The IB program was a wonderful experience that helped give me a fantastic foundation for college.
D
David Michael Smythe
10 years ago
As a member of the IB class of '09, I can't believe this would even be considered. AP is not a substitute; IB creates a tight-knit intellectual community and also provides an amazingly international perspective, laying a stronger foundation for college and beyond.
A
Amelia Murphy
10 years ago
I would not be where I am today without the IB program. It seriously prepared me for my entire college education, my Fulbright fellowship in Indonesia, and my current career. I'm thankful every day that I had the good fortune of having this program available to me.
M
Mary Lehoczky
10 years ago
Wish Topeka would connect the dots and realize one of the reasons Johnson County generates more taxes than any other county is due to the quality of its public schools. The IB program serves a valid, important purpose and should be continued.
K
Kathy Cook
10 years ago
As the parent of a former IB student, I'm extremely sad to hear this is even being considered. We should be offering IB to more students. It prepares them for college like no other signature program.
S
Susan
10 years ago
I thought we were supposed to be furthering education! Why cut this program? I hope the money is not going toward sports programs.
B
Bobby Kelly
10 years ago
For brad
M
Margaret Tuttle
10 years ago
I was the one who asked the question at the SuperChat. I was hoping to hear the IB program would be expanded to SMS. I have three kids coming up through the district schools from Brookwood, and was planning to enroll all three in IB. I had more than a semester's worth AP credits when I entered college, and I saw first-hand how better prepared the IB students were. Please retain and expand the program!
G
Gabbe Meloccaro
10 years ago
The IB program had the ability to give opportunities to students that other programs do not. The program allows students to grow not only academically but as people. The program embodies all the qualities of a good, intelligent person and a leader.
B
Bailey Pianalto
10 years ago
Featured
As a graduate of the Shawnee Mission East IB program, I am sad to see this even being considered. This program is one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It prepared me for far more than college, and it is a time that I still think of fondly.
C
Carrie Paulette
10 years ago
As an IB graduate from Shawnee Mission East, the IB program was one of the very best parts of my high school experience. It prepared me extremely well for college, academically and socially.
S
Silvia Giovanardi Byer
10 years ago
My son was an IB student at SM East and he has benefited tremendously from it - we chose to be in the SMSD precisely because of the IB program !!! as an ex-pats, as many are in the Kansas City area - we were pleased to see that East offered a well run program - that was recognized abroad.
It is a point of Pride for you all to have - please don't take it away - I have two more kids that have been gearing up to start it.
Please understand that the IB is an interconnected & cohesive program - each subject mirrors the other this helps students develop their CRITICAL thinking which is discussed so much in Higher Ed.
Conversely the AP program is fragmented and does not bring out the connections among subjects.
N
Nancy Mays
10 years ago
The IB program was THE reason we left a private school to attend SMNW. It offered our children college prep courses that exceeded what they received in AP courses. Through IB, they strengthened their critical thinking and writing skills, making high school a far more rewarding experience.
E
Eric Ronning
10 years ago
About 10% of the students at Shawnee Mission East participate in the IB program. The students that invest the time in that program do great things and produce great dividends. The monetary investment is small relative to the accomplishments of that group, we need to continue to support academic excellence.
M
Marjorie Benson
10 years ago
Our daughter is an IB alumnus from SM East, class of 2009. This program contributed to her academic and personal growth in profound, measurable ways and to this day remains a positive component of her young adult life. Cut back on the program? Absolutely not! The ability to think critically, read with understanding, communicate well, and maintain focus transfers well not just to higher education, but to every aspect of life. Why would anyone want to restrict the pursuit of excellence?!
K
Kathleen Rossi
10 years ago
I have taught in the IB program (literature) for about 13 years. I know that it is rigorous, but I have so many grads who will attest to the value of the course of study that IB allows. You can't create an IB lit program in just any lit class. Only certain students want and can handle the challenge, but no student should be prevented from the challenge if it is what the student wants. Our IB kids have gone on to some of the most prestigious universities in the country (and around the world), and all who have contacted me while in college have praised the classes they took while here, and most have been able to waive general ed courses, or even get units for their IB tests.AP makes that possible too, but Ib is a WORLD based study, giving students a perspective that is not just western in scope.
