Monday, November 29, 2010

Tutoring Times

Tutoring Times

Monday thru Friday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room 126 -- all subjects with help in Spanish and Somali

Tuesday thru Thursday 3:00 to 4;30 pm Room 126 -- all subjects

Tuesday and Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Media Center -- Writing

Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Room 24 -- Math and Physics

Thursday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room E105 -- Geography

Individual tutoring is set up through the counselors.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Time to Focus

There are some weeks between the Thanksgiving break and the winter break. Mentally it is a confusing time. What should I start? What can I put off? Is there sufficient time? This can be a tempting let down period.

Seniors should have the majority of their college aps in. For the other three grades it is a time In between. But it can make or break a grade point average. Once we get back from winter break there is not sufficient time to recoup all the lost opportunities. These are the four weeks to catch up. These are the weeks to make certain that grade is nailed down and solid.

There just are not that many school (work) days in December. Then the year changes and the end of the semester is looming right there. So now is the time to focus. Get the stuff done and turned in. Check to see what still needs to be mastered. What paper is left outstanding?

All the winter sports are now in full swing. Sadie's dance yet to happen. Clubs are off and running. This is a great time in the high school experience. But stay focused on the real work of learning and doing your best. Don't get caught in the lull.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Little break in preparation for longer break

The Thanksgiving break is a four day break from school for many families. That is not true for families with students is winter sports programs. There probably is practice several days of this short break time.

The more significant event is being away from friends for four days. We've had our three day breaks but this is four days and in a few weeks we will have a 15 day break. I am not sure how face book and the other social networks have effected these breaks but being away from friends for that long is a big deal for teens. I am sure that families are trying to balance family time with "I don't to go." times.

For both parents and children high school is that start of moving to independence and separate lives. Parents have a tendency to take a less active role in the day to day happenings of the child and generally trust more independent events by the child. Children are making new friends that may live further away and that the parents do not know at all. The move to adulthood begins.

The family events that once were sacred traditions are now seen as a bit of a struggle with conflicting time schedules and differing interests. The kids want to move in directions that include their friends. The family generally is moving toward other family events. From the adult perspective getting away from fellow workers or office mates is not even a question. The thought of leaving work on Friday and then seeking ways to get together with the cubicle Monday to Friday associates would appears unnatural.

Students want to be with their friends. They walk down the front stairs of school on Friday with cell phone in hand already asking friends "what are you doing" and more importantly "what are you going to be doing.". How to spend a weekend is a completely different set of questions for an adult and a teen. When a family - comprised of both adults and children - attempts to make plans there are huge differences of values involved in that process.

The older the student, the less the struggle. They have been there before and know the limits. They have had their set of priorities compromised by the discussion with parents and know where the push and break points are. Students with older brothers and sisters have it made because those issues have already been explored and they watched the results. In large families the youngest ones haven struggles and sometimes I am surprised they have any rules to follow. By the fifth kid, all the fight may be gone.

This winter break may be one of those struggles. Getting the family together to take the holiday or special trip or go to Grandma's house may be a bit longer discussion. Generally, that does not have to be the destruction of the family but it may take some different turns. The march toward the sea of independence is interesting. 13 year olds don't always make the best decisions and they generally do not articulate well their issues or their questions. Just as the parents are trying to figure this out, so are the kids. The choice of being with the family over the days off or being with friends is a major design making process.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Book Fair & Support for Music!

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, December 1,
Barnes & Noble Fundraiser for Southwest Music Boosters


New this year – not only can our voucher can be used at any Barnes & Noble on December 1st to support our fundraiser, but also you (and your out-of town family) can shop online from Dec. 1 - Dec. 6 and still count for the book fair!

Please send the flyer with our bookfair number (#103334333) to your family out of town, too!! (or even on the other side of town)

Questions? Contact Sarah LeDoux at 612-827-3181 or ssledoux@comcast.net


Get your flyer and voucher here:
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/lib/2293208309590143/_CalAttachments/Bookfair%202010%20flyer-with-voucher-2.pdf

Athletic Kudos!

Senior Soccer Star John Pitsenbarger was named all-region by the NSCAA

Senior Ayrton Scott is nominated for the Metro Player of the Year in Football

Football Coach John Biezuns was selected 2010 City Conference Football Coach of the year.

