Your response for clothing and supplies has been tremendous. Thank you. We have been moving your donations to north side distribution points daily. The support has been fantastic.
There is still much to be done. Numerous families remain homeless and uncertain as to the next steps. The city and county response has been positive and agencies and people have attempted to meet the needs. However, the serious situation continues.
The American Red Cross will continue to accept financial donations. Many families are in need of assistance and your support is greatly appreciated.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Dirty Dance -- Degardes Girls
REPOSTED FROM:
Teens: Twerking degrades girls
By Briana Stansbury
Oakland Tribune Teen Correspondent
Dirty dancing is nothing new at high school dances. Dark rooms, loud music and rebellious teens -- not to mention often a lack of adult supervision -- is a recipe for all sorts of bumping and grinding.
Yet it seems that in the last decade, dirty dancing has gone from boys and girls being 6 inches apart to almost pornographic levels. Dirty dancing has been taken to a different level.
A new type of dancing has entered the teen world. It's called "twerking," and it is as repulsive as it sounds. I have been a jazz dancer for four years, and from my point of view, this type of "dancing" seems to annihilate the basic tenets of dance.
To me, dance is a form of expression, a way of connecting with the self. It forces the dancer to be incredibly in-tune with his or her body -- emotionally and physically. As a result, it builds self-esteem and creates powerful, centered individuals. Twerking seems to do just the opposite.
"Twerking" involves a boy and a girl and sometimes their surroundings as well. Chairs, walls and even other people are used to assist in this form of "dance." Usually, the boy sits and the girl, butt out and shaking, administers a sort of lap dance -- thus the chair. Teens get creative with walls and the use of other people. Usually boys stand against the walls, while girls "twerk" on them.
Boy behind girl, hips moving in circular motions with the occasional "popping" and "dropping" introduced in 2006 by Huey in his hit single "Pop, Lock & Drop It." "Popping" requires the lower back muscles in order to pull the butt up in a sort of reversed humping motion. "Dropping" -- often referred to as "droppin' it" -- is when a girl, after a few minutes of dancing, bends down in a sexualized manner as if to pick up a pen.
The implications of this "dance" should be enough to make girls question what they are doing. "Twerking" proliferates the sexual stereotype of male dominance by using women's bodies as sex tools. Girls do the actual "twerking" while boys stand and allow themselves to be danced on. The man is in control while the girl does all the work. Young women should have more respect for themselves and their bodies. No girl should feel the need to "twerk" for any guy, anywhere.
At a recent winter ball I attended, I was stunned to see a boy pick up a girl on the dance floor and use other people to hold her up as the two continued to dirty dance. Pelvises connected, both focused on gyration, the couple continued to "dance" as other people held the girl in the air. It was the first time I had witnessed the seriousness with which teenagers were committing to this form of "dance."
It was not the last time I would witness outrageous displays of twerking. More than simply appalling, it was blatantly degrading. Teenage girls need to realize their worth and find a new level of respect for their bodies and for themselves.
Teens: Twerking degrades girls
By Briana Stansbury
Oakland Tribune Teen Correspondent
Dirty dancing is nothing new at high school dances. Dark rooms, loud music and rebellious teens -- not to mention often a lack of adult supervision -- is a recipe for all sorts of bumping and grinding.
Yet it seems that in the last decade, dirty dancing has gone from boys and girls being 6 inches apart to almost pornographic levels. Dirty dancing has been taken to a different level.
A new type of dancing has entered the teen world. It's called "twerking," and it is as repulsive as it sounds. I have been a jazz dancer for four years, and from my point of view, this type of "dancing" seems to annihilate the basic tenets of dance.
To me, dance is a form of expression, a way of connecting with the self. It forces the dancer to be incredibly in-tune with his or her body -- emotionally and physically. As a result, it builds self-esteem and creates powerful, centered individuals. Twerking seems to do just the opposite.
"Twerking" involves a boy and a girl and sometimes their surroundings as well. Chairs, walls and even other people are used to assist in this form of "dance." Usually, the boy sits and the girl, butt out and shaking, administers a sort of lap dance -- thus the chair. Teens get creative with walls and the use of other people. Usually boys stand against the walls, while girls "twerk" on them.
Boy behind girl, hips moving in circular motions with the occasional "popping" and "dropping" introduced in 2006 by Huey in his hit single "Pop, Lock & Drop It." "Popping" requires the lower back muscles in order to pull the butt up in a sort of reversed humping motion. "Dropping" -- often referred to as "droppin' it" -- is when a girl, after a few minutes of dancing, bends down in a sexualized manner as if to pick up a pen.
The implications of this "dance" should be enough to make girls question what they are doing. "Twerking" proliferates the sexual stereotype of male dominance by using women's bodies as sex tools. Girls do the actual "twerking" while boys stand and allow themselves to be danced on. The man is in control while the girl does all the work. Young women should have more respect for themselves and their bodies. No girl should feel the need to "twerk" for any guy, anywhere.
At a recent winter ball I attended, I was stunned to see a boy pick up a girl on the dance floor and use other people to hold her up as the two continued to dirty dance. Pelvises connected, both focused on gyration, the couple continued to "dance" as other people held the girl in the air. It was the first time I had witnessed the seriousness with which teenagers were committing to this form of "dance."
It was not the last time I would witness outrageous displays of twerking. More than simply appalling, it was blatantly degrading. Teenage girls need to realize their worth and find a new level of respect for their bodies and for themselves.
