We really need to come to some agreements about how to use email and all the other communication technology. For many this is an effective way to communicate. It is available at all hours and the response can be at any time of the day. But for some the idea is to be instantaneous.
We punch the send key and then wait for the reply. If the reply is not within our patience range, we fire off another and then sit and wait. That is not exactly the way it works for those of us with jobs -- and teaching is a very important job.
With students sitting in front of you, you are not going to respond quickly. Some of us work on our email at the end of the day or right at the start of the next. Some may use a M-W-F system to keep up with the flood. And it is important to remember that there are lots of it.
In so many cases, the question asked in the first email was answered when the son/daughter came home. In other cases, after 24 hours the entire situation looked differently. So the teacher wades through 30-40 emails that were answered before she/he sent the reply.
In the next few weeks, I want to talk about communication - emails, parent portal, conferences, telephone messages and all that. We want to communicate and we want to be responsive. But we also need your help, suggestions and patience.
Check back for more.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
SW Second Act Musical
The Wizard of Oz Directed by Alexis Wilcock and Jesse LaVercombe
Dates:
December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at 7 p.m.
December 5th at 2 p.m.
In the Southwest Auditorium
Tickets cost $5 for Students and $10 for Adults
Dates:
December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at 7 p.m.
December 5th at 2 p.m.
In the Southwest Auditorium
Tickets cost $5 for Students and $10 for Adults
SW Baseball Poinsettia Sale
Help support the baseball program at Southwest by buying a beautiful poinsettia!
The Bachman-grown plants come in a 7-inch foil-covered pot and are available in red, white and pink. A great deal for $15 and they make great gifts as well!
Order yours before Friday November 27th by emailing Christine Tjossem at ctjossem@comcast.net.
Delivery will be Saturday December 5th. Thanks!
The Bachman-grown plants come in a 7-inch foil-covered pot and are available in red, white and pink. A great deal for $15 and they make great gifts as well!
Order yours before Friday November 27th by emailing Christine Tjossem at ctjossem@comcast.net.
Delivery will be Saturday December 5th. Thanks!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday - in between
Nice to have the extra day this weekend. The shopping frenzy is almost over - or so the newspaper says. Early hours hopeful and then steady as the day goes. I guess we have to wait a few days for the experts to tell us if we had a good time.
My brother-in-law is here in MN for a few weeks before returning to Nigeria where he lives now days. Of course he was out early yesterday and stayed for hours. I think the wandering through shopping malls and pack stores was a treat. But he was successful so he says. Now the task is getting it into suitcases for the trip back.
Nice to have family about. The chatter and family conversations are a break from all the normal routines of business and daily matters. Hope your break included hours for family and friends.
Only a few school things to get done prior to returning so that is okay. Bright and sunny out and a little cool but not bad day for a walk and a few outdoor activities. Have fun.
My brother-in-law is here in MN for a few weeks before returning to Nigeria where he lives now days. Of course he was out early yesterday and stayed for hours. I think the wandering through shopping malls and pack stores was a treat. But he was successful so he says. Now the task is getting it into suitcases for the trip back.
Nice to have family about. The chatter and family conversations are a break from all the normal routines of business and daily matters. Hope your break included hours for family and friends.
Only a few school things to get done prior to returning so that is okay. Bright and sunny out and a little cool but not bad day for a walk and a few outdoor activities. Have fun.
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Day After or what is yet to come?
So the turkey is in the tupperware and already sick of the leftovers. Some probably hit the streets at 3 in the morning to get a jump on those fantastic sales. Some probably had to go back to work. But whatever, it is the day after and now the rush is on for the holiday season. In what ever manner you celebrate the winter or the end of the year and onslaught of the new one, I am sure the TV ads have just about ruined it.
Why can't we just celebrate being with one another and not because it is 25% off all day or only for the fours before sun up? It is a very nice autumn day out there and in the middle of some store there is fussing and fighting, my friends. I am glad to see people out around the lake and just enjoying the moment.
Just about 1/3 of the school year is behind us. There are actually only 192 days left until the 2010 graduation and the end of this school year. There are so many distractions and the moments speed by all too quickly. Instead of hurry up perhaps a slow down is in order to appreciate the instances and momentary experiences. Most of those include other people - friends, very close friends and/or family. Those experiences are not available at MOA and frequently do not include 25% discount.
Happy sane holiday -- have wonderful couple days and enjoy the moments!
Why can't we just celebrate being with one another and not because it is 25% off all day or only for the fours before sun up? It is a very nice autumn day out there and in the middle of some store there is fussing and fighting, my friends. I am glad to see people out around the lake and just enjoying the moment.