Dec 13th Monday Basilica Holiday Concert

Monday, December 13th at 7pm at the Basilica of St. Mary
on Hennepin Ave between 16th 17th Street.

This amazing concert will include performances by the
Southwest Singers,
Chamber Singers,
Donne Voce,
The Men Who Stare at Notes,
Chamber Orchestra and
Wind Ensemble.

Suggested donation: $10/adult

Les Misérables – Auditions!

Southwest Spotlight Spring Musical
Les Misérables – Auditions!

Auditions for Les Misérables auditions are Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3 at 3:15 in the HS Auditorium.

There will be an optional pre-audition singing workshop after school in the choir room on Tuesday, November 29 and 30. Sign-up on the fine arts bulletin board.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Just another day

The Molecule enclosed the entire science room. Students moved inner workings around as might occur within a molecule seen through a very powerful microscope.

Which door nobs or set of hands have the largest amount of bacteria? Teams of student scientists moved about the building with their petri dishes and cotton swabs to collect research samples.

Just a couple of the activities happening within typical day at Southwest. That is assuming there is ever a "typical" day. Learning is a process. Learning is change. Learning is moving from one disturbances to another. Learning is unsettling and sometimes every uncomfortable. But it can be fun and exciting. It is a collections of mysteries and marvelous happenings that can rival any TV show or fantastic adventure story.

And it all happens here every day numerous times throughout the day.

SW Math Team On Top

The Southwest High School Math Team rose to the top again at meet #2.

Here are the statistics from the meet.
• 175 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 83 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• The top five individual scores at the meet were all earned by Southwest students
• The junior varsity team scored 51 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 74 points, finishing in first place within the division
• Before the meet, Southwest was officially ranked 5th in the state out of 178 teams

David McMayer, Math Team Coach
Southwest Mathematics Teacher

Monday, November 22, 2010

Debate Team Moves on to State







Eastview Invitational Tournament Results

1st Place Jr Varsity - 4-0 record
Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley

4th place Novice 4-0 record
Emma Cummings-Krueger and Tatyana Pashibin
and

Honorable Mention - 3-1 record
Philip Gate and Malcolm Smith

Be Careful Out There

The ski team loves it. We are on regular school hours today. Everything is running as scheduled but as you might expect there could be some delays.

Be careful. Streets are vastly improved over Saturday night and Sunday. But there is a mist and slight rain in spots. That is freezing. Drive carefully.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Made it through the week

Friday is a joy. Some of that is natural in our society of 5-day work week. Some of that is a tradition of free time Saturday and Sunday. Some of that is more time to be with our friends and away from work and spending time with our loved ones.

In the school world it is interesting. The end of the week is a celebration - kind of because it has to be. But where do the kids want to be? Where are there collection of friends? Where do they spend their "leisure" and free time? So leaving school for the weekend is a different kinds of emotional feeling.

The weekends frequently are family times and visiting the relatives and getting chores done. The Saturday and Sunday events, if not careful, can be the very opposite of what a kid thinks is necessary or an ounce of fun. That is not to say that there shouldn't be family events or that chores should not be delegated to children.

It is just another way of looking at days of the week and what means what to whom? I am thrilled it is Saturday but how quickly can I get back to practice with my friends. I am sick of school and tests but can you drop me off at the library so Sally and I can study.

All part of being a teen-ager.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Moving through the Week

Five day week this one and then a two-day week. Cloudy days make everything a bit gloomy. The bright sun days are more energetic and fresh. But the fall is a mixture of it all and a premonition of things (usually cold and snowy) to come.

Week eleven and the work continues. Hopefully, those with disappointing 9-week progress reports have made the contacts and are on their way to the appropriate adjustments to vastly improve prior to the end of the semester.

One Acts begin production tonight (Thursday) and continue through Saturday. Fun set of three shows. Good family fun for the price of one.

