Sunday, October 31, 2010

Monday and Tuesday

Southwest Athletics so far this season has produced the school of champions. Swimming, women's cross country, men's cross country, football, volleyball and men's soccer are all city champions. And the wave continues. Men's and Women's Cross Country send one each to state. Swimmers are still swimming.

Volleyball continues the race to state Monday at Edina versus Hopkins High School.

Tuesday at noon is the trip to the Metrodome for the Men's Soccer team.

Tuesday is a regular school day. Students are expected to be in school UNLESS there is permission by parents to miss due to family situations.

Students need parent permission to miss school on Tuesday OR to leave school early to attend the soccer game at the dome.

Students are expected to be good sports at the Metrodome. No banners are permitted. Hand-held obstructive signs are permitted with appropriate wording. The behavior at the Metrodome is expected to be positive toward teams and players. Horns and other sound makers are not permitted. The soccer game at the Metrodome at noon is a school event and appropriate behavior is expected.

Spanish Club Selling Sugar Skulls

The Spanish club is selling sugar skulls in honor of the Mexican holiday of día de los muertos. Students created and decorated the skulls themselves.

Check with students in the Spanish Club for further details.

The proceeds from the sales will be used to purchase farm animals through Heifer International to benefit families in Latin America.

Kristin Woebke
SW Spanish Teacher
Searchers racing weather in day 6 of search for missing plane
By the CNN Wire Staff
October 31, 2010 11:47 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Bad weather forces teams to spend the night in search area
No evidence of the plane has been found
It disappeared from radar on Monday
(CNN) -- Teams in their sixth day of searching for a missing plane in Wyoming were attempting to stay ahead of bad weather Sunday after two search teams spent the night at an elevation of 10,000 feet because of "blizzard-like" conditions, authorities said.
The plane had four people on board, members of a Minnesota family, according to the Fremont County, Wyoming, Sheriff's Office. It took off from the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, airport on Monday. It was bound for Riverton, Wyoming, en route to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
"As day six of active searching begins, no physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been found," the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday. "At the incident command center Sunday morning ... fresh snow was visible on the peaks of the Wind River Range."
Searchers have been working in a very remote area at elevations of up to 13,000 feet, the sheriff's office has said.
A Wyoming National Army Guard Blackhawk helicopter was able to remove one ground team, which reported it was nearly "socked in" with "blizzard-like conditions" at the landing zone, authorities said. However, two other teams were forced to spend the night in the area.
"We tried to extract the teams by helicopter, but the weather closed in and they had to spend the night," said Jason Aanestad, incident command operations chief, in the sheriff's office statement. Authorities planned Sunday morning to put in a fresh ground team and remove the other two, he said.
The weather cleared Saturday night, the sheriff's office said, and searchers Sunday had mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 20s. "The weather, however, is expected to close in again late Sunday afternoon," authorities said.
The search plan for Sunday includes using a helicopter in a grid search as well as ground teams, the statement said.
Searchers received a boost on Saturday when they received messages of prayers and support from friends and colleagues of the missing family. After receiving a pile of hand-written notes, the sheriff's office said, searcher Andy Basset -- who had just been plucked from the blizzard -- said, "I wish we could go out again right now."
Snow, high winds and low visibility have hampered the search since it began. The sheriff's office has not identified the identities of those thought to be on board the plane and has also not said whether children were on board.
However, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that the plane carried Luke Bucklin, 40, and his three sons -- 14-year-old twins Nate and Nick, and 12-year-old Noah. A prayer gathering was held for the family Friday night, the newspaper reported.

Saturday afternoon Press Release Search Continues

press release from the search team - 10/30 4:30pm cdt

By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028
UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 3:30 A.M. M.S.T.

(Lander, WY) – Two Civil Air Patrol fixed wing aircraft returned to the air during the fifth day of active searching for a missing single-engine plane in northwest Wyoming Saturday. The CAP aircraft were sent aloft to re-evaluate an emergency transponder signal, which both air and ground crews have been unable to pinpoint in the rocky canyons of the nine-square mile search area.

No physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been located.

“We have three teams of world-class mountaineers on ground searches today to augment the air search, which includes a new military unit—a Blackhawk helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard,” said Incident Command Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. The Blackhawk arrived at mid-day to relieve a U.S. Air Force Huey, which had been on the search for the past three days.

One of the helicopters involved in the search is performing visual grid work today, scouring the area looking for any clues. “In a search such as this, we are looking for anything unusual or something that is out of place on the landscape,” said Incident Commander Chip Williams. “With the high winds of the last several days, snowfields have shifted and we want to ensure that we’ve covered each grid thoroughly.”

Although the day began with favorable weather, wind speeds began to increase by mid-afternoon and snow showers are forecast later this afternoon into tomorrow.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Search News Saturday Oct. 30

press release from the search team - 10/30 10am CDT
By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028

UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 9:00 A.M. M.T.

(Lander, WY) – With favorable weather early today, the fifth full day of searching for a missing single-engine plane with four members of a Minnesota family on board began at daylight in northwest Wyoming. In the four previous full days of searching, no physical evidence of the craft has been found, although teams are still attempting to track an emergency locator signal, which has been heard in the area.

A group of mountaineers from the Sublette County Search and Rescue Team from Pinedale, WY, joined the search this morning and is one of three ground search teams, joining two existing teams from Lander. The ground searchers are being airlifted into the search area by a U.S. Air Force Huey helicopter from Cheyenne, WY.

In addition to the three helicopters, one fixed wing craft from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol is expected to join the search and overfly the area at mid-morning in another attempt to pinpoint the location of an elusive emergency transponder signal that was detected several days ago.

“We are searching some areas today that were previously searched because strong winds have rearranged some surface features in the past two days,” said Chip Williams, Incident Commander. “We are also sending up digital video equipment in one of the helicopters so we can analyze the video for clues to the plane’s disappearance.”