National Merit Scholar - Beatrice Gantzer
National Merit Scholars
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis Public Schools student on May 25 was named National Merit Scholar. Beatrice R. Gantzer of Southwest High School was among 2,900 students nationwide honored with National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among finalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.
Gantzer was selected to receive the National Merit Washington University in St. Louis Scholarship. This award provides between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. Another group of scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2011 competition to approximately 4,800.
Gantzer and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners announced today are a part of the distinguished group of about 8,300 high school seniors of 2011 who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth nearly $35 million. Announced earlier this spring were winners of two other types of National Merit Scholarships – corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and National Merit $2500 Scholarships.
About 1.5 million juniors in 22,000 high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship competition when they took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. In September 2010, some 16,000 semifinalists were designated on a state representational basis. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of a state’s seniors.
To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists submitted a scholarship application that included presenting an outstanding academic record, being endorsed and recommended by a school official and earning SAT scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance. Semifinalists also wrote an essay and provided information about extracurricular activities, awards and leadership positions. In total, 15,000 semifinalists met finalist requirements and more than half of the finalists will be Merit Scholarship winners in 2011. Winners are the finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. The majority of National Merit Scholarships offered each year are made possible by the support of approximately 440 independent corporate and college sponsors. These sponsors join NMSC in its efforts to enhance educational opportunities for America’s scholastically talented youth and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis Public Schools student on May 25 was named National Merit Scholar. Beatrice R. Gantzer of Southwest High School was among 2,900 students nationwide honored with National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among finalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.
Gantzer was selected to receive the National Merit Washington University in St. Louis Scholarship. This award provides between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. Another group of scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2011 competition to approximately 4,800.
Gantzer and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners announced today are a part of the distinguished group of about 8,300 high school seniors of 2011 who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth nearly $35 million. Announced earlier this spring were winners of two other types of National Merit Scholarships – corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and National Merit $2500 Scholarships.
About 1.5 million juniors in 22,000 high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship competition when they took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. In September 2010, some 16,000 semifinalists were designated on a state representational basis. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of a state’s seniors.
To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists submitted a scholarship application that included presenting an outstanding academic record, being endorsed and recommended by a school official and earning SAT scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance. Semifinalists also wrote an essay and provided information about extracurricular activities, awards and leadership positions. In total, 15,000 semifinalists met finalist requirements and more than half of the finalists will be Merit Scholarship winners in 2011. Winners are the finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. The majority of National Merit Scholarships offered each year are made possible by the support of approximately 440 independent corporate and college sponsors. These sponsors join NMSC in its efforts to enhance educational opportunities for America’s scholastically talented youth and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.
Weather is a PLUS
School people are probably the only ones who like the cooler and rainy weather through the end of school - except on weekends. We don't appreciate the high winds and severe storms but the cloudy, cooler days make for a nicer end to the school year.
Major testing is over - MCA, GRAD, IB and AP. Reviewing for finals or making the final presentations is about what is happening in classes. We continue the academics through the end but they frequently do look differently as we continue to wrap up for this school year.
We are still seeking parents for various committees. If you have some time and would like to be more involved in the workings of the school, please email me and put your name on the list. I will sent you more specifics.
In about 95 days, we will be back in school. Happy Days!
Major testing is over - MCA, GRAD, IB and AP. Reviewing for finals or making the final presentations is about what is happening in classes. We continue the academics through the end but they frequently do look differently as we continue to wrap up for this school year.
We are still seeking parents for various committees. If you have some time and would like to be more involved in the workings of the school, please email me and put your name on the list. I will sent you more specifics.
In about 95 days, we will be back in school. Happy Days!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Stop Bullying!
It happens one person at a time. This morning's paper highlighted the continuing problem of kids picking on kids. This is not something "all kids do." It is not just "something kids go through." It is kids being mean and cruel to one another just for the fun of it.
We must stop this one person at a time. If you see someone being bullied, call attention to it and if you do not want to intervene find the closest adult or person in charge. Do not stand by while one person becomes the target and is picked on.
The organization noted in the paper was the National Bullying Prevention Center: http://www.pacer.org/bullying/
If you suspect your child is a victim, let the school authorities know. Talk to your children. No one should be humiliated, picked on, made fun of, or felt to be threatened or intimidated by someone or others.
There is a huge difference in playing or kidding as compared to intimidation and harm. You know the difference and so do the kids.
We must stop this one person at a time. If you see someone being bullied, call attention to it and if you do not want to intervene find the closest adult or person in charge. Do not stand by while one person becomes the target and is picked on.
The organization noted in the paper was the National Bullying Prevention Center: http://www.pacer.org/bullying/
If you suspect your child is a victim, let the school authorities know. Talk to your children. No one should be humiliated, picked on, made fun of, or felt to be threatened or intimidated by someone or others.
There is a huge difference in playing or kidding as compared to intimidation and harm. You know the difference and so do the kids.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Donations can be made to American Red Cross
People can help those affected by disasters, like the recent storms, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters.
People may also call (612) 460-3700 during business hours or mail donations to American Red Cross – Twin Cities Area Chapter, NW 5597, PO Box 1450, Minneapolis, MN 55485-5597.
Make secure online contributions by visiting redcrosstc.org.
Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters.
People may also call (612) 460-3700 during business hours or mail donations to American Red Cross – Twin Cities Area Chapter, NW 5597, PO Box 1450, Minneapolis, MN 55485-5597.
