Tuesday, August 30, 2016

School Stress: 6 Ways Parents Can Help

School Stress: 6 Ways Parents Can Help High School Students



High school stress can be overwhelming for many teenagers. Here are six ways parents can help.
By Randye Hoder

Ten years ago, psychologist Madeline Levine published The Price of Privilege, a book whose central theme was that bright, socially skilled, affluent teenagers were suffering from serious emotional problems.

Since then, it seems, things have only gotten worse. Adolescents from well-off families are experiencing high rates of depression and anxiety, much of it in service of getting perfect grades and perfect standardized test scores so as to get into the “perfect” college. This relentless pressure—to meet an impossibly high bar that continues to move upward—comes from all quarters: their parents, their schools, their peers, and themselves.

“We are now consumed with status, prestige, and rank instead of character, curiosity, and compassion,” says Lloyd Thacker, executive director of The Education Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring sanity to the college admissions process. “That is distorting students’ relationship to learning, and it’s harming their mental health.”In the process, the true meaning and value of an education are lost.

When school stress is giving way to growth, that is a good thing. But if a kid is overwhelmed every day ... it’s too much.

Yet, importantly, parents can do things to alter this trajectory. “We have more agency than we realize,” says Lythcott-Haims, whose children attend Gunn High School in Palo Alto, California, home of the widely reported Silicon Valley suicide clusters. (Eight students from the school have committed suicide in the past seven years.) “The system is broken, but we are not at its mercy. We can make different decisions.”

School Stress: 6 Ways Parents Can Help

To that end, here are a half-dozen practical things that parents can do to help their teens better manage school stress, especially during the college-focused junior and senior years.

1. Understand the difference between stress and real anxiety.

Kavita Ajmere, Ph.D., a psychologist who works with students at Harvard-Westlake, a private college preparatory school in Los Angeles, says it’s important to make a distinction between these two terms—stress and anxiety—that are often lumped together.

“Clinical anxiety is qualitatively different than stress,” Ajmere says. Students across the nation are handling a variety of stressors, but they are not all suffering from anxiety.” Indeed, for many adolescents, school stress is normal and healthy.

“When stress is giving way to growth, that is a good thing—you get stronger by lifting weights that are uncomfortably heavy,” says Lisa Damour, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and the author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood. “But if a kid is overwhelmed every day, and the stressors are inhibiting his ability to cope, it’s too much.”

2. Make sure your kids eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.

This recipe seems like a no-brainer, but most teenagers are not taking care of themselves in these simple ways. Damour calls sleep the “silver bullet.” Adolescents are supposed to get nine hours of sleep a night. “Any amount under that,” she says, “and they’re going be more stressed, more reactive, and sadder.” Indeed, a new study from George Mason University shows that teenagers who lack adequate sleep are at greater risk of depression and suicide. The study found that “each hour of sleep lost was associated with a 38 percent increase in feelings of sadness and hopelessness among teens.”

3. Advocate for best practices at your teenager’s school.

This can include everything from campaigning for a later start time so your child can get more sleep, to urging your school to have resources in place for those kids who need it. At Harvard Westlake, for example, a team of psychologists, counselors, and trained clergy work with students in tandem with administrators and faculty.

If a parent and a kid are set on admission to an Ivy League, it’s important to pause about what the emotional costs will be.

But its most impressive program is its peer-to-peer counseling, which attracts some 300 students every Monday evening. In groups of 15 or so, students meet with juniors and seniors who have participated in a two-year training program. During training, they learn to ask open-ended questions and are taught about confidentiality, crisis intervention, and recognizing depression and suicide risk.
“Kids like talking to each other,” Ajmere says. “And we know the kids who are struggling on campus in part because of this program. It’s the biggest wellness program we have.”

4. Be honest with your teen (and yourself) about the potential costs of competing for admittance at selective colleges.

Damour, who is also the director of Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls in Shaker Heights, Ohio, says schools know precisely what it takes to compete at the highest level: the hours of homework and number of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities required.
“If a parent and a kid are set on admission to an Ivy League, it’s important to pause about what the emotional costs will be,” she says. “They are not the same costs as 20 years ago.” It’s important to remember, too, that a great education can happen at all kinds of places, including colleges with more reasonable admit rates. When teenagers are not competing to get into the most selective schools, they can focus instead on deep learning, creativity, a sense of purpose, and personal connection with friends and family.

