Quarter Finals this Week Nov 2-5

The first quarter is almost finished. The week of Nov 2 -5 is Finals Week. We know success is more likely is students are rested, prepared and nourished. But they also need to be in school. This is not the week to go shopping for winter clothes during school hours.

Most teachers are reviewing for finals and finishing quarter projects. You and your son or daughter might want to check the parent portal together to determine if there are some unexplained gaps in the quarter grades.

Wednesday and Thursday are the days of finals. The various subject areas are divided between the two days in an attempt to separate the finals for students. That does not always balance perfectly as we would prefer.

There is no school Friday.

With that we are 25% finished for the school year.

Three music students from Wind Ensemble will represent Southwest at Gustavus Adolphus College as they rehearse and perform in a select Honor Band.

These students leave this Sunday afternoon, Nov. 1 for dinner and rehearsal, stay with college students in the dorms that night. The next day have rehearsals, sectionals and a clinic with other members of the Honor Band and Gustavus Adolphus College band members before their final performance on Monday evening, Nov. 2 at Gustavus Adolphus College

Keith Liuzzi
Southwest Instrumental Director

Another Ofenda outside art rooms

There is another ofrenda set up outside rooms 014 and 016 in the West building, made by my students. We studied the iconic work of artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, a printer from the 19th Century Mexico. You would recognize his dancing calaveras and 'La Catrina' the fancy lady skeleton which appears again and again in Mexican art.

The students drew 'calaveras' (skeletons) to honor a dead person. It could be a famous person, or a friend or family member. We'll officially celebrate on Nov. 2 with a small 'picnic' near the ofrenda.

El Colegio H.S. has a show at the MIA, all student-made ofrendas.
There are beautiful photos online.

Mina Leierwood
Southwest Art Teacher

International Fine Arts Discussions

The SW fine arts faculty are entering into an ongoing dialogue about global aesthetics with the artistic directors of the Pangea World Theater. The discussions will continue throughout this school year.

Over the past several years SW students have been involved in Pangea World Theater presentations, discussions and workshops. A SW student production was produced at the studio two years ago.

This dialogue and ongoing relationship with the Pangea World Theater and world artists is in keeping with our continual journey of being an IB World School.

Chris Fisher
English Teacher
Theater Coach

For the first time (at least in my memory) Southwest is fielding TWO Quiz Bowl/Knowledge Bowl teams, and last night opened the Quiz Bowl season.

The A team all of their matches. The B team came close in a couple of their games but did not win; they did however make excellent efforts in what can be a very intimidating setting.

After the matches, the veterans reflected how they, too, as freshmen had known and answered very little. With time and excellent teaching (and Dan Ferris’ excellent coaching – he is the new coach of record), they will gather more confidence and improve.

If you have son daughter interested in Quiz Bowl, contact either Mr. Ferris or Ms. Wegner.

Stephanie Wegner
Spanish Teacher
Quiz Bowl Coach

New 8th grade site visit experiences

Southwest High School is excited to participate in the new high school tour program. This new program replaces shadowing and we think offers numerous advantages over the old shadowing experience.

Eighth grade students will visit Southwest on designated dates and times for a 90-minute visit. Some of the tours will be extended to include lunch. The 90-minute visits will include a short auditorium presentation that provides an overview of our athletic and co-curricular opportunities, our fine arts programs, as well as our academic program, including the opportunity for all students to earn the IB Diploma or Medallion. Additionally, we will have current students address each auditorium telling the eighth grade students why they chose SWHS and their experiences in their high school career.

After the short auditorium presentation, students will be matched with current SWHS students in small groups to tour the school. All students will be able to visit classrooms including science labs, art studios, technology classrooms, the media center, and the gym. Advantages over the old shadowing experience are many including less disruption to education both in the middle schools and here at SWHS. Additionally, students have the opportunity to hear about the wide range of opportunities and programming at SWHS, and to ask questions of staff and current students.

To view the schedule, please visit the link from the southwest home page http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/

SWHS will also be participating in informational meetings at local middle schools. All of these programs begin at 6:30pm.
Wed. Nov. 4 Hmong Language Specific Hmong International Academy
Thurs. Nov. 5 Somali Language Specific Anne Sullivan School
Tues. Nov. 10 Anthony, Emerson, Field, Ramsey and Windom Burroughs School
Wed. Nov. 11 Spanish Language Specific La Escuelita
Thurs. Nov. 12 Anwatin, Barton, Jefferson and Lake Harriet Burroughs School

Finally our High School Open House is on Tuesday November 17, 2009 beginning at 6:30 at SWHS.

We look forward to meeting students and families throughout this important transition period.

Caroline Hooper
NBCT
IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Southwest High School
612-668-3082

Up to the minute SW sports news

Interested in up to the very minute Southwest Sports News? Visit Steven's Sports Report on the Internet at http://www.stevenssports.com.

Steven blogs about all the SW sports teams. He is at many games and the blog provides up to the minutes score and highlights.

You can click on Southwest on the right hand side of the page to view all of the SW stories.

Steven MacDonald Froemming

Dia delos Muertos

Southwest High School has a new after school Spanish Club! Made up of native-speakers and Spanish-language learners, the club's agenda includes advocacy for native-speakers, tutoring for students of Spanish, and celebration for all of the culture of the Spanish speaking world.

The group's first initiative is to create an awareness of itself, and participating students have created an "ofrenda" (literally, "offering" in Spanish) to coincide with the annual celebration of Día de los Muertos. Día de los Muertos is celebrated around All Saints Day, November 1st and 2nd, and is based on the remembrance of loved ones who have passed on from life. It is a way of recognizing death as a natural part of life, and therefore respectfully celebrating them both.