Make secure online contributions by visiting redcrosstc.org.
Need Clothing and Household Cleaning Donations
We have numerous families in need of basic household supplies and clothing. Several homes were completely destroyed. There is considerable damage throughout the area. Cleaning supplies would be helpful.
Money is acceptable. You may want to donate through a local agency or one of the other funds established for this purpose.
If you have clothing or household cleaning supplies, please bring to the school this week. We want to distributed the materials no later than this Friday.
Thank you
Money is acceptable. You may want to donate through a local agency or one of the other funds established for this purpose.
If you have clothing or household cleaning supplies, please bring to the school this week. We want to distributed the materials no later than this Friday.
Thank you
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Damage to homes and families
Continuing information is revealing the extent of the damages to the north side of Minneapolis. Numerous homes have been damaged and lives disrupted due to the disaster. We have no specific information concerning any of our students or families. As we know more we will respond accordingly.
You may start thinking of how you can be supportive as we earn of individual needs. There may be a call for clothing and other goods as more news is reported.
We have no news at this time concerning individual children or families. We will keep you informed as more information is available.
You may start thinking of how you can be supportive as we earn of individual needs. There may be a call for clothing and other goods as more news is reported.
We have no news at this time concerning individual children or families. We will keep you informed as more information is available.
Prom 2011 Is now History
An evening of music, merriment and mirth now part of memories and tall tales for later years. Target Field in the Legends Club area was attractive setting for the junior and seniors. Over 550 students appeared to enjoy the evening.
Long gowns in a rainbow of colors was the fashion of the evening. Traditional black was very much in style but also were pastels and some beautiful yellows and bursts of bright colors. For the gentlemen of the evening more tuxedos appeared and the affair appeared more formal and traditional. With the Lang hem lines then seem to be compromise of open backs and low cut tops. Spring tans were definitely part of the fashion statement.
Deserts were delightful and a pleasant addition. For the past two years, dinner was part of the event but this year was finger treats and excess excuses for more sugar. Te black and silver table settings was contrast with the stadium seats over looking the ball diamond. Between rain drops, catching a breath of air was its own adventure.
Dancing has not really improved. In spite of some efforts to change the bump and grind method of pretending to dance, the dance of the evening still seemed to be a bit too let's jump around and rub. Many young people moved away from the over zealous grinders but still more than necessary in some quarters. We still have some work to do tomcat back to dances that actually look at the person with whom he/she is dancing.
Overall the evening appeared to be a success. Have to wait and get the hallway reviews next week. Whatever might have happened , there will be reunion stories.
Long gowns in a rainbow of colors was the fashion of the evening. Traditional black was very much in style but also were pastels and some beautiful yellows and bursts of bright colors. For the gentlemen of the evening more tuxedos appeared and the affair appeared more formal and traditional. With the Lang hem lines then seem to be compromise of open backs and low cut tops. Spring tans were definitely part of the fashion statement.
Deserts were delightful and a pleasant addition. For the past two years, dinner was part of the event but this year was finger treats and excess excuses for more sugar. Te black and silver table settings was contrast with the stadium seats over looking the ball diamond. Between rain drops, catching a breath of air was its own adventure.
Dancing has not really improved. In spite of some efforts to change the bump and grind method of pretending to dance, the dance of the evening still seemed to be a bit too let's jump around and rub. Many young people moved away from the over zealous grinders but still more than necessary in some quarters. We still have some work to do tomcat back to dances that actually look at the person with whom he/she is dancing.
Overall the evening appeared to be a success. Have to wait and get the hallway reviews next week. Whatever might have happened , there will be reunion stories.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Nationally Ranking -- Southwest Number 1 in the Minnesota
High School Challenge -- Washington Post
The annual High School Challenge for several years was released by the magazine Newsweek. The process has improved slightly and moved to the Washington Post. The news release this morning announced the High School Challenge ranking for this year.
The link is: http://apps.washingtonpost.com/highschoolchallenge/schools/2011/list/minnesota-schools/
Minneapolis Southwest High School -- Number 1 in the state!
Southwest moved up two points nationally. Last year the ranking scores was 115 and this year is 113.
Our goal is for every child to have every opportunity -- to dream and to become.
The leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today.
The children in our classrooms are your sons and daughters!
The annual High School Challenge for several years was released by the magazine Newsweek. The process has improved slightly and moved to the Washington Post. The news release this morning announced the High School Challenge ranking for this year.
The link is: http://apps.washingtonpost.com/highschoolchallenge/schools/2011/list/minnesota-schools/
Minneapolis Southwest High School -- Number 1 in the state!
Southwest moved up two points nationally. Last year the ranking scores was 115 and this year is 113.
Our goal is for every child to have every opportunity -- to dream and to become.
The leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today.
The children in our classrooms are your sons and daughters!
Looking for Extra Homework Help?
Still trying to catch up and finish with a strong positive note?
Check out the homework support that is available right here at school.
Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Media Center 3:15 to 4;15 pm.
Thursdays - Math and Physics - room 24
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Writing Workshop - Media Center
Thursdays - Geography -- Room E105
No excuse - Help is HERE!
Check out the homework support that is available right here at school.
Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Media Center 3:15 to 4;15 pm.
Thursdays - Math and Physics - room 24
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Writing Workshop - Media Center
Thursdays - Geography -- Room E105
No excuse - Help is HERE!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Parent/ Guardian Survey now in the mail
Spring 2011 Parent/Guardian survey
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) send an annual survey to parents in an effort to measure progress on engagement and satisfaction. Surveys are being mailed to the homes of MPS students the week of May 16, allowing parents and guardians a chance to provide input into their child’s education.