The search area is at an elevation of between 11,000 and 12,000 feet and east of Wyoming’s highest mountain, which is at an elevation of 13,802 feet. The landscape in the search area includes deep drainages, heavy timber and boulder fields, steep and crevassed canyon walls with numerous rock outcroppings and rock towers. Much of the search area is still covered in snow. c

Weather conditions today are forecast to be favorable through late afternoon when isolated snow showers and thunderstorms are forecast. Temperatures in the search area today are forecast to reach a high of between 32 an 35°F.

Championship Competition

Friday was a great day in Southwest Athletics.
Girls Volleyball won in Section 1/4 final action, moving on to the Semi-finals Monday at Edina. There they will compete against Hopkins. This is a rematch, in the first meeting the Lakers won in Three games.

In Cross Country Sections
Robin Fassett-Carman got 6th, and the girls team got 7th
Kamal Berhe took 7th, and the boys team took 5th overall.
Both Robin and Kamal advance to the State Meet at St. Olaf

Boys Soccer in the State Quarterfinals defeated Moundsview 1-0. They now advance to the state semi-finals Tuesday at noon in the Mall of America Field, (Metrodome). The Supervisor and AD at Park HS said that in the 6 years they have been hosting State 1/4 finals that last night was by far the biggest and best fans he has ever seen. Scoring for the Lakers was Junior, Michal Pulkrabek. The Lakers are now 21-0 with only two goals against this season.

Thank you to the dozens of staff, and hundreds of students in attendance to support all of the teams this season.

As we look to this week there is lots of excited athletes still in competition
With Swimming going strong, Cross country, Volleyball, and Soccer still moving forward, it is a great time to come and support them outside of the class room.

Thanks again to everyone for their support last night,

Ryan Lamberty, AD

Friday, October 29, 2010

Friday is Sports Day

Southwest City Champions continue Friday Oct. 29

Mens' and Womens' Cross Country team starts sectional competition this afternoon at Gale Woods

Mens' Soccer continue their quest for state against Moundsview but playing at Cottage Grove at 7:30 pm

Womens' Volleyball are in Quarterfinals this evening at Southwest High School at 7 pm versus Armstrong

Good Luck Lakers!

10 am Sherrif report - still searching

press release from the search team - 10/29 10am CDT
By ginger - Posted on October 29th, 2010
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Friday, October 29, 2010
Contact: Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028

UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 9:00 A.M. M.T.

(Lander, WY) – The search for a single-engine fixed wing aircraft missing over the Wind River Mountains of northwest Wyoming with four members of a Minnesota family on board resumed at first light Friday morning.

Air and ground search crews are concentrating on a nine-square mile area east of Wyoming’s tallest mountain peak, the last known location of the aircraft, which disappeared Monday on a flight from Jackson Hole to Riverton en route to the Twin Cities.

With a new weather front moving in, search resources today will include aerial searching with three helicopters including an Air Force Huey based at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, and three ground crews, said Jason Aanestad, the Incident Command Center’s Operations Chief.

On Thursday a specially equipped fixed wing aircraft flew over the search area numerous times in an attempt to pinpoint a possible Emergency Transponder signal (ELT). The plane, from Park County, WY, Search and Rescue, was able to confirm a weak signal, but it was unable to pinpoint the exact location of the transmission.

“This is a very mountainous area and signals such as those from an emergency transponder bounce off of rocks, cliffs and peaks, making detection difficult,” said Incident Commander Chip Williams. He said ground crews would be inserted into the area with hand held devices in an attempt to pinpoint the source of the transmissions.

“A weak but steady ELT signal has been monitored coming from the general search area, but we have been unable to locate the exact location of the transmission, and that is the focus of today’s search,” said Detective Sergeant Ryan Lee of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department.

“An ELT transponder of the kind in the missing aircraft may be activated manually, or automatically

in a manner similar to the deployment of an air bag in a sudden impact,” Lee said. “Search crews had been picking up an unknown transmission, and yesterday we were able to confirm that those transmissions are coming from the search area. We have reason to believe the signal confirmed yesterday is, in all probability, coming from the downed aircraft. There are no other missing aircraft reported in the area.”

The next report will be issued this afternoon.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Search Continues

The search and rescue operation for Nate, Nick, brother Noah and father Luke is ongoing. The family members were in a small plane that lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration in Wyoming on October 25. We do not have any additional news at this time. The Bucklin family would like to thank our school community for the kind thoughts and wishes.

We are concerned not only for the safe return of the members of the Bucklin family but for the safety and welfare of all our students. We understand that many parents and students would like to show their support and hope for this family in a concrete and meaningful way. One of the best ways for students to do this is to remain in school, where they can both show their support for their friends and continue learning.

Parents and students can send positive messages to the family. They may also send contributions to agencies that provide search and rescue efforts. MPS support staff will continue working with students and staff as needed, as will faith communities in our city. To speak with a member of our support staff, please call 612-668-3030.

If students are concerned about a friend’s safety, we encourage them to speak to a member of our school staff or another trusted adult.

We continue to do all that we can to support our students and families at this time. Please call our main office at 612.668.3030 if your family needs additional assistance.

Thursday - another day

There is much to say and there is nothing new to say. We continue to go through the motions of a regular school day with one constant thought still present.

Many of our students do not know the family and have and interest and compassion about the situation. Still others know the family well and have a pain inside holding quiet with faith and hope.

The days continues. I wish the media would leave us and the family alone. It is its own distraction and is not helpful. They are filling their entertainment time slots and we are trying to hold it together for children and families. Why they want a circus is beyond me.

We are nearing the end of eight weeks of school. There is much to celebrate. There is much to think about. We are a community with joys and sorrows.

Writing Assistance in Media Center

Want help with writing assignments?

Come to the Media Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:30!

The Media Center will be staffed with professional volunteer writers that will be available to work with students on essays, class assignments, IB work, whatever you need.