Please visit the ofrenda in the Commons area of Southwest and learn more from the club members on October 29th from 6:30-7:30 pm."

Jonathan Townsend
Spanish Teacher, Southwest High School

Can't attend a show but want to contribute?

You can support the Unhinged Theater and provide an outstanding experience for students unable to financially come to the show. Student tickets are $5.00. For a mere $20.00 you can support four students attending the show that might not otherwise be able to attend.

If you would like to share the theater experience with SW students unable to attend, send your financial contribution to Southwest High School, 3414 West 47 Street, 55410. Write on the check in the memo line - student ticket contribution Unhinged. For every $5.00 you contribute, we will provide a ticket to an interested student. $20.00 would provide 4 students the opportunity or $100.00 would enable 20students to see an outstanding student production perhaps for the first time.

Great opportunity to share a wonderful experience with those unable.

Thank you

An Inspector Calls

Great Show! Only one night left. If you want a seat I suggest you go to the web site and follow the links to the Unhinged and then An Inspector Calls. I am guess the last night will sell out and if you make your reservation you will be guaranteed a ticket and seat for the show.

Lots of mystery, lots of fun and a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Unhinged Theatre is a SW tradition of student produced, directed and acted theater. A wonderful group of students put together a 6-play series and each is an entertaining evening.

The Black Box is a small, intimate space that places the audience and the actors together for a moment in time. An Inspector Calls is a great example of an excellent piece of literature that plays extremely well in the space.

Make your reservation and attend closing night.

Life Long Learning - Steps for Health

My Physical Education classes are currently doing a study on physical activity through the use of pedometers.

Please encourage your child to keep track of her/his pedometer so that the data used for the self study is valid. At times the pedometers are misplaced or lost throughout the study.

Normally is a fun activity. How many steps to you take during a day?

Shaun Flandrick
Physical Education Teacher .

Lunch

We do our fair share of weird things around here but perhaps one of the oddest is lunch. If your first experience with SW is the lunch time you will leave with some questions.

First, we do not eat in the cafeteria. That is not completely true since there are a very regular group of students who do eat in the lunch room and enjoy sitting around the tables and socializing with their friends. But there is another large group that go through the line and head toward the link and the commons. It is like one large scattered picnic.

Most of the same students eat with the same friends in the same place each day. During the first week of school different groups try out sections and eventually end up with their favorite spot and that is the way it is for the rest of the school year. Junior and seniors are allowed to leave campus for lunch but bad weather will bring them inside. As with most things around schools, senior have first pick of spots and that is theirs whether they are there daily or not. We do have some seniors who do not leave the building and "hold" the senior spot informally.

I think the unstructured time is good for the kids. Yes, they are all over, sitting on the floor with their lunches and/or lunch bags scattered about. It may look odd but it works. The kids need social time. They need to mix and mingle. As an observer, one gets a feeling and flavor of how the day (or week) is going. It is a great time to watch the interactions and see groups of friends and even spot the beginnings of some problem.

It would be an excellent case study of maturity. For the first four weeks, the freshman have great difficulty in determining the difference in recess and high school unstructured time. Right about now almost all of them are figuring out that running around in a circle and screaming was cool in the elementary grades but just isn't that "cool" in high school. And yes, I will say it, the boys are the worse. It takes boys the longest to understand that one can stand (or sit) quietly for more than two minutes without hitting whoever is close or bouncing off the wall or any of those other wonderful traits that stereotype young teenage boys.

The students are through the line and finished eating in about 7 minutes. That gives them a full 23 minutes of unstructured time. And they make the most of it.

For someone new to the building this entire process appears chaotic and out of control. For those of us in the middle of it, it is a time of conversation and friendship. Our students work hard and it is good for them to have some minutes to talk with friends and catch up on the news.

And there are six of them

I have the advantage of being in classes almost every day. On most days that is several classes in one day. I enjoy my time with the students and teachers. I continue to be amazed and proud of the quality of instruction occurring.

However, did you ever try and follow a student schedule. The classes are 55 minutes in length and there is five minutes in between. Each classes is a serious study of some subject and, generally, is completely different than the one before or following. The student must mentally adjust to the subject for that period, the dynamics of the environment including different teacher and different students, and gather materials for that period. That happens three or four times in a row and then there is a 30 minute lunch and then two or three more periods.

In a given day the student makes countless adjustment and attempts to apply him/herself seriously to that subject and series of tasks. And that is every school day. I would suggest that there are few jobs that require such mental and physical adjustments every hour and continuously throughout the year.

For many students the classes are only part of the school experience. There are many students here at 6 am and many who do not leave until after 9 pm. Some of that is sports, some class work and quite a bit of clubs and activities.

I am not suggesting that we change much. I am suggesting that we pause and try to keep that in mind as our children face frustration or get a little down or feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it may be necessary to make some choices. It definitely requires time management and some self-discipline.

I believe the educational opportunity we provide students to be outstanding. The classes are exciting and worthwhile. However, I marvel at the powers of the young. I am convinced they are more flexible and able to adjust more quickly and mentally bounce from one thing to another much better than some of us that have gained the years of wisdom.

Unhinged opened tonight

Tonight was the first night of the first unhinged production. These are a series of student directed and student produced plays in the black box. Each show runs from about 4 performances and generally are well attended. You might want to get to the show early in order to secure a seat for the performance.

This first show is An Inspector Calls. If you go to the Southwest web site - go to Theater and then Unhinged -- you can reserve tickets for the night you want to attend - If there are any seats available.

Great fun and a worthwhile evening of entertainment.

