Sunday, September 30, 2012

Another Weekend History

Another high school weekend is behind us.  Whatever the facts, memories, myths and legends are set.  That doesn't mean the filter of age won't change them, but for the moment there are some elements we will remember and retell in common.

Thank you to the Southwest Athletic Department and the Southwest Foundation for stadium lights for evening games Friday and Saturday.  I guess South is looking to rent lights for a football game in a couple weeks.  I think that's a great compliment to the changing views of the city at night.

Athletics, sports and clubs are very important events in a high school experience. Me know that students connected and involved in school activities attend school more regularly, achieve higher academic scores, graduate and enroll in colleges.  The statistics support the idea that these activities are economically important and build community strength.

Stadium lights - in fact stadiums - are the current rage.  The Twin Cities are slated to build three new.  One is now a couple years old.  A not so old hockey stadium and we all can see a new Target Center in the making.  So I guess it is natural that drift is way to high schools.  But at what cost?

The new Washburn Soccer/Football field is gorgeous.  The addition of lights at Roosevelt several years ago did not meet expectations.  Does the school system need seven fantastic facilities?  Is the greatest need at Southwest stadium lights.

Should the school system be looking to the future and think about one great stadium, one wonderful ice rink, a fantastic field house, tremendous ball fields and an awesome aquatics facility?  One can only spend money once.  Our children are our future and without a doubt we are not investing in them or our own future the way we should.  Are we having the right conversations?  Are we exploring options for the best future?  Or are we taking the easy way out and settling for second or third best?

We start week six of a great year.  We are now 1/8th finished with this one.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Southwest Club and Activity News

Yoga Club


Yoga club will meet Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15 in the dance studio. It is free and meets every Wednesday that school is in session. Bring a mat if you have one.

Southwest Robotics Team

The Southwest Robotics Team meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in Room 9 (Mr. Pearson’s room) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ends in woodshop, room 11 by door 12). If you need more information, please email info@swrobotics.com. Parents of participating students should join the parents@swrobotics.com listserv for announcements.


Chess Team

The chess team is meeting every Wednesday after school in Room E101 until 4:30 pm. Anyone interested is welcome to stop by and learn how to play chess or get better. Mr. Fresco. See you there.



Green Team

The Southwest Green Team will have its next meeting on Monday, October 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in room E5. Guest speaker on healthy food canning & preservation. Fleece blankets will be made for the Crisis Nursery Center. For addtional information contact our Community Education office at 612-668-3100.



Southwest Study Buddies

The Southwest Community Ed. "Study Buddies"" will begin tutoring after school at Lake Harriet Upper Campus on Thursday, October 11. If you wish to tutor grade school children, stop by the Community Ed. office.

We need you for our Career Fair

Come To the Career Fair and represent your Career to Southwest Students!


We are very excited to invite you to participate in this fall’s Career Fair. The fair will be held in the West gym at Southwest High School on Tuesday, October 23rd from 8:00-10:30 am, including set up and take down time. We are looking for approximately 50 volunteers from a wide variety of career fields who are willing to share about their career, educational path, typical day, etc. with 9th and 10th graders in a fair-type setting. Volunteers will be provided with a 6 foot table and are invited to bring in “tools of the trade” for decoration or demonstration purposes (specifications on materials will be communicated to selected volunteers in a later email).

What? Southwest Career Fair

When? Tuesday October 23, 8:00- 10:30 including set up/take down time

Where? Southwest West Gym, 3414 W 47th Street Minneapolis, MN 55410

Who? Professionals from various fields in our community interested in investing in Southwest students’ career journeys

How? If you are interested and able to share your passion and knowledge with our students at this Career Fair, please complete the 2012 SWHS Career Fair Application to indicate your interest.

Please apply by Monday, October 1st. We will confirm your participation by Friday, October 12th.. Thank you so much for your interest and investment in Southwest students! Please contact Joan Leverenz with any questions or concerns: joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-3072

Homecoming 2012 Sept 24 through the 29th

SPIRIT WEEK- Homecoming 2012


• Monday- Comic Day - Be a superhero! Or invent a new superhero! Wear a shirt, cape, or even superhero socks to dress up as a comic book character.

• Tuesday- Pattern Day - Clash patterns! Be adventurous, polka dots with stripes or tribal with plaid. Clashing and pattern are the words of the day.

• Wednesday- Sports Day - Rep your favorite Southwest sports team! Wear a jersey or a sporty outfit from a past team, university team, or professional team.

• Thursday-Classy Day - Impress your friends with how classy you can be!