Volunteers have experience writing in the real world as authors, press writers, in advertising, political speech writing, and more!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Volleyball Quarterfinals

Volleyball: Southwest has the second seed, with a first round bye.
Quarterfinals Friday 10/29 at 7pm at Southwest

This is the same time Mens' Soccer will be playing in the Quarterfinals at Cottage Grove.

Good luck Lakers!

News Media

Unusual events cause a media frenzy. Fortunately, the vast majority of the local media has found reason to be sensitive. The front page story in this morning newspaper was probably inevitable but did stay with the facts known at that time.

We did have one TV station park in front of the school around 3:45 pm today with the intent of finding some students to talk to about the situation. At least while in front of the school, I did not see evidence of any success in talking with students. I have no idea where they went after they and I discussed the sensitivity (or lack of) in this situation.

You might want to chat with your children about talking with media. It is your and their choice, but I think one has to be careful. Once spoken it is difficult to control the context or how it is mixed with other messages. The family wants our support and continued concern. At the same time the family has requested privacy. I think it is important for all of us to respect that. I expressed that to the TV station reporter but we had a difference of opinion about the role of the media in these situations.

We will continue to monitor reports. I exprect to update the entire Southwest community via telephone messaage at the conclusion of school tomorrow.

If you have questions please call. We will continue to have support persons available at school throughout the day. You and your children have relationships with different counselors and teachers at school. It is good to know that your children (and you) are surrounded by people who care.

Staying Informed

As information becomes available , the family through their spokesperson is posting information on the family blog.

If you wish to add your comments and thoughts, there is a place for that as well.

http://lukeandginger.com

We continue to hold all of the family close. This is a difficult time for all.

What is Important?

In the matter of moments the seriousness of what is happening around changes. 24 hours ago I was concerned about getting grades out to parents, what are we doing about communications, all the sports going on this week, what is the right time of what happening, and on and on....

Sometimes I know I take myself and what is happening around me way too seriously. Not that life is a laughing matter but I think we get wrapped up in minutia and miss the big and really important pictures sometimes.

There are no words to express our feelings over the past 18 hours. I trust you hugged every person in your family this morning and it is the start of a powerful habit. I trust you checked out that mirror this morning and renewed that pledge that today was going to be that great day and the start of something wonderful.

I don't know about you but I sure did.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Unfortunate Situation

This is Bill Smith, principal of Southwest High School. I am calling to inform you of an incident that affects our school community.

On Monday, two of our students, Nathaniel and Nicholas Bucklin, were flying home from a family vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on a small airplane piloted by their father. A sibling, Noah, was also on board. The Federal Aviation Administration lost radar contact with the airplane over the mountains. A search and rescue operation began today. The plane has not been located.

We are deeply concerned about this situation. We have reached out to the family of Nate and Nick and will do all we can to help.

Support staff are available to talk to you and students about this situation. Please contact Pat Walker, School Nurse at 612-668-3037.

We encourage you to talk with your students about their feelings. Students may wait a while before wanting to talk or may need to be asked about the situation before talking. Some students may not need to discuss the situation at all. Regardless of their reaction, please contact us if you or your children need additional support.

We are doing all that we can to support our students and families at this time. Please call our main office at 612.668.3030 if your family needs additional assistance.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Big Games this Week

Tuesday October 26 is a big day for Football and Volleyball

City Conference and Twin City Champion Southwest Football (6-2) starts Section 6 AAAAA play against Hopkins (5-3) Tuesday Oct. 26 starting at 7 pm. The game is at the Hopkins High School.

Womens ' Southwest Laker City Champions, 12-0 in conference play are at St. Paul Central Tuesday, Oct. 26 in the Twin City Crossover game. Volleyball Sectionals start Friday.

Laker Womens' Swim team are in St. Paul Crossover Meet on Tuesday, Oct. 26

Friday Oct 29, Sectionals start for the City Champions Mens' and Womens' Cross Country teams.

Friday October 29, the City and Sectional Champions Mens' Soccer (20-0) start state playoffs in the quarterfinals against Mounds View (13-5-1). The game starts at 7:30 pm and will be held at the Park High stadium in Cottage Grove, 8040 80th Street South, Cottage Grove 55016.

Good luck , Football, Volleyball and Soccer.

Check the Southwest web site for directions, dates and playing times and updates.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Letters of Concern to be mailed

To repeat information in the previous post -- A Letter of Concern will be mailed to the home address of all students who have earned a D or an F grade up to this point in any class.

Parent Teacher Conferences are Wednesday evening Nov. 3 starting at 4:00 pm and going to 8:00 pm.

On Thursday, November 4, conferences will begin at 9:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.

There is no school for students on Thursday November 4
There is no school for teachers or students on Friday, November 5.

Only students earning a D or an F will receive a Letter of Concern.

Grades - Semester - Nine Weeks - What now?

In response to numerous questions, as I have posted before, the entire District moved to semester grades. That means there will be two and one two grades per school year on your student's transcript from this year on.

In the traditional 9-week grading period, there were four grades on the transcript that then became part of the grade point average, class rank, etc. The two grades per school year allow the student 18 weeks (as compared to nine weeks) to earn a grade that will be part of the permanent record.

The opinion I expressed before, which I still believe, is that this will have the greatest effect on incoming 9th graders. Many have an adjustment period and the first 9-week grading period has a tendency to be the student's worst. Thus, an 18-week grading period provide a cushion for the transition and allows the student sufficient time to bounce back and maintain a higher GPA. I believe that the older students have figured out high school and after the 9th grade, that first grading period is no higher or lower than others. Now you have to question the very last 12th grade quarter, There are a few seniors that relax and that last quarter can be as low as the first. The semester grade will cause one to think about a "let-down" period.

The key to all of this is communication. Regardless of the number of weeks in a grading period, knowing your student's academic status is important. If a person (student or family member) has not paid attention to the grades for 4 weeks, or 9, or 18 there could be a problem. Shortening or lengthening the number of weeks between grading periods should not be a learning factor. It may be a communication factor.