The vocal and instrumental concerts were great with packed houses both nights. Don't foget that the Dance concert is moved to December 8th and 9th. The Basilica Holiday Concert is the 13th of December. Barnes and Noble sales support the music booster on Dec. 1st.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Three for the price of one

Three One-Acts Thursday, Friday and Saturday Curtain at 7 pm
November 18, 19 and 20

The Proposal
The X Chromosome
Puberty: The Game Show

great fun for the entire family.
$10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.

Victorious Debate Tournament in Rochester

The Southwest Debate traveled to Rochester in the first major storm of the season bowl.

With perfect scores the following two teams were undefeated:
Emma Cummings-Kruger and Tatyara Pashiah and
Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley

Three teams were honored with a 3-1 record:
Philip Gates and Malcolm Smith;
Sumana Al-Gharbi and Jaisha Syede; and
Arafa Alam and Sawda Mohamed

Great momentum to move to state competition.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Math Tutoring available on Thursdays

Need some help with that missing concept or that one problem just does not work -- math tutors are available in room 24 right after school on Thursdays. Get the instant help you need or an alternative explanation. Stop by room 24 and get some help. On some days there is some chemistry and physics as well

Friday, November 12, 2010

Writing tutors Tuesday and Thursday

Writer’s Workshop – Writing Tutors Available!

Need writing help with a paper or essay?

Come to the Media center between 3:15 and 4:30 today – and every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers will be there to help you edit and proofread, organize and plan your writing.

Now we are adjusted

Another week. This is more than week 10 and that means we are well over one-quarter of the way through the school year. Where does the time go?

The transition from junior high to high school is an adjustment. There is not shame or secret about that. There is an adjustment from moving from an underclass-person to a school leader. There are adjustments that are natural and take time.

Well, I think we are now at that time and ready to move into the realities of the now and at this moment. I understand that is easy to say.

For 9th graders the adjustment is probably a bit more serious since it will set the stage for the next three plus years of high school experience. Getting lost, not making it to class on time, forgetting materials and staff all over the place -- that was part of the 1st 9 weeks. Now it is time to have figured out the building and the routes between classes. School is the business at hand and the silliness of the playground just isn't part of the day.

In some cases the grades reflected that first 9 week transition. Yes, in high school there is homework and test that matter. Just showing up is not the sole purpose of school. Busy work to pass time is not what the class is all about. Yes, there is an expectation of something getting learned.

For many the transition was short and painless. We have fun on a daily basis but the chasing around the slide and throwing sand is of days gone by. We are not exactly adults yet, but we probably are close to being adults in training. So the childish things are behind.

Sunday
Nov. 14 -- 7:00 pm
STAGE PARENTS
Southwest Auditorium
A show to support the fantastic and wonderful Southwest Theater Program
Performances by the proud parents and alumni of Southwest.
Stars from around the area are on stage to support their students and the many involved in the outstanding Southwest Theater Program.
Tickets and donations at the door or in advance.
Come out and support Southwest Theater, have a wonderful night out and be entertained by some of the many talented Southwest Parents and Alumni

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Honor Bands across the colleges

Every year, music students from Southwest participate in Honor Bands sponsored by various colleges and universities. Usually we only do Gustavus and St Olaf. Because of increased interest, I accepted other opportunities to nominate students.

Five SW band students went to UMD Nov. 5-6: Melissa Mosher (our only Allstate band member), Asia Franklin, Jackie Malone, Anthony Afful and Kyle Thomas.

The Gustavus Honor Band, Nov. 7-8 involves 4 SW musicians: Melissa Mosher, Asia Franklin, Caleb Likely and Brad Pettijohn.

The Winona Jazz Honor Bands are coming up this next weekend, Nov 12-13. Brad Pettijohn and Caleb Likely will be participating. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is featured in a Saturday performance.

When I nominated students for this I did not realize Brad and Caleb would be missing two days of school. They are both excellent musical opportunities for these students.

The St Olaf Band Festival on Saturday, Nov. 13 includes Melissa Mosher, Zack Christenson and Anthony Afful.

Great music opportunities for all the talented students

Keith Liuzzi
Southwest Instrumental Teacher

Honor Performance

Caitlin Kelliher, Dan Hupp, Eli Johnson, Caleb Sponheim or Louie Umbarger today were wonderful ambassadors for Southwest today. All talented seniors. They performed as the awesome jazz combo, “Tea for Five” at the AchieveMpls fundraising luncheon.