Parents/guardians are key stakeholders in the education of our students and hearing their perspectives is one of the most critical voices when it comes of their experiences in our schools.
Parents/guardians of MPS students are asked to return the survey in a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope by Friday, June 3. Parents will receive a separate survey for each school in which they have a child enrolled. The survey has been translated into Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. The results of this confidential survey will be shared with school and district leaders to help drive ongoing improvement throughout our schools.
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) send an annual survey to parents in an effort to measure progress on engagement and satisfaction. Surveys are being mailed to the homes of MPS students the week of May 16, allowing parents and guardians a chance to provide input into their child’s education.
Parents/guardians are key stakeholders in the education of our students and hearing their perspectives is one of the most critical voices when it comes of their experiences in our schools.
Parents/guardians of MPS students are asked to return the survey in a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope by Friday, June 3. Parents will receive a separate survey for each school in which they have a child enrolled. The survey has been translated into Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. The results of this confidential survey will be shared with school and district leaders to help drive ongoing improvement throughout our schools.
Frisbee May 19 6 pm & 7 pm
Ultimate Frisbee Match
Southwest MÜS Girls vs Cretin-Durham Hall (6:00pm) And Southwest MÜS Boys vs Como Park CAU (7:00pm)
Thursday May 19th,
48th Street and Abbott Ave S
Come watch this exciting sport and cheer on your school’s Ultimate Frisbee Club
Southwest MÜS Girls vs Cretin-Durham Hall (6:00pm) And Southwest MÜS Boys vs Como Park CAU (7:00pm)
Thursday May 19th,
48th Street and Abbott Ave S
Come watch this exciting sport and cheer on your school’s Ultimate Frisbee Club
New production -- Only Two Nights
Allerleirauh – That Creepy Play –
May 18 and 19th at 7 pm in the Blackbox. Tickets at the door.
May 18 and 19th at 7 pm in the Blackbox. Tickets at the door.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Paperback Novels Needed
Are you cleaning out that bookshelf? Finished reading those paperbacks and looking for a good new home for them?
Well, we have a bookshelf at school that is in need of paperbacks. Fiction would be great. Biographies go well. How to do books are a hit. We try to fill the shelves and make the books available to our students. Over the course of the school year, hundreds of books go from that place to a new home. We want readers.
If you have books looking for a worthy cause, bring them in to school and we will find them new readers.
Well, we have a bookshelf at school that is in need of paperbacks. Fiction would be great. Biographies go well. How to do books are a hit. We try to fill the shelves and make the books available to our students. Over the course of the school year, hundreds of books go from that place to a new home. We want readers.
If you have books looking for a worthy cause, bring them in to school and we will find them new readers.
Find your own tutor online
There are tools on line to support your learning needs. If you having difficulty with a common ideas or concepts maybe there is some extra help. And it is available any time of the day.
One is Hippocampus http://www.hippocampus.org/
another is YouTube: http://www.youtube.com
There is other material available on any Internet site, so you may want to have a talk about responsible use.
There are numerous supports available. Check out the resources.
One is Hippocampus http://www.hippocampus.org/
another is YouTube: http://www.youtube.com
There is other material available on any Internet site, so you may want to have a talk about responsible use.
There are numerous supports available. Check out the resources.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Area C Meeting Tuesday May 17 6 pm
Area C (z3) Parent Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 17 * 6:00-8:00pm
Anthony Middle School - cafeteria - enter doors #3 & 4
5757 Irving Ave. South
*dinner at 6:00
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions - Chris Rigert, parent co-chair
• DPAC report
• "Why is the Achievement Gap in Minneapolis so Large? How do we talk about it so that all families are included in the conversation?" Emily Puetz, MPS Chief Academic Officer (includes time for Q&A)
• General Q&A: Theresa Battle, Associate Superintendent
Childcare available for ages 3 & up, all children welcome ~ Spanish and Somali interpreters
Everyone is welcome!
This is the last meeting for this school year.
Tuesday, May 17 * 6:00-8:00pm
Anthony Middle School - cafeteria - enter doors #3 & 4
5757 Irving Ave. South
*dinner at 6:00
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions - Chris Rigert, parent co-chair
• DPAC report
• "Why is the Achievement Gap in Minneapolis so Large? How do we talk about it so that all families are included in the conversation?" Emily Puetz, MPS Chief Academic Officer (includes time for Q&A)
• General Q&A: Theresa Battle, Associate Superintendent
Childcare available for ages 3 & up, all children welcome ~ Spanish and Somali interpreters
Everyone is welcome!
This is the last meeting for this school year.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Building a new front entrance way
In a few weeks construction will begin on a new entrance way into Southwest High School. It wil be a set of walls with plants on each side of the main stairs coming into what we call affectionately door 3.
The retaining wall will be surrounded by plants that are used to this climate and in keeping with low maintenance, high tolerance for neglect and lots of traffic. As a good neighbor we want to maintain an attractive appearance as well as protecting of lawn and erosion.
If you are willing to help in the development of this wall, please send check to Southwest High School: attention -- Wall of Success. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
The retaining wall will be surrounded by plants that are used to this climate and in keeping with low maintenance, high tolerance for neglect and lots of traffic. As a good neighbor we want to maintain an attractive appearance as well as protecting of lawn and erosion.