“A lot of people want the brand,” says Harvard-Westlake’s Ajmere. “But what good is it having those designer jeans if they don’t fit well? Quality of fit is what really matters.”

5. Recognize the warning signs of serious mental health issues—and intervene.

Some things to watch out for: Your child is becoming withdrawn or anti-social, suffering a drop in grades, having panic attacks or persistent stomach aches, or giving up something they used to love. You may also notice your teen becoming visibly depressed or lethargic or turning toward self-destructive measures to cope, like eating too much or not enough, using drugs or alcohol, or cutting.
Help teens feel valued for who they are, not what they achieve.

“If a kid has a bad week, it’s a bad week,” says Damour. “That’s a normal part of being a teenager. But if your kid has persistent school stress and anxiety—several weeks in a row of not sleeping, being teary or overreactive—that’s concerning.” There are many ways, from therapy to medication, to get help. The bottom line: If you’re worried about your teenager, seek professional advice.

6. Make sure your teens know they are valued for who they are and not for what they achieve.

Spend time together that isn’t focused on grades or their college application essays. “Kids in this demographic feel that their worth as a human is based on how well they do in school,” says Lythcott-Haims. “I try to let my kids know that I love them when they get A’s and I love them when they don’t.” Thacker adds that it is vital to allow high school kids to live a life where the stakes are not always high. “Allow them to make mistakes, allow them to play, allow them to have unstructured time,” he says. “Love your kids enough to allow them to be kids.”

Randye Hoder writes about the intersection of family, politics, and culture. Her articles have appeared in the The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Slate, Time, and elsewhere. You can follow her on Twitter @ranhoder

Monday, August 29, 2016

Southwest High School Ready For Students


 Southwest High School passed its last set of inspections and is ready for students.

All the doors will be open and all the parking lots available starting Tuesday, August 30, 2016.  With the tremendous work of Graham Construction and ATS&R architect and the fantastic Minneapolis trades people, Southwest High School is ready to open its doors for students.

The incoming 9th grade - Class of 2020 - start school on Thursday, September 1.  All students in all grades continue with school on Tuesday September 6.

First period begins at 8:05 am and dismissal is at 3:00 pm.  Please make sure you follow the special Southwest school calendar for regular school days.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Southwest Lakers Installing Anchor


 Southwest Anchor is under the signage of the school name for great pictures.  Southwest Lakers is the school nick name and the mascot for several years has been some version of an anchor.

The anchor being install did come from a Lake Superior laker.  A Laker by definition is a long flat ship that hauls ore and grain throughout the Great Lakes.

That you to an anonymous donor for the purchase of the anchor.  Thank you to Graham Construction for the installation. Minneapolis district trades sand blasted and painted the anchor.

We are Southwest

Southwest Supports Green Space - Trees and Grass


Southwest High School returns to green space.  Trees are planted around the property.  Grass is beginning to reappear after a two-year absence.

Notice the new fence and plants and barriers around all the parking lots at the school.  Over 300 bicycle racks are installed to support the needs of our riders.  In various areas around the school green space is established with newly planted trees and grass.

Construction continues and anticipated completion date is August 29, 2016.

School begins for 9th grade on Thursday, September 1.

School for grades 10-12 begin on Tuesday, September 6.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Southwest High School Students Grades 10-12 Start Tuesday September 6 - -9th grade starts September 1

Southwest High School
2016-17 School Year

9th Grade - Class of 2020 -- Start School
        Thursday Sept. 1 - 8:05 to 2:00 pm
         Friday Sept. 2 - 8:05 to 2:00 pm

All Grades 9-12, Tuesday, Sept 6  Regular Hours 8:05 am - 3:00 pm

A robo call was made to all the homes in the district announcing the start of school for this coming Monday, August 29. 

That is NOT CORRECT FOR SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Southwest made a robo call after hearing the district call to ONLY Southwest stduents and families attempting to clarify that the message was incorrect.

Southwest High School 9th graders begin school Thursday, September 1.

