Monday, July 24, 2017

Women's Swim Team Finished 10th in NISCA Class 7


It was a tremendous season this past year for the Girls Southwest Swim & Dive Team.  

This week the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association released its national Power Point Team rankings.  The National Dual Meet Team Ranking Program uses a system called power points. This point system allows for comparison of the quality of performances across strokes, distances and events. 

So how exactly does the power point system work? The power point scale ranges from 1 to 1100 points. It ranks each swim, for example a 50 Freestyle with a time of 30.99 may have a point total of 40 points whereas a 50 free with a time of 25.99 may have a point total of 75. 

The faster the time -the higher the points, and the stronger you are as a team. We put forward our best dual meet line up using the best times we had from the season.


This year the program had 376 teams submitting entriesThe entries were then divided into gender, school type (public or private), and then school size.  Our girls finished 10th overall in class 7.  

The results will be posted on the NISCA site within the next month, or so, and will appear in the fall issue of the NISCA journal, and they are now official.  

This was a wonderful accomplishment for the girls and I commend all their hard work and efforts. I look forward to this upcoming season and I wish all graduating seniors luck on their future endeavors. 


Chris Aarseth, Swim Coach

Friday, July 21, 2017

Southwest Foundation Golf Outing August 11 - Have Fun & Support a Good Cause

Southwest Foundation Golf Event August 11

Please join us for the 2017 Southwest Foundation Golf Outing at Theodore Wirth Golf Course on Friday, August 11. The format is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The event includes golf and a BBQ dinner.

To enter or ask questions please email or call Paul Roach '88 at paulroach4948@gmail.com or 952.835.6514 or Mike Roach '84 at mplsroach@gmail.com or 651.605.5590. The entry fee is $100 if paid before August 1 and $110 if paid after. The Foundation is also looking for individuals, businesses, or groups to sponsor a hole ($150) or donate prizes for the golf event and a raffle. 

Many thanks to volunteers Paul and Mike who have been running this fun event for 10 years!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Urinetown the Musical - Get Your Tickets Now - July 21-23





Two great weekends for SW Mpls Summer Theater have arrived!


It's here! This weekend, Friday through Sunday (the 21st through the 23rd) will be your only chance to see the Southwest Summer Theatre Program's production of Urinetown The Musical.  It is a wickedly funny, fast-paced musical romp. Tickets are on sale right here. Get all the info on Summer Theatre and the details on this summer's production, at the Summer Theatre page on SouthwestTheatre.org. 

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness -- Desmond Tutu


Incidents in and around the city in recent weeks can be disheartening and disappointing to say the very least.  The morning newspaper headlines bring more sorrow and anguish.  Globally, nationally and locally we are hearing of tragedy after tragedy.  As adults we struggle to cope let alone understand.  As a family member we want to comfort, explain or answer our children.

The Blog has dealt with anger, hurt, sorrow, pain and suffering numerous times over the years.  There are no words that can take away what has happened or who was harmed.  Taking the next step or seeing through the sunset onto the morning can be tremendous challenges.

A few blocks away from here was another incident of horror that stretches understanding, shatters a sense of safety and questions what is really happening in our worlds.  Neighbors, friends and family experience the hurt and loss.  Numerous community members know the people involved.  The hurt spreads through the community.

Below are some thoughts about listening to children.  Please share with your spiritual leaders and hug one another.  We can find strength and comfort in one another.