If you are willing to help in the development of this wall, please send check to Southwest High School: attention -- Wall of Success. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Second Act Musical Opens Tonight!
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the 2011 May Second Act Musical.
Opening performance is tonight Wednesday, May 11.
Curtain is 7 pm in the Southwest auditorium.
The Musical continues on Thursday May 12, Friday, May 13 and May 14 Saturday.
Get your tickets at the door.
Opening performance is tonight Wednesday, May 11.
Curtain is 7 pm in the Southwest auditorium.
The Musical continues on Thursday May 12, Friday, May 13 and May 14 Saturday.
Get your tickets at the door.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The conditions of our worlds
This morning's newspaper highlighted the most recent survey that over half of today's youth report having an experience with bullying. The article went on to report that many responses noted that the person was the bully or witnessed a bully. The implications were that everyone has a part in this issue. What a harrowing reminder for us all.
The world is violent. Every section of the daily newspaper is filled with the tragic and horrible things humans do to one another. It is not isolated to one part of the world or one neighborhood or our cities or some place over there. It is in our back yard. We have become aggressive and afraid.
The school (and the community) strives to be a safe and nurturing place for our youth and residents. Sometimes these reminders should give us reason to pay attention to what is happening around us. Maybe we can't change everything, but maybe one step, one person at a time. Talk to your children. Talk to your neighbors. Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Southwest is currently examining ways and methods to work toward a safer and healthier environment for students, families and staff. We need to talk to our youth about the responsibilities to self and to others. We are looking at trainings and workshops for our entire school community. How can we help one another?
I will continue to update you on our progress as we continue to explore options and opportunities.
The world is violent. Every section of the daily newspaper is filled with the tragic and horrible things humans do to one another. It is not isolated to one part of the world or one neighborhood or our cities or some place over there. It is in our back yard. We have become aggressive and afraid.
The school (and the community) strives to be a safe and nurturing place for our youth and residents. Sometimes these reminders should give us reason to pay attention to what is happening around us. Maybe we can't change everything, but maybe one step, one person at a time. Talk to your children. Talk to your neighbors. Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Southwest is currently examining ways and methods to work toward a safer and healthier environment for students, families and staff. We need to talk to our youth about the responsibilities to self and to others. We are looking at trainings and workshops for our entire school community. How can we help one another?
I will continue to update you on our progress as we continue to explore options and opportunities.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
School Board Breakfast May 18
League of Women Voters Minneapolis
Invites you and your guest(s) to a
School Board Breakfast
Featuring Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent
and members of the MPS School Board
Wednesday, May 18
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Webster School, room 125
425 5th St. NE
Minneapolis
(parking available in school lot and on street)
Please join us for an informal Q&A discussion. This event is open to members of League and their guests – particularly MPS parents. Coffee, juice and a light continental breakfast will be served.
Sponsored by League of Women Voters Minneapolis
Please rsvp to the LWVMpls office at 612-333-6319
Invites you and your guest(s) to a
School Board Breakfast
Featuring Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent
and members of the MPS School Board
Wednesday, May 18
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Webster School, room 125
425 5th St. NE
Minneapolis
(parking available in school lot and on street)
Please join us for an informal Q&A discussion. This event is open to members of League and their guests – particularly MPS parents. Coffee, juice and a light continental breakfast will be served.
Sponsored by League of Women Voters Minneapolis
Please rsvp to the LWVMpls office at 612-333-6319
Friday, May 6, 2011
Summer School 2011
Summer School Questions?
Counselors will be available for Summer School registration during lunches in the Career and College Center on Wed May 11th, Thursday May 12th and Friday May 13th.
Summer School information is available on the Minneapolis Public Schools website http://mpls.k12.mn.us
Online summer school information is available at http://online.mpls.k12.mn.us
Counselors will be available for Summer School registration during lunches in the Career and College Center on Wed May 11th, Thursday May 12th and Friday May 13th.
Summer School information is available on the Minneapolis Public Schools website http://mpls.k12.mn.us
Online summer school information is available at http://online.mpls.k12.mn.us
Tutoring Available
Tutoring Available Tuesdays and Thursdays After School
As an additional academic support for students through May 26th, AVID tutors will be available in the media center every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00pm until 4:00pm.
There will be 3 of them (Laura Hennings, Frank Hennick & Kevin Scott). There is no appointment necessary and ALL students are welcome to attend.
As an additional academic support for students through May 26th, AVID tutors will be available in the media center every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00pm until 4:00pm.
There will be 3 of them (Laura Hennings, Frank Hennick & Kevin Scott). There is no appointment necessary and ALL students are welcome to attend.
Seeking Volunteers May 14th
Seeking Volunteers/CAS Hours
Saturday, May 14th Garage Sale on the Courts!
Fundraiser for New Linden Hills Tennis Courts.
Need volunteers for 1-2 hours from 6 am -5 pm to help set up, work shifts at food booth or helping with sale and close down including dropping unsold items at donation centers.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Bo Dolphin 612.229.0992, thedolphins@usfamily.net
Saturday, May 14th Garage Sale on the Courts!
Fundraiser for New Linden Hills Tennis Courts.
