Thursday, October 31, 2013

Southwest Athletes are Tops in GPA





Southwest Athletes remain tops in earning their fall GPAs.  Play hard and keep your grades up is a frequent expression connected with Southwest sports.  It does not make much sense to be the top in your field and ineligible to play in the college of your choice.

Fall 2013 Team GPAs

Boys CC - 3.61
Football - 2.48
Boys Soccer - 3.37
Girls Soccer - 3.75
Girls Tennis - 3.65
Girls Swim and Dive - 3.65
Performance Team - 3.14
Volleyball - 3.64
Girls CC - 3.73

Average for all Fall 2013 Sports - 3.43

Saturday Nov. 2 at 7:00 pm Stage Parents Performance




An evening out for the entire family.  This is an exciting opportunity to hear some fantastic performers and support the Southwest theater program.

The Southwest theater programs provide you, the community and the students outstanding experiences in one-act plays, a wonderful Black Box student produced series, a three-act dramatic presentation and the wonderful Footlights Musical and the Spotlights Musical.

Without ticket sales and the fabulous financial support of the parents and community it would be impossible to produce the musicals and other stage events.  We realize that the arts are important and our community is supportive of its students and fine arts program.

Without patrons and special subsidies it would be impossible to have the large shows and excellent quality of performance that have become the legend of Southwest.

Show your support and entertain the family.  Stage Parents Saturday night, November 2.  Curtain at 7:00 pm.  Your contributions are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Wednesday, November 30, Class of 2018 Event

Wednesday, November 30 starting at 6:30 pm Southwest High School invites the students and families of the graduating class of 2018.

If you are interested in attending Southwest High School in the fall of 2014, this event is for you.  You will meet with teachers, learn about program and get excited about enrolling at Southwest, home of the Lakers.

Tour dates and other special activities will be announced that evening as well.

Class of 2018 - this is a night for you!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sadie's is November 8 and at the Barn

Put on the party shoes and get ready to have some fun.  Sadie's Dance, sponsored by the Southwest National Honor Society, is coming on November 8, a Friday night.  Buses will leave from Southwest and transport the students to and from the dance site -- the barn.

It is a night of barn dancing and western music.  Square Dancing and western line dancing are the events for the evening.  There will be time for hay rides and roasting out by the fire pits.

A great evening of fun and square dancing.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Introducing - the Steinway - Linking Heritage and the Future

 
Opening night for a wonderful refurbished piano happened this past Friday night.  The Steinway Inaugural Recital was an outstanding event for all privileged to be in attendance.
 
The piano was build in 1922 and served as a trusty participant in performances in a Minneapolis School high school for many year.  They were all the grand and famous Steinways.  And so the years continued.  After numerous years of service, they were taken from their place with students and piled in a warehouse - discarded and, for years forgotten.
 
Then someone said -- what happens if we return this piece of legacy and history to its rightful place on a stage for students and performance.
 
Well, that is what happened.  The Southwest Music Booster and wonderful Southwest community members decided this needs to happen.  Our students deserve the best.  They deserve to continue to be part of the history and continue the legend.  After a year of work, the Steinway returns to the stage.
 
Thanks to a caring community and wonderful music staff and students, a important instrument connect the past into a performance today with the future of the Southwest Fine Arts Program.  Another symbol of the dedication of an educational community to quality and excellence.
 
Performers in the Steinway Inaugural Recital
Sebastian Coll
Nicole Shekhovtsova
Levi Schwartzberg
Drew Stinson
Avery Frisk
Samuel Rosenstone
Robin Helgen
Sonja Thompson
 
Thank you to all who share in this exciting event.
 
You, too, can be part of continuing the legacy.  Send your donation to Southwest Music Boosters - The Steinway.  All donations are tax deductible.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Southwest Club News


Japanese Culture Club
Meets Wednesdays from 3:05 to 4:30 in Room 219.  If you are interested in Japanese Culture, Japanese movies, and J-Quiz, please join us.