They heard Daniel Pink speak about progressive education and were congratulated by Major Rybak for their performance.

When they want the job well done, they ask for Southwest.

One-Acts Showcase

Mark your calendars now for the Southwest One-Acts Showcase.

November 18 - 20 with curtain at 7 pm in the auditorium

Three shows for the price of one. Great shows and great talent.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Take a deep breath we are inbetween seasons

The Fall sports have ended - almost , swimming is still going -- and the Winter sports have not officially begun. Now is a quiet time to take a break and find something else to do for the weekends and evening nights. But better be quick at it since all will break loose here in a few weeks.

Unhinged just finished another successful run and One-Acts are in rehearsal. A vocal music concert tonight and instrumental music concert Thursday night. So we still have some opportunities if you can't remember where you left your downtown season tickets or looked at the price of a night out on the town.

The winter sport athletes are in captain's practice which is conditioning and getting ready for the season. There is no organized practice yet and some start on the 15th and some on the 22nd. The building seems more quiet for a few days as some families are reuniting with their children and others remembering why they encourage sports participation.

It was a great fall and we are looking forward to an equally exciting winter season.

Sports Awards!

Here are the list of players that won awards for the soccer program
All State Team:
Elliot Emerson
John Pitsenbarger
2nd Team:
Garrett Powell

all-state tournament team--
Mohamud Abdi
Elliot Emerson
Maliq Hunsberger
Shane Marshall

Also
Volleyball took 2nd in the 6AAA finals Thursday night.


In the State High School Cross Country Race
Kamal Berhe, Placed 14th with a time 16:05.4
Robin Fassett-Carman, took 18th with a time of 15:01.3

Debate Team at St. Francis Victorious Again















1st Place Novice B Division with 4-0 record - Sirine Benjaafar and Kia Okuma
4th Place Junior Varsity with 3-1 record - Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley

Honorable Mention Novice A with 3-1 record - Emma Cummings-Krueger and Tatyana Pashibin
Honorable Mention Novice B with 3-1 record - Phillip Gates and Malcolm Smith
Honorable Mention Varsity with 3-1 record - Emily Kenner and Aswar Rahman

BIG EVENT Sunday Nov. 14

It's a Show by Talented Parents to raise money for Southwest High School Theatre...

This Sunday night in the Auditorium at SW at 7 pm...
$20/adults; $10/students

Order HERE http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/22932082811578590/forms/TakeSurvey.asp?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=6MJnm35K8542M
or
Get tickets at the door

Alumnus, actor/director/author Tom Hegg debuts his "Too Darn Common," a witty poem about showbiz in the days of the Pharaohs.

Minnesota Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Burt Hara (past & future SW parent) and piano accompanist / current parent John Helgen will perform

Jazz vocalist Rhonda Laurie (past and furure SW parent) will sing, and Robert Bell will accompany her on guitar

Guitarist Jeff Waryan (past parent) will be joined by tabla player Gary Waryan

Comic monologist Lynnell Mickelsen (past and current SW parent) will tell a series of stories linking canine misbehavior and parenting

Actress/singer/dancer Julie Madden (current SW parent) will be joined by singer/songwriter friend Ann Reed (Prairie Home Companion, ABC's Good Morning).

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

College Fair Time

The gym was full of colleges from across the states. Wisconsin, Dakotas, Minnesota were all represented with tables and representatives talking with our students in all grades and selling the value of attending that particular institution of higher learning.

It all starts someplace. What is the right question? How do I know if that is a right fit for me? Will I like being in that place? These are the start points for many of our 9th and 10th grade students. We want them to begin that thought process of where, why and then how.

Not only is it important to think about the college I want to attend, but also how do I get in? What are the grade requirements? What particular courses, if any, are required for enrollment? What do I do about tuition costs?

Tonight might be a opportune time to ask if there was something that caught his/her eye? Did one of the colleges have the right color combinations in their mascot? What questions did they ask? Might not get all the answers or even any but sometimes it doesn't hurt to just start the thinking process.

We will have another college fair this year.