The Parent Portal makes attendance and grades available at any point during the school year. Yes, it takes access to a computer and it requires registering. This is not the first year for the portal and many parents have been signed in to the portal for several years.

Without the portal (or a return to the old days), communication with the school is still important. The person who knows what is going on the best is the student. By talking to you son or daughter you have an idea of the need to talk with the teacher. Even without that conversation you know if you see books come home once is a while and if you see tests, quizzes or homework papers - many with grades. If you have not seen evidence of any of this, you need to be talking to teachers. That is true whether there is a 4 week or 9 week or 18 week grading period.

After October 29, students who have earned a D or and F in any class with receive a letter of concern mailed directly to the home. All other grades will be available through your classroom teacher. In many situations, the teacher will meet directly with the individual student or give individual grades that 9th week.

Parent Teacher conferences are Wednesday evening 4-8 November 3 and 9-5 on Thursday Nov 4th. There is no school on November 5th, Friday.

Check the Parent Portal or contact the classroom teacher.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Grades

We are nearing the completion of nine weeks or 25% of the 2010-11 school year. Grades are important. Our teachers post assignments and grades on Discovery. You can view attendance and grades on the Parent Portal. You need to register to view your student's records.

If you have not registered go to the Southwest Website - go to parents and then the Parent Portal then follow the directions.

Your name and the name of your student must match exactly the information you provided at enrollment or on your emergency form updates. For example if you used your full middle name, then for Parent Portal you need to use your full middle name and not just he initial.

If you need assistance on registering please contact our technology specialist 220-9848.

SW Volleyball Twin Cities Tuesday Oct 26


Southwest Varsity beat South in 3 straight games to wrap up the Minneapolis City Conference Title! The Lakers were undefeated in the Conference. Another great year for Laker Volleyball!

Southwest Volleyball will be playing next Tuesday for the Twin Cities Title.

Football Tuesday at Hopkins 7 pm

The City Champion Laker Football team starts regional play at Hopkins Tuesday, Oct 26 with a start time of 7 pm.

Come out and support Laker Football players.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Football Cross Over St. Paul Victory

Boys Football finished the regular season with a solid win over St. Paul Johnson 20 - 13. Southwest was the only Minneapolis team to score a victory over the St Paul teams. An excellent sign of a building program.

Southwest Laker Football is co-champions of the city league. The is a huge milestone in the continuing development of the football program. It was not that many years ago the fans in the stands stormed the field when the team scored its first touchdown in many games (and lost that game).

The program hit bottom and in the recent years under two previous coaches began to bring back the pride and the spirit. This group of players and coaches have played a great season and show much promise of more to come.

Sectional play to start next week. Come out and cheer your city conference champions - the Laker Football Team!

Volleyball Champions

Girls Volleyball defeated South last night in three games to finish conference play at 12-0. The win also locked the city conference Championship.

It has been a great season with more to come. Sectional play begins soon. Come out and cheer on your city champions -- Lakers Girls Volleyball

School Based Clinic Open House Oct. 27 7:30 - 3:30

HI
The school based clinic is getting ready to open on Nov 1st, and we are excited to meet you and show you the clinic.

A little background information- The Minneapolis Department of Health operates clinics in all Miinneapolis High Schools. These clinics are primary care clinics where students can be seen for a variety of health needs- sports physicals, sick visits, reproductive health, mental health, and nutrition. Students need to return a signed parent consent form in order to be seen in the clinic (these were sent home at the beginning of the school year). Insurance is billed when available. If the student doesn't have insurance we will try to assist with enrolling them in a program.

We are open 5 days a week during school hours and are located in the lower level of the East Building across from the East Gym. Students are welcome to come make appointments and will be seen in the same day when we have openings in the schedule. We do take referrals from teachers and staff. Along with medical care, we will provide mental health services, nutrition counseling, and classroom health education sessions.

We look forward to meeting and working with you all.

Come visit us on Wed Oct 27th (7:30- 3:30) for bagels and coffee to see the clinic. If that doesn't work, stop by any time.

Thanks for your excitement with the return of the clinic-

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Return to normal day

We are back on a regular schedule and all is well. The students and staff are great!

We finished our lunch period and moved on with the day. Today is the last day of the week and so there are some tests and we are just moving through the day.

Volleyball tonight at South for the City Championship.

We auto-telephoned a message in an attempt to keep families informed. That generated a fair number of telephone calls back. Never a good way to get communications out. We want people informed and not alarmed. So we try.

Great four-day weekend. Hope you and your family have a great fall break!

All is well Wednesday

Yes, we did evacuate the West building this afternoon at about 11:40 am. Yes, there were fire truck and personnel.

There was a situation with the fire alarm system. We did not feel comfortable and requested fire department assistance. They responded and inspected the various areas of concern. After they declared an all clear, our students reentered the building and we are resuming a regular school day.

The students and staff responded as they should. A great big congratulations to the students and staff for a good well done. Thankfully, this ended up okay but we are serious about the safety of our children.

Thank you to the excellent service of our city fire personnel!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Home of the Champions

Cross Country City Conference Champions!

Both boys and girls cross country Laker team won the City Conference. A great afternoon for a race. With the sun setting over Lake Nokomis, the Laker Cross Country Teams finished the race champions! Southwest Laker runner came in first in both the boys and girls races.

At the same time about 8 miles across town, the Southwest Laker boys soccer team was playing at home in sectional play against Wayzata. Again with the sun setting in the west, the Lakers defeated Wayzata and continue on it's trip to state.

And to cap off the evening, the Fine Arts Festival started at 7 pm in the auditorium. Southwest singers, dance company one, jazz, Dixie land, and orchestra provide the sounds and the video featured student films and a slide show of student art work from the start of the year. A celebration of sight and sound.

Just another wonderful evening with the talented students of Southwest High. Supported by friends, families and classmates the afternoon and evening was filled with Southwest Laker Stars.

Bos Soccer Sectional Play 4 pm at Stadium

The boys soccer team continues play in sectionals this afternoon at the stadium starting at 4 pm.

