Monday, June 29, 2015

Ink Possible Published Wise Ink - 15 Student Writers - 10 from Southwest

Wise Ink Launches InkPossible – Writing Contest for Teens
Project InkPossible is a dream finally come true for Wise Ink. When we began our beloved blog back in 2012, reaching young writers was a distant goal for the future.

Now, with the growth of our blog audience and startup creative agency, the future is now. We’re making good on pursuing our other passion: teens who write.
This summer, we’re publishing an anthology by 15 teens in the Twin Cities and awarding each a $100 scholarship. 

The idea is to get out in the community and reach young authors & book lovers and empower their passion with a hands-on publishing experience.

Aside from becoming published authors, our teen writers will also be able to participate in a book planning meeting where they’ll get to collaborate on the arrangement and placement of each piece in their book, decide on the cover (being illustrated by the nationally-known Kevin Cannon), and they’ll even weigh in on the book’s format.

Just got back from hearing some of our students read their powerful writing at Open Book in honor of their book launch!

The new publication Wise Ink includes 15 MN student writers: 10 are from Southwest. All wrote about SW in their dedication.

Please consider supporting/spreading the collection! It is for purchase on amazon.com.

Elise Toedt, Southwest English Teacher 

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Southwest Arts on the Rise



Reaching for the stars is not new for the Southwest dancers, singers and musicians.  The new rooms to house the new music room - for singers and guitar players - and the new dance studio are reaching above the old structures.

The lower level of the new structure on the west side of the older building is two new life science classroom replacing and enlarging the one that was there.  The upper two rooms will be the new music room and the new dance studio.  These are replacing two smaller classrooms.  The new music room is the third in the building and enhances practice opportunities for all the vocal and musical groups.

The new dance studio enhances the opportunities for all the dancers.  The room is larger than the previous practice space and has a true "spring" dance floor for the protection of the dancers.

A new design to the old door 5 is also necessary to the increased size of the adjoining structure.  The project of the west side of the building is expected to be finished by the end of summer.  Students should be in the new rooms this fall.


View of the new science and Arts rooms from the outside and above looking down into the music and dance studio.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Southwest Addition and Renovation Continues


The east wall of the commons continue to rise.  The form of the new construction is taking shape.  The most noticeable are the walls extending upward on the east side and the open holes on the wet side entering the old west building.  The project continues to make good progress.

West 47th street, in front of the school, continues to be closed most of the regular work day.  Water and storm pipes and the major causes at the present time.  If traveling around Southwest it is best to use 46th and Chowen as delivery and pick up points for students.

The addition and renovation project will have some new spaces available in the fall of 2015, some space changes in February of 2016 and final completion in the fall of 2016.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

GO-CARD Distribution for Southwest Is August 18 10:30 to 6:00 pm

Schedule for distribution for Go To Cards for the fall of 2015.  

Suggested times for distribution by grade levels.  Students CAN come outside of that time, but we try and give scheduled times in order to keep an even flow of students.

  If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

10:30-12:00 Seniors
12:00-2:00 Juniors
2:00-4:00 Sophomores
4:00-6:00 Freshmen

We will be sending out postcards to students around the first week of August with this information.

Jon Ledeboer
Go To Pass Coordinator
Minneapolis Public Schools
1001 2nd Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55405

Break Free of Overparenting - Sunday New York Times

‘How to Raise an Adult,’ by Julie Lythcott-Haims 


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/books/review/how-to-raise-an-adult-by-julie-lythcott-haims.html?_r=0

"When did the central aim of parenting become preparing children for success? This reigning paradigm, which dictates that every act of nurturing be judged on the basis of whether it will usher a child toward a life of accomplishment or failure, embodies the fundamental insecurity of global capitalist culture, with its unbending fixation on prosperity and the future."

“How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success”

Caught up in what the author calls the “college admissions arms race,” parents treat securing their children a spot at one of 20 top schools (as decreed by U.S. News and World Report’s popular but somewhat dubious rankings) as an all-or-nothing proposition. Concerned about the effects of a flawed high school transcript, parents do their children’s homework, write or heavily edit their papers, fire questions at teachers, dispute grades and hire expensive subject tutors, SAT coaches and “private admissions consultants” (26 percent of college applicants reported hiring these in 2013).

