5 Things You Need to Know: 12/20/21

Upcoming concerts in KC

East’s Annual Sweetheart Dance

The East Sweetheart dance, hosted on Feb. 5 with the theme being announced some time after winter break. As of right now the dance is being held indoors with no mask required at this gathering.

Influenza season update

The 2021-2022 flu season is in full swing. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment suggests everyone over six months old to get the vaccine in order to prevent, and lessen, the dangerous effects of influenza.

The CDC recommends a three-step approach for fighting the flu: get vaccinated, take everyday prevention actions and use antiviral drugs if a physician prescribes them. 

Masks are no longer required after winter break

The Shawnee Mission School Board decided that starting Jan. 3 the mask mandate will be dropped for students and facilities for upper grades. This was held from a vote of 5-2. The board followed the decisions of the Blue Valley and Olathe district after they dropped the mandate on Nov. 29.

Basketball game themes