All grades 9-12 will be in school on Tuesday, September 6

Sorry for any confusion.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Southwest 2016-17 School Year Starts for 9-12 on Tuesday September 6. 9th Grade Orientation Sept 1 and 2

Southwest High School
2016-17 School Year

9th Grade - Class of 2020 -- Orientation
        Thursday Sept. 1 - 8:05 to 2:00 pm
         Friday Sept. 2 - 8:05 to 2:00 pm

All Grades 9-12, Tuesday, Sept 6


Southwest High School is following a different calendar than the rest of the Minneapolis Schools due to construction.  9th grade orientation is Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2.

All Grades - 9-12 - start the school year on Tuesday, September 6, 2016  with start time the same as last year.  Zero hour starts at 7:10 and First period starts at 8:05.  Dismissal is 3:00 pm and there are three lunch periods.

Student Schedule will be on-line through the parent portal starting the 29th.  There may be changes after that date to balance classes and make necessary adjustments.

9th graders - Class of 2020 - will receive their schedules during orientation.

10-12 graders can pick up their printed schedule starting at 7:40 am, Tuesday, September 6 in the West Gym..

Check on line for a DRAFT of student schedules through the parent portal.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

How Being Late To School Impacts Your Child

How Being Late To School Impacts Your Child



By Vicki Little  from The Mother List

It is a familiar sight at schools everywhere. A car screeches into the parking lot just as the late bell rings. A parent and child jump out and run to the front door, frantically zipping up the child’s backpack and giving a quick goodbye kiss. The child goes into school, and the parent heads back to the car, looking like they just finished working a 12-hour shift. Yep, they were late. As parents, we know how those simple five minutes can throw us off for the rest of our day, but what about the kids? How does being late to school really impact a child? Is everything OK once he or she gets settled in the classroom? Probably not.

If you have ever volunteered in a classroom and seen the late students come in, your heart can’t help but break for them. Their faces are sweaty from rushing and red from the embarrassment of disrupting class. Those children might also be wondering how they are supposed to “hurry to class” while at the same time not run in the hallways. With morning messages blaring overhead, they shove their coats and backpacks into their lockers or cubbies. In their haste, they might drop their notebook on the floor. They quietly put homework where it belongs and their lunch into the bin. With all eyes on them, they finally settle at their desk, 20 minutes after the teacher started instructing. They have missed important announcements and discussions about last night’s homework. The rest of the class will sit quietly while the teacher brings the late student up to date on what was missed. That child didn’t mean to be late. Maybe they were just really tired. But Mom might be mad. And everyone is irritating them, and now they don’t understand the assignment. They never quite catch up, and they are on edge. Who wouldn’t be with that start to the day?

It may seem like 10 minutes isn’t really that much, but for the typical school day of 6.5 hours, a student who is only 10 minutes late every day will miss 30 hours of school time that year. If a child is 10 minutes late getting to school, it is more like 20 minutes until they are actually learning. The impact on the class as a whole is even larger. If two kids are late, one by 5 minutes and one by 10 minutes, then the class schedule might get pushed back. That means the teacher will need to alter something else during the day to account for time the class lost helping a late student catch up.
The occasional tardy is nearly inevitable. Things happen to all of us. Coffee spills and shoes get lost. Conversations need to happen. There are a million things that can cause people to run behind. Ideally our daily routines would include time to account for mishaps to minimize tardiness. If you are finding that your child is late one or more times per week, though, you may need to change your routine to ensure a successful start to your day. Here are a few suggestions that may help.

1) Pack backpacks/lunchboxes the night before. The last thing you want to be doing as you are rushing out the door is trying to find lost homework. Make sure everyone’s backpacks are ready to go and prepare home lunches as much as you can. Also fill their water bottles ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.

2) Lay clothes out. Seems too simple to make a difference, but hunting down matching socks or pants without holes in the knees is quite the time consumer. Not only that, but you won’t have to worry that you didn’t notice your child was wearing shorts in negative degree weather until after you arrived at school.

3) Set up a “last stop” area. Pick any available area near the door you typically leave through and put everything there for the day: backpacks, phones, homework, and especially coats and shoes. There are no last-minute distractions this way.