Lythcott-Haims takes pains to demonstrate that overparenting doesn’t merely threaten a child’s future income; it also does enormous psychological harm. She cites a 2011 study by sociologists at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga that found a correlation, in college-student questionnaires, between helicopter parenting and medication for anxiety or depression. One researcher at a treatment center for addicts in Los Angeles found that “rates of depression and anxiety among affluent teens and young adults . . . correspond to the rates of depression and anxiety suffered by incarcerated juveniles.”

HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT

Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
By Julie Lythcott-Haims
354 pp. Henry Holt & Company. $27.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Southwest Common Book for the Summer -- Underground by Southwest Teacher Megan Marsnik

Illustration by EDDIE THOMAS, STAR TRIBUNE

Southwest Megan Marsnik's novel, Underground is now available on Amazon Smile.   Purchase the book for $3.99 and available for Kindle.

In addition if you are registered for Amazon Smile a percentage is return to the Southwest for addition educational uses.

Read a great story or Minnesota history, a novel attesting to the strength of women in our history and a story of the contribution of immigrants to the building of Minnesota.  Support Southwest by registering with Amazon Smile and naming Minneapolis Southwest High School as your charitable recipient.

A great summer read, learn more about Minnesota and support Southwest students.

http://www.startribune.com/variety/books/underground/

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Southwest - Passport to College August 11-13


Are you looking to get a head start on the college application process?  If so, this opportunity is for you!

The SW Counseling team is excited to launch our new program:  Passport to College.

During this 3-day mini-conference, students will hear from experts and participate in sessions about the college application process, selective colleges, transferring, and essays.

If you are interested, please sign up below.

Students who have signed up will receive an email asking for attendance confirmation and an agenda.

Space is limited to 100 students!

Here are some of the session choices we’re excited to bring you:
  • ·         essay writing workshops hosted by college admissions reps,
  • ·         successfully navigating selective college admissions,
  • ·         paying for college help from a director of financial aid at a local private college,
  • ·         international college information from a rep from University of Glasgow,
  • ·         art program and portfolio tips from Columbia College Chicago,
  • ·         a panel of SW alumni to share feedback on navigating your senior year and the college process.


We have space for more juniors, so encourage your friends who haven’t yet registered!  The link to register can be found at: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/passport_to_college

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Jastrow or Ms. Van Pernis.  Contact information can be found at:  http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/Counseling



Spotlight Awards Focus on Southwest & Triple Threat Winner Anna Moskowitz


SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL

RAGTIME

Honorable Mention Overall Production
Outstanding Overall Performance
Honorable Mention Overall Performance by a Chorus
Outstanding Vocal Performance by a Chorus
Honorable Mention Acting Performance by a Chorus
Outstanding Performance by a Student Orchestra

Nicholas (Cole) Williams as Coalhouse Walker Jr. - Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
Kassra Taghizadeh as Tateh - Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
Anna Moskowitz as Mother - Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
Skyler West as Father - Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting
Imani Belfry-Waters as Sarah - Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting
Peter Maki as Younger Brother - Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting
Noah Deets as Little Boy (Edgar) - Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting
Ming Montgomery as Emma Goldman - Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role
Both Kueth as Booker T. Washington - Honorable Mention Performance in a Featured Role
Anna Young as Evelyn Nesbit - Honorable Mention Performance in a Featured Role
Johnny Frenzel as Harry Houdini - Honorable Mention Performance in a Featured Role

Hennepin Theater Trust Triple Threat Award

The SpotLight Triple Threat Awards for Best Actors and Best Actresses will be presented to students who not only have talent for singing, dancing and acting, but who also show leadership ability and efforts to better their community through their art.

The 2015 Triple Threat Award was presented to Anna Moskowitz!




Southwest Elimination of Link and Congestion


Southwest construction opens the stairways that no longer will only go up and down to that single passage way between parts of the building.  Each floor will be able to move from one side of the building to the other without going up and down stairs.

The hole in the picture is the outer wall of what used to be the stairway between the first and second floor.  In the new construction this passage will be the third floor hallway going into the new classrooms.

