Dear SME Student Body

What a privilege it is to write to you on behalf of the administration and staff of Shawnee Mission East.   We are all very excited for the 2015-2016 school year.  As you already know or will quickly learn, Shawnee Mission East is a very special and unique place.

For years we have been recognized as one of the highest academic achieving high schools in the country; not surprisingly, we are now becoming equally well known for our prowess in athletics, debate, theater, video-production, forensics, robotics, music, cheer, dance, art, print and online journalism… the list goes on and on!  In fact, there is not one area where East does not excel, and that is, of course, thanks to you — our students. Your commitment to success, to setting ambitious, seemingly unattainable goals for yourselves and then not just meeting, but exceeding those goals, is unmatched.

On behalf of the SME administration and staff, I want to thank you for representing our school, both in and out of the classroom.  Everyone in this building is committed to assisting you in your efforts to succeed at SME.  In fact, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful teachers and counselors we are so fortunate
to have.  You have a staff of knowledgeable, professional educators ready and willing to help you achieve your goals and set you on the path toward your future.  Trust them — they know what they are doing!

If you set positive expectations for yourself both in and outside of the classroom, there is not a doubt in my mind that you will not just meet, but exceed your dreams.

Finally, you are going to hear me say it several times throughout the year, but please take care of each other, watch out for each other and make good choices.  If there is a question, a problem, a situation, a concern — anything that you don’t think you can work out on your own—reach out to someone. Your friends, teachers, counselors, principals, SRO, social worker and campus officers are all here to help. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Remember, once you attend SME, you are never on your own — Once a Lancer, Always a Lancer!

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our school.  I look forward to seeing just how far you will go in the days, months and years to come.