 

Chess Club - Room 33
Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 -  Questions?   Contact Mr. Balson

 

Break Dance Club  Absolutely no experience necessary!  Join us in the link Mondays and Wednesdays 3:15 – 4:30.  Questions?  See Ms. Valdez in room 109

 

GSA - Gay Straight Alliance
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 3:15 to 4:30, East Building Room #110

 

Political Activism Club:
A place to talk with your peers about current issues and how to engage in the political process.  Grassroots activism. We meet every third Tuesday in Room 34. Interested? Email Ms. Rittler at Valerie.rittler@mpls.k12.mn.us

Stage Parents Theater Program Sat. Nov. 2 at 7 pm


Stage Parents Theatre Program Fundraiser, Saturday, Nov. 2nd at 7pm

SWHS Auditorium, Adults: $15 advance, $20 door, Students: $5 ... please help support the 5 main stage productions this year, particularly the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie!

 

College Search I - Tuesday Oct 29 at 7:00 pm


College Search I   For 11th grade students and families, but all are welcome!

Tuesday, October 29, 7 pm, SW Auditorium all are welcome.

This presentation will provide an overview of the college search process, including finding a good college “fit”, college admissions testing, and a timeline for college exploration in the junior year. A second presentation, College Search II, will follow this spring.  Spanish and Somali interpretation will be provided at this event.  Please see your SWHS Counselor or CCC Coordinator with any questions.

Wrestling Meeting Tuesday Oct. 29 at 3:10 pm


Wrestling Team Meeting Tuesday, Oct 29 at 3:10 in the Wrestling Room

For all boys interested in joining the wrestling team: Come to an informational meeting on Tuesday in the wrestling room. For more information, contact the Coaches Paul Porter & Joe Burns at paul.porter@mpls.k12.mn.us

Nordic Ski Team Kick-off Oct. 28 at 7:00 pm


Nordic Ski Team Season Kick-off and Information Meeting for athletes and parents.

Southwest Media Center, Monday, October 28th at 7:00 pm

New and returning skiers are welcome! You'll be able to ask questions, pick up registration forms, learn about volunteer opportunities, and meet the coaching staff. We are looking forward to another exciting season of racing!

If you have questions, you may contact booster club co-president Heidi Johnson at 612-825-3068 or wjhj@earthlink.net.

Steinway -- Friday Oct 25 at 7:00 pm



Southwest High School Auditorium 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 25

Come hear current students, alumni and professional musicians play our newly refurbished Steinway grand piano.  The program will feature classical piano, jazz and art songs.

The Finish to a Great Season



 
 

Athletics and active competition is great.  Team spirit, the thrill of the victory, the learning to lose with honor and hard work, all good things,  are part of the learning experiences.
 
Unfortunately, except for one team in every sport the last game of the season results in a lose.  For the Southwest Lakers this season that is true in Football, Soccer and Volleyball.  Each team in its own way  had a unique and wonderful season and each also suffered disappointment.
 
Two runners in Cross Country on continuing on and swimmers and divers are competing but for the majority of participants in those individual sports, the end of the season was its own finish.  Girls tennis finished another season with a strong bunch of younger players.
 
Football players and their families saw the installation of the lights and for the first time in the history of the sport at Southwest could experience Friday Night Lights.
 
Girls Soccer was an up and down season with numerous young players seeing opportunities for the future.
 
Boys Soccer rode the wave of victory and made stellar come-backs and outstanding wins.
 
Volleyball was another strong team with players looking to move on to major colleges to continue their sport and winning another city championship.
 
Cross Country runners, Tennis players and Swimmers and Drivers struggled with their personal best and practiced daily to improve their skills and share in the victories.
 
Now we are approaching the end of the fall sports season.  There is much to celebrate and share in the joys of success.  There are moments of reflection and what could have been.  We have seen the heights of success and the despairs of disappointment.  Let's move from this season to the next with celebration and praise.  We did our best and we were there.  We stood by in the good and bad moments.  We held the flags of competition and hard work high as we exhibited our best.
 
Thank you for a wonderful season and tons of memories.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ryden and Sinkler On To State

Anna Ryden and Sam Sinkler advance to state cross country race.

Congratulations!!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Minneapolis Southwest's Zach Neiberger is the soccer all-metro player of the year .



Photo: Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune


Minneapolis Southwest's Zach Neiberger is the soccer
all-metro player of the year .

Check out the full story in today's Star Tribune:


http://www.startribune.com/sports/228699871.html

Monday, October 21, 2013

Week of Oct. 21 Southwest Athletics


Week of 10-21-13

Southwest High School Athletics

Monday:

Southwest has won the City-Conference, We will host the Twin City Volleyball Championships on Monday.