• Friday- LAKER DAY!! - Let’s hear for the one the only Minneapolis Lakers! Go all out in your Southwest swag! Don’t be afraid to rep purple to the max!



Southwest Graduate Lizz Winstead - Writer for Daily Show


Lizz Winstead 1979 Southwest Graduate

As co-creator and former head writer of The Daily Show and Air America Radio co-founder, LIZZ WINSTEAD is one of the top political satirists in America. As a performer, LIZZ brought her political wit to

The Daily Show as a Correspondent and later to the radio waves co-hosting Unfiltered, Air America Radio’s mid morning show, where she brought on  board Hip Hop legend CHUCK D and political big brain RACHEL MADDOW.

LIZZ’S talents as a comedian and media visionary have been recognized by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly’s 100 most Creative People issue and has brought numerous television appearances, including Comedy Central Presents and as a regular contributor for MSNBC’s “The Ed Show” and “The Joy Behar Show.”

Most recently, Lizz wrote and produced an independent pilot of her Off-Broadway hit, “WAKE UP WORLD, a show Rachel Maddow called, “The funniest thing I have seen in years.”



Southwest Nathlalie on Stage!

 
Nathalie Young - best know to most SW students as Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray will be performing in a lead role in the upcoming Youth Performance Company's production of MEAN. The show is a play written for teen audiences about Bullying.


Written by Rita Cannon, Music & Lyrics by Kahlil Queen


September 28 – October 14, 2012

YPC tackles the tough subject of bullying and much more in this original drama, MEAN. We follow three students, a young woman being teased about her physical appearance, a young man being harassed for his sexual orientation, and a young Muslim woman being tormented by her peers because of her faith. With true-to-life dialogue and rock-infused music, this show brings audiences to their feet, and gets everyone ready to “Stand Up” against bullying.
ults



Aside from seeing Nathalie perform, the show has a powerful message for teens on a subject many deal with daily in on way or another

the link to Youth Performance Co's. website:

http://youthperformanceco.org/posts/mean/





Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Academics and Success


At Southwest this is the scene between classes.  That is about the only time between 6 am and 11 pm that you will not find kids in the halls.

They are in the wright room, media center,choir and band room, black box, auditorium and scattered throughout the halls studying alone and in groups.  All of that is before 8:30 am.

In the afternoon we have sstudents running to get/stay in shape, rehearsal for something, meeting with teachers for class make-up or extra support, all kinds of athletic practice and/or games depending on the season and community education classes.  After 3:30 pm it is possible to actually have as many or more people in the building than we have between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.

This is an active building that serves its community and population well.  It is an academic institution where being smart is cool.  It is okay at Southwest to care of grades and getting to class on time and being prepared.  Almost all of our athletic teams have over a 3.5 GPA.  Some of the nicest kids you will meet sweat and practice and play hard.

Clubs and activities are filled with students gaining leadership skills, organization, community pride, service and a sense of belonging.  Not every one is a jock or cares to be.  We celebrate our commitment to our neighborhood, city and country.  We care of our world.  We cheer the successes of all of our students.

If you are part of the Southwest educational community you are active, proud and involved.  You are an important part of the resolve of the issues surrounding us now and in the future.  The leaders of tomorrow are in Southwest classrooms today.

We are Southwest!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ten SW National Merit Commended Students

Ten oustanding scholars at Southwest earned the rank of Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Program.

Hannah Evanson
Elliot M. Granath
Julia J. Kloehn
Willem T. Longendyke
Erik S. Newland
Laura N. Pratt
Michael M. Revering
Bailey Shatz-Akin
Jude H. Sheridan
Emmett A. Sponheim

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation "About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their expectional acdemic promise.  Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the PSAT."

Congratulations to these outstanding Commended Students.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Monday Day 20 and Beginning Week 5

It moves so quickly and yet, we have not been all that long.  The weather has been cooperating and the building is a much more acceptable indoor climate.

So we need to get our school work completed.  This the first day of mid-term week.  Mid-terms will be mailed to students failing at the end of next week.

Mark your calendars -- Parent Teacher Student Conferences are October 16, Tuesday afternoon 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, October 17, starting at 9:00 am.

Talk to your students about making sure everything is trued in correctly and that there is study happening with tests and quizzes.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Mid-term Week -- Get the Grade

This week is the mid- term of the first quarter, the first grading period.  have you daughter/son check with each teacher to determine the exact cut- off date for this mid-term.  Friday is the absolute last day of the mid-term grading window.