Need volunteers for 1-2 hours from 6 am -5 pm to help set up, work shifts at food booth or helping with sale and close down including dropping unsold items at donation centers.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Bo Dolphin 612.229.0992, thedolphins@usfamily.net
Prom Night Pointers for Parents
Prom Night Pointers for Parents
1. Talk with your child about his/her plans. It’s not too early to start.
2. Meet with other parents of your child’s prom group.
3. Know who is driving and emphasize safety.
4. Say no to post-prom hotel rooms.
5. Know SWHS’s prom rules located in the student handbook on the school website:http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/Page/3486
6. Take stock of or remove the alcohol in your home.
7. Discuss curfew and be awake when your child gets home.
Remember that the Smart Choices Safe Students committee has a yahoo parent discussion group. Join us at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southwestscss/
1. Talk with your child about his/her plans. It’s not too early to start.
2. Meet with other parents of your child’s prom group.
3. Know who is driving and emphasize safety.
4. Say no to post-prom hotel rooms.
5. Know SWHS’s prom rules located in the student handbook on the school website:http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/Page/3486
6. Take stock of or remove the alcohol in your home.
7. Discuss curfew and be awake when your child gets home.
Remember that the Smart Choices Safe Students committee has a yahoo parent discussion group. Join us at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southwestscss/
Call for Senior Service Project Donations
Service Projects @ Senior Overnight Party
This party is a truly grand event with lots of exciting things to do, but somewhere between 11 pm and 4 am some seniors might want to join the newest addition to the party--- Service Projects for St. Joseph's Home for Children. http://www.cctwincities.org/stjosephshomeforchildren.aspx
First, we'll be making fleece tie blankets in single bed sizes. Kids come to St. Joseph's with very little of their own. Cozy blankets help comfort them in tough times. To keep the cost of the event low, we need donations of fleece fabric for this project. Donations of fleece, contacts at fabric stores, or cash donations are all appreciated. More fabric equals more kids with cozy blankets. Fabric appropriate for girls and boys, ages toddler to teens. Goal-- 50 blankets!
Call for Service Project Donations!
The second project is called "Your Own Stuff" for kids who arrive at the shelter in the middle of the night, often taken from a domestic abuse situation. They arrive with their pj's and maybe a coat. Nothing else. We'll be stuffing small paper bags with special items for the kids, ages 2 through 16.
We need personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, brushes, combs, lip balm, shampoo, soap (travel sizes are perfect!). In each bag we'll add something fun and age appropriate. Taking donations of beanie babies, small stuffed toys, handheld games, nail polish, small dolls, anything a kid/teen might treasure, and colorful paper bags (party size). Know any company we can approach for donations? Again, ages 2 to 16, male and female. Goal-- 60 bags!
We'll need volunteers to help cut fabric to size, prior to the party, as well as volunteers the night of the event. Donations collected in main office. Contact Welcome Jerde, jerdeberg@aol.com, 822-1598, for details. Thanks for getting behind our new idea!
________________________________________
This party is a truly grand event with lots of exciting things to do, but somewhere between 11 pm and 4 am some seniors might want to join the newest addition to the party--- Service Projects for St. Joseph's Home for Children. http://www.cctwincities.org/stjosephshomeforchildren.aspx
First, we'll be making fleece tie blankets in single bed sizes. Kids come to St. Joseph's with very little of their own. Cozy blankets help comfort them in tough times. To keep the cost of the event low, we need donations of fleece fabric for this project. Donations of fleece, contacts at fabric stores, or cash donations are all appreciated. More fabric equals more kids with cozy blankets. Fabric appropriate for girls and boys, ages toddler to teens. Goal-- 50 blankets!
Call for Service Project Donations!
The second project is called "Your Own Stuff" for kids who arrive at the shelter in the middle of the night, often taken from a domestic abuse situation. They arrive with their pj's and maybe a coat. Nothing else. We'll be stuffing small paper bags with special items for the kids, ages 2 through 16.
We need personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, brushes, combs, lip balm, shampoo, soap (travel sizes are perfect!). In each bag we'll add something fun and age appropriate. Taking donations of beanie babies, small stuffed toys, handheld games, nail polish, small dolls, anything a kid/teen might treasure, and colorful paper bags (party size). Know any company we can approach for donations? Again, ages 2 to 16, male and female. Goal-- 60 bags!
We'll need volunteers to help cut fabric to size, prior to the party, as well as volunteers the night of the event. Donations collected in main office. Contact Welcome Jerde, jerdeberg@aol.com, 822-1598, for details. Thanks for getting behind our new idea!
________________________________________
University of MInnesota Partners with Southwest
University Works With Southwest in "The Rubber Room" Tonight
In some states, teachers accused of misconduct are sent to "rubber rooms" to await reassignment.
By Sheila Regan Email the author 7:52am
Southwest High School becomes the site of a 24-hour site-specific performance installation tonight created in collaboration with twelve students of the University of Minnesota and Skewed Visions, a company based in the Twin Cities.
The project is based on rubber rooms, or “temporary reassignment centers” utilized some states. The performance will begin May 6 at 7 p.m. and will end May 7 at 7 p.m.
Audience members are welcome to come and go whenever they please during that time period. The performance will also be streamed over the internet.
Q & A with Skewed Visions’ Gulgun Kayim, lead artist for the installation.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: So what exactly is this performance that’s happening at Southwest?
Gulgun Kayim: It’s a project that comes out of the U of M. There are two pieces to it. There’s the topic itself—Rubber rooms. In states around the country—New York is one of them and California. There are rules around teachers—if a teacher behaves badly, they get a slip from principal, and they go to a reassignment center. There’s no process where the teacher can even find out why they’ve been assigned. They have to sit and wait until being reviewed. They can’t even investigate what the issue even is.