The game is against Wayzata and should be a good one.

Come out and cheer on to State!

Cooler Temperatures

The building is cooler in the mornings. Now would be a good time to dress in layers. It is difficult to determine what the overnight lows are really going to be.

Last night was about 34 and I think that might have been the lowest so far this season. The building does cool down over night. We have not started the winter heating boilers. If we did by noon the building would be steamy. Once you get 2,000 bodies moving around it does warm up.

But dress in layers and wear what makes sense that period and in that room. Different parts of the building are warmer and cooler.

It is winter time.

Math Tutoring Available

Math Tutoring Available

There is math and physics tutoring available in room 024 every Thursday afternoon.

Peer tutors are available to help students with any math subject and/or physics from 3:00 to 4:30. If you are interested in getting some help, bring your textbook, note book, and calculator to room 024 on Thursday afternoon.

It is possible to earn CAS hours for IB by serving as a tutor.

Yearbook Deadlines for Seniors!

Yearbook Deadlines for Seniors!Senior pictures for the 2010-11 yearbook are due by November 23, 2010.

Black and white or Color digital or copy of photo to be placed in box in main office

If want to send the picture electronically
go to: https://images.jostens.com/ -
enter login ID = 400053650
Password = lakers

Senior Memory statements are due by December 10th up to 40 words plus a picture Cost $35.00
Form will be given to Seniors the week of October 11

ZONE 3 Parent Advisory Council Meeting

Parent Advisory Council Meeting

Tuesday October 19, 2010 at Washburn High School -201 West 49th Street in small gym
– enter at door #10 off 50th street parking lot

Interpretation in Spanish & Somali NO CHILDCARE FOR THIS MEETING

• 6:30-7:00 The downsizing of the District Parent Advisory Council & what that means to each school in Zone 3. This discussion format will be led by Seth Kirk, DPAC chair, Zone 3 parent. Our meeting is shortened this month so Hale/Page/Diamond Lake Neighborhood can bring you an opportunity to learn more about the MPS at-large school board candidates.

• 7:00 – 8:30 Please stay for the Hale/Page/Diamond Lake Neighborhood forum following our Zone 3 meeting. Their agenda is a Q&A with the at-large candidates for the MPS Board of Education. All parents & community members are welcome to attend and to participate.

November 14 - 7 pm - Mark your calendar

Stage Parents

Order tickets now for the second annual Stage Parents, a fundraiser for the SWHS theatre program!

Stage Parents, which features some exceptionally talented SWHS parent performers, will be held on Sunday, November 14 at 7 PM in the auditorium.

Tickets ($20 for adults; $10 for students) can be reserved by writing John Bellaimey with your name and number of tickets of which type; at bellaimey@gmail.com.
Tickets are also available at the door.

IB Exam Registration

IB EXAM REGISTRATIONS DUE OCT. 20

IB exam registrations must be turned in to the IB office, room 127 (with parent signature and appropriate fees) by Wed. Oct. 20.

After that, late fees start at $10 and increase to over $100 as time goes on. Additional exam registration forms are available from the IB office or can be downloaded from the IB section of the SW website.

http://mpls.schoolwires.net/229320828114053870/lib/229320828114053870/2011_IB_Exam_registration.pdf

Cross Country City Conference Meet.

The fall colors at Lake Nokomis make for a beautiful backdrop to the city conference Cross Country Meet today, Tuesday, Oct. 19. Stop out and enjoy the competition.

Women Lakers start at 3:30 pm and the Laker Men run at 4:00. The award ceremony is around 5;30 pm. on the east side of the lake.

Both team are strong this year and the award time might be full of cheering for Southwest Cross Country runners. Come out and support the Lakers.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Another week

The game ended Friday and the purple and white have to wait another year to see if they can break the Washburn hold on the football victory.

The end of the game was a scare with one of our players down. Having an injury is always scary. We know it can happen but always hope that it doesn't. One of our players was transported to a hospital from the game.

The emergency crew who attended to him were quick, professional and caring. There is never a good time to have an injury, but both rescue and fire personnel who responded were fantastic in their handling of the situation. We are fortunate to have these services in the city.

The fans were well behaved from what we can tell. There is always a sense of disappointment with a loss. The game was well attended by both sides. There was good spirit and cheering. It was a beautiful fall evening.

Well, we wait for another year. Southwest is one of the Football City Conference Champions!

Friday, October 15, 2010

School Colors and emotions

And the fever increases as the day continues. Both good and bad, the big game is at 7:00 pm. I think if it were here and at 3;30 pm the place would be rocking by now. It is exciting. Southwest has not been known as a football school for many years. Perhaps the golden days were in the 50s. Hockey greatness was in the 70s. The only constant over the years has been the scholarship and academics. So this is the year!

Washburn decided to go for a "white out" so naturally that causes its own FaceBook stir and the SW response is a "black out." Not exactly sure what is wrong with purple but I am not a teen. So you will see that. Never knew that we had to color coordinate football games.

It is exciting. We will make every effort to have fun and enjoy the show. At the same time a little chat about family expectations might be in order. We do attempt to keep the two school separate and on their own sides of the field.

Good Lakers.

Exciting Times In Sports

Every event is a significant drama at this point. Tonight at Washburn, the Lakers football team goes after the Washburn Millers. This could be the end of a 43 year draught. After defeating South at their Homecoming, the Lakers are in line to be another Homecoming spoiler with a defeat of Washburn at their Homecoming. Game time is 7 pm at Washburn.

Boys Soccer won 3-0 and will continue with play at Southwest field on Saturday at 1:00.

Volleyball defeated Roosevelt in 3 games and continue to dominate the conference.

Girls Swimming won the City Championship earlier this week.

Cross Country is set for an exciting city competition this Tuesday at Lake Nokomis with a start at 4:00 pm

Sports are an important part of the high school experience. Kids have Facebook bragging rights for several days after a big win. And there is a brief moment of sorrow with a big loss. Come out and cheer on your favorite team and support the purple and white.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Girls' Swimming - City Champions

The Girl's Swim Team won the City Conference title last evening. This marks the third year in a row for the Girls' Swim Team City Champions - a Three-pete.