Visitors from around the world

17 educators from around the world visited Southwest today. They are guest of the US State Department and part of an ongoing exchange program. They will be in the country for three weeks visiting school across the country.

We were asked to host a session today. Part of the time was sharing notes about structures and operations. Another important part was meeting with one of Theory of Knowledge classes. They were interested in talking with students and learning more about the IB program. After some discussion, the students led the guests on a building tour and visited some classrooms.

They were with us only a short time. They said they enjoyed the time with the students. They were in the halls during a passing time and they even seemed to think that was okay.

We are fortunate that numerous groups visit our school. We try to expose them and our students to the larger world. We participate in two different student exchange programs. Over the years we have found this to be beneficial. W learn so much from our visitors and enjoy sharing our experiences with them.

Some things don't happen the way we wish

In the land of never - never, all is perfect and the world is one big rainbow with fun and thrills and no sadness. Some times things just don't work out. We do not like to dwell on the subject but there are moments when students make choices that are not perfect. Yes, that happens.

I believe children make mistakes and sometimes behave in manners we wish they would not. The school attempts to create an environment that cushions mistakes and provides a safe pace to experiment and explore. But there are times and events that move beyond what is reasonable and far from appropriate. When that happens we take action that attempts to protect the students and staff. Some mistakes in judgement are such that dire consequences is the result. Those decisions are made with serious consideration and not taken lightly.

There are events your children will come home and talk about -- and some they don't. First, we operate in a very open and vulnerable environment. 2,000 people move about in the school on a daily basis. We want children to make decisions and explore the opportunities and challenges. That does not mean they should use that freedom and opportunity to exploit the moments. There are student actions that result in serious consequences. Just being silly is not a justification for jeopardizing others.

In the next couple days you may have a conversation with your children about what is appropriate student behavior and what is not.

If I can answer questiosn or help, please call or email.

So you missed some school

The first step is to get well! Now is not the time to be brave. If you have a fever and just do not feel well, go to the doctor. Make sure you cover you cough, wash your hands all the time and protect yourself and others.

Now that you are on your way to recovery, think about catching up. When you feel well enough check out the school web site and your specific teacher's web site. Many of the staff have assignments, lessons and other class related information on their web site. The kids have a fairly accurate idea of what is going to happen in the next few days or what happened yesterday or a couple days ago. Check out what you can do slowly as you recuperate.

In general (and this is not a rule) you have the numbers of days of excused absences plus one to make-up missed work. You really want to catch up quickly. Regardless of the number of days absent, the learning goes on and you really don't want to keep falling further behind. That does not mean you panic. Make reasonable goals for what you can accomplish in a day. Work with your teachers. You may want to make arrangements with your teacher to spend some time after school to ask questions and have some quiet time.

When you are ill the first priority has to be to get well. Pushing another day or trying to just make it work does no good for you or the others in your class or around you. That does not mean we encourage you to just miss school. I believe families know the difference in I don't feel like going to school compared to my body just won't let me go. You need to make the call about coming to school or not. But when you are able, you need to make arrangements to move back to the pace of the class. Yes, it will take a little extra work.

What happens in class everyday is impossible to duplicate. The book work, the hand outs, the quizes and the tests will be there when appropriate. Study day by day and set reasonable goals for yourself. Working together makes sense and makes it all possible.

We want our students to be well and ready to learn and be productive in school. When that is not possible we want their return and recovery to be within their limits. By working with the teacher and taking some personal responsibility, it is possible to recover and move forward.

Do you want to walk inside a cell?

You really need to check out Ms Wiard Bauer's science room 25. There is a 15 foot high and 30 feet wide cell. You can go inside and see what is actually happening. First there was the microscope and every thing really small came into view. Now it went super-size. The cell takes over 25% of the entire room. That is science coming alive.

9 more days of the first quarter

In 9 days we will be 1/4 (25%) finished with school year. It has been a busy time - and exciting. Lots of activities, lots of sports and lots of adjustments. It is possible that everything is just cruising along in a fine manner. But maybe it is not the way you wish it would be. There are still two weeks (9 days) prior to pushing the button on the final grade.

If you have been checking the parent portal you have an idea of how it is going. The next question would be how does your child think it is going? If you sense a bit of uncertainity, you might want your child to review with you the assignments and scores listed on the parent portal. You should encourage your son/daughter to check with her/his teacher and get a better handle on what might be a shakey grade.

Trying to ask questions after it is all over is a bit late in the process. The assumption is that all is okay. If your son/daughter has not been bringing the books home or has not been interested in sharing grades with you, you might want to ask some questions. Responsibility is a taught and learned skill. You and your student have nine days to review what has been learn or what needs to be learned prior to the next quarter. The first quarter is almost done and it can make a great big difference in that GPA all too soon.

Don't buy those books or tapes -- Yet

Thursday November 19th is the annual Music Boosters day at Barnes and Noble at Galleria off of France. A portion of everything you purchase on that date at that Barnes and Noble will go to support the SW music program. However, you must have the form at the cash register to make your purchases count for the SW Music Boosters.

Think of all those birthday and special occasion gifts that are available. All the greatest and latest books, cds and videos also are available and count toward the total. I'm sure you have a list of family members and friends you want to remember with special gifts from Barnes and Noble. Save all those purchases until November 19th.

Agri Film FRESH - big success

If you missed Friday night you missed the duckes and rabbits and chicken and samon and wonderful coco butter candy and many other wholesome and healthy treats. You missed a great disuccsion about sustainable foods and communities.