The first mid-term period is normally a surprise to new students. This is not a grade that appears on a transcript.  It can be a warning to get serious about the business of school and education.  Just showing up is not sufficient.  We are concerned about learning.

The Parent Portal is the place for an attendance check.  If your son or daughter has three or more unexcused absences or tardies, there is an issue that is impacting his/her grade.

Excused absence make-up is the responsibility of the student and home.  The student normally has the number of days excused absent plus one to make-up the work.  Check the teacher's syllabus for clarification of the grading policy in that class.

Saving everything to the end of the grading period is not acceptable.  Homework is important practice.  It is not the major part of a grade.  Learning is the important element.  Students should be able to tell you the learning targets attempted and gained.  Assessments on those learning targets can be improved through practice (homework) but the assessment of learning is normally reflected in the grade.  For many classes, the assessment is the test.  If you have questions ask the teacher.

One hour left for Volleyball Pancake Breakfast

Southwest Volleyball team is having a fund raiser at Linden Hill Famous Dave's  started this morning at 7 am and will continue for another hour until 10:00 .  Cost is $10.00 plus any donation you want to make.  Raffle tickets on sale for a chance at $25 dollar gift certificate.

Come out and support Laker Volleyball.

Can't make it today?

Next Sunday, Sept. 30 -- same place Famous Dave's in Linden Hills,  4264 Upton Ave. S.

Support Southwest Football team.

Tickets on sale from all the football players.

Support Southwest 7:00 am to 10:00 am

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Clubs and Activities Information


Southwest Debate Team

Practice Monday and Thursdayin room E116 For more information see Mr. Hoselton


Yoga Club

Yoga club will start Wednesday September 26th from 315 to 4:15 in the dance studio. It is free and meets every Wednesday that school is in session. Bring a mat if you have one.

Southwest Robotics Team

The Southwest Robotics Team meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in Room 9 (Mr. Pearson’s room) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ends in woodshop, room 11 by door 12). If you need more information, please email info@swrobotics.com.  Parents of participating students should join the parents@swrobotics.com listserv for announcements.

The Southwest Math Team

We will meet in room 024 at 3:00. Practice will likely wind down by 4:45 at the latest. We hold practice twice per week on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. Practice is in room 024 both days.  There is a $35 participation fee this year. Checks can be made payable to the Southwest Math Team. We use the funds generated to purchase snacks for practices and purchase our team shirts to wear on the days of the competitions.

Contact David McMayer with any questions about the math team.


Students! Need to discuss your IB academic pathway?

Stop by the IB Office (Room 127). We can help you see your options for the IB Diploma and SW IB Medallion. Appointments are not necessary but welcome.

Richard Schwartz, IB Diploma Program Coordinator. Richard.Schwartz@mpls.k12.mn.us

 
SPANISH TUTORING

If you are needing help in Spanish, one-on-one help will be given to you. Tutoring will occur every Tuesday in room 107 after school till the end of school year.  stephanie.wegner@mpls.k12.mn.us

 
Chess Team

The chess team is meeting every Wednesday after school in Room E101 until 4:30 pm.  Anyone interested is welcome to stop by and learn how to play chess or get better.  Mr. Fresco.  See you there.



Wanted: Singers/Vocalists to sing with the Jazz Big Band or one of the 3 Jazz combos

Interested? See Mr. Liuzzi during lunch any day next week.  Bring a tune you might want to sing!



The 3rd Conference Regatta for Fall Sailboat Racing will be at home on Lake Calhoun this Saturday (September 22)

Twenty teams will be hosted by the Lake Calhoun Sailing School and Yacht Club.  Southwest's sailors took 2nd place at Conference Regatta 1; and Team Divisions A & B tool 3rd and 8th at Conference Regatta 2.  Races begin at 9AM and run until 3pm. It’s going to be windy and cold, so Southwest has the Lakers home advantage! 

 

Area C Advisory September 27 at Armatage


  Area C Parent Advisory Meeting

Thursday, September 27, 2012 - Armatage Montessori School, 2501 West 56th Street

6:00-8:00pm *dessert & coffee

Childcare ages 3 & up-all children welcome Spanish and Somali Interpreters

      

Student Election Judges Needed


Interested in becoming a Student Election Judge for the upcoming November 6 general election?

A few spots remain available for SW students, ages 16 and older and in good academic standing.  You must be willing and able  to attend a two-hour training (during school hours), and you MUST commit to fulfill your obligation once you assigned to a polling location.  You can choose to earn community service credit or be paid (minimum wage).  First come, first-serve until all spots are filled.  Sign up in the IB Office (room 127) with Mr. Schwartz (IB/AP Coordinator). 