8 Ways to Help Your Grieving Student
• Give grieving students the opportunity to tell you what happened and how they feel.
• Encourage them to work with you to make modifications and accommodations to their schoolwork. This will help them voice what they need and how they are feeling. Grieving is a process. Make sure you are patient and give them adequate time to resume a normal workflow. Putting too much pressure on them too quickly may result in an emotional breakdown or school avoidance.
• Don’t distort the truth or lie to kids about tragedy. Children will often see through lies and will feel more alone and confused with their feelings because they know you don’t want to talk with them about the truth. Knowing the truth will help kids begin to heal because they have a complete understanding of events.
• Encourage children to ask questions about death or the traumatic loss. Often if things are not discussed, children will create their own, inaccurate interpretations of events. For example if a child’s parent commits suicide, the child may falsely decide that they caused it somehow. Helping children understand the event will insure that their interpretations are accurate, as painful as the truth may be.
• Understand that we all grieve differently. There is no right or wrong way to do it. There may be a great deal of anger, the need for vengeance, and an ongoing sense of worry for your student. Always remember that it is hard work for your student to grieve. You are only able to be helpful in supporting them in their process.
• Encourage “active coping” techniques, which refers to taking action to seek out help when one is hurting. Be straightforward with your student that you really want to understand what they need and how they are feeling. Give them time and encouragement since they often may not be able to express themselves or let you know what they need right away.
• Connect them with a place to go outside the classroom if they become upset. This may be the school psychologist or counselors office, the librarian, whoever seems like they will be most helpful. Let the student know they are free to leave the class whenever they feel like they need space.
• Make sure you manage your own grief appropriately. The death of a student, teacher, or staff member can affect you as well as your students. Keep in mind that you need to take care of yourself as well, and if you need to miss school or take time to get help yourself, you will be much more effective at helping your students in the long run. Remember that they are learning from your response. It is perfectly appropriate to cry softly with your students or express your sadness, but if you become hysterical it may be more upsetting for them. Go through your own process but make sure to take time away if you are not okay.
How to Encourage Other Students to Help a Grieving Friend
• Make sure to clarify their understanding of the event in the life of their friend.
• Reassure them that their own families are safe.
• Be aware that children that have experienced loss may be triggered by their friend’s loss; they may need support in coping with painful memories.
• Talk to students about how to give condolences to their friend. Tell them what to say and what not to say. Help them make cards or write letters.
• Prepare children that their friend may act differently for a while.
• Encourage them to play with their grieving friend, and that doing fun things after school may be a welcome distraction.
Dealing with death is a difficult, but inevitable part of being a teacher. You are in a position to be of immense help to your class and teaching them healthy coping skills. -- Kit Richert, Ph.D.

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/1927-how-to-help-your-students-deal-with-grief-and-loss

Monday, July 17, 2017

Local Treasures in the City -- History at Your Doorstep


Victory Memorial Parkway (or, Victory Memorial Drive) is a section of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The parkway runs along the northwestern and northern boundaries of the Camden community. 

The Victory neighborhood in Camden derives its name from this parkway. Trees and memorials located throughout the parkway were established to honor the memory of the servicemen of Hennepin County. A statue of Abraham Lincoln, flanked by flowering trees, greets visitors passing along the northwestern curve of the parkway. A wide central boulevard provides a recreational park that sees much activity during the warm seasons.

The Victory Memorial Parkway also provides access to the Mississippi River and a beautiful shoreline. The North Mississippi Regional Park and Shingle Creek both offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature on the byway
.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Urinetown the Musical July 21 through 23rd





Two great weekends for SW Mpls Summer Theater have arrived!


It's here! Next weekend, Friday through Sunday (the 21st through the 23rd) will be your only chance to see the Southwest Summer Theatre Program's production of Urinetown The Musical.  It is a wickedly funny, fast-paced musical romp. Tickets are on sale right here. Get all the info on Summer Theatre and the details on this summer's production, at the Summer Theatre page on SouthwestTheatre.org.

But wait, there's more starting this weekend....