The evening under the leadership of Jennifer Hedberg and co-sponsored by teh SW Quality Education Committee and the Linden Hlll Co-opt. Over 15 vendors displayed their wares and talked about sustainable community gardens and backyard farming and other

Speech Season is almost here

So you want to be an actor? actress? People always say your funny. Politics and Law has been a lifetime goal. You see yourself as a world business leader.

If you answered yes to any of these statements, then being on the SW Speech Team is where you should be. It is not for everyone. You have to have some self confidence, take criticism and what to be your best. It is an activity with a life time of awards and rewards.

Want money to go to college? Partial and full-ride scholarships are available to successful debate and speech team members. All major universities and colleges are looking for successful debate and speech students.

It's never too late to start. The second season of debate is about to begin. The speech team will have informational and try-out meetings in the next two weeks. Listen and watch for announcements.

Cloudy day

Sunshine makes the rooms brighter. These cloudy days are also lazy days and the mornings start slow. It could be that teenagers just never wake up fully this early in the morning but I think it is the lack of sunshine.

One more football game next Tuesday. Swimming is still going strong with sectionals in a couple weeks. Volleyball has some more games this month. Check athletic calendar.

Boys and Girls Hockey is off and running. The SW boys play on the West team and the SW girls play on the single city team NOVA. Fun games - check out their schedules.

Slowly winding down the fall season. Students should be able to catch up with their studies now in time for the end of the first quarter.

The first Unhinged show starts next Tuesday. Runs for 4 days Oct 27-30

Do you see a cheek cell

A microscope enlarges some spots that maybe just should stay out of sight. But for biology students having a chance to see a real live cheek cell can be exciting and yes a bit challenging. Swimming all around those pretty (? - Ms. Wiard-Bauer term) cheek cells are breakfast and all different forms of "crud." Scientist use all those really big words.

Down the hall was another group trying to figure out the slope of the line in the graph that would indicate the water machine was empty after lunch. I am fairly certain I stated that incorrectly but I think you get the idea.

How about mixed media and what happens when you used two entirely different textures to attempt to depict the same image?

Or maybe trying to get your knee over your left ear... OK that is a bit much but that is almost what it looked like or something else I have had difficulty doing in the last 25 years.

The day in the life of a high school student. Discovery a world of opportunity and possibilities. Some of it very new and some of it old things used in new ways. And it is only the middle of the week. What else is in store?

IB Exam Registration

The final date for registering for an IB exam this spring is Wednesday October 21. If your son or daughter is moving toward an IB diploma or other IB recognition, he/she must register for the exam no later than Wed. Oct 21.

See Mr. Schwartz for other details.

Tuesday Oct 20 Fine Arts Festival

If you like dance and song and people playing instrument then you will really enjoy the Fine Arts Festival in the SW auditorium on Tuesday Oct 20 starting at 7 pm. There is a donation entrance amount requested to support the music program.

This is the big first concert for just amount everybody in the music dept. It is a fun night and one of excitement and good times. Lots of music and the marvelous work of very talented young people. This is a good taste for the rest of the season. You will finish the evening wanting more and we promise that in the months to come.

Check out your calendar and come out to support some future famous musical stars!

Won the battle and lost the war

Unfortunately the SW Boys Soccer team played almost an entire game in their opponents end of the field. With all that outstanding play, at the end of the game it was 0-0. After 2 ten-minute over time periods

Sports is one of those events where there are winners and losers. Regardless of the brilliance of the play or the fairness of what should be the outcome, one team is going to gain the W and one the L. At this point in the season, for one team that entitles them to one more and the L ends the season.

This was a great soccer season for the fans. The boys were state rated and ended with a fantastic record. The girls were undefeated in regular season play. What we need to remember is the city championship of both boys and girls, the great seasons and just some very nice hard working young people.

Today is much too close to talk about what we learned and how much we gained as young athletes and the character all this talks to as players and sportspersons. In the months to come we can celebrate a great season and congratulate the players and coaches.

The final score of this evening's game was not on our side of the board, but we know we have a team of winners and fantastic young men.

Debate - the second half

The second topic is now out and the window is open for new debaters. Practice is Tuesday and Thursday in room E103-- 3:15 to 4:30pm. No experience is necessary. There is a novice division just for beginners. Debate is a fantastic activity for those interested in being successful in life. Speaking and persuasion is a life-long valuable assets for business, law, politics, retail, wholesale, finance or any other way of life. Come out on Tuesday and join the team. Season finishes the first week in Dec.

The Speech season is almost here. We will begin speech practice in November. There are 13 different categories. There is one for you!

Agri-business Film FRESH

Friday Oct 23 is the screening of the agi-film FRESH. It is a documentary of our food supply and the sustainability of producing food well into the future. The evening is co-sponsored by SW Quality Education Committee and the Linden Hill Co-Op. There will be a panel discussion with question and answer at the end of the film. Exhibitors will be available for questions throughout the evening. The event does have a requested donation to support the work and operation of the school.

Fall Fine Arts Festival

Tuesday October 20 is the opening of the Fine Arts series of concerts and programs. Tuesday night will be a bit of every thing - song and dance and band and jazz. The concert starts at 7:00 pm. Good time and this first one is exciting for many of our 9th and 10th graders this is their first high school performance. There is a requested donation to support the music programs.

Check the web site for a full listing of the Fine Arts Season.

Events of the week

Just when you thought you had a break...

Tuesday, Oct 20 is the Fall Fine Arts Festival in the Auditorium starting at 7 pm. An evening of song and dance and orchestra and jazz. All the choirs and all the ages. Great evening of music.

Girls Volleyball versus Benile-St. Margaret -- B squad and JV at 5:30 and Varsity at 7 pm

Wednesday, Oct 21 is Girls Swimming at 6 pm in the pool - East building
The Laker Football team plays on Wednesday. Check web site for times and location.