PSAT Sign-up Now


Sign-ups for this year's October 31st PSAT exam are next week:

  1. JUNIORS may sign up during lunch periods on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (September 24, 25 and 26) in the West Building front hallway.
  2. SOPHOMORES may sign up on Thursday (September 27.  Remember:  Sophomores may take the exam but only as a practice.

Cost for each exam is $16.00.  Bring cash or check (made out to ""SW High School"")

At the sign-up, students will receive an official ""Student Guide to the PSAT Exam"".  All juniors are invited and encouraged to take the PSAT exam.

Questions?  Stop in the IB Office (Room 127) or email Richard Schwartz, IB/AP Coordinator at:  Richard.schwartz@mpls.k12.mn.us."

Saturday September 29 Super Soccer


Southwest’s Super Soccer Saturday!

September 29, 2012

Come and cheer on Southwest’s soccer teams as they compete against the South Tigers!!

The Schedule At Southwest Stadium -  (W. 47th St. & Abbott Ave.)

  • Boys C Squad:  9:00am
  • Boys B Squad:  11:00am
  • Girls JV:          1:00pm
  • Boys JV:         3:00pm
  • Girls Varsity:   5:00pm
  • Boys Varsity:  7:00pm – (second year in a row - soccer at night under the lights!)

GREAT SOCCER! GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES! GREAT EATS!  GREAT SCHOOL SPIRIT! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PROGRAM. THANK YOU!

The Sanneh Foundation will be collecting “anything soccer” - new or gently used soccer shoes, gear, equipment and clothing for underprivileged individuals, children and foundations, as part of their “Kick It Back Program

 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Sunday Sept 23 VolleyBall Pancake Breakfast

Southwest Volleyball Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, September 23, 2012

7:00 am to 10:00 am

Famous Dave's in Linden Hills
4264 Upton Avenue South

$10.00 Donations Welcome

Books for Students Needed


Doing some fall cleaning?  Sorting through the shelves?  Don't forget about the Take a Book shelf at Southwest High School.

We take your donations and have them available for the students.  Hundreds of books have changed hands and provided new readers outstanding thrills and adventures.  The shelves need constant refreshing.  Age appropriate books are needed to fill the active minds of our students.

If you have books, please bring to the main office or Volunteer Center.  The students thank you.

Volleyball and other Fall Sports


Fall Sports are in full swing.  Come out and Support YOUR Lakers!

Football Friday at Washburn - game time is 7 pm.  There will be numerous activities with the dedication of the first new field in the city.

Girls Tennis has match at Pershing today at 4:00 pm

Girls Soccer continues competition with Rogers on the 22nd at Rogers

Boys Soccer is winning at moving on at Cottage Grove of the 22nd

Super Soccer Saturday is the 29 at the SW field with games starting at 9:00 am

Cross Country is heading to another City Championship with regional in October

Girls Swimming has a meet at Hopkins on the 27th.

Volleyball (pictured above) host Cretin-Derham Hall at home 7:00 pm on the 25th.

Whatever your interest, there is a sport and some fantastic athletes participating for your support.

Go Lakers!

Need PR and Web Interns

Do you have an interest in journalism, marketing, public relations, business or web design or management?

Then perhaps this is an opportunity for you. Southwest is seeking two inspired persons to work with the school for the outstanding compensation of feeling wonderful, a positive experience, resume building and a small stipend.

If you aer interested in either the PR/Marketing positions or the Web Support position, please send letter of interest to me.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

A Surprise Great Day!

Not enough rain which probably is a matter of opinion.  Bright and sunny and cool.  We do try to keep the building cooler with these days.  The sun warms the building and so we want to take advantage of these nice days -- not too hot or too cold.

Flu shots in the cafeteria today until 6 pm.

Hope you have been monitoring school work at your home.  The Parent Portal is open and active.  You should be able to see current grades and assignments as well as attendance.  If you do not, please email me.

Almost to mid-term and really would like to have that a positive report and one that is record of a strong, positive beginning. 

Southwest National Merit Semifinalists

Six Southwest students names as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.  The students qualified by virtue of their scores on the 2011 Preliminary sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists represent fewer than 1 percent of U.S. seniors, the corporation said in a news release.

The Southwest National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists are:
Brendan T. Berg
Madelaine L. Foster
Vienna Larche
Stefan Payne-Wardenaar
Vincent G. Puzak
Helena M. Scholz-Carlson
Kieran E. Schwartz

Congratulations to these outstanding Seniors!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Start of Week 4

We are off and running.  School is now an important part of the daily routine!  Off to another GREAT start!