Memorial Service Saturday 11:00 am

Community Service: Saturday Nov. 13th 11am

Posted by Ginger:
Over the last few weeks, our family has been deeply touched by all your notes, prayers, cards, donations and love. We appreciate it more than we could ever express. While we desperately miss our Bucklin Boys, we feel immersed in love. Thank you.

To honor the boys' memory and celebrate their lives, we will host a memorial service that will be open to all who loved and cared about Luke, Nick, Nate and Noah:

Date: Saturday, November 13th, 2010
Time: 11:00am Central Time
Location: Christ Presbyterian Church
6901 Normandale Road
(Near Hwy. 100 & 70th St.)
Edina, MN 55435

We would love to see you there. In addition, we are planning to offer a webcast so that those who are not able to join us in person can attend remotely. (More details to come, later this week.)

In the meantime, as the service approaches, please take a moment to recall and cherish your favorite memories of the boys. Each of them meant so much to so many, we are eager to come together to honor their lives. We're working on an online solution for you to share your precious memories with us; more details to come tomorrow.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Music concerts Wednesday and Thursday evenings

What a great way to spend an evening out with those special in your life. Come to the choir concert on Wednesday night and instrumental concert on Thursday. Both start at 7 pm in the Southwest auditorium.

Great evening of fun and sound!

Building Safety Always Important

We had a student in crisis around lunch time today. There are lots of rumors and misinformation. I know that is difficult to believe. At least we know our students remain creative and full of imagination.

The student was have difficulty and we were concerned. The student became seriously agitated and restraint was required. A police officer was called and the student was removed from the building. There is no reason to believe that at any time others were involved or that others were in danger. The student did not have any harmful producing object(s) on his person.

We will continue to maintain a safe and secure building for all students. It is unfortunate that these situations arise. We are concerned about the student and all of our students. We will take whatever steps necessary to keep individuals from hurting themselves or others.

If you have questions, please ask me.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Support Theater Program Sunday No. 14 at 7 pm

Stage Parents is just one week away!

STAGE PARENTS NOVEMBER 14, SUNDAY 7 PM

In addition to the fine performers listed on the linked poster
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=283699 (and yes, that's THE folk singer-songwriter Ann Reed), Lynnell Mickelsen will be sharing a humorous monologue, and former big-time rock guitarist Jeff Waryan (on acoustic guitar) and his brother Gary (on tabla) will play Indian folk music.

Reserve tickets by clicking on the Stage Parents poster on the Southwest homepage. http://www2.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/site/default.asp

(Adults $20; students $10) Tickets are also available at the door.

Bring your friends! Bring your family! Tell your neighbors! Stage Parents is a fun evening for a great cause--our huge and hugely popular SWHS theatre program!

Music Fund Raiser Barnes and Noble Dec 1

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. performances by SW music students

Please save the date for the SW Music Boosters' annual Barnes & Noble Bookfair Fundraiser.

New this year -- you may have your purchases gift-wrapped by Southwest parents. Also, your online sales will now be included! More details to come!

Applications for National Honor Society now available

Applications for National Honor Society:

The deadline for juniors and seniors who wish to apply to NHS is November 30.

Information and the application form is available on the NHS activity page at the SW website.

For more info see Monica Linhoff in E103 or monica.linhoff@mpls.k12.mn.us

Fall Music Concerts Wed. and Thurs. Nov. 10 & 11

Fall Music Concerts.

All SWHS Choirs will perform Wednesday, November 10th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.

On Thursday, November 11th at 7:00pm the SWHS String Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform in the Auditorium.

NOTE: STRING ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY CHANGED TO THURSDAY.

College Information Night Tuesday Nov. 9 at 7 pm

College Information Night

Tuesday, November 9, at 7 pm in the Southwest Auditorium, the Counselors and the AchieveMpls Career & College Center Coordinator are hosting an informational evening on the introduction to the college search process, testing, timelines, and resources.

Juniors are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. All are welcome, but the information is directed at juniors and their families.

Friday, November 5, 2010

MacPhail Dakota Combo

Danny Hupp and Caitlin Helliher have been selected to participate in the Dakota Combo for the 2010-11 school year.