Friday, Oct 23 a Public screening of the documentary "FRESH" about people nationwide who are reinventing America's food system by focusing on sustainable practices. The screening is at 7 pm. A panel discussion will follow. There will be exhibits and displays. The event is sponsored by The Quality Education Campaign and Linden Hills Co-op. A $10. cash donation is suggested.

Saturday is the Girls Volleyball Tournament -- check the web site for times and location.

The moments of ties and heart breaks

Yesterday the Girls Soccer Team faced off against Hopkins. Strong competition and a game with the undefeated season of the Lakers on the line. Wet field, cold weather are all part of the early winter games.

At the end of the game, the score was tied at 1 a piece. Moving into overtime the situation appeared very doable. The Lady Lakers had defeated some of the best in the area. But that is why they play the game.

Overtime came to an end with an Hopkins goal and the final was 1-2. This was the finish of an outstanding season for the girls.

It is tough to remember a season. In our mind as the years roll by the moments of this game and the kicks of that game with blur and merge. But what remains is the results of that last game. Regardless of the success of any season, the last one in the keeper.

City Champs and favorites in our hearts, the Girls Soccer team finished a grand season. Thank you.

What a Heart Break

With three minutes left in the game it was SW 12 and Washburn 6. Football is a matter of inches and minutes. Southwest took the lead early and led by 6-0. Washburn came back to tie - now 6-6.

Drive and punt for SW. Dive, fumble and punt for Washburn. SW lead the stats in rushing and passing. The Defense held strong and caused two fumbles. SW was ahead on the score sheets but there are no form points in football.

Washburn got the ball and drove and scored with 32 second left on the clock. The extra point failed and it was 12-12 at the end of regulation play.

In high school ties, the ball is placed on the 10 yard line and each team has one opportunity to score. Washburn chose to take the ball and with four plays scores. Going to two points, Washburn was successful and the score was now 12-20 with SW yet to play out the tie.

The Lakers moved the ball and scored! It came down to one play and a history full of wins and losses. A pass over the right side and it was incomplete. The final score was 18-20.

To come so close. To find a moment when the seemingly impossible was to be reversed, the moment when all those years would be erased. But this was not the year.

The Southwest Laker football won the stats sheet and came very close to being the breaking news on Sports Central. What a heart break! But it was close, oh, so close. In the next 12 months there were be memories and discussions. There will be replays from a wide variety of vantage points. But what will linger is -- oh, so close. The football team of 2009 showed the way. The 2009 Lakers put the mark one peg higher. So maybe next year............

A great game. Thank you guys.

Into the Waters

Tonight is a Girls Swim Team meet. If you have not attended one of these you will be in for a treat. Lots of races, lots of excitement and lots of fun are in store for your evening. The meet tonight is in the pool located in the East building lower level. Starts around 6 pm.



Be aware that this is an indoor pool and it is very warm. Dress in layers in order to enjoy the meet. That is layers of purple. If you visit for any length of time you will be very warm so be careful.



Come tonight and cheer on the SW Laker Girls swim team!

Wednesday is this week's Friday

Boys Soccer advance with a win last night. The Volleyball team defeated South at all three levels. The Footlights Musical sang and dance in front of another crowd last night. Tonight is Laker football versus Washburn at 3:30. The closing night for Footlights Musical - Edges is tonight. What an exciting ride for those 9th and 10th graders.

Only a three-day week this week so today is Friday on Wednesday. Or as we say -- the kids use five days of energy in three. Always its own adventure.

Last night there was the Footlights musical, Volleyball, Soccer, PTSA - MYP meeting in Media Center, and rehearsal for at least one unhinged show and community education. Not a bad night for hours outside the regular school day.

Southwest is proud of its heritage of serving the educational needs of its community. That is 18 hours a day, six days a week and 48 weeks in the year. That is a lot of wear and tear on a building and its resources.

Thurs. Oct 15 and Fri. Oct 16

No School for students on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16.

These two days are staff development days for teachers across the state. But also great 4-day weekends for families and students.

Have a good family break.

New Week New Snow

So winter decides to show up early. Well, so be it. We have plenty to do to keep us busy.

Only two more nights -- Tuesday Oct 13 and Wednesday Oct 14 and it will be history.

The first annual Footlights Musical is off to a fantastic start. Great reviews from preview night and these two remaining nights should be packed.

Come to the auditorium and share the celebration with the charter cast of 9th and 10th graders involved in this wonderful production of "Edges." A new musical will fun and charm.

Great beginning to an exciting musical season at Southwest. At the same time you can join the Stage Parents booster group. Parents joining together to keep the magic alive.

Production starts at 7 pm. Only 2 nights remaining.

Almost end of quarter

Mid-term grades went out. Parent Teacher Conferences are done. We made it okay this far. I think the first quarter of every year is the worst. The newest carries through the first few weeks. The first step is to not receive a mid-term--that would ruin homecoming and maybe even the first date and who needs that lecture? So we made it - teacher meet parents and no bad remarks.......

So I guess that means slide. Well, not exactly. These are the weeks that seem to catch folks by surprise. For the 9th graders that big sigh is one of "I have this figured out." For older kids it is " well I guess that works this year." And then here it comes.

The weather is suddenly nice so let's take a walk. Lots going on so let's do one more thing. Still a little lingering daylight so it is still early. The quarter remains nine weeks long - regardless of the amount of sunshine, regardless of the amount of activities - regardless of how you made it through the first five weeks.