Congratulation Southwest Girls Swim Team and thank you to all the family and fans.

Approaching first mid-term

We are seven weeks into the school year. We had a great start and we enjoyed that so much at Southwest we started again after three weeks. But we are now four weeks or seven weeks completely into the school year. Things have settled down and the routine and management of school, activities and time should be developed. How is your student doing in his/her classes? You really should kind of know the answer to the question.

No, you do not need to spend hours on the parent portals. A look once in awhile may be confirming or alarming. Talking to your student gives you some ideas. Is she/he complaining about homework or do you see evidence of school work from time to time. Is your student bringing home a next book or novel? Is he/she going online for the textbook (we have several online) or checking the teacher's website for an extra look at class notes? All of those are indications that some school work is happening. If you seen or heard no evidence of any of that then there is a problem. Email the teacher. Call and make an appointment to talk before or after school. Check the parent portal.

We know how your child is doing ink school. Do you?

If you have trouble getting to the parent portal call the school and ask for Ryan Moe or Mike Ries. If there is nothing on the parent portal call the school and leave message for Dr. Smith. If you have questions about attendance ask for attendance clerk. If you need an appointment with a teacher call the school and request time to talk with teacher.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Footlight Musical Thurs, Fri and Sat.

The 9th and 10th grade musical, Footlights is Working this year by Studs Terkel. A great show that did Broadway not too long ago.

The performances are Thursday (preview), Friday October 16 and Saturday Oct. 17. All starting at 7:00 pm in the great SW auditorium.

Come out and see the young stars. You can say you remember when.

Almost 7 weeks over

Just seems like we got started and we are nearing the end of first quarter. Now that means something different this year. We have moved to a semester grading system. Only the semester grade will be posted on transcripts. In previous years for a year-long course, a students would have four grades (one each quarter). With a semester grading system for a year-long course, the student will have two grades (one each semester).

We are planning on sending out to families a mid-term grade report. Hopefully with the parent portal and the other means of electronic communication, teacher and families have been talking all along. But we will try to communicate with families via snail mail and other ways to provide information.

The year moves so quickly. We try and tell the kids that every day is important. I have no idea where October went. But I can say that about September as well. The days flash by. Before you know it we will be graduating.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Where Are They Now?

Another episode of 'Where Are They Now" --

Some of you may remember Sequoia Hartle who graduated from Southwest in 2000. She is currently a photographer and fashion designer living and working in Los Angeles.

Her photographs are stunning - http://www.sequoiaemmanuelle.com/. Sequioa (Emmanuelle) and her partner, Gita, have a clothing store on Melrose Ave where they sells their designs (S&G Clothing - SandGclothing.com).

Currently, Prince is wearing her clothes on his European tour and for the past couple of weeks her designs have been worn on the TV show 'Glee' - tomorrow night (Tuesday) the character Tina will be wearing their mustard Madonna dress!!!!!

If you know of the happenings of a SW alumni, please share!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Homecoming 2010 comes to a close

Well, the dance is done, the royalty crowned and all the various sports events finished. That is a wrap for homecoming 2010.

The dance was attended by about 1,100 at the International Market Square. Beautiful place for a dance or reception or whatever. Kids were delightful. I think they had a good time.

It is a fashion show. The 9th graders arrive first and some as early as 6 for a 7:00 start. It almost is a structured entry. The lower grades first and seniors start arriving around 8. The alternate theme this year must have been circus performers or Halloween gone bad. So you have the fancy dresses, suits and ties and then tightrope walker outfits. Nice mixture. A fair number of of female students decide to go with slightly long shirts. At least that is what I am guessing they were. So the majority of the night was spent pulling the top up and the bottom down. As you might expect those two actions really work against one another. But maybe I am getting old.

The dancing -from my point of view - is standing in the middle of a crowded area and jump up and down. I think, but not certain, that the hope is that once in a while you bump up against another human. They appear tom have fun so I guess that works.

In general, the main part of the dance is between 8 and 9. After 9 I think they get bored and tire to find ways to continue. The wandering around get larger as more are trying to fill the evening. At 10 a huge cheer and the mandatory scream for one more rises to the skies. For the next two hours, children wait for their family members to remember to pick them up.

Memories, new stories and a fun week is now part of the experience. Over all is was a good week. We will talk it over and check with the kids to try and improve next year.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Math and Physics Tutoring Available

Math and Physics Tutoring Available

There is math and physics tutoring available in room 024 every Thursday afternoon.

Peer tutors are available to help students with any math subject and/or physics from 3:00 to 4:30.

If you are interested in getting some help, bring your textbook, note book, and calculator to room 024 on Thursday afternoon.

It is possible to earn CAS hours for IB by serving as a tutor.

Find out about being on the SW Chess Team

The Chess Club will have an organizational meeting on Wed, October 13th. We will meet in room 121 at 3:10.

- The Chess Club
________________________________________

PTSA Meeting - October 12, 2011 - 7 pm

Positive Parenting of Teens: Communication - Sue Fust

Good communication is one of the most important aspects of building healthy family relationships but parents and teens often have difficulty communicating.

This workshop will help parents understand communication styles, employ active listening techniques, and learn how to prevent talks from becoming arguments.

Sue Fust is a developmental psychologist who currently works for MN Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention & Parenting. She has taught courses in child development and parenting teens and does trainings for professionals working with teen parents. She has two children in their 20s.
http://mpls.schoolwires.net/229320817161920367/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=58705

Homecoming Friday is Part of the Legend

2,000 people in a stadium yelling for their favorite school and team and people. Now that is high school in all its glory. The day ended smoothly and the Pepfest was a success. The weather was wonderful. Kids followed the marching band to the stadium and the yelling began.