In Minnesota we have a process, but there’s a debate about the cost of that process. In states around the country- teachers are paid to sit in rubber rooms. They’re not teaching, they’re simply sitting there.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: Who is involved in this project?
Kayim: I teach a class at U of M dealing with site specific performance. We work with tying content of work to a place where the content makes sense. We asked Southwest High School if they were interested in working with us.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: What kind of research have you done?
Kayim: There is an interesting This American Life radio documentary that has interviews that we drew from, and there is a movie called the Rubber Room. We haven’t seen the movie—we’re trying to get a copy, but we’ve seen the trailer. There are also rubber room teachers themselves that we’ve contacted with. We’ve been interviewing them and there are a number of articles available.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: How do you create a performance based on this material?
Kayim: We’ve been working with some of the Southwest High School students and members of the Southwest community—including teachers and people training to be teachers—we’re trying to look at the whole thing. What will be happening May 6th and 7th is a 24-hour performance about waiting. We’re trying to bring the issue up and have a community conversation. Southwest has a very active Community Education program. The principal will be there, and a union rep, and the U of M students will be involved in the performance, as well as two Southwest students.
In addition, a group of Southwest students will be doing a reading of the plays written by the U of M students in another room.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: What is your hope for this workshop performance?
Kayim: I hope that it will lead to relationship with Southwest High School, so eventually we can fully mount the performance. We want to integrate this issue into the department at Southwest High. The students are learning an incredible amount.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: How did you choose Southwest?
Kayim: There’s no linear reason. A friend of mine who works at Minneapolis Public Schools immediately thought of Southwest because of Chris Fisher, the Drama teacher. They have been completely welcoming. William Smith, the principal, has been incredibly supportive. They wanted to find a way to work with us. They really opened up their school to us and are eager to continue that relationship.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: Is there any kind of set?
Kayim: We make it into a rubber room. We empty all the desks. When you do site specific performance, you adapt to what you need, you rely on the real space itself. We’re adding theatrical lightning, and a capacity to control the lights as well as professional speakers. There are chairs around the space so that the room becomes a fishbowl people can come and go into. The whole thing is live streamed. Tweeted and facebooked by the students. There will be a separate computer set aside so that students who are in it can come up to it at any time and give impressions of their experience.
There will be a live stream of The Rubber Room online at the project's blogsite.
Southwest High School is located at 3414 W 47th Street in Minneapolis. Entry for the performance is through Door #3 of Southwest High school. The main performance will be in Room 114, but other events take place throughout the first floor.
For more information and other Southwest News visit:
http://southwestminneapolis.patch.com
In some states, teachers accused of misconduct are sent to "rubber rooms" to await reassignment.
By Sheila Regan Email the author 7:52am
Southwest High School becomes the site of a 24-hour site-specific performance installation tonight created in collaboration with twelve students of the University of Minnesota and Skewed Visions, a company based in the Twin Cities.
The project is based on rubber rooms, or “temporary reassignment centers” utilized some states. The performance will begin May 6 at 7 p.m. and will end May 7 at 7 p.m.
Audience members are welcome to come and go whenever they please during that time period. The performance will also be streamed over the internet.
Q & A with Skewed Visions’ Gulgun Kayim, lead artist for the installation.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: So what exactly is this performance that’s happening at Southwest?
Gulgun Kayim: It’s a project that comes out of the U of M. There are two pieces to it. There’s the topic itself—Rubber rooms. In states around the country—New York is one of them and California. There are rules around teachers—if a teacher behaves badly, they get a slip from principal, and they go to a reassignment center. There’s no process where the teacher can even find out why they’ve been assigned. They have to sit and wait until being reviewed. They can’t even investigate what the issue even is.
In Minnesota we have a process, but there’s a debate about the cost of that process. In states around the country- teachers are paid to sit in rubber rooms. They’re not teaching, they’re simply sitting there.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: Who is involved in this project?
Kayim: I teach a class at U of M dealing with site specific performance. We work with tying content of work to a place where the content makes sense. We asked Southwest High School if they were interested in working with us.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: What kind of research have you done?
Kayim: There is an interesting This American Life radio documentary that has interviews that we drew from, and there is a movie called the Rubber Room. We haven’t seen the movie—we’re trying to get a copy, but we’ve seen the trailer. There are also rubber room teachers themselves that we’ve contacted with. We’ve been interviewing them and there are a number of articles available.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: How do you create a performance based on this material?
Kayim: We’ve been working with some of the Southwest High School students and members of the Southwest community—including teachers and people training to be teachers—we’re trying to look at the whole thing. What will be happening May 6th and 7th is a 24-hour performance about waiting. We’re trying to bring the issue up and have a community conversation. Southwest has a very active Community Education program. The principal will be there, and a union rep, and the U of M students will be involved in the performance, as well as two Southwest students.
In addition, a group of Southwest students will be doing a reading of the plays written by the U of M students in another room.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: What is your hope for this workshop performance?
Kayim: I hope that it will lead to relationship with Southwest High School, so eventually we can fully mount the performance. We want to integrate this issue into the department at Southwest High. The students are learning an incredible amount.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: How did you choose Southwest?
Kayim: There’s no linear reason. A friend of mine who works at Minneapolis Public Schools immediately thought of Southwest because of Chris Fisher, the Drama teacher. They have been completely welcoming. William Smith, the principal, has been incredibly supportive. They wanted to find a way to work with us. They really opened up their school to us and are eager to continue that relationship.