The best part of summer in Minneapolis has arrived- it's time for the 6th annual MURDER MYSTERY on the Lake Harriet Trolley! 
Come down and ride along to a hilarious production where someone gets murdered! The Twin Cities Symphonic Wind Ensemble just finished a concert and the infamous hard critic is murdered before he can write his next bashing review of the quartet’s awful music. The question is “who did it... The Lush Flutist? The Young Clarinetist? The Cocky Tubaist? The Insecure Piccoloist? Join us and help solve the mystery! 
This is a great night of laughs for the young and old at heart; for a first date or a date night; for families and for friends- everyone is welcome and all will enjoy! 
These shows have a history of selling out so reserve your ticket ahead of time before it's too late! Shows are Friday, Saturday & Sunday July 14-15 & 21-23 at 9pm. Tickets are $15 and there is a 2-for-1-student rush for unsold tickets 10 minutes prior to show time. Buy online at trolleyride.org.
Dave Premack directs the talented Adam Clark, George Petermeier, Amanda Stagg, Ella Krafve and Ronan Pirner.

Copyright © 2017 SWHS Performing Arts Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because your child participates in the SWHS Performing Arts: music - theatre - dance!

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SWHS Performing Arts Council
Southwest High School
3414 47th St W
Minneapolis, MN 55410


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Friday, July 7, 2017

Summer Learning Opportunity Minnesota History Center


MN HISTORY CENTER
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

MUSEUM HOURS
Tue 10 am-8 pm
Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm
Sun Noon-5 pm
Closed Monday (Open 10 am-5 pm Monday holidays year round
 
MN HISTORY CENTER
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

MUSEUM HOURS
Tue 10 am-8 pm 
Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm
Sun Noon-5 pm 
Closed Monday (Open 10 am-5 pm Monday holidays year round



Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Summer School Session Two Begins Monday July 10



The Second Session of Summer School for grades 9-12 begins Monday, July 10.  Students should have registered through their counselors prior to the end of the school year.  However, registration is open at the Summer School sites - Edison and Southwest High Schools.

If you need credit make-up, this is the opportunity!

Coping with a Breakup


I Need Help Coping With A Breakup (My Daughter’s, That Is)
Dear Your Teen:
My daughter recently broke up with her boyfriend. After 8 months, she just felt like it was too much for her and needed a break. They are still friends. It’s been about two weeks. Her dad and I are devastated. This boy is wonderful and we (secretly) hoped it would be a forever thing. We find that we need help coping with a breakup – our daughter’s.
This boy is wonderful and we (secretly) hoped it would be a forever thing
Also, her ex-boyfriend is now dating his ex-girlfriend. My daughter certainly understands he can date anyone he chooses, but she is upset that he is plastering it all over social media.
How do I put her at ease with this? It bothers her that this is happening so soon after the break up. Additionally, for myself and my husband, how do we put our own selfish wants of them staying together aside?
Coping With a Breakup. Help!
Your daughter is facing that passage of life (as irritating as that phrase may be) that most of us pass through. How wise of her to sense that the relationship she was forging may have felt like too much too soon. Pulling back may have also been her way of leaving open more opportunity to experience and explore what the world of relationships is all about. Breaking up and having the other person turn away is part of that. It is the consequence of walking away – it tends to create an equal response on the other side.
Your role is a tough one, standing to the side as she deals with coping with a breakup. And that doesn’t mean you’re a passive bystander, just that you’re not there to fix it or critique it. She just needs some support to steady herself through this new territory. She can make up any story that she’d like, and your job is to be curious about the story.  Is he just trying to get back at her? Perhaps.
That doesn't mean you're a passive bystander, just that you're not there to fix it or critique it.
Did he not really care in the first place? Could be. Or perhaps, being rejected (and on a basic level, that is what happened) perhaps his best move, considering he’s also on a journey of discovery, was to reassure himself that, although it didn’t work out with your daughter, there is still hope for him.
As for your feeling that this could have been a great and lasting match, trust your daughter. She chose someone that has the kind of qualities you value. She’s likely to do that again, and again, until she’s truly ready to be ready for a more permanent step. She’ll get there. Until then, there’s a lot of adventure along the way!  Enjoy the ride!

Amy Speidel is a Certified Parent Coach at Senders Parenting Center and an instructor in the Conscious Discipline Philosophy for parents and teachers.