Game tomorrow. Football starts with the Girls Powder puff at 9 am. The Parade begins at 10:00 am and the Homecoming Football game versus Roosevelt begins at 11:00 am.

It has been a busy week and an exciting one. With all the commotion and all the confusion, the week still went well. We have great kids with great school spirit. Today was purple day and it was a day of pride and a sea of purple.

See you at the game!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Parent portal is a mess

Not sure how to phrase it differently. If your child did not change any classes after the first three weeks, then it is fine.

However, if your child had any change in those first four weeks everything shows up. Your son/daughter may display two exactly the same classes. If you look at missing assignments you will see a mixture of both sets of classes for those first three weeks. The grade will show for both classes and in most cases one of those grades is bad.

We have been working on this problem for the past three weeks. We are as frustrated as you should be. Then have been some small fixes but nothing as settled as it should be. We will continue to work to correct this situation. As teachers we are working on an alternative strategy to communicate with you as this problem gets resolved. I will let you know when Parent Portal is reliable again.

I appreciate your frustration and ask for your understanding and cooperation. If you have specific questions please call me 612-668-3036.

Thursday has been a good day

The high school experience is classes, dances, sports, clubs, friends, romances, heartbreak, success and struggle. I am certain many can add numerous other adjectives to the experience.

It should be fun and exciting. It should provide great opportunities for memories and stories. It should provide options and alternatives. For those four years, there is so much to learn and so little time. Quite a bit of the learning happens outside the 8:30 - 3 - the regular school day.

At the same time there has to be a balance of the business at hand - education - and the opportunity for fun and games. We try and provide protected activities after school for our students. We try to maintain a degree of decorum during the regular school day. Frequently my job is to referee between the two. I want our students to be safe and healthy. I want our education to be meaningful and deep. I want our students to have the opportunities necessary to learn responsibility, self-respect, being dependable, trustworthy and a person of character and integrity. I want our students to have the freedoms of choice. But I also want them to understand consequences and confidence in their own abilities and skills.

So this morning was the time for recovery from yesterday. My job was to reassure that we are a school even during Homecoming Week. My job is to say you are safe and we will be nurturing but there are limits and yes, there are boundaries. My job is to say I love you but that doesn't mean I am gong to let you get away with stuff. So I tried.

It is in the times of confusion and possible chaos that I am most amazed at the quality of person we have attending this school. The kids are remarkable. We have about 2,000 people in this building working together and in general doing okay. The students go about their business. When they are called upon to bring it down a notch, they understand. We have some tremendous leaders and all great kids.

Today was a good day.

Finish out the week

I Hate Hamlet is the first Black Box production and is funny. A delightful evening -- maybe not for the elementary child but not completely overboard but does play with adult humor - handled well. I Hate Hamlet Thursday and Friday 7 pm

The Talent Show is Friday night in the auditorium and starts at 7 pm. Numerous acts and lots of talent. Should be a fun evening.

Girls Volleyball is home against Edison Thursday Varsity at 7 pm; JV and B squad at 5:30 pm. So far has been a great season. Come out and support the lady Lakers.

Boys Soccer on Saturday away starting at 1 pm

The Homecoming events are Saturday starting at 9 am with Girls Powderpuff. Parade is around 10 am and the game against Roosevelt starts at 11:00 am. Lots of activities planned around the stadium for kids and alumni of all ages.

Homecoming continues

One of our darling children by him/herself can be an angel or other wonderful, perfect image of the child we knew would have to support us in our old age.

Put two of them together and they start to demonstrate rather odd behaviors that question their common sense. Add a third and you now know that there was a crib switch at birth. By the time you have four in a group you have about the common sense of a delightful, playful golden retriever but without survival instinct. A group of children will do thing that one would never do on a thousand bets.

Well, that is Homecoming week multiplied by 1,750. They can become very silly. Yes, your absolutely brilliant child who is having long talks about independence and going Ivy League and wondering if a year wandering the world makes sense for his/her future is using a marker and marking all over each other in the name of fun. That was yesterday's definition of "Let's enjoy Homecoming."

So if your child came home last night with shadows of various colors, mainly blue, green and red -- well you probably want to talk to your insurance agent about this weekend' coverage and exactly what is covered and for how much. When we get silly, we also excel.

Under the sea was interesting. Some very creative costumes. Wednesday with favorite colors was not as successful. It didn't help that we conducted our first Link Crew - 9th grade mixer and changed lunches and it was a beautiful day outside. So we will see what Thursday brings.

Homecoming week is fun?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Fire Drill this morning

As if Homecoming is not exciting enough all by itself, we had our surprise Fire Drill this morning. We are pleased to say that it went well. Maybe a little slower than we would like, but it was orderly and followed our protocol.

All the Biology classes are in the auditorium for a large presentation. So that was a bit unusual. Provided a large number of students in the front of the building. But that was good practice for assemblies or other large gatherings.

We do nine required drills a school year. We certainly hope they are all drills. But we do practice to stay ready.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Beneath the Sea

That was the theme for Tuesday. So we have fish and fisher persons. We had strange looking things and images of people in life jackets and swim suits over leggings. Probably the best description would be a cross between a circus and a rodeo.

Homecoming week is filled with adventures. Thankfully, the students continue with their studies. There are some side shows from time to time but generally classes go on. They may look a bit strange to the casual visitor but there is some semblance of education and study.

Homecoming is a full day of events on Saturday. There will be other days and some will even be bigger and more important.

Flu Shots at Southwest Oct 27 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Vaccination clinic for
at Southwest High School in the lunchroom

Please SAVE the date:

Flu clinic Wednesday, October, 27th 3:30- 5:30 PM

All students, their families and school staff!
Children 6 months and older and adults are invited.
***children/students under 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian***
*Children will be vaccinated for free.
Uninsured adults will be asked if they can afford a donation of up to $14 to help cover the cost of vaccination.

If children or adults are insured, please:
Remember to bring your health insurance card!

Funding for free flu vaccinations for uninsured children is provided by the Kohl’s and Children’s Influenza Prevention Project for Kids.