The Dakota Combo is an area-wide jazz ensemble of highly talented musicians in grades 9-12 selected through open auditions. The Combo is a program of the MacPhail Center for Music in partnership with the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education.

Participating in the Dakota Combo is both an honor and a unique opportunity for high school student jazz artists.

They have a heavy rehearsal schedule for the year with performances several times this spring.

Circus Star SW Senior Avery Young



With the greatest of ease
Four Twin Cities high school students are still flying on clouds after winning gold last weekend in the Circus Ring of Friendship Festival in Norrköping, Sweden. Trained by St. Paul-based Circus Juventas, the four trapeze artists -- Blake School senior Kate Cieslowski, Minneapolis South High School junior Brigid Fitzgerald, Southwest High School senior Avery Young and St. Paul Central High School senior Heather Snyder -- won gold for their age group for doing coordinated aerial maneuvers on a bar.

Brigid Fitzgerald, Avery Young, Heather Snyder and Kate Cieslowski

It's sort of like synchronized swimming, except upside-down, in the air.

Quiz Bowl at Eden Prairie

The Quiz Bowl team had a meet last night in Eden Prairie, but most of the team went to the soccer game first.

After the Herculean efforts they made to do both, they expressed how proud they were of the soccer team and the pride they felt having such a wonderful group represent their school.

My team proudly displayed SW soccer-wear during our match and I firmly believe it is why we had a wonderful night.

A big thanks to the soccer program for giving our students another reason to feel proud and for providing us with hope during a horrible week.

Dan Ferris
QB Coach

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Great crowd at Volleyball

The quick news is the Women's Volleyball lost to Wyzata in Sectional 6AAA play Thursday night 3 games to 1. The games were close and in each game the lead went back and forth. Being sectional Runner-up is the furthest the volleyball has ever advanced in the state tournament. Congratulation Lady Lakers on a great season!

That the sport's news. But the real news of these past few weeks may be the character and support victors. In the last three men's Soccer games the Southwest fans outnumbered it's opponent by a bunch. Even in the championship round the Southwest students in attendance outnumbered the students from Apple Valley. And if you want to talk about sportsmanship and language and general rudeness -- Southwest was the victor in all those categories.

Tonight the volleyball team played Wyzata. The Lakers weigh in at around 1,800 students. Wyzata has over 3,000 students. The Southwest student fans crowded two full bleacher sections and had to number at least 250 and was not counting the Men's Soccer team who came late after their second in the state place finish at the Metrodome.

You can probably guess where this is headed. Southwest has 1,800 students and over 250 students supporting other students. Wyzata with is 3,000 students barely had 40 students in attendance for support of it's volleyballs team. The Southwest students support one another. They care about each other. They cheer, attend the events, travel to away games ,come to the plays and applaud the efforts of their friends and classmates.

Sometimes we may not be pretty. And sometimes our buildings aren't as cute as theirs, but we got community. The final scores end up in the paper and there is nothing wrong about winning, but at the end of the day which is the true mark of real winners? What do we really need in life to make it all work? We stand together. We stand tall and we are proud... Of our individual efforts and those of our team mates and classmates.

This is a great place. This is a great community. We are Southwest!

State Cross Country Saturday

Good Luck to the two State qualifiers in Cross Country.

In Women's Cross Country - Robin Fassett-Carman
and for Men's Cross County - Kamal Berhe

Good luck to both as they run at the State Cross Country Running Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Men's AA start at 1:00 pm and Women's at 2:00 pm

Good Luck Lakers!

A Great Men's Soccer Season

The final game is a tough one to lose regardless of the level. 23-1 is a great season if the 1 is not the last one.

The Southwest Laker Men's Soccer team finished 2nd in Minnesota after a loss to Apple Valley 0-3 in the state finals on Thursday.

Sports show no mercy - there are winners and there are losers. That is the nature of sports. But there doesn't have to be loser team members or players or kids or people. Our Men's Soccer team went further than any Minneapolis soccer team has gone before. They set a bar for others to challenge. They demonstrated excellence sportsmanship, outstanding academic accomplishments and entertaining games. It has been a great season and bunch of great guys!