Getting to school on time.  We are striving to have all the buses at the school no later than 8:20 am.  That means a couple of the buses will be running with pick-up 5 - 10 minutes earlier.  Be prepared.  We want you to have time for breakfast and get to your locker and be on time to first period.

Walkers -- set your alarm clocks 5 minutes faster.  You do not have to eat breakfast.  We would like you to but you do not have to.  What is required is that you are in class by 8:30 am. Set that clock 5 minutes earlier.

Congestion on 47th at 8:15 am
Everyone cannot drop off his/her kids at the same time and then fight with the buses.  Think about using the other side of Beard or Chowen or down the street.  A little walk in the morning is okay for high school kids.  There is a driving traffic jam first thing in the morning.

Lunch Time has settled down
Yes, the food is significantly better and delicious.  Yes, you have to stand in line.  I know these are new concepts.  There is plenty of time to be polite and respectful and still receive a great lunch.  The second day of school is the only day we ran out of the entree -- kids' favorite during second lunch. 

Get to class on time.  Those who want to be late are.  Those who want to be on time are.  Hasn't changed in 200 years and I suspect will not in the next 200.  There are isolated examples of students walking from the far edges of the campus to the other side.  That is not all 1,700 students.  Most make it on time.  Most will make it on time regardless of the amount of time in between classes.

Class has begun.  There are great things happening in classes up and down the hallways.  Your children once again are receiving a fantastic education opportunity.  It exciting. Come in and see it some time.

Check parent portal.  If you do not see grades or assignments for some classes, please email me.  Akll grades are to be within two weeks of the assigned date.  Mid-terms are coming.  Get caught up.  The first quarter is always the worse.

We have had a GREAT start.  Thank you.  This is going to be another wonderful year.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Chuck Aoki, Southwest grad, meeting President Obama

Chuck Aoki, Southwest graduate, returned from the Paralympics a few days ago. He posted that yesterday Team USA went to the White House - here is the picture he posted.




The White House reception is at: http://youtu.be/XUTOxxXM2YA

ACT Prep for Seniors Starts Now

Seniors:  Together with AchieveMpls, ACT Ready is offering ACT Prep classes for the October 27 ACT test.
Classes are held from 7-9 pm at Southwest on Mondays starting September 24 and ending on October 22. See Jastrow or Van Pernis in the AchieveMpls Career & College Center for applications, or check your email for additional information and the attached registration forms.  Space is limited, so register today!

Friday, September 14, 2012

TV Script Writer and Southwest Graduate Tracy McMillan

Tracy McMillan, a 1982 Southwest graduate, visited with our Literature and Performance students.  Leaving her California home and arriving at Southwest straight from the airport, she shared with our students her journey from student to professional writer and TV script writer.  The students enjoyed her frankness, openness and words from the heart about growing up, reaching a dream and being part of a successful career.

Tracy McMillan is an American author and television script writer. She is known for writing two books based on Huffington Post editorials of the same name.  Her script writing credits include Mad Men, Necessary Roughness, Life on Mars, and The United States of Tara.


Author of Books:  I Love You and I'm Leaving You Anyway: A Memoir and Why You're Not Married . . . Yet: The Straight Talk You Need to Get the Relationship You Deserve.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Front Yard Renovation

Yes, we are attempting to grow grass in the front yard of the high school.  Maybe that sounds like the impossible dream but we are going to try.

The slope in the front area has been seeded and covered.  We will begin watering and hopefully continue into the fall to provide the grass seed a chance at survival.

If you are interested in being a volunteer grass care person or plant some flowers or just like messing in the dirt, please email our Volunteer Coordinator Joan Leverenz.

With help the front lawn can become a reality.

Farm to School Community BBQ Sept. 21 4-7 pm

Farm to School Community BBQ to celebrate local food and Minnesota Farm to School Month


MINNEAPOLIS – Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) on September 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. will host its first Farm to School Community BBQ to celebrate the school district’s efforts to provide fresh, local and healthy foods to students. The event will take place at MPS’ Culinary Center, located at 812 N. Plymouth Avenue in north Minneapolis.



“Serving local food in school meals is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of schools. “Providing fresh, healthy options for students while supporting growers in our region – that’s a win-win.”