4) Play a family favorite music list. Music can get people moving and can even turn a mood around. Pick upbeat songs that everyone enjoys. Play the same set each day so that everyone starts to recognize the cues and where they should be. For example, when the second song ends, breakfast is over. The third song ending means teeth should be brushed, and when the last song starts, they should be heading to get their coats and backpacks on.

5) If all else fails, wake up earlier. Not the most enjoyable solution, but sometimes drastic measures are needed.

Vicki Little is a work-at-home mom with two young kids. A Colorado native, she is the Publisher and Editor of Macaroni Kid Aurora and Downtown Denver. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, camping, or enjoying a bottle of wine with friends.


http://themotherlist.com/late-to-school-impacts-child/

Friday, August 19, 2016

20 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools

20 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools

This article original appeared oBachelors Degree.


Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. But despite this almost universal interest, many schools are having to do away with their music education programs. This is a mistake, with schools losing not only an enjoyable subject, but a subject that can enrich students' lives and education. Read on to learn why music education is so important, and how it offers benefits even beyond itself.

1. Musical training helps develop language and reasoning: Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on young minds.
 
2. A mastery of memorization: Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond.
 
3. Students learn to improve their work: Learning music promotes craftsmanship, and students learn to want to create good work instead of mediocre work. This desire can be applied to all subjects of study.
 
4. Increased coordination: Students who practice with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination. Just like playing sports, children can develop motor skills when playing music.
 
5. A sense of achievement: Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal. Students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement.
 
6. Kids stay engaged in school: An enjoyable subject like music can keep kids interested and engaged in school. Student musicians are likely to stay in school to achieve in other subjects.
 
7. Success in society: Music is the fabric of our society, and music can shape abilities and character. Students in band or orchestra are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime. Musical education can greatly contribute to children's intellectual development as well.
 
8. Emotional development: Students of music can be more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures They also tend to have higher self esteem and are better at coping with anxiety.
 
9. Students learn pattern recognition: Children can develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of musical education. Playing music offers repetition in a fun format.
 
10. Better SAT scores: Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math for students in music appreciation courses.
 
11. Fine-tuned auditory skills: Musicians can better detect meaningful, information-bearing elements in sounds, like the emotional meaning in a baby's cry. Students who practice music can have better auditory attention, and pick out predictable patterns from surrounding noise.
 
12. Music builds imagination and intellectual curiosity: Introducing music in the early childhood years can help foster a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity. Artistic education develops the whole brain and develops a child's imagination.
 
13. Music can be relaxing: Students can fight stress by learning to play music. Soothing music is especially helpful in helping kids relax.
 
14. Musical instruments can teach discipline: Kids who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument.
 
15. Preparation for the creative economy: Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers, and these jobs may grow faster than others in the future.
 
16. Development in creative thinking: Kids who study the arts can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing that there may be more than one right answer.
 
17. Music can develop spatial intelligence: Students who study music can improve the development of spatial intelligence, which allows them to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures. Spatial intelligence is helpful for advanced mathematics and more.
 
18. Kids can learn teamwork: Many musical education programs require teamwork as part of a band or orchestra. In these groups, students will learn how to work together and build camaraderie.
 
19. Responsible risk-taking: Performing a musical piece can bring fear and anxiety. Doing so teaches kids how to take risks and deal with fear, which will help them become successful and reach their potential.
 
20. Better self-confidence: With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication for students.


Dates for Southwest Students to Pick Up Go-To-Cards

Go-To-Cards

Go To cards will be available for pick-up by students

 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

on August 29th, 30th, 31st, and September 1st. 

Also from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm on September 2nd. 



Southwest Students and Families ONLY Start Times



The start dates for Southwest High School ONLY:

2016-17 School Year
Orientation for 9th grade – Class of 2020 – Thursday, September 1 --  8:05 am - 2:00 pm
               Orientation for 9th grade – Class of 2020 – Friday, September 2 – 8:05 am - 2:00 pm

Starting date for all classes  9-12 grades:
– Class or 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 - grades 9-12 – Tuesday, September 6 – 8:05 am

Go-To-Cards
Go To cards will be available for pick-up by students from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on the 29th, 30th, 31st, and 1st. Also from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm on the 2nd.  