The tournament has been a fun series and one that will be talked about for many years. No reunion of the class of 2011 will be complete without the trip to state memories followed by the stories of a great fall season for these seniors. They have every reason to be proud.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Three days in a long week

Just three days. One would think that would be a breeze. Well, let me tell you....

We want to celebrate with our kids. I don't care if it is sports' championships or a good grade on a test or a successful production or just making it to school on time. We must celebrate the moments.

There are events in our lives that escape understanding. We blow through the days without noticing the people around us or the changes in the weather or the birds migrating south or the feelings of our best friends. Then the bottom falls out. We suffer and feel the pain. Life brings its share of sorrows as well.

I often think I am old enough to have gone through it all and developed the coping skills to make it through. Well, maybe I am but there I days I doubt it. But I do believe that 13, 14, 15, 16 year old kids don't have those experiences and skills that we might. We must be there for them. We must listen and watch. We don't always make the best decisions so you can image what a young one is going through and trying to make out of it all.

This is had been quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. And we are not over.

Just be there for them... and each other.

And the excitement continues!

Some Important Updates for the Week:

There is no school for students on Thursday and Friday this week.

Conferences Wednesday night and Thursday.
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday from 4 until 8 pm and on Thursday from 9 am until 5 pm. No appointments are necessary, however, you may have to wait briefly to speak with a teacher. Teachers will be located in their classrooms. Please limit your conferences to 3-5 minutes per teachers.

If you have questions regarding this message, please call 612 668-3030 during regular business hours.
________________________________________
The Boys Soccer team will play in the State Final on Thursday

The Game will start at 3 pm and the Metrodome.
Here is a link to the MSHL brackets. http://mshsl.org/mshsl/showXMLbrackets.asp?tournid=2578&bracket=5657
________________________________________
The Girls Volleyball team will play in the Section Final on Thursday

The Game will start at 7 pm at Edina High School
Here is a link to the MSHL Section Bracket. http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showbrackets.asp?tournid=399
________________________________________
The Southwest Cross Country Team will run in the State Meet Saturday
Saturday, Nov 6, 2010 at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Early morning conferences 7 am

Due to the Minnesota High School League post-season schedule and the amazing talent of the Southwest Laker Men's Soccer team the state title game will be at the Metrodome ,Thursday, Nov. 4.

Due to the time of the game several of our teachers who are needed at the stadium will be starting conferences on Thursday at 7:00 am. You students will be informed Wednesday during class who is going to be available the early hours. Teachers will attempt to contact families regarding the change of hours also.

Normally scheduled conferences for Thursday are 9 am to 5 pm. The early hours starting at 7 am will be an interesting experiment.

Please talk with you students about the Wednesday hours you child's teacher will have conferences on Thursday. Conferences on Tuesday are 4-8 pm.

Soccer Victoripus on to Championship

The southwest laker conference and Regional Champions

The team plays for the state title on Thursday at 3 pm in the Metrodome.



Women's Volleyball plays for regional championship on Thursday at 7 pm at Edina

Math Team Victorious

The Southwest Math Team traveled to Patrick Henry High School last night to compete in the first meet of the 2010-2011 season.

They represented our school well.
Here are some statistics from the meet.
• 168 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 79 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• Two Southwest students tied for the most individual points at the meet
• The varsity team scored a near-perfect 22 points on the team event
• The junior varsity team scored 52 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 82 points, finishing in first place within the
Official state rankings, once they become available, can be viewed at http://www.augsburg.edu/mathleague/

The Search is over -

Press release from the search team - 11/02 10am CDT

UPDATE: Searchers find missing aircraft
(Lander, WY) – Fremont County Sheriff Skip Hornecker confirmed the wreckage of a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft was found late Monday in the primary search area east of the Continental Divide. Searchers on the scene reported there were no survivors. The crash site was found approximately one mile east of the aircraft’s last known location near Indian Pass at an elevation of about 11,100 feet early this evening, Nov. 1, 2010.

We share in the sorrow and grief of the family. We want to support the Bucklin family and respect their privacy in these coming days.

Wednesday night at the Theater

Looking for a great place to take the special one in your life? Wanting a special night out with totally ruining the budget? Want to laugh?