That is not the time to panic either. What we need to remind our students is consistency - a slow but steady movement. No crash at the end, no panic a week before. These are the weeks to keep moving steadily forward, do the homework, study even with the sun still out and get the job done.

The worst GPAs are the first quarter grades. Let's make this a new turn.

Into Routine

Now a bad thing - an average day. Back to normal for a moment. The rain stopped and there is a gap in between storm systems.

Some Team 9 students went to the Nobel Prize program at the U. Several scientists presented information to young audience members with an alternative agenda of encouraging research and studying science. Maybe it was not all that subtle.

Down the stretch and getting nervous - Edges - the 9/10 grade musical - Footlights Musical -- opens on the 12th. It is full of dance and song, happy thoughts and sad reflections -- everything a great musical should have. And it has the young stars for Spotlight in the years to come. Production dates are 12, 13 and 14.

No school on Thursday the 15th or Friday the 16th -- MEA weekend. Hope the weather is better for the long weekend.

Save Oct 23 for the Agri-film FRESH. Now only do we have the showing but there will be exhibits showing their wares for healthy eating and "Green" ways to garden. It is a great Friday evening and a fund raiser at the same time.

Nov 1 is a Sunday and a fantastic opportunity to see Stage Parents -- the new friends of the theater kick off. More info as it gets closer. You will not want to miss this show. There are advance ticket sales. Check out the SW home page.

It's a change in the weather

Boy, did we have energy today! You would have thought we have never seen rain. The energy was bouncing off the walls and by the end of lunch so were many of the young ones.

It could have been the late night with the Viking and Farve and Monday night football. It could have been the weekend of SW football, Gopher football, Twins baseball and Viking football. Too much to digest in such a short period of time. It could have been the energy bounce from a very full high spirited weekend falling into Monday and then bouncing into Tuesday.

But it probably was the barometer. Whenever there is a change - either going up or going down -- the force fields become unstable. We have not had this much rain in months. So we get excited. The first snow is an event and you would suspect we lived in Southern Florida and had never seen the white stuff. Then it will be the second day with below zero temps and then the first break of spring and so on. You can predict the moods by the weather reports.

Yes, today was excited and noisy and lots of energy. Nothing really all that bad but just the natural reaction of the young to change in the weather. On Monday they were asleep but they made up for it today!

Music Alumni information

Hi Fellow SWHS Parents,
I am putting together Alumni Notes: Where Are They Now for the SWHS music newsletter.

I need your help in supplying current information on your SWHS alumni.

My question is: Is your child currently persuing music beyond high school? If so, please provide a brief description of their activity and where. For example:

• Eric Sayre (06) playing trumpet in the band St. Olaf College, MN
• Emma Harness (06) singing with the Chapel Choir, St Olaf College, MN
• Lauren Seidel (07) playing in the band St. Olaf College,MN
• Emma Harness (09) singing with the Manitou Singers, St Olaf College, MN
• Matt Gregg (09) playing bassoon with the wind ensemble, Bethel College, MN
• Matt Manning (09) singing with a mens a capplella group, DePaul University, IL
• Lars Lee (09) singing and acting at HARTT, CT
• Will Centner (09) singing with a men's a cappella group, The Colgate 13, Colgate University, NY
• Sophia Naylor (09) singing with the Swarthmore Choir, Swarthmore College, PA
• Tarek Makky (09) playing percussion at UMD, MN *St Olaf Band will be performing Sun. Jan 17, 3:30pm(SW Auditorium). A kick-off concert to the ensemble's Japanese Tour.

Sally CentnerSWHS Music Booster Chair send information to scentner_@hotmail.com

H1N1 is still with us

The news is distressing. We are doing what we can to protect you, your children, us and the community. But it doesn't hurt to have a couple reminders:

• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the waste basket
• If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve (not your hand)
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaner
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contract with people who are sick, if possible
• Stay healthy: eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep and exercise.

Please review these safety tips with your entire family.

All of our classrooms have mini-towels for cleaning surfaces like desks, doorknobs, chairs and other items your child may come in contact with. All of the classrooms have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer available. Perhaps one hand cleaning at the beginning of class and another at the end before going into the hallway. All restrooms are check throughout the day for cleanliness and having available soap and towels. Remind your student to tell the teacher or me if there is not a towel cleaner or hand-sanitizer or clean equipped rest room available.

The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu:

• fever (above 100 degrees F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• in some cases diarrhea and vomiting

If you have questions or concerned about one or more of the symptoms, contact your doctor.

We attempt to stay informed. So far we have not experienced unusually large absences or at-risk conditions. The older children (high schoolers) appear to be more resistant. But each child is unique and you know the medical conditions of your children.

Review the precautions and teach prevention. If you have questions ask your doctor or contract our fantastic school nurse, Pat Walker 612-668-3037.

Juniors taking the IB exams

Tuesday Oct 6 is the date for juniors interested in taking the IB examinations to gain information and start to sign up. The assembly will be 5 period. Hopefully this is not new information. For specific questions call Dick Schwartz, IB/AP coordinator.

Loves Labour Lost

Leading up to homecoming is it own adventure. The couple weeks in front are full of finding the attention of the opposite gender and how to act not interested. SW tradition says that is it okay to go to the dances as a solo and one should not be too serious about all the show.

However.... whether you call it a couple or not, somehow it is still important to have a "date." So young love moves in all the mysterious ways that is ageless. So all of homecoming week it is a buildup of singles moving toward each other. So the thrill of homecoming and the big dance become a reality. There are dresses and flowers. There are dinners and drives. Then the weekend is over and we are back to normal.