Thursday, August 18, 2016

A New Look For a New School Year at Southwest

A new look for the main entrance to Southwest High School

Southwest High School Main Entrance



The two-year renovation and addition project to Southwest High School is nearing completion.  The two by one block structure has been an important part of the community since 1938 when the construction started on the original building.

To insure a safe and positive start Southwest students grades 9-12 will start the 2016-17 school year on Tuesday, September 6.

9th graders will report for orientation both Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2.



SWHS Main entrance looking west
An important part of the project was improved green spaces, cleaner and more efficient temperature control, flexibility and opportunity for learning and safe teaching/ learning environment for students, families and staff.

Over 300 bike racks are installed to accommodate the numerous students and staff who ride bicycles to school.  Green areas are established surrounding parking lots and all four sides of the building.  Green space includes more open grass areas and numerous planted areas.

Inside the building there is more open space and various spaces constructed for projects, groups and learning.  Grand Opening for the building will be October 8, Saturday 1;30 to 4:00 pm.





Tuesday, August 16, 2016

3 Ways to Reduce Stress

3 Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Teenager’s Life – and Yours, Too




By Diana Simeon
If your teenager’s life seems more stressful than yours was when you were a teen, it probably is. A 2014 study by the American Psychological Association found that teen stress levels now exceed those of adults. You don’t have to dig too deep to see why. School is more stressful, thanks to the increased emphasis on college admissions—today’s students start worrying about college on day one of high school—not to mention the always-on nature of our current culture, which includes 24/7 access to technology. Parents and teens alike need to find ways to reduce stress to keep from being swallowed up by it all.

In general, parents should help teenagers find a balance in which they’re challenged but not overwhelmed at school, enjoying meaningful activities, spending time with friends and family, and sometimes doing nothing at all.
Here are some specific ways to reduce stress levels in your home.

Ways to Reduce Stress
1. Check your expectations.
This tip might be an exception to our promise to focus on simple ideas. But if you can pull it off, you’ll be doing a lot for your teenager’s well-being. The bottom line: High expectations are one thing, but expecting that your teenager will go to an Ivy League or some other elite college may cause more stress than your teenager can reasonably handle. For starters, teenagers worry deeply about disappointing their parents. And, moreover, for the vast majority of our teenagers, gaining admission to these colleges is not realistic—less than one percent of all students go to these schools. The fact is that even if your teenager can pull off top grades, top scores, top everything, there’s an excellent chance he won’t get in. (Yes, it’s that hard).

“The kids who come from families where performance is valued highly, they are maxed out. They are going to bed at 11:00 at night and getting up at 4:00 in the morning,” explains Sara Linberg, a middle- and high-school counselor at the top-ranked Central Kitsap School District in Washington.
Parents should think less about college and more about helping their teenagers discover who they are.

“I have been doing this for 17 years, and once in a while I run into a kid who loves it, but for the most part, they don’t.” Linberg instead encourages parents to think less about college and more about helping their teenagers discover who they are. What does your teenager enjoy doing outside of school? What classes does your teenager really want to take, regardless of whether they’re AP or not. As it happens, this is also what most colleges say they’re seeking: authentic students, who pursue their own interests, not someone else’s. “High school should not be about checking off a list for college. There really is a college for everyone,” Linberg says. If you’re a parent who struggles in this department, we recommend Frank Bruni’s wonderful book, Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania.

2. Practice mindfulness.
It may sound New Age-y, but if you are looking for ways to reduce stress, there’s scientific evidence that taking some time each day to practice mindfulness brings down stress levels—and, in turn, makes it easier to handle stress. “There is a lot of evidence-based research that shows the brain’s anatomy changes in profound and impactful ways when we practice mindfulness,” explains Dr. Francoise Adan, a psychiatrist and medical director of University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network. Mindfulness is basically about being in the moment. That helps reduce stress because so much of what we stress about has to do with what has happened—“I failed the test”—or what we think may happen—“I am going to fail the test.” And oftentimes, these worries have no basis in reality, adds Adan. “So learning to be present can be very helpful.”