MPS’ Director of Culinary and Nutrition Services Bertrand Weber is continuing school district’s momentum to provide students with healthy options. “This is all part of our broader efforts to serve real food in our school meals,” he said. “Mealtime is a particularly important moment in a child’s day. Our responsibility is to provide children with healthy, balanced meals; to develop their sense of taste; to help children make good food choices without being influenced by trends, media and marketing; and to teach them the relationship between eating habits and health.”



The event will be an afternoon of local food and fun for MPS students and families in honor of Minnesota Farm to School Month. Participants will learn more about MPS’ Farm to School program, which aims to feature local food in school meals and connect students with where their food comes from. MPS’ farm to school activities are supported in part through the City of Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support’s Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health.



Local food served at the event will include sliders made with turkey from Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls, MN; roasted corn from Happy Acres Produce in Alexandria, MN; cucumber salsa with tomatoes from Laughing Loon Farm in Northfield, MN, and more. A Corn-Shucking Contest will be a chance for local dignitaries to try their hands at shucking local corn in the spirit of raising awareness of where our food comes from.



There will also be a variety of hands-on activities for families, including face painting, a compost demonstration, local food taste tests and cooking demonstrations. Local organizations will display resources to help families find local food in their communities. Finally, local farmers will showcase live farm animals and some of the best produce our region has to offer.



WHAT: Farm to School Community BBQ for MPS students and families



WHEN: Friday, September 21 from 4- 7 p.m.

Corn-Shucking Contest at 5:30 p.m.



WHERE: 812 North Plymouth Avenue (parking lot of MPS’ Culinary Center)

Minneapolis, MN



PARTNERS:







• AGAPE Child Development Center

• Appetite for Change

• Broadway Family Medicine Clinic

• Buffalo Gal

• Community Table Coop

• Coop Partners Warehouse

• Eastside Food Co-op

• Eco Education

• Ferndale Market

• Gardening Matters

• Grow Twin Cities

• Growing Lots Urban Farm

• Happy Acres Produce

• Harvest Moon Backyard Farmers

• Hennepin County Organics Recycling

• Homegrown Minneapolis

• Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

• Laughing Loon Farm

• Linden Hills Co-op

• Local Food Resource Hubs

• Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support

• North High School Community Education

• Northside Fresh

• Project Sweetie Pie

• Riverbend Farms

• Seward Co-op

• Stone’s Throw Urban Farm

• The Mulch Store

• The Wedge Co-op

• U of M Cooking Matters

• U of M Extension Farm to School

• U of M Healthy Food, Healthy Lives Institute

• U of M Master Gardeners

• U of M Simply Good Eating

• Untiedts Farm

• Whole Foods Markets

• Youth Farm & Market Project





Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Open House 6:30 Tuesday September 11

Open House is tonight!

Program starts at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

The main attraction of the evening is you and your teachers.  Families will travel through the seven periods just their children do during the regular school day.

Teachers will talk about the class, provide contact information and begin that wonderful process of working together for the academic benefits of your children.

Tonight is NOT parent- teacher conferences.  That is in October.  Enjoy the evening.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Parent Directory Deadline Tuesday Sept. 11

Deadline for signing up for the parent directory is tomorrow.

You can sign up at:


http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/studentdirectory_2



Installation of Pads for Bike Racks




New surface for bike racks is in progress.  Saturday crews started the preliminary preparation for the installation of bike racks.  The area will be cleaner and easy to maintain.  Hopefully it will also be a secure place for bikes.

Continuing in the efforts to "refresh" the overall appearance of the school, the new pads for the bikes is the first step.  The front lawn will be seeded this fall.  Plants will be moved and added along the front and parts of the building.  Tree trimming will happen when possible.  This will also involve the court yard.

If you are interested in volunteering some time to the yard renovation, please contact Joan Leverenz, Volunteer Coordinator.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

We've Settled and On We Go

We start the third week of school now as experienced high schoolers. The newness has worn off. We renewed friendship. We found new friends and involved in new activities.  We realize we are back to school.  Even the temperatures have declared fall.

So it is getting to class.  Being prepared for class and learning.  Leaning is not a passive activity.  Frequently it is hard work and perseverance.  Being prepared means bringing the right equipment to class - book, paper, writing instrument.  Being prepared means the reading assignment is done or the homework completed.  It means being responsible.

Responsibility is not a nature instinct.  It is taught and learn.  Part of growing up is learning those responsibilities and developing self- respect.  We need to learn - I have the ability and I choose to ...

Asking for help is difficult when trying to be independent.  The difference in needing support and displaying weakness is a thin line at this age.  Sometimes we have to gently suggest and guide. Sometimes we have to make the decision and move on.  In the next few days, if not already, school will challenge the student.  The challenge may be homework and assignments. The challenge may be to accept high school age behaviors. The challenge may be to face difficult problems and tasks.