Monday after Homecoming is interesting. Maybe a couple hours of dancing exposes all the deficiencies one wants. Maybe the excitement of the week wanes after Monday brings back the routine of school minus the theme days. Maybe we really want to see who else might be out there. If the week before is one of match making, the week after is heart break. This is not new. It has been going on as long as there was two people thinking about going to homecoming.

The moods, the heart break, the tender feelings are all part of the high school experience. Maybe it is the safety net of not being too serious too early. Maybe it is just being young. So be careful the first week back from Homecoming .. we wear it on our sleeve for a few days.

More Activity Possibilities

We have tremendous athletics and lots of teams for students throughout the school year. There are plays and musicals and dance and orchestra and jazz combos. In addition to these activities we have others that may meet your need and interests.

The SW Chess Team has been successful in recent years. Several State Championships, a few National Championships and numerous individual awards were earned by Chess Team members. For more information email Alex Adams (adams922@gmail.com).

Math Team earns honors each year - both as a team and individuals. David McMayer (math teacher) is the coach and there are several teams from the over 100 interested Math Team members. The team travels to meets after school and practices at SW. Still plenty of time to join the team.

Quiz Bowl is both knowledge and speed of thinking. SW has been in the league for many years and is successful year after year. Team members practice after school and travels to meets during the school week. Talk to either Ms. Wegner (Spanish teacher) or Mr. Ferris (English teacher) for more information.

Debate is in its competition season right now. The Debate Team is in its fourth year and has placed individuals in a variety of tournaments around the Metro area. Debate is a team of two members who compete both affirmative and negative of a given issue for four rounds on Saturdays. The Debate Team practices on Tuesday and Thursday immediately after school in room E103. Contract Dr. Smith (Principal) or Susan Kolze (swspeechdebate@aol.com) for more information.

There are numerous other activities for all interests and levels of involvement. Check out the SW web site and the pages on extra-curricular.

Reminder - PSAT and IB exams

Still time to sign up for the PSAT. If you are a junior you need to be thinking about taking this test now.

Registration for IB examinations starts Tuesday Oct 6. If have questions, call Dick Schwartz, IB/AP Coordinator.

To keep up with all that is happening for juniors and seniors check out the SW web site and the counselor pages. Or call your counselor or the Career and College Center.

Another week

Check out the sports calendar for this week's activities -- volleyball, girls tennis, girls swimming, boys and girls soccer and football are all in action this week. Some at home and some on the road. You have to check the athletic calendar independently from the activities calendar.

Don't forget you can link the school calendar (not the athletic calendar) on your desk top. If you use various apps and understand a bit of igoogle, it is easy. Then you would be current with activities every day.

Picture retake is Wednesday. If your students bring in the full packet, the picture can be retaken to correct the mistake or bad hair day. If your student was absent or did not get a picture taken, then the completed form and check is turned in to the photographer at the time of the sititng.

All students need an "official" picutre for ID purposes. This is somewhat like an ID for the Driver's License. They are not the time for goofy eyes or stretched facial muscles -- you never know if it might freeze that way.

The Dance

All of the excitement. All of the fancy hair dos. All of the thrill of the hunt for that perfect dress and shoes to match. The big moment -- pictures maybe on the porch tonight since there was rain. Maybe a picture by the fireplace. Maybe a couple more because my little one is all grown up and going to his/her first/second/third/or fourth homecoming dance.

Keep those pictures. The child that poised of those lovely moments in time looked that way maybe ten minutes into the dance. It's it own fashion show. For the majority it is lace and pretty and high heels and long/short dresses and very stylish. For others (mostly senior) it is circus o'lay or some variation thereof. I am guessing the theme for that group this dance was super heroes but not quite sure. It is really the opposite of a fashion show. It is the anti-fashion show -- how far from a homecoming dress can I get? So on the entry way there are "sweet and cute" fashions and then the mix and match versions of a circus with no taste.

I know I am getting old and really a fuddy dud but there can't be a full yard of material in some of those dresses. But the guys haven't change in 4000 years. This year the fashion award for guys has to be the large purple bow tie matching his date's large purple hair bow. That is creativity. The invisible man costume gets the award for best retro and the earliest recorded Halloween costume.

All of this is part of the program. Just part of SW homecoming. We never want to take anything too seriously. But you should see about ten minutes into the event. The heels come off quicker then the gentleman's tie. Sweat is pouring and we can't pull it up or down (sometimes both at the same time) often enough. What might have been attractive in those early pictures is now twisted and pulled and tucked and turned. Again all part of the ritual of a high school dance.

And it was fun -- It is easy to laugh but I remember being awkward and having two-left feet. The memories of not quite being sure how to act like a senior but having no clue what that meant are still too close. I was that freshman a little too awkward and definitely too shy and not wanting to be either. I wanted to impress the girls but at that point wasn't exactly sure why. So I shoved and pushed and tried to remember if I was suppose to stand still of move around. Whether I should hold her hand or hit her on the arm.

Well, that was homecoming 2009. It was hot and a blast. Over 1,100 students poured into the Sheridan and with only one broken glass we should declare it a celebration of being young.

We did have a medical emergency which was probably the result of too much (or too little) food, too much excitement of the day and too much heat (or vigorous dancing) of the night. We are pleased to report all is well, but we are sorry that was not a joyous evening for that young person.

Oh, the stories.... This weekend was also Alumni Rally time. You wouldn't believe the homecoming stories they told me and each other. But then again, I bet you would.

It's now in the record book

Senior girls poured it on the junior girls in the almost kindof rain Powder Puff football game. A little mud and a whole lot of slipping and sliding made is all that much more exciting. With a couple of the heaves from behind the line I thought Brent Farve had served as the training model.