Come out and see the current Unhinged Theater production of Actor's Nightmare/Sister Mary Ignatius. Great fun and a great audience to share it with.

Student tickets are $5.00 and adults $10.00. Check ahead due to limited seating.

Have a great time! The show run Wednesday Nov 2 through Saturday night Nov. 6. Curtain at 7 pm.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Volleyball WINS!

In an exciting fifth game finish with a score of 17-15 Southwest Volleyball defeated Hopkins in the Semi-Finals of Sectional play.

The Finals will be at Edina on November 4 starting at 7 pm.

The Southwest Conference Champions will play the winner of the Wyzata/Edina game.

Come out and support your Volleyball Team!

Search Continues Nov 1 -- 5 pm

press release from the search team - 11/01 5pm CDT
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010
Contact: NEW: Ernie Over, Search Public Information Officer (307) 851-0794

MISSING PLANE SEARCH UPDATE at 4:00 PM MT

(Lander, WY) – Blessed with clear skies and warmer weather, ground and air search teams are putting in a full day of searching this afternoon for a missing aircraft in the rugged Wind River Range of northwest Wyoming. The missing craft disappeared from radar one week ago.

Through mid-day Monday, no physical trace of the aircraft has been found.

Searchers today concentrated their efforts in what was termed as the “area of highest probability,” that area around the aircraft’s last known radar position.

“We have two teams consisting of the ‘best of the best” technical mountaineers out there today searching some of the toughest terrain,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We will keep them there as long as the helicopter crews allow us too.”

Aanestad also reported that because of the clear weather today, air units are able to put in additional flight hours. Through Saturday, air teams had logged over 260 hours in the search.

Monday - interesting

Today is the first day of a three day week. Five days of energy rolled in three.

By itself that is exciting. No there is a sectional semi-final game in Volleyball tonight and a semi final state game in Men's Soccer tomorrow - during the school day.

So we have a short week, two meaningful sports activities, elections tomorrow night and the opening of another Unhinged play on Wednesday. How much more excitement can there be?

For the most part students are doing well with all the commotion and thrills. We still are going to classes and preparing for a variety of tests. The kids know that parent teacher conference is coming so need to get in shape prior to that. Letters of concern went out this past weekend to those student earning Ds and Fs in class. Full grade reports are available at the Parent Portal.

Tuesday will be its own issue with many out to the Dome. For the rest of us, it is a regular school day. If you are permitting your student to attend the game you need a permission slip or telephone call like any other absent day.

Search Continues Storms over the area

Press Releases
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010

MEDIA ADVISORY at 10:00 AM MT

(Lander, WY) – Fully one week after a light airplane with four members of a Minnesota family on board went off of radar over the rugged Wind River Mountains of northwest Wyoming, search organizers today are sending two more ground teams into the field and four more aircraft.

The Incident Command staff overseeing the search and rescue mission met until late last night pouring over all search routes and data secured from the previous six days of search operations. A plan based on that review was formulated early today and the plan is now being initiated.

“Today we are going to concentrate on clearing the areas of highest probability, including an area just west of the aircraft’s last known radar contact,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We are continuing to work on pinpointing the source of an elusive emergency transponder signal (ELT) that is reverberating in the area, as well.”

All previous attempts to determine the location of a presumed emergency signal with the use of highly sophisticated air and ground detection equipment has frustrated rescuers. Today, two specialized aircraft with detection equipment on board will resume the search. Both are fixed winged-aircraft, one from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol and the second from the Park County (WY) Search and Rescue Team. In addition, two helicopters will continue searching in a grid pattern, again in the area of highest probability based on radar data.

Since initiation of the search after the aircraft disappeared from radar in a snowstorm one week ago this afternoon, numerous air and ground search efforts have been launched in an attempt to find clues to the missing plane. As of today, no physical evidence of the 1977 model Mooney aircraft has been found.

Volleyball at Benilde St. Margaret Monday Night

NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION

Southwest beat Robbinsdale Armstrong in three straight games (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) on Friday Night.

Hopkins beat Benilde St. Margaret 3-1.

Southwest will play Hopkins on Monday, Nov 1 at 5:30 in the Semi-finals at Benilde St. Margaret High School.

Note change in location!