Flu vaccinations administered by MVNA Registered Nurses.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Southwest Debate Teams Win

Southwest Debate Team started the season at the Rose Bowl in Roseville High School Invitational. Arguably a fantastic start, three teams walked to the stage for honors.

Out of the 55 teams entered, two Southwest teams comprised of Jaisha Syeda and Sumana Al Gharbi and Sophia Deady and Youi Yang were honored in the Novice division with three wins.

Finishing the tournament with an undefeated record and second place was the Southwest team of Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley.

Congratulations Debate Team

I Hate Hamlet Unhinged Theater Opens Tuesday the 5th

Seances, Sword fights, and Shakespeare! Oh my!

I Hate Hamlet opens in the Blackbox next Tuesday, October 5th, and runs through Friday, October 8th, at 7:00 p.m. each night.

Adult tickets are $10, and Student tickets are $5.

Don’t miss out on a fantastic show!

More Information or Reservations are here!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Homecoming Informatino

The following information is also available on the Southwest web site - Information and then Homecoming

SOUTHWEST HOMECOMING GUIDE 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I nominate people for homecoming court?
- Homecoming Nomination boxes are located at the front desk or outside the Student Council Office. Please make all nominations by Friday, September 24th.

2) Where is the Homecoming Dance?
- Homecoming is a semi-formal dance located at International Market Square in Minneapolis right off of Lyndale Avenue and Market Street. Directions can be found on the back of your ticket.

3) What is a Power Pack? -- SOLD OUT
- The Power Pack is the most affordable option to purchase tickets and Southwest Spirit items for Homecoming Week but it is only available for a limited time and there is limited supply. The Power Pack includes: SW string backpack, 612 T-Shirt, Homecoming Dance ticket, Homecoming Football Game ticket, Free Popcorn at the Game, Free Drink at the Dance, and Free Ben & Jerry’s. A Power Pack costs $55 for a couple and $30 for a single.

4) How much are regular Homecoming Tickets?
- Regular Homecoming Tickets cost $55 for a couple and $30 for a single. Regular Homecoming Ticket package includes: Homecoming Dance ticket, and Homecoming Football Game ticket. Regular tickets are the same price as the Power Pack and they are on-sale until October 8th.

5) Who usually goes to Homecoming?
- Homecoming is an all school dance and it is a great way to start the school year!

6) What are Spirit Days?
- Each day during Homecoming Week there will be a themed day where all SW students dress up (be appropriate) according to the theme. Prizes will be awarded on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for the best outfits!

SW Student Council has been working hard to make this an exciting week for all SW students!
Homecoming Week Schedule

Monday, October 4th
Spirit Day: Neon/Wacky Tacky Day
Activities: Varsity Volleyball Game vs. Hopkins @ 7:00 pm in SW West Gym

Tuesday, October 5th
Spirit Day: Under the Sea Day
Activities: Varsity Girls Soccer Game vs. Washburn @ 3:30 pm at SW Stadium
Varsity Boys Soccer Game vs. Washburn @ 5:00 pm at SW Stadium

Wednesday, October 6th
Spirit Day: Favorite Color Day
Activities: Link Crew Activity during 4th Hour at Pershing Park

Thursday, October 7th Spirit Day: Multiplicity Day (get a big group of people to match)
Activities: Varsity Volleyball Game vs. Edison @ 7:00 pm in SW West Gym

Friday, October 8th:
Spirit Day: Laker Day
Activities: Pepfest at SW Stadium 2:00 PM
Talent Show in SW Auditorium @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, October 9th:
8:30 am – Powderpuff Football Game (Junior Girls vs. Senior Girls @ SW Stadium)
10:00 am – Homecoming Parade (starts at SW circle)
11:00 am – Homecoming Football Game (at SW Stadium vs. Roosevelt)
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Homecoming Dance at International Market Square

Left out of the directory?

Due to both technological and human error, the 2010-11 SWHS Directory was published without the names of many families who had submitted their information for inclusion.

We are so sorry! To correct this problem, we will print an addendum that we will make available in the school office and during November’s parent/teacher conferences.

If you are not listed in the new directory and would like to be, please Sign up Here


or go to the "Parents" section of the NEW SWHS Website
by October 15th.

If you want to know if you’re listed, email Joan Leverenz at Joan.Leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us. Thank you for your help and understanding!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Homecoming is a BIG deal!

Southwest Homecoming is next week - October 9.

Powderpuff Football starts at 9. The Parade is around 10 and the football game starts at 11:00 am.

There are a variety of activities planned throughout the morning. Many are geared toward Southwest Alumni but should be fun for the family.

The Homecoming Dance is Saturday night at International Market Square. The dance is 7-10 pm and Tickets are on sale now.

For all the details go to the Southwest web site -- information -- homecoming. Lots of times and details.

Homecoming is a BIG deal around here and an important part of the high school experience. We do want our students to be safe. Make sure you have a couple conversations about driving and drinking and drugs. Going to a hotel room is not part of the school sponsored Homecoming activity. We want to have all students around for more Homecomings.

Commended Students National Merit

Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program has named the following students as National Merit Commended Scholars for the 2011 National Merit Scholarship program: Anders Berglund, Corinne Dickey, Clara Engen, Margaret Hayne, Alexander Hilden, Sonja Johnson, Caitlin Kelliher, James Manne-Nicholas, Adelle Pollak, Louis Umbarger, Anthony Williams, and Noah Wilson.

Commended Students are being recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

The 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2011 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship program. “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their education opportunities and encourage then in their pursuit of academic success.

Alumni Scored Three Goals

The USA won the world championship in wheelchair rugby with Chuck Aoki (graduated from SW in 2009) scoring 3 goals (per the Tribune yesterday).

http://www.quadrugby.com/usteam

http://www.iwrf.com

Boys soccer team in the news!

It is a clip about our boys soccer teams.

http://wcco.com/sports/sportsrally/rally.star.southwest.2.1940791.html