C-team (vs. Highland Park) and JV (vs. Central) at 5:30, Varsity (vs. Como) at 7:00

 

Tuesday:

We are the 4 seed,  in 3AAAAA Football and will Host Bloomington Kennedy at 7PM at Fredrickson Peterson Stadium. 

 

Wednesday:

SW hosts the City-Conference Swim and Dive Championships. Diving begins at 5, with swimming at 7PM

Section Cross Country Race at Gale Woods Park. Girls at 3:45, Boys at 4:20

 

Thursday:

State Soccer at Chisago Lakes High School 5:30 start time.  Working on fan busses, might need some supervisors. 

Section Volleyball  5:30 at Minnetonka Vs. the Winner of Wayzata & SLP game on Tuesday.

 

Friday:

Middle School Volleyball Championships: Will be a packed house for good middle school volleyball.  No admission fee!

5PM Semi-Finals

6:15 Finals

 

Saturday:

Possible Section Football Game 7PM at Washburn

 

Cheer on all of the student-athletes on this week as they work towards championship goals.

 

Ryan Lamberty

Athletic Director

All State Boys Soccer - Rios and Neiberger Eccles Honorable Mention !


Congratulations to:

 Diego Rios and Zach Neiberger for making the All State Boys Soccer Team
and to Ben Eccles for making the All State Boys Honorable mention

All three were honored at the State High School Soccer Banquet last night
  

Simon Whitehead

Subject Lead - Health and Physical Education Department

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Southwest Soccer Info for Thursday


Southwest is the #1 Seed in the State Soccer Tournament.  This means we play Andover High School at 5:30 Thursday, Oct. 22 at Chisago Lakes Area High School (Address29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN 55045)  about an hour away without traffic. All of our games this year should be after school hours.  

 Link to the brackets if you are interested in seeing what happens next and where the other teams are located.

Football Tuesday and Soccer Thursday


 
  Southwest Laker Football Tuesday October 22
 
Game starts at 7:00 pm at Southwest Fredrickson-Peterson Stadium under the lights!
This sectional game opponent is Bloomington Kennedy
 


 
Southwest Laker Soccer Thursday October 24 at Chisago Lakes starting at 5:30 pm
The Lakers Quarterfinals opponent is Andover.
 
More information as available.  Check the Southwest web site for details after Monday.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Nov. 21 Native American Family Involvement Day


For more information contact
Deanna StandingCloud


Family Engagement Coordinator
MPS Indian Education
612.668.0612


deanna.standingcloud@mpls.k12.mn.us
MPS Indian Education


Cordially invites your school to celebrate & honor
Native
American
Family
Involvement
Day

Thursday, November 21
st 2013

Since 2006, MPS has celebrated NAFID across the school district to recognize Native American culture and the involvement of Native parents. Families are invited to participate in events to celebrate the contributions of Native American people. School staff & parent leaders come together to create how their school site wants to celebrate on this day. MPS Indian Education Department is here to offer educational resources, ideas & support should schools need assistance in designing their celebration!

Please visit www.indianed.mpls.k12.mn.us for more information!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Clean Out Those Novels and Books


Book shelf currently EMPTY!

It is the wonderful winter time and an opportunity to clean those shelves as you are looking for the roof rake and snow plow. Summer reading is over and you read those other books last winter.  So now is the time to come to the aid of your students.

Bring your boxes (or one) books to the main office or volunteer center and we can recycle them.  Share the adventures and excitements with others.  At the current time we have less than a handful of books for students and those well be gone by mid-day Monday.

We talk about trade one, pick one and leave one.  We want students to read and enjoy reading.  Your books are extremely helpful as we attempt to put a book in every hand and home.


IB and AP Courses Make Financial Sense

Based on test results from the 2010-11 school year.  Southwest students who completed the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement exams with passing scores saved significant dollars assuming they attended Minnesota State Universities.

Based on Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) information a student (family) cost of college savings can be generated.  The average costs of college credit for Minnesota State Universities was the basis for the savings calculations.  ** Out-of-state and private schools could have significantly higher college credit averages and the cost savings could be even greater.

Based on MDE figures and estimate, the Southwest seniors in 2011 could have received a college cost savings of over $1,390,153.  Remember that college cost savings could be even greater if the student enrolled in an out-of-state or private college.