School is on.  Hopefully you are planning on attending Open House Tuesday the 11th starting at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.  It is going to be another great year.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Bike Pads to be Installed Monday

Attention bike riders!

Monday the area south of door 1 will be blocked in order to pour concrete for bike racks.  This will be an inconvenience for a couple days as we improve the area for our bike riders.

We encourage the use of bikes. Great physical exercise, green transportation and an aid to the parking problem.  Safety and security for your bikes - as much as possible - is important.  The new concrete pads will enable us to park more bikes and be cleaner.

Remember to ride carefully as you negotiated the streets.  Lock you bike when at school.  Enjoy the fall weather.

SAT Registration Information

SAT Registration Deadline 
As a reminder, the SAT registration deadline for the October 6 test is fast approaching! Register bySeptember 7 to avoid late fees! Southwest's school code: 241680

Next test date: October 6, 2012
Register by: September 7, 2012
Late registration (w/ additional fee): September 21, 2012
Make changes by: September 21, 2012
See Jastrow, Van Pernis or your counselor if you qualify for a fee waiver

Southwest Education Fund 9th Grade Welcome

Save the Date!  Please join us for the 9th Grade House Party
Southwest Education Fund's 9th Grade House Party
Chris and Gwen Spurgat's Home

House Parties are an informal, fun opportunity to meet other 9th grade parents, learn more about our remarkable school and speak directly with Principal Dr. William Smith.  We hope to see you there!

rsvp:  Christa Anders @ christa@advance-consulting.com

Fencing Club Monday September 10

Fencing Club will begin September 10.
A large number of students have indicated an interest in a fencing club at SWHS, and the club will meet after school on Monday, September 10 in the cafeteria. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of fencing. Anyone interested in learning about the fencing club can contact Barry Schade atbarryschade@mac.com.

Gymnastics Team Fundraiser

Southwest Gymnastics Team Fundraiser at Open House


The team will be selling Chinook Books in the Commons (west of the Link) starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday September 11th, during the Open House. The price is $20.

Chinook Book offers coupons from green and local merchants and also includes two MTC bus passes.. There are savings on Dining, Travel & Recreation, Fashion & Gifts, Home & Garden, Wellness, Entertainment and Grocery Products—over 400 coupons in all. Chinook Book includes an app for iPhone and Android with mobile coupons right on your phone.

Come out and support your Southwest Laker Gymnastic Team!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Cool Start but Warm Finish

Starting with five very hot days developed character and strength.  Then there was a rest - three delightful, long days of relaxation and fun.

This has felt like a really loooong week.  Tuesday had to be one of the worst.  Dirty air, high humidity and once again high temperatures made for a blast of welcome back.  Today started in the 60s and is beginning to feel like the nice fall days we remember.  However, this afternoon include the humidity and warmer temperatures and just are not condusive to study and seriousness.

Have to remember this is the end of day 8.  All in all the routine is back and we are in school dealing with school issues.  At the same time I think the heat and humidity has increased the number of impatient people and decreased some senses of reasonableness.  I love the children.  It is the big people that sometimes makes one wonder what happened to common sense.

Fall is coming because we are playing fall sports.  Girls Soccer and Volleyball at home tonight.  Come out and cheer the Lakers!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

What a great lunch


Build your own sandwich - what a great choice and good!


Turkey and Gravy with potatoes, peas and salad.
And this is a School Lunch!

The days have changed!  I have no idea what will be the complaints now.  This takes away a classical.  We all know that our darling children needs to have a couple spots of displeasure.  Well, it is not going to be the food.  You cannot find food this good at this cost for lunch any where is the city.

Yes, the lines are long because kids are eating the food!  The shortest line today was 10 minutes from the start of lunch and the longest was 19 minutes.  More kids every day and it gets faster every day.  Remember this is day 7.

What a fantastic staff!  What a great bunch of kids!

Breakfast at Southwest

Breakfast at Southwest.  Not the greatest picture to show off the new and improved food offerings for sstduents.  Breakfast is not as a dramatic change as the lunch menus.  All students can eat breakfast for free.  Eating to Learn!

Minimal lines at breakfast.  Right now we are working with a few late buses to get them here earlier so all our students can ejoy breakfast.

Lunch menu are FANTASTIC!  Each day more students are moving through the lines in a quicker manner.  We are learning.  I'll attempt to capture the lunch flavor today and post.