Southwest Minneapolis Patch: Is there any kind of set?
Kayim: We make it into a rubber room. We empty all the desks. When you do site specific performance, you adapt to what you need, you rely on the real space itself. We’re adding theatrical lightning, and a capacity to control the lights as well as professional speakers. There are chairs around the space so that the room becomes a fishbowl people can come and go into. The whole thing is live streamed. Tweeted and facebooked by the students. There will be a separate computer set aside so that students who are in it can come up to it at any time and give impressions of their experience.
There will be a live stream of The Rubber Room online at the project's blogsite.
Southwest High School is located at 3414 W 47th Street in Minneapolis. Entry for the performance is through Door #3 of Southwest High school. The main performance will be in Room 114, but other events take place throughout the first floor.
For more information and other Southwest News visit:
http://southwestminneapolis.patch.com
Compliments for Efforts and Cooperation
Dear SW Students and Families and Teachers,
I want to congratulate and compliment students who have taken IB and AP exams thus far for several reasons:
First, for your amazing concentration and hard work preparing for and sitting for these exams. I have watched as you have concentrated from 3 to 8 (yes, 8!) hours working on your exams.
Second, for honoring yourselves and classmates by behaving in an honorable, mature and respectful manner. You have arrived on time (even early!) to the exam sites, listened carefully to the proctor's instructions that have often been very complicated, and worked in silence. With that, you have also honored your teachers, who so very much want you to do the best you can.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding upcoming exams, including start end times and locations. You can email me any time, including this weekend.
Again, well done. We're very proud of you.
All the best,
Dick Schwartz
IB/AP Coordinator
I want to congratulate and compliment students who have taken IB and AP exams thus far for several reasons:
First, for your amazing concentration and hard work preparing for and sitting for these exams. I have watched as you have concentrated from 3 to 8 (yes, 8!) hours working on your exams.
Second, for honoring yourselves and classmates by behaving in an honorable, mature and respectful manner. You have arrived on time (even early!) to the exam sites, listened carefully to the proctor's instructions that have often been very complicated, and worked in silence. With that, you have also honored your teachers, who so very much want you to do the best you can.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding upcoming exams, including start end times and locations. You can email me any time, including this weekend.
Again, well done. We're very proud of you.
All the best,
Dick Schwartz
IB/AP Coordinator
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Southwest Alumni in the News
Here is the link to an article in the SW Journal this week. Two of our grads are featured in the article.
http://www.swjournal.com/index.php?&story=16810&page=152&category=63
Jean
Jean Sherwood
Counselor
Southwest High School
http://www.swjournal.com/index.php?&story=16810&page=152&category=63
Jean
Jean Sherwood
Counselor
Southwest High School
May and we take tests
The Merry Month of May at Southwest is one continuous "on my way to take a test" month. We give AP and IB tests every day. Some are at the school and many are off site as there just isn't sufficient room for all the various tests and times and various conditions that must be in place.
We could not do it without the fantastic support of many parents and community members. Proctoring a test for two to three hours is not exciting but a vital requirement to meet the testing standards. Without hours of volunteer help from parents and friends, we could not meet the numbers of students testing.
Many students will do very well on these national and global tests. Numerous college and universities recognize the merit of these Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and provide credit or special advance status to the qualifying students. Hard work and effort in high school does literally pay off. Thousands of dollars in college tuition are saved through the efforts of these students on the tests and in their classes years before.
Thank you to our volunteers. Thank you to our students for their tremendous efforts in meeting the needs of their own future.
We could not do it without the fantastic support of many parents and community members. Proctoring a test for two to three hours is not exciting but a vital requirement to meet the testing standards. Without hours of volunteer help from parents and friends, we could not meet the numbers of students testing.
Many students will do very well on these national and global tests. Numerous college and universities recognize the merit of these Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and provide credit or special advance status to the qualifying students. Hard work and effort in high school does literally pay off. Thousands of dollars in college tuition are saved through the efforts of these students on the tests and in their classes years before.
Thank you to our volunteers. Thank you to our students for their tremendous efforts in meeting the needs of their own future.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Assassin Game Time and Safety
It is that time of year again. The assassin game is beginning. Running stop signs, driving crazy and generally risking one's life for the thrill on seeing the X on Facebook seems a bit foolish.
Jumping in front of cars, hanging out the windows, shooting and driving are all reckless activities that are going to get someone injured. The rule makers of this strange activity need to put rules in place that insure the safety of its players. There are parts of the happenings that just are too dangerous. The last thing would be to get some seriously harmed -- and even more harmed than 27 stitches in the leg.
If there is some innate reason to follow this path, then perhaps a Saturday at a park makes more sense. Put rules in place that protect the players and the surrounding innocent people. Being in cars, jumping into the streets and hurling oneself over concrete and walks and stairs can't be safe.
Let's have a safe and sane spring,
Jumping in front of cars, hanging out the windows, shooting and driving are all reckless activities that are going to get someone injured. The rule makers of this strange activity need to put rules in place that insure the safety of its players. There are parts of the happenings that just are too dangerous. The last thing would be to get some seriously harmed -- and even more harmed than 27 stitches in the leg.
If there is some innate reason to follow this path, then perhaps a Saturday at a park makes more sense. Put rules in place that protect the players and the surrounding innocent people. Being in cars, jumping into the streets and hurling oneself over concrete and walks and stairs can't be safe.
Let's have a safe and sane spring,
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