Students who score well on the IB/AP exams frequently qualify for college scholarships and the amount increases the monetary benefit of taking the IB/AP courses and exams.

In addition to an outstanding learning experience students enrolled in International Baccalaureate and Advance Placement courses who take the exams save significant money in college costs.

It means dollar and cents to take the IB/AP courses and exams.  Obviously, the grades on the exams are earned through academic efforts and study.  Any you can save $$.

We will post the college cost savings for the seniors of 2012 and 2013 as available.

Club Happenings


Japanese Culture Club
Meets Wednesdays from 3:05 to 4:30 in Room 219.  If you are interested in Japanese Culture, Japanese movies, and J-Quiz, please join us.

 

Chess Club - Room 33
Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 -  Questions?   Contact Mr. Balson

 

Break Dance Club  Absolutely no experience necessary!  Join us in the link Mondays and Wednesdays 3:15 – 4:30.  Questions?  See Ms. Valdez in room 109
 

 

GSA - Gay Straight Alliance
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 3:15 to 4:30, East Building Room #110

 

Political Activism Club:
A place to talk with your peers about current issues and how to engage in the political process.  Grassroots activism. We meet every third Tuesday in Room 34. Interested? Email Ms. Rittler at Valerie.rittler@mpls.k12.mn.us
 
 

 

 

SPANISH  PEER TUTORING
will take place every Tuesday at 3:15 in room 218.   If you are struggling with Spanish, please take advantage of this opportunity whenever possible.  If you are an upper-level Spanish student and can help with the tutoring, please see Ms. Woebke.

Parents of 5th or 6th grade Students


Charting the Course with Southwest High School for the Future and Beyond

Parents of 5th and 6th grade Students in Southwest High School Pathway Schools are invited to participate in an informal conversation about our FUTURE.

October 23, 2013 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Southwest High School

Media Center

NHS Induction Ceremony October 24th Thursday 7 pm

NHS Induction Ceremony October 24th  - The NHS Induction Ceremony will be held in the Southwest Auditorium on Thursday, October 24th, at 7 PM.  Parents and friends are encouraged to attend.  Light refreshments will be served.  It is a semi-formal event, so please dress accordingly

Financial Aid Information Night Oct. 22 Tuesday 7 pm


Financial Aid Information Night
For 11th and 12th students and families, but all are welcome!
Tuesday, October 22, 7 pm, SW Auditorium all are welcome.
This presentation will provide an overview of the financial aid process, including types of financial aid, cost of attendance, using financial information in the search process, the CSS profile and family contribution. A separate presentation targeted at seniors and their parent/guardians regarding completion of the FAFSA will take place in January.

MAST Parent Meeting Monday Oct. 21 -- 6:30 pm


Join the fastest non-motorized sport in the world! Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team - MAST

Learn more about MAST by checking out our website at www.mplsalpineski.org.

You can also contact our Head Coach, Mark Conway, 612-275-8392, or email markrobertconway@msn.com.    At our website, you can sign up to receive MAST emails all fall that will keep you up to speed about our fundraising efforts, local ski sales and swaps, and our preseason planning efforts.

 
MAST will hold a Parent-Athlete Information Meeting on Monday, October 21 at SWHS. 
New families will meet at 6:30 in the school cafeteria for an orientation to ski racing and MAST.  New and returning families will then meet together at 7:15 in the Media Center for an update on MAST plans for the 2013-14 season.

Senior Yearbook Pictures


Senior Portraits for the Yearbook

If you don’t want to use your Lifetouch photo for your senior portrait, seniors can submit their portraits for the yearbook.    That can be done online -- see Mr. Ries in Media Center for link.
 
You will need the SWHS School Project number, which is 403379.  You do not need a password so you can leave that field blank.  Please use a high resolution (>1 megapixel) photo.

Tutoring Volunteers Needed


After School Tutoring and Homework Help Drop in center 

Open Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:15-4:30. 

Room E105 – Drop in and get help with your homework:  writing or researching a paper, stuck on a math problem, can’t figure out how to study for the next biology test??  

Begins Oct 8th and will run for the school year. 

We also need volunteers to help staff the center. Please contact Joan at joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us if you are interested.

Southwest - Home of the Champions


Congratulations
to all our
2013 Minneapolis City Conference Champions:

Girls Volleyball


Girls Tennis

Boys Soccer

Southside Village Boys & Girls Club!