School Lunches are not what they used to be.

Open House September 11 Program at 6:30 pm

Fall Open House


September 11, 2012

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Welcome parents! The Fall Open House is an opportunity for

you to have a glimpse into your student’s day at Southwest.

Open House Schedule

6:30–6:45 Welcome program in Auditorium

6:50–8:30 Classroom visits - Visit student’s schedule as follows:

6:50 - 7:00 Period 1

7:05 - 7:15 Period 2

7:20 - 7:30 Period 3

7:35 - 7:45 Period 4

7:50 - 8:00 Period 5

8:05 - 8:15 Period 6

8:20 - 8:30 Period 0/7 (if applicable)

Principal Dr. William Smith

Assistant Principals Sue Mortensen

Dawn Reilley

Rasheedah Ali

Special Ed TOSA Linda Huntzicker

Fall Open House

September 11, 2012

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Welcome parents! The Fall Open House is an opportunity for

you to have a glimpse into your student’s day at Southwest.

Open House Schedule

6:30–6:45 Welcome program in Auditorium

6:50–8:30 Classroom visits -Visit student’s schedule as follows:

6:50 - 7:00 Period 1

7:05 - 7:15 Period 2

7:20 - 7:30 Period 3

7:35 - 7:45 Period 4

7:50 - 8:00 Period 5

8:05 - 8:15 Period 6

8:20 - 8:30 Period 0/7 (if applicable)

Principal Dr. William Smith

Assistant Principals Sue Mortensen

Dawn Reilley

Rasheedah Ali

Special Ed TOSA Linda Huntzicker

Remember Fall Conferences: Tues., Oct. 16 from 4-8PM and

Wed., Oct. 17 from 9AM-4 PM

Remember Fall Conferences: Tues., Oct. 16 from 4-8PM and

Wed., Oct. 17 from 9AM-4 PM

Looking for Somethign To Do?

Southwest is looking for a couple people -- many college people -- who are interested in building a resume' and providing a great service.

Southwest needs two interns for the 2012-2013 school year, starting immediately.

The first is a PR/Marketing Intern.  This person would work with local news outlets to get out the news about SW students and activities.  A journalism background or interest would be helpful.

The second intern position is Web Site.  We need a person who enjoys web site design and working with others who are trying to build pages.  The person would  monitor and update current web site.  Training of others is also a part of this assignment.

If interested, please email letter of interest and/or resume to me.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Another Week

Six days of the "new" school year are now gone.  In a very short time we will be looking backward trying to determine how it flew by.

The first quarter is the tough one.  The very first quarter has ruined more student's GPA more than any other single event.  Yes, there is a transition.  Part of that is responsibility.  We work with the students but they have to think about make the transition also.  Yes, it is hot and still summer.  But the work is here and now.

We are working with students and attempting to determine who is struggling.  For some this may be the seven period day and we are having conversations about thinking about a period in the Study Center.  Especially if a student is playing sports, a quiet period in the Study Center to get the homework done might be a good use of time.

Tutoring will start at the end of the month.  We are setting up centers and trying to fit it all into the regular school day if at all possible.  We want students to be academically supported.  We understand that there will be other responsibilities that student may need to attend to after school.

Please remind students that they are responsible for days absent.  The student needs to talk with the teacher of missed classes and arrange for make-up.  In general it is the number of days missed plus one.  Check with your teacher for specific requirements.

The days go quickly.  Make the best of every one of them.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Super Soccer Saturday at South Sept. 8

Super Soccer Saturday
South High’s Super Soccer Saturday is September 8th!   Come and cheer on the Lakers at this all-day, annual soccer event between rivals South & Southwest
                     Watch great soccer!
                     Win a Raffle Prize
                     Have Good Eats!!
Here’s the Schedule:
Ft. Snelling / Nieman Fields
Exit Bloomington Rd. off Hwy 62E
10 am   Men's Junior A
10 am   Men's Junior B

Barnard Field
Athletic field across from South High School (21st Ave South & East 31st St)
10:30   Men's Junior Varsity
12:30   Women's Junior Varsity
2:30     Men's Varsity
4:15     Senior Recognition
4:30     Women's Varsity

ACT Prep Classes

Seniors:  Together with AchieveMpls, ACT Ready is offering ACT Prep classes for the October 27 ACT test.
Classes are held from 7-9 pm at Southwest on Mondays starting September 24 and ending on October 22. See Jastrow or Van Pernis in the AchieveMpls Career & College Center for applications, or check your email for additional information and the attached registration forms.  Space is limited, so register today!