Just about 1/3 of the school year is behind us. There are actually only 192 days left until the 2010 graduation and the end of this school year. There are so many distractions and the moments speed by all too quickly. Instead of hurry up perhaps a slow down is in order to appreciate the instances and momentary experiences. Most of those include other people - friends, very close friends and/or family. Those experiences are not available at MOA and frequently do not include 25% discount.
Happy sane holiday -- have wonderful couple days and enjoy the moments!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving
Football, turkey, food, family and friends. I guess that is all of it. It is one of those times of reflection and we probably don't take enough time for thought and reflection. We are 11 weeks into another year. Kids grow up way too quickly. I hope all the SW families have much to be thankful for. Because we are thankful for what we have we are also reminded there are those who do not.
There is more all of us can do. Whether that is part of a political process or a sense of community or that is within our families, there are ways to expand our being and sharing. I trust the holiday season is wonderful for you and your families!
There is more all of us can do. Whether that is part of a political process or a sense of community or that is within our families, there are ways to expand our being and sharing. I trust the holiday season is wonderful for you and your families!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
BLAST Day
BLAST -- Be Loving and Sharing Together -- Day. A tradition started many years ago. Its original purpose was to be a school-wide community service day. Over the years it has taken many forms. In recent years it was a day to share our services and talents with non-profit agencies throughout the metro area.
Then it evolved into a school-wide project. The purpose was to raise awareness, come together for a common cause and to support a worthy project. Some of the projects have been supported because of personal connections or timely concerns or a link between our community and the supported agency.
BLAST Days 2009 is a school-wide initiative to give back and demonstrate how much good can come of a large group of people sharing a common goal.
For BLAST Day 1, beginning on December 7th, Southwest High School Student Council is hosting a fund raising drive with proceeds benefiting The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa.
AHARA is a non-profit, humanitarian organization, based in Minnesota, that provides aid to some of the poorest nations in The Horn of Africa. As an educational institution, Southwest High School is taking on the goal of raising $12,500 to be spent on the construction of a computer lab that will provide educational opportunities to underprivileged students within The Horn of Africa.
BLAST Day activities are sponsored by the SW Student Council.
Then it evolved into a school-wide project. The purpose was to raise awareness, come together for a common cause and to support a worthy project. Some of the projects have been supported because of personal connections or timely concerns or a link between our community and the supported agency.
BLAST Days 2009 is a school-wide initiative to give back and demonstrate how much good can come of a large group of people sharing a common goal.
For BLAST Day 1, beginning on December 7th, Southwest High School Student Council is hosting a fund raising drive with proceeds benefiting The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa.
AHARA is a non-profit, humanitarian organization, based in Minnesota, that provides aid to some of the poorest nations in The Horn of Africa. As an educational institution, Southwest High School is taking on the goal of raising $12,500 to be spent on the construction of a computer lab that will provide educational opportunities to underprivileged students within The Horn of Africa.
BLAST Day activities are sponsored by the SW Student Council.
SW at Children's Theatre
Several Southwest students are involved in some one act productions at Children's Theatre. The performances are:
Dec. 4 and 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 6 and 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at 612 874 0400 or at www.childrenstheatre.org.
A Trilogy of One Acts by Barrie Keeffe
McGuire Studio Theatre
The Children’s Theatre Company
December 4th and 13th at 7:00pm
December 6th and 12th at 2:00pm
Adults - $10 Students - $5
Dec. 4 and 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 6 and 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at 612 874 0400 or at www.childrenstheatre.org.
A Trilogy of One Acts by Barrie Keeffe
McGuire Studio Theatre
The Children’s Theatre Company
December 4th and 13th at 7:00pm
December 6th and 12th at 2:00pm
Adults - $10 Students - $5
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
How about those turkeys?
There was a coloring contest here last week. Color the turkey. So slowly and quietly 500 black and white line drawings of a SW Turkey disappeared from the office. An expert panel (that means folks we could beg into looking at 500 drawings) carefully examined the submitted now colorfully decorated turkeys.
And the winners -and there are lots of them -- are scattered throughout the building today. They have school spirit, they have feathers and have three-dimensional paper cuttings. They have glitter and shiny things. They are wonderful.
Ask your son or daughter about them. They are amazing!
And the winners -and there are lots of them -- are scattered throughout the building today. They have school spirit, they have feathers and have three-dimensional paper cuttings. They have glitter and shiny things. They are wonderful.
Ask your son or daughter about them. They are amazing!
The Case Against Over-Parenting
The is the front cover title of the Nov. 30 issue of Time magazine.