The Parade was another hit. Sun and warmer temperatures would have aided in the event but the neighborhood knew there was a big game coming. The Marching Band is always appreciated and made a festive entrance and presence throughout the game.

The Lakers hit paydirt first and continued to bring on the points. I believe it was 26-6 at half time.

In a celebration mood, half time was the Performance Team, Marching Band and Homecoming Court with its own dance, I know there is a king and queen but everyone of the field were royalty in my mind.

Second half was more of the same and with 4 minutes left it was 42 to6 and coach played everyone and allow for for grace time ending in a final of 42-20.

Southwest Alumni were also present and the most historic class in attendance was the class of 1949. Lots of members of the different alumni groups were announced and recognized. A strong proud heritage of support and accomplishment. Hope to see alumni back at events throughout the year.

So this homecoming weekend is coming to close with the dance yet to start. The days have been cool (okay, cold at times) and wet but spirits were high with resounding outcry for community and pride.

Families, friends, neighbors and all that have gone before to make it possible surround the current students and silently proclaim - We are proud of you. We are proud to be Southwest!

Rainy Friday

Part 2 of the Parent Teacher Conferences went well. Little less turn-out today. Maybe the weather. Maybe they were all here last night. Maybe waiting until next time. Reports are good as a result of both days but Thursday evening was definitely busier.

Alumni activities are in full swing. Rain eliminated the alumni soccer game and moved the dance into the west gym The alumni in the building seem to be having good time and the 2 pm alumni rally was fun. Performance Team did a nice show and the athletes represented themselves and their teams well.

Saturday activities start with Powder Puff football - senior girls versus junior girls - starts at 11:30 am. The parade starts at the high school at 1:00 pm. The homecoming football starts at 2:00 and coronation at half time. All of this happens rain or shine.

Homecoming dance starts at 7. We are expecting over 1,000 of the SW students at the dance. If you want to experience a high school happening, stop by the dance for a bit. Take some pictures and share in the moment. Sheridan Bloomington.

Alumni and Homecoming

The Second Day of Conferences is a big event for families.
Homecoming weekend is the big event for current students - Soccer games versus Roosevelt and Football versus South. The Homecoming dance Saturday night is at Sheridan Bloomington and for many is the highlight of the week.

This is also Alumni Rally two-day event. Registration is noon in the West Gym followed by choir and band rehearsal at 1 pm. An Alumni Rally will be 2 pm in the auditorium followed by march to the stadium. Alumni Soccer game at 4 pm and soccer game versus Roosevelt at 5:30 pm. An alumni street dance is planned for 7 - 10 pm with live band Dandelion Wine. If rain happens, we will move into the East gym.

On Saturday the event start at the Stadium at 11:00. The Powderpuff Football game is at 11:30. Parade starts at 1:00 pm and the game starts at 2:00.

Jerseys and other Purple Pride Southwest gear will be on sale through the events.

Second day of Parent Teacher Conferences

Long lines marked the first night of the Parent Teacher Conferences. Many reported success at seeing all needed teachers and a productive conference. Many reported waits and some frustrations trying to get it all done in one day. Tomorrow the conferences ar from 9:00 am to 12:45 pm. Will be interesting to watch the turnout for the second day and this part during the am hours.

As with each year, certain teachers talk for too long to too few people. - Yes, we did talk to them about it again this year and actually handed out one egg timer. 9th grade teachers are more frequently visited than some of the upper level teachers. Need to think more about that.

Parents seem to have a good, busy time. Lots of people and lots of conversations.

PTSA Directories on sale $5.00. Are available on Friday and at the game on Saturday.

If you have thoughts, ideas or comments about conferences please email me.

Pepfest 2009

Overall a tremendous improvement over previous years -- strengths: good transition from outside at the Stadium into the gym; lots of energy; lots of cooperation and spirit; good class cheers needs for improvement: need good school cheer (all classes); still dis of freshman (fortunately short and generally drowned out quickly) pauses too long; not enough real program for length; too long needs to be tightened. OK but could use work: school song -- boy that needs some work - need to talk to all the athletes about appropriate and respectful behaviors. Homecoming court dance needs immediate improvement.

Lots of fun and energy. Lots to work on but isn't that always true. If you don't do these big kinds of things, the students will never learn how to deal with them. Unfortunately, the general public behavior at the Dome and Target Center is terrible. There is not a good place for young people to learn sportsmanship or respect of a worthy opponent or just civil behavior but the schools. So I guess we keep at it.

We always debrief our events. If you have ideas or comments, please email me. We want to have fun events for all our students.

Parent Teacher Conferences

If your student received a mid-term or you have a question, please attend the Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday 4 - 8 pm or on Friday 9:00 am - 12:45 pm.

Teachers will be in their rooms. For those teachers with multiple rooms, signs will be posted.

If you cannot make the conferences, please email, telephone and/or request conference.

We believe the bugs in the email system have been resolved and it would appear that your emails are making to the correct destinations. However, if you are using Hotmail.com, there continues to be occasional difficulties. If your first notice does not produce response, please try another time or different carrier.

Have a great Homecoming weekend.

Rainy Thursday

So it looks like it is going to rain on our parade. If this maintains itself through noon, we will be moving the pepfest into the gym. Not as exciting but we will do what we need to for the event.

Student Council has worked hard to make this an exciting and positive pepfest for all. There always are a couple that do not have the self-respect or the self-control to deal with these type of situations but we will continue to teach.

Performance Team will be one of the main events and has been an exciting addition to this year's season of teams and opportunities.

Homecoming events are scheduled for Saturday and at this point there are no adjustments in the schedule.