3. Find some downtime every day.
We all need time to relax in our day, and that includes our teenagers. If your teenager is so scheduled that she can’t regularly spend 30 minutes to an hour just “chilling,” then it may be time to make some changes. “The business of our lives is really taking the fun out of it,” says Adan. “Parents, teenagers, even younger kids, have a long to-do list, and we tend to add and add to it and forget how to just be.” Also important is downtime from technology, and in particular, social media. “Their lives are so wrapped up in Twitter, Snapchat, all these apps,” explains school-counselor Linberg. “And there’s all this self-imposed pressure.” Consider setting guidelines for the whole family: no technology at the dinner table, for example.

Diana Simeon is managing editor of Your Teen.

How to Deal with a Disrespectful Teenager?

How to Deal with a Disrespectful Teenager?

Dear Your Teen: How do you deal with a disrespectful teenager? He’s only disrespectful to me, his mom, the one who does everything for him.

Answer:

While this behavior is certainly unpleasant, it is also very common. Neither you nor your son is alone in struggling with parent-child interactions; thankfully that means you can benefit from the experience of others. Here’s one important thing to focus on: What is your reaction when your teenager lashes out or is disrespectful? Your response to his current behavior will affect how he will act down the road. Here are some tips to help you improve the way you respond to a disrespectful teenager, which in turn will help your relationship:

Tips for Dealing with a Disrespectful Teenager

1. STAY CALM. When your teenager is loud, angry, and disrespectful, try not to lose your cool. Try not to respond loudly and negatively. When you respond in a loud and angry manner, your teenager will not hear anything that you are saying. And your anger will not lead to any change in his behavior. Instead, you will only make him more aggressive and defiant. Try to stay calm and in control of your own emotions; you will have a better chance of passing that behavior on to your son.

2. PRAISE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR. When your son is calm, be sure to call attention to how well he’s doing and that you noticed that he is able to stay calm while also being upset. If your son does have a loud tantrum, praise him when he calms down.

3. HELP YOUR TEENAGER PRACTICE PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS. The best time to address your son’s disrespectful behavior is when he is not upset. Help him learn how to communicate his feelings and how to come up with solutions to conflicts before they escalate. In this way, you reduce opportunities for disrespectful behavior.

4. THINK ABOUT REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES. Positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior — like getting points towards a gift — is much more effective than punishment. When he engages in positive behavior using positive language, you can provide a reward or privilege to show your approval of his behavior. Once your communication improves, there’s a chance you will see a change in your teenager’s behavior as well.

Dr. Mandi Silverman, PsyD, MBA, is a clinical and school psychologist at the Child Mind Institute.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Southside Village Boys & Girls Club

Hello!

The Southside Village Boys & Girls Club is OPEN for afterschool beginning Wednesday September 7th!

·         Located on the corner of East 39th Street and Chicago Avenue
·         Open during the school year from 2:00 – 7:00pm (5-12 years old); 2:00pm-9:00pm (13-18 years old)
·         Open during winter/spring/summer break from 9:30am-5:30pm
·         Membership is just $5 for the entire year!  
·         Most schools in the surrounding neighborhoods bus to our site afterschool!  (speak to your school’s transportation liaison)
·         I have attached flyers and membership forms for your students and families!!!

Our club offers a safe, supervised, educational, and fun environment for students Kindergarten – 12thgrade (5-18 years old).

Here is a list of some of the programming we provide at our club:
·         Daily Dinner @ 5:00pm
·         Homework Help / Tutoring / Educational Activities
·         Athletics / Sports Leagues
·         Recreational Activities (ex: board games, video games, pool, chess, etc.)
·         Career Readiness & Leadership Opportunities
·         College Readiness & Scholarship Opportunities
·         Teen Programming
·         Striving TAchieve Reading Success (K-2)
·         Mentoring
·         Field Trips
·         Art
·         And More!

If you are interested in sharing this opportunity with students and families at your school, pleaseemail/call me to discuss more details.  I would be more than happy to set up a time to come to your school and speak with staff and students about our clubOur Club is a great community resource!
Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks!
Stephanie Siegel
Program Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
Southside Village Boys & Girls Club
Cell: 612-240-8659
Club: 612-822-3191
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider.

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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Smile Amazon Supports Your School, Sign-up Now

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. 

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. 