Now I would never suggest that some of our wonderful SW parents might want to read the article in this issue. But it might be interesting to see what the magazine is saying about those "other" parents.
Another good read for those interested is How Much Is Enough? by Dr. Bredehoft and others. or www.overindulgence.info
"If you water a plant too much, it dies. Even if you are watering it too much out of love, it still dies." -- Alden
Now I would never suggest that some of our wonderful SW parents might want to read the article in this issue. But it might be interesting to see what the magazine is saying about those "other" parents.
Another good read for those interested is How Much Is Enough? by Dr. Bredehoft and others. or www.overindulgence.info
"If you water a plant too much, it dies. Even if you are watering it too much out of love, it still dies." -- Alden
Monday, November 23, 2009
Next week Wizard of Oz
Check you calendar and make your reservations for the Second Act Musical Wizard of Oz. Should be a fun show. The kids have had a great time with rehearsals so far. The performances start Tuesday and runs for the rest of the week. A great after Thanksgiving treat.
A rainy Monday
The weather is going to really change one of these days. Yesterday was part of that above temperature weather but nice for outside activities. The rain today was more of a nuisance than a problem. It is perhaps a reminder that winter is yet to come. Not sure what you are thinking but I'm still waiting on summer.
The rain and clouds are always depressing around here. Not sure how to dress and it is come to school in the dark and go home in the dark. On the one hand I will take a little slow/down day like today compared to the potential for a Monday on a short week.
If you are planning a family gathering that requires your son or daughter to be away from school be take care of it this week instead of waiting until you get back. Call in - family event - and have her/him get the assignments so all is done. Yes, school is important and I am not encouraging anyone to be gone. But there are needs within a family that also are important.
Wednesday is a regular school day and if you are going to be in town coming to school makes sense.
The rain and clouds are always depressing around here. Not sure how to dress and it is come to school in the dark and go home in the dark. On the one hand I will take a little slow/down day like today compared to the potential for a Monday on a short week.
If you are planning a family gathering that requires your son or daughter to be away from school be take care of it this week instead of waiting until you get back. Call in - family event - and have her/him get the assignments so all is done. Yes, school is important and I am not encouraging anyone to be gone. But there are needs within a family that also are important.
Wednesday is a regular school day and if you are going to be in town coming to school makes sense.
SW Math Team Rocks!
The Southwest math team officially had the largest number of participants from a single team in the entire state (170 teams).
At the first meet on November 2nd. 83 students participated.
The next meet is November 23rd. Southwest will enter more than 100 participants.
If you are interested in learning more about Math Team, contact Mr. McMayer
~David McMayer
At the first meet on November 2nd. 83 students participated.
The next meet is November 23rd. Southwest will enter more than 100 participants.
If you are interested in learning more about Math Team, contact Mr. McMayer
~David McMayer
Friday, November 20, 2009
Long week before short one
We joke about putting 5 days of energy into 3 days of school. That really is not so much of a joke. That is what happens.
Families (and us older folks) plan around events and families and various functions. We have three days of work and then some time off (OK so maybe that is one day) and some down time.
Kids have three days with their friends and then way too much family time. I am sure you already are trying to fight with the schedules of various practices and who is having what party and who just has to get together. The time out of school is not all that exciting.
Going to school is a perfect excuse to be with friends or those special ones we don't want to talk about. Not going to school is not the same as not going to work. School is where the action is. Home is where we are trying to get away from. School is where are friends are. Home is where they are not.
I am sure you remember this all too well. Yes, there are some family functions that just have to be forced and there will not be any psychological dysfunctions like they are trying to tell you. Family traditions are important -- that is why you continue them even though you had about the same reaction as your children.
Next week will be three full school days but it will feel like much more!
Families (and us older folks) plan around events and families and various functions. We have three days of work and then some time off (OK so maybe that is one day) and some down time.
Kids have three days with their friends and then way too much family time. I am sure you already are trying to fight with the schedules of various practices and who is having what party and who just has to get together. The time out of school is not all that exciting.
Going to school is a perfect excuse to be with friends or those special ones we don't want to talk about. Not going to school is not the same as not going to work. School is where the action is. Home is where we are trying to get away from. School is where are friends are. Home is where they are not.
I am sure you remember this all too well. Yes, there are some family functions that just have to be forced and there will not be any psychological dysfunctions like they are trying to tell you. Family traditions are important -- that is why you continue them even though you had about the same reaction as your children.
Next week will be three full school days but it will feel like much more!
Wednesday Nov 25
There IS school on the Wednesday Nov 25 before Thanksgiving.
There was no school on this Wed. before turkey day for many years