D
David Simms
10 years ago
Featured
Both of our daughters were IB students and gained enormously from the program. The program teaches how to think, not how to memorize. If funding can't support the 3 current schools, better to reduce the number of schools than cancel the program
D
Drake Myers
10 years ago
SME IB '14
C
Craig Wright
10 years ago
IB is a fantastic program and needs to stay!!
M
Max Duncan
10 years ago
The IB Program for me was the only way of educating myself beyond the thought structure of wealthy, white Kansas before college. It is simply essential. The most important thing I have ever accomplished before college.
The IB program was a wonderful experience that helped give me a fantastic foundation for college.
As a member of the IB class of '09, I can't believe this would even be considered. AP is not a substitute; IB creates a tight-knit intellectual community and also provides an amazingly international perspective, laying a stronger foundation for college and beyond.
I would not be where I am today without the IB program. It seriously prepared me for my entire college education, my Fulbright fellowship in Indonesia, and my current career. I'm thankful every day that I had the good fortune of having this program available to me.
Wish Topeka would connect the dots and realize one of the reasons Johnson County generates more taxes than any other county is due to the quality of its public schools. The IB program serves a valid, important purpose and should be continued.
As the parent of a former IB student, I'm extremely sad to hear this is even being considered. We should be offering IB to more students. It prepares them for college like no other signature program.
I thought we were supposed to be furthering education! Why cut this program? I hope the money is not going toward sports programs.
For brad
I was the one who asked the question at the SuperChat. I was hoping to hear the IB program would be expanded to SMS. I have three kids coming up through the district schools from Brookwood, and was planning to enroll all three in IB. I had more than a semester's worth AP credits when I entered college, and I saw first-hand how better prepared the IB students were. Please retain and expand the program!
The IB program had the ability to give opportunities to students that other programs do not. The program allows students to grow not only academically but as people. The program embodies all the qualities of a good, intelligent person and a leader.
As a graduate of the Shawnee Mission East IB program, I am sad to see this even being considered. This program is one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It prepared me for far more than college, and it is a time that I still think of fondly.
As an IB graduate from Shawnee Mission East, the IB program was one of the very best parts of my high school experience. It prepared me extremely well for college, academically and socially.
My son was an IB student at SM East and he has benefited tremendously from it - we chose to be in the SMSD precisely because of the IB program !!! as an ex-pats, as many are in the Kansas City area - we were pleased to see that East offered a well run program - that was recognized abroad. It is a point of Pride for you all to have - please don't take it away - I have two more kids that have been gearing up to start it. Please understand that the IB is an interconnected & cohesive program - each subject mirrors the other this helps students develop their CRITICAL thinking which is discussed so much in Higher Ed. Conversely the AP program is fragmented and does not bring out the connections among subjects.
The IB program was THE reason we left a private school to attend SMNW. It offered our children college prep courses that exceeded what they received in AP courses. Through IB, they strengthened their critical thinking and writing skills, making high school a far more rewarding experience.
About 10% of the students at Shawnee Mission East participate in the IB program. The students that invest the time in that program do great things and produce great dividends. The monetary investment is small relative to the accomplishments of that group, we need to continue to support academic excellence.
Our daughter is an IB alumnus from SM East, class of 2009. This program contributed to her academic and personal growth in profound, measurable ways and to this day remains a positive component of her young adult life. Cut back on the program? Absolutely not! The ability to think critically, read with understanding, communicate well, and maintain focus transfers well not just to higher education, but to every aspect of life. Why would anyone want to restrict the pursuit of excellence?!
I have taught in the IB program (literature) for about 13 years. I know that it is rigorous, but I have so many grads who will attest to the value of the course of study that IB allows. You can't create an IB lit program in just any lit class. Only certain students want and can handle the challenge, but no student should be prevented from the challenge if it is what the student wants. Our IB kids have gone on to some of the most prestigious universities in the country (and around the world), and all who have contacted me while in college have praised the classes they took while here, and most have been able to waive general ed courses, or even get units for their IB tests.AP makes that possible too, but Ib is a WORLD based study, giving students a perspective that is not just western in scope.
Both of our daughters were IB students and gained enormously from the program. The program teaches how to think, not how to memorize. If funding can't support the 3 current schools, better to reduce the number of schools than cancel the program
SME IB '14
IB is a fantastic program and needs to stay!!
The IB Program for me was the only way of educating myself beyond the thought structure of wealthy, white Kansas before college. It is simply essential. The most important thing I have ever accomplished before college.