The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.
For more information and sign-in site: smile.amazon.com

Southwest Office Opens August 12 & Class Registrations Begin August 15


Southwest High School
Main Office Opens Friday, August 12

Counseling and Registration Begin Monday, August 15




Class of 2020 (9th Grade)
Orientation
Thursday September 1 and Friday September 2


Grades 9-12
School for all grades begins Tuesday, September 6



Monday, August 8, 2016

Students will build their own computers and get to take them home!

Geek Squad Academy is coming to Downtown Minneapolis August 17-18
and students ages 10-16 are invited!

Students will build their own computers and get to take them home!

To celebrate our 10th year of Geek Squad Academy, we are inviting students ages 10-16 from across the Twin Cities to join us for a free two-day tech camp at the downtown campus of Minneapolis Community Technical College from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. August 17-18. As a special bonus, all students will learn to build their own computers and take them home.

What is Geek Squad Academy?
Geek Squad Academy (GSA) from Best Buy is a hands-on learning program where students build new technology skills through creating and making. At GSA, your Junior Agents will create their own music, explore 3D design, learn about web programming, video production and more. Classes focus on discovery and developing new tech skills through fun and interactive experiences that help to de-mystify technology. Students will also participate in a “Build Your Own Device” course, where they will assemble their own internet-ready computers and take them home.

Details:
·         GSA is free to all attendees and will be held at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC). The event is open to all students ages 10-16. Classes will be held from 9am-3pm both days with an 8:15am arrival time.

·         Signed parental consent forms (attached) are required by each student to attend GSA. Each student should bring a bagged lunch both days.

How to register:
Attached to this invite is the registration form; this form must be filled out exactly as it appears and returned to William Woodworth  no later than August 12, 2016 . Do not remove any columns or use abbreviations for the gender and size columns. Make sure all columns are filled out (only one phone number is required). Rows 3-8 are examples of how to properly fill out the form. Please contact Michael Bredemeier on our Best Buy Community Relations team for more details or questions.




Dr. Keith S. Brooks
Dean, Academic Foundations
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Ave.    Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-659-6104 direct

    



Friday, August 5, 2016

Southwest Entrance Redesigned

Looking west from the middle of the front area by Door 1

The entrance to Southwest High School is changing rapidly and dramatically.  The silver looking pipe out of the stone will be cut to ground level and a concrete walkway will join the front door and street.  Covering the stone will be grass and plants.  The multi-level retaining wall will be for plants and more green space.  The hill was cut further back from the sidewalk.  Trees and scrubs will be planted between the wall and the school.

The entire area is changed to provide more green space and to provide a more open entrance.  The renovation and addition project began in 2014 and expected to be completed August 2016.


Thursday, August 4, 2016

Southwest Students & Families ONLY Change Start Date



The start dates for Southwest High School ONLY:

2016-17 School Year
Orientation for 9th grade – Class of 2020 – Thursday, September 1 --  8:05 am
               Orientation for 9th grade – Class of 2020 – Friday, September 2 – 8:05 am

Starting date for all classes – Class or 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 - grade 9-12 – Tuesday, September 6 – 8:05 am

Go-To-Cards
Go To cards will be available for pick-up by students from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on the 29th, 30th, 31st, and 1st. Also from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm on the 2nd.  



Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Celebration of the Life of Zach Adams

Celebration of life 


Zachary Adams, 24, Minneapolis. A chess player, baseball fanatic, and amazing young man, he passed away in an auto accident at too young an age. 

Please read his Facebook site to realize the impact Zach had on hundreds of friends and family. His personality was radiant with care for others, goofiness, kindness, and a strong sense of his family that included his wonderful friends. 

He was a born teacher and had just completed a Math degree and further training at the University of Minnesota to become a junior high math teacher. He taught chess in camps and schools and had achieved chess master status as a player. He was passionate about baseball and devoured any and all details about players and teams, especially the Twins. 

His greatest love was his family and wide network of friends, who were like family to him. The world has lost a great person. We intend to play forward his love of life. 

Memorials preferred to People Serving People. 

A celebration of life gathering will be on Saturday, August 13th at 1 PM, First Universalist Church, 3400 DuPont, Minneapolis.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Southwest Fall Sports Registration August 2 - 3- 5:00 PM


Southwest High School Fall Sports Registration is in the high school Commons on 
Tuesday August 2, 2016
3:00 to 5:00 pm

for more information:  http://athletics.mpls.k12.mn.us/