Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up

We’re going down the Rabbit Hole! Join us as we talk to some of the Shawnee Mission students and teachers who are participating in the “Beyond the Page Challenge” put on by the Rabbit hOle exploratorium! 

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #57 S3E17 Technology in Classrooms

What exactly is a Bond, how does it impact our students? and why is it beneficial for the WHOLE community, not just those with students in SMSD schools?  We address all of these questions and more as we discuss the potential for a new Bond campaign! 

Discussion of the upcoming R&D Fourm.

This week we’re highlighting SMSD’s littlest learners and the outstanding district programs available for families with 3- and 4 year-olds. Find out how our Pre-K programs set kids up for success!

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #53 S3E13 Affinity Groups

The popularity of Middle School Cheerleading.

We’re back for the second annual Carpool Carol-oke! Join us as we serenade staff at three different buildings and spread holiday cheer by singing loud for ALL to hear!

Did you know that SMSD has some of the best unified sports teams in the state?! We're chatting with coaches and athletes from SM Northwest's unified bowling team about their run in the state tournament and the importance of unified sports for all students!!

The SM South Theater Department presents Mary Poppins! We’re backstage with some of the cast, and South’s veteran theater teacher to learn more about the program, this iconic performance, and the passion behind the performing arts. 

We’re taking the podcast to the garage to explore the district’s automotive technology program! Hear from two SM East graduates about how their time in the ‘shop popped the hood on their careers.

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #46 S3E6 Champions!

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #45 S3E5 Market Value Assets!

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #44 S3E4: Extraordinary O!

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #43 S3E3 Operations & Maintenance!

Tomahawk Elementary is a legacy school with traditions and history spanning generations. The new building is officially open and we're talking with someone who is part of the legacy that makes Tomahawk so special.

It’s a new school year and that means a new theme! Join us as we share our goals for this year, explain our new theme, and help a teacher at Ray Marsh Elementary set up her classroom!

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #40 S2E19 From the SMSD Veterans 5-29-25

In this episode, we’re chatting with students and teachers about how the new CPM math curriculum is making classes more hands-on, collaborative, and engaging.

The Research & Development Forum is a celebration of student innovation and achievement. We invite students and staff to take part in one of SMSD's biggest showcases of the year, the Shawnee Mission R&D Forum.

This week we’re learning about the SMSD Signature Programs and the incredible experience each one offers. From emergency personell and fire science to culinary arts and video game design, these programs provide students an opportunity to pursue their passion, gain real experience in their industry of choice, and even earn professional credentials to support their post-secondary goals.  

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #35 Bring On Bing Bong! 03-20-25

Helping girls find confidence, camaraderie, and mentorship is just a small part of what the SMSD’s Women in Leadership program does.  Hear from Caroline Urio, a senior in the program, about how the program has helped her grow as both a student and an individual.

Our staff is heading back to school with the annual "instructional fair” or iFair. They’ll be learning from their peers and growing as educators in all areas.

Kaden is a published author, a special education advocate, an award-winning innovator, and he’s just 11 years old. Learn more about what drives him and be inspired.

Mic’d Up is on the road (literally) to spread holiday cheer and make spirits bright! Join us for carpool karaoke with a couple of rockstar students, some ugly sweaters, and the occasional high note. 

Sixty gallons of gravy, 3,000 dinner rolls, and more than 600 handmade pies—that’s just a fraction of the food the Shawnee Mission Culinary students prepared (from scratch) for their annual Everything But the Turkey fundraiser. We’re talking to Chef Justin Hoffman, one of our culinary educators and an SMSD alumnus, as well as Finley Jewel, a senior at SM South and SkillsUSA National Champion, about this incredible epicurean endeavor.

Did you know that each SMSD feeder pattern holds music festivals to bring together elementary, middle, and high school programs in one performance? Listen to a melding of melodies that’s (literally) music to your ears.

What are we doing to eliminate the attendance crisis? Hear from our district experts.

The cafeteria is one of the happiest places in a school and it's due, in large part, to the people behind the counter. Find out what goes into making thousands of nutritious, filling meals for 48 schools.

Middle School sports are back and we're taking the show on the road to check out the much anticipated return of middle school football.

What makes SMSD special? Why was it ranked as one of the best places to work in Kansas by Forbes magazine? Hear from our team about what makes SMSD stand out.

On June 24th the Board of Education members approved the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) Strategic Plan. The SMSD community engaged in thoughtful work, which led to the development of this road map which guides the district’s work for the years to come. Shawnee Mission has a proud tradition of excellence and this plan is designed to build on the past to create an even better future.

"There's no place like home." Rushton Elementary School started the new school year in a brand new building that feels just like home. Hear from Principal Fornal and longtime office manager, Debbie Coleman as they take you inside this beautiful new facility. 

The season 2 premiere discusses the major projects complete over the summer months, the changes coming for the 24-25 school year and the traditions that make SMSD special.

Reacap of the first fabulous season of Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up.

Students from Indian Hills came together to support the SPCA in a new initiative to connect the school with the community.

The Shawnee Mission School District provides a variety of learning experiences for young learners. Parents as Teachers connects parent educators with families and children ages birth to three. The district serves children ages three to five who are eligible for special education services, as well as typically developing peers through a peer model program at the early childhood center. Pre-Kindergarten, both fee and no-fee options, are offered at elementary school sites in the district. These programs and services are designed to help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #16: March Madness!

The 2nd cycle of the Strategic Plan is underway and the steering committee laid out a plan. Hear from two representatives about their experience on the steering committee.

In his first interview since being named the future Superintendent of Shawnee Mission School District, Dr. Michael Schumacher joins Mic’d Up to talk about his new position and his goals for the future.

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #13

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #12: January 25, 2024

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #11: Seven Stories! January 11th, 2024

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #10: SNOW DAYS! December 13, 2023

Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up #9: The Chronic Absenteeism Crisis. November 30, 2023