Part of the project will be completed August of this year.  A major commons, cafeteria and kitchen opening will happen in February of next year.  The completion date for the entire project is fall of 2016.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Southwest Conlan Olson and Mclean Cozine Scored PERFECT 36 on ACT



Most people know the ACT® college readiness assessment—the college admissions and placement test taken by more than 1.8 million high school graduates every year.

Two Southwest Juniors scored a perfect 36 on the ACT this year.

McLean Allen Cozine
Conlan Evan Olson

Congratulations for this outstanding academic accomplishment.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Southwest Construction Taking Shape


Southwest addition and renovation project continues to take advantage of good weather.  Project continues through demolition and now rebuilding.  Signs of what is to come are beginning to appear.

The picture is of the east side of the west building.  Shapes for the new walkways are visible.  No longer will all students have to find a way to transverse the commons several times a day.  Each of the three floors will have its own walkway.

Parts of the project will be available in August of this year.  A major change will happen in February of next year with the opening of the new cafeteria/commons.  The entire project is to be completed in the fall of 2016

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Southwest Looking for Five Parents Thinking About the Future


What if?

Do you have students in the elementary Southwest feeder schools?
What to think about their future?

Southwest is looking for five (5) parents to attend this workshop with a team of Southwest staff.

Contact Bill Smith, Principal - 612-668-3036 or bsmith@mpls.k12.mn.us


Agenda
Introduction (9:30 - 10:10, Assembly Room)
Break Out Sessions (10:15 - 12:30)
  •  Innovation and Autonomy: A Case Study Approach, Dan French, Center for Collaborative Education
  • Rethinking school models for the 21st Century, Ted Kolderie, Education Evolving
  • Teacher Powered Schools,Carrie Bakken & Alex Vitrella, Avalon School  
  • A Vision Driven School Schedule and Calendar, Carole Gupton, Consultant, former MPS Principal
  • 12:00 - 1:30 Implementing Early College Model, Dan Hoverman, Mounds View Superintendent

School Partner Expo & Lunch (12:30 - 2:00)

Debrief (2:00 - 2:30)

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Southwest Spring Sports Highlights



Here are some spring highlights:

Girls Badminton:
JV Won City Championship
Varisty 9-3 in City Play
Magan Boon & Evie Odden City Doubles and State B Tourney Wins
Eva Strietz City Champion

All-City Baseball:
5 Lakers made the all-conference team:
Ian Hussian
Joe Keiski
Jordan Kozicky
Cole Williams
McLean Cozine, Jr.

Cole Williams also Star Tribune Player of the Week:


Softball:
Emma Nelson- voted 2nd team softball all-metro team-

Golf: 1st girls golfer in at least the last 10 years to advance to the state golf tournament.  
Victoria Graens, Minneapolis Southwest-
She tee’s off at 1:21
June 9th and 10th
Bunker Hills-3A

State Track:
A.J. Ray- Triple Jump, 100 meter dash
Caitlain Smyth- 400 meter dash
Robbie Grace- 400 meter dash
State Tournament Info
9:00
June 5 - 6,  2015
Hamline University, St. Paul


Lakers on All-City Track & Field Team
1st or 2nd at the city meet
Robbie
Grace
400 Dash
Robbie
Grace
Long Jump
Alex
Ilyushev
3200 Run
Dominique
Jackson
High Jump
Dominique
Jackson
Triple Jump
Will
Lopno
300 Hurdles
Will
Lopno
Pole Vault
Alaina
Metz
100 Hurdles
Al-Jureau
Ray
100 Dash
Al-Jureau
Ray
200 Dash
Al-Jureau
Ray
Long Jump
Al-Jureau
Ray
Triple Jump
Alison
Rosengren
Pole Vault
Aubrey 
Smith
Triple Jump
August
Smith
Shot Put
Caitlin
Smyth
400 Dash
Damian
Stovall
Shot Put
Grace
Thill
Pole Vault
Simone
Wilson
300 Hurdles


Ryan Lamberty
Athletic Director
Southwest High School 
Twitter: @Swlakers
Facebook:     Southwest Athletics
Go Lakers!!!