your building administrator or the Curriculum and Instruction Team at 913-993-8653.
Counseling and Career Planning
The middle school counselors play a vital role in the overall educational planning of the middle
school student. They are the key participants in the explanation of enrollment options and
procedures. They also assist students and parents by interpreting tests and assist in
monitoring progress and initiating modifications of student educational programs when
needed.
Counselors serve both as consultants and resource persons to staff members and work closely
with staff to assure the best possible educational program for students.
Counselors provide an important service in helping students evaluate their interests, abilities,
and goals and assist students in planning a program of selected courses that will best
contribute to the fulfillment of those personal and career goals.
Students and parents are also encouraged to take advantage of the assistance counselors
offer in the areas of individual and group counseling. Counselors can work with students and
their families in the areas of peer relationships, family dynamics, and conflict resolution.
High School Credit in Middle School
Middle School Planning Worksheet
All students must take four-and-a-half required courses. Two and a half periods are reserved for student selection of elective
courses. Three scheduling options are available. Students needing additional support in mathematics and/or reading may be
scheduled for a supplemental course in addition to the core course. Students may choose any one of these three options.
Option A: 4.5 semester electives and 0 year-long electives
Option B: 2.5 semester electives and 1 year-long elective
Option C: .5 semester elective and 2 year-long electives
These options are shown below:
|
|
Period |
Course Selection |
|
|
Option A |
1 |
Required: English Language Arts |
|
|
2 |
Required: Mathematics |
||
|
3 |
Required: Science |
||
|
4 |
Required: Social Studies |
||
|
5 |
Required: Physical Education |
|
|
|
6 |
|
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|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
Option B |
1 |
Required: English Language Arts |
|
|
2 |
Required: Mathematics |
||
|
3 |
Required: Science |
||
|
4 |
Required: Social Studies |
||
|
5 |
Required: Physical Education |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
||
|
Option C |
1 |
Required: English Language Arts |
|
|
2 |
Required: Mathematics |
||
|
3 |
Required: Science |
||
|
4 |
Required: Social Studies |
||
|
5 |
Required: Physical Education |
|
|
|
6 |
|
||
|
7 |
|
||
Click here for a printable version of the table above.
Activities & Athletics
Any student who represents a school in activities must satisfy all scholastic requirements for
participation. Students must be enrolled and passing five classes of unit credit not previously
passed. Courses that may be repeated for credit according to the program planning guide may
count toward eligibility. The student must be in attendance in all regularly scheduled classes in
which he or she is enrolled the day the activity is scheduled unless the activity is in another city
and it is necessary that the student be absent, or unless the activity is scheduled on a day
when school is not in session. This policy shall apply to all students and shall also apply to
practice sessions.
Students must be bona fide students as defined by the Kansas State High School Activities
Association:
Section 1 – General Regulations (apply to grades 7-12)
Art. 1: The student shall be a bona fide undergraduate member of his or her school and in good
standing.
Art. 2: A student who is under penalty of suspension or whose character or conduct brings discredit
to the school or to the student, as determined by the principal, is not in good standing and is
ineligible for a period of time as specified by the principal.
Art. 3: A student who uses any form of tobacco, Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) devices,
illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, etc. at school events is not in good standing.
Art. 4: A student who uses anabolic steroids would be ineligible for interscholastic competition until
such time as medical evidence can be presented that his/her system is free of that drug.
Art. 5: A student shall not be permitted to make up work after the close of the semester (this
includes summer school), for the purpose of becoming eligible. A "condition" or an
"incomplete" shall count as a failure. (See Rule 13. Scholarship Requirements.)
Art. 6: If the student competes under an assumed name, he or she shall be ineligible in all sports.
A student in grades 7-8 shall meet the following requirements for eligibility in inter-school
activities:
a. Scholarship – The student shall have passed at least five new subjects (those not
previously passed) of unit weight, or its equivalent, the previous quarter or last
quarter of attendance.
EXEMPTION: The scholarship requirement would be waived for the first quarter of the 7th
grade year and the first semester of the 9th grade year. The student would be immediately
eligible as long as all other eligibility requirements are met.
"SPECIAL" transfers from one attendance center to another within the same unified school
district (USD), when initiated by the school, may be declared eligible without a move on the part of the parents, provided policies on such transfer are clearly defined in board of education
policy and provided both principals approve the "special" transfer.
A student is ineligible if a change in school is made without an accompanying move on the part
of the student’s parents. If students change schools without an accompanying move on the
part of their parents, they will be ineligible for interschool extracurricular activities for ONE
CALENDAR YEAR for grades 9-12, eighteen weeks for grades 7-8, beginning with the first day of
their attendance. (See KSHSAA Rule 18 – Transfer)
In addition to the residence requirements for eligibility, each student must also be
scholastically eligible as defined by the Kansas State High School Athletic Association and the
Shawnee Mission Board of Education regulations. Before the student may compete in
activities, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of five (5) units of credit and be passing a
minimum of five (5) units of credit to participate in interscholastic competition sponsored by
the Kansas State High School Activities Association. If you have questions, please contact your
high school activities director.
High School Pre-Planning
Shawnee Mission Graduation Requirements for Current 8th Graders
Due to action by the Kansas State Board of Education, graduation requirements will change
beginning with the Class of 2028, the incoming freshman class.
| Content Area | Class of 2028 and Beyond Requirements |
| ELA | 3.5 units ELA 1 1.0 unit ELA 2 1.0 unit ELA 3 1.0 unit ELA 4 0.5 unit |
| Communications (e.g., Speech, Debate, Journalism) |
0.5 unit Any one of the following: Communications 1 Competitive Speech and Drama, Beg. Novice Debate Introduction to News Media |
| Social Studies | 3 units World Regional Studies 1.0 unit United States History 1.0 unit American Government 0.5 unit Social Studies Elective 0.5 unit |
| Fine Arts | 1 unit See the high school guide for a complete list of courses. |
| Mathematics |
3 units |
| Science |
3 units 1 unit must be a laboratory science |
| STEM (e.g., Advanced Math and Science, Robotics, Technology, Agriculture) |
1 unit See the high school guide for a complete list of courses. |
| Physical Education | 0.5 unit Physical Education 0.5 unit (One year of Citizenship/Leadership Development NS = 0.5 credit of PE) |
| Health |
0.5 unit |
| Financial Literacy | 0.5 unit |
| Electives | 7 (tied to Individual Plan of Study) |
| Post Secondary Assets (skills, knowledge, and experiences outside classroom) |
2 (not counted toward units) See the high school guide for a complete list of Post-secondary Assets |
| Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
Strongly encouraged |
| Graduation Requirement Total |
23.5 |
Signature Programs
Shawnee Mission Signature Programs provide high school students the opportunity to explore
unique areas of study in preparation for specialized academic and future career opportunities.
Students participating in Signature Programs receive targeted instruction that is both rigorous
and relevant. These specialized programs reflect our district’s commitment to providing quality
educational opportunities that will enable students to be successful in 21st- century careers. In
the majority of programs listed below, introductory courses are offered at each of the
respective high schools with advanced coursework offered at the Center for Academic
Achievement (CAA) and Career and Technical Center Campus (CTC).
| Program | Location |
| Biotechnology | CAA |
| Culinary Arts and Hospitality | CAA |
| Game Design and Development | CAA |
| Global Systems | CAA |
| International Baccalaureate | SM East, SM Northwest |
| Law, Public Safety & Security | High Schools/Career and Technical Campus |
| Medical Health Science | CAA |
| Engineering - Project Lead the Way | High Schools/CAA |
Support for Learning
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 elective 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 middle 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 Plan (IEP) Team. Placement in these programs/services
is by special education action only. For information regarding special education services,
contact your middle school administrator or the Special Education Office at 913-993-8600.
For additional information please see the district website:
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 middle school. Librarians teach research strategies
and foster an appreciation for reading. Students have access to
● The collection in their school library
● Materials in all Shawnee Mission school library collections via InterLibrary Loan.
● The library as a space on school days.
● Online databases for students use both in school and at home from the 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.
Course Information
Family and Consumer Sciences
Course ID: 6316 Course title: Intro to Family and Consumer Sciences Course Cost: $10.00
Course ID: 6317 Course title: Exploring Foods and Nutrition Course Cost: $15.00
Course ID: 6318 Course title: Exploring Sewing Technology Course Cost: $5.00
Fine Arts - Performing Arts
Course ID: 7016 Course title: Band 1
Course ID: 7046, Course title: Band 2
Course ID: 7053, Course title: Orchestra 1
Course ID: 7054, Course title: Orchestra 2
Students may be required to purchase a methods book; students may be charged rental fees for renting district owned instruments. For year-long performance groups, students may be charged a one-time fee, not to exceed $20.00, for purchase of performance apparel.
Fine Arts - Visual
Course ID: 7515, Course title: Art Exploration, Course Cost: $10.00
Course ID: 7513, Course title: Drawing and painting, Course Cost: $10.00
Course ID: 7514, Course title: Sculpture, Course Cost: $10.00
Course ID: 7203, Course title: Art of Animation, Course Cost: $5.00
Industrial Technology
Course ID: 6659, Course title: Gateway to Technology: Automation and Robotics, Course cost: $10.00
Course ID: 6660, Course title: Gateway to Technology: Design and Modeling, Course cost: $10.00
Course ID: 6657, Course title: Projects in Industrial Technology, Course cost: $15.00 and extra projects may be completed at an additional cost.
Courses at a glance
Business Course offerings At-a-Glance:
● Students enrolled in performance groups may be charged a one-time fee, not to exceed $20.00 for the purchase of performance apparel.
● Students may be required to purchase a methods book for music courses.
● Students may be charged rental fees for district-owned instruments in the following courses: Beginning Band, Band 1, Band 2, Beginning Orchestra, Orchestra 1, and Orchestra 2.
sequential nature of the middle school course offerings.
images and formatted text using composition techniques.
and wood turning projects.
poems and informational texts. Students are expected to write in response to literature applying the writing process and the Six Traits of Effective Writing. Students also participate in genre- specific reading and writing opportunities in the areas of narrative, informational, and argumentative text types and student-created publications. In addition, students will acquire vocabulary skills and grade- appropriate language skills, which are applied through written and oral expression.
poems and informational texts. Students are expected to write in response to literature applying the writing process and the Six Traits of Effective Writing. Students also participate in genre-specific reading and writing opportunities in the areas of narrative, informational, and argumentative text types and student-created publications. In addition, students will acquire vocabulary skills and grade- appropriate language skills, which are applied through written and oral expression.
communications. Journalism provides exploration in topics such as the role media and the communication industry has on society. This course also provides hands-on experience in writing, designing, and editing student news media outlets to develop the technical skills related to journalistic
writing and interviewing. Students are expected to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, cooperation, and
dependability. Additionally, there may be some after-schoolwork. This course introduces students to the concepts of newsworthiness and press responsibility; develops students’ skills in writing and editing stories, headlines, and captions; and teaches students the principles of production, design, layout, and printing. The course will emphasize the development of skills in human relations, oral and written
communication, critical thinking, advanced problem- solving, development of plans for project management, resource scheduling, as well as understanding the ethical and legal issues related to the field. Photography and photojournalism skills will be included. This course may be repeated.
Readiness outcomes. High school credit is not available for Algebra 1 in 7th or 8th grade.
Alternative course progressions may be identified by need through the Student Intervention
Team (SIT) process.
| College and Career Ready | Advanced Courses | |
| Grade 6 | Math 6 | Integrated Math 6 |
| Grade 7 | Math 7 | Integrated Math 7 |
| Grade 8 | Math 8 | Algebra 1 |
| Grade 9 | Integrated Algebra/Geometry 1 | Honors Geometry |
and introduce concepts of probability. This course incorporates half of the 7th grade Kansas College and
Career Ready Standards and all of the 8th grade standards. This course will move at an accelerated rate in order to address 1.5 years of content in a single year.
curriculum is integrated into this course. The health curriculum in this course includes nutrition,
abstinence-based curriculum for disease prevention, and personal relationships.
supports and aligns to the ELA core standards.
content of this course scaffolds, supports and aligns to the ELA core standards. Students should be enrolled in an ELA course if appropriate.
interests and leadership skills. Students will enroll in the S.E.E.K. classroom in accordance with their IEP. The semester course may be repeated for credit.
their individualized education program (IEP). The areas of instruction for this course include peer relations, social skills, self-management, compliance skills, and self-advocacy skills.
activities will engage the students in language learning.
French-speaking world. Students can expect to understand, speak, read, and write French in the context of ordinary daily situations and topics such as family, school, numbers, telling time, sports, and clothing. Learning is enhanced through interactive activities, digital media, role playing, and authentic language activities.