This is not an endorsement.  Providing information for you to make your own decisions.

Join the Southside Village Boys & Girls Club!

Where:

Corner of East 39th Street & Chicago Ave.

(701 East 39th Street, Minneapolis / Phelps Park Building)


When:
Regular School Days 2:00pm-8:00pm

Summer/Breaks/Early Release Days 8:30am-5:30pm

Programming Includes:
*Safe, supervised, educational, & fun environment*
*Kindergarten – 12th grade*

*Membership is just $5 a YEAR!*
For more information please call: 612-822-3191



 Daily Dinner @ 5:00 pm

Homework Help / Tutoring

Athletics / Sports Leagues

Recreational Activities
(ex: board games, video games, pool, chess, etc.)


Health & Life Skills

Career / College Readiness

Leadership Programming


Teen Programming


Striving To Achieve Reading Success (K-2)


Mentoring
Field Trips

Art

And More!

 
After School Programming

with the

Boys & Girls Club!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

On To Next Game and Please be Flexible


The Southwest Boys Soccer Team's next game (which is the State Quarterfinals) will determine who is playing at the Metrodome.  The winners will be playing in the State Semifinals. We will know exact details after this weekend.
 
The Semifinals are held at the Metrodome on Monday October 28th at either noon or 2pm. After winning that game, they will play in the State Championship and that game will be held on Thursday October 31st at 12:30pm in the Metrodome.
 
That is the last week of Quarter 1 and the championship game is held during our final exam times.
 
This is a heads-up that we will make adjustments once the various games are scheduled and played.  We will continue to announce the next game, date, place and time. 

Dance Awards for Outstanding Southwest Dancers


Southwest 9th Grade dance wonders (Khadijah and Iman) did indeed win the Sage Award for Best Dance Ensemble with their choreographer Amy Sackett last night at the Cowles Center.  
 
No small acknowledgement as their competition was former Zenon Dancers, dancers from the U of M,  and dancers in Ananya Chatterjea's Company.  
 
So proud of them. Here is a pic of them with their parents.  
 
Colleen Callahan-Russell
Southwest Dance Teacher

Soccer Win Photos

The Star Tribune posted a photo gallery of the game.  Some great shots (pun intended).
http://www.startribune.com/galleries/227933371.html

And the Excitement Continues - Sports News


Lakers Boys Soccer wins tonight in an exciting game.  It was a thrilling come from behind game. You should be able to catch some highlights at 10:30 on Channel 5.  
Next up, is the first round of the state tournament.  We will find out Friday when and where we will play. Also a special thanks to the staff that helped out with the crowd at the end of the game, it was very much appreciated.

Just a little notice about the other programs at SW-
2013 Minneapolis City Conference Champions: 
Girls Volleyball, 
Girls Swim and Dive, 
Girls Tennis, 
Boys Soccer, 
Boys Cross Country  
Everyone will be starting section play in the next couple of weeks so wish them luck.

Wednesday, if you like making a day of going to South High, Football plays @ South at 3:30, and Volleyball at 4-5:30 and 7pm.

Ryan Lamberty
-Athletic Director
Minneapolis Southwest High School

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Boys Soccer Tuesday 7 pm at SW Fredrickson- Peterson Field

The Boys Soccer team continues its march to state with a 7 pm game tonight at the Southwest Fredrickson-Peterson Field.

Come out and support the Lakers' march to state!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Southwest State of the School

Tuesday, October 15

Southwest State of School Presentation

Media Center

Starting 6:30 pm

with Bill Smith, Principal

Attention Diploma Candidates: Need a little support with your Extended Essay?


 
You are invited to attend an Extended Essay Help Session on one or more of the following dates.  Bring your work and questions.
 
Where?:  Linden Hills Public Library,   2nd Floor Conference Room
When?:  October 18th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm;
October 19th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm;
November 9th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. 
Come by any time between these hours.  Stay for ten minutes or two hours.RSVP's to Richard Schwartz (Richard.schwartz@mpls.k12.mn.us) are requested

Flu Shot Clinis Tuesday Oct. 15 -- 4 - 7:00 pm


Flu Shot Clinic - Tuesday, October 15, 2013; 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year.  If you family has health insurance, please bring insurance cards.  If not, vaccine will be provided at no cost.  Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian