Classes stable

The majority of our classes are in good shape and off and running. With the fair and holiday attendance has varied each day. Thus, a bit difficult to determine actual numbers at this point. We are confident we can meet the needs of our students but it does take a few regular days to see what will balance.

We had an unexpected retirement right at the start of the school year. It effects five classes of upper level biology. We have been working rapidly to find a quality replacement. Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Rumppe we have provided a solid start to the school year. Regardless of the best plans, things happen.

In the next two days we should have schedule changes complete and the students in the appropriate classes. Student support will begin next week with tutoring in almost all core subjects at all levels. We want students to be successful at high levels.

Parent programming start the middle of next month. We have good sign up already. Registration was in the opening packets.

Continue to check the Southwest web site for more information. The Parent Portal is active. Attendance phone calls have started. This has been a good opening.

Laker Athletics

Wednesday:
Girls Swim and Dive Time-Trials
Boys 9th and JV soccer at St. Paul Johson

Thursday:
Boys Varsity Soccer at Henry
Cross Country At St. Kates
Volleyball at Henry

9th Grade Football at Home Vs. Eden Praire
Followed By Remember the Titans on the big screen in the stadium (bring the family around 7:30-8:00)

Friday:
Varsity Football vs. Edison hosted by us at Augsburg, 7:00pm

The morning begins

At this hour (7:30 am) there are about 250-300 students in the building. That would include zero hour classes, weight room, early use of gym (athletics) and students reading in hallway, waiting on media center to open and talking with teachers. And this is only the third day of school. As the school year continues it really gets busy at these before hours.

Walk down almost any hallway and there is some student sitting probably next to locker but not necessarily reading or working on homework. On many mornings there are one or two groups of students working together. Learning is important here. The students are serious about their work (and their play).

The building is hot already. The inside termperatures have to be 20 degrees higher than the outside weather. Air does not move well through this building. The humidity already is felt as one sweats just standing typing.

This is still a quiet time and the thing begins to come alive throughout the building. Doors opening/ closing. you can hear voice sounds down the hall. The sounds of a school begin - lockers, doors, kids, voices, noises.

We are in the beginnings of day three.

Laker Minnesota State Fair Winners

This years Minnesota State Fair winners
Currently on display in the education building
FIRST PLACE - BLUE RIBBONS
Kirsten Wiard-Bauer digital photography
Reagan Bryan color photography 1
Reagan Bryan digital photography 1
Lauren Roseberry digital photography 1
Chloe Anderson color photography 1
Jessica Lieberman digital photography 1
Sam Klinger computer graphics 1
Madilyn Bodine digital photography 1
SECOND PLACE
Rachel Haukkala B/W photography 2
Jamil Masroujeh color photography 2
Stephanie Foreman robitics engineering 2
THIRD PLACE
Rachel Haukkala computer graphics 3
FOURTH PLACE
Ben Coldwell digital photography 4
Vienna Larche digital photography 4
Emily Kinnunen digital photography 4
Rachel Haukkala digital photography 4
FIFTH PLACE
Alicia Thrall digital photography 5
Gaby Monge digital photography 5
Anna Norcutt-Preuss B/W photography 5
Rachel Haukkala color photography
SIXTH PLACE
Noah Lenker B/W photography
Victoria Oelrich digital photography
Heidi Nelson digital photography

Laker Band at the Fair

The Southwest HS Marching Band performed in exhibition in the MN State Fair Parade last Friday. Andrew Machamer and I worked with 30 plus students during Band Camp (August 15-25) in preparation. Though a relatively small group, they show great Laker spirit as they marched and played for the crowds on the parade route through the fairgrounds. Our newest songs are Power of Love and Hot, Hot ,Hot. We’ll be entertaining again at the First Friday Picnic. See you all there.

Happy first week.

Keith Liuzzi
Instrumental Music Director

Day Two is History

Well we made another day closer to college and the world of successful career opportunities. A wonderful day and cooler than first day.

Wed. Is suppose to be cool but Thurs. Is going to be the summer story. High temps and high humidity. But we are ready for it. Thes are the days we dream about in January.

Homework should gave started by now. Don't let them tell you there is none. We are in school and packing in the instruction and learning opportunities.

See if I can find some photos of tomorrow.

a Bit Cooler

For Day Two the building temperature is better. The himidity remains high but at least we are not at 92 which is the prediction for the end of the week.

Numbers are difficult to determine due to the fair and holidays and other factors that keep students and families away for this week. We will continue to monitor as the days continue and the enrollment stablizes.

Classes are moving along and instruction is definitely happening. I am guess all the kids have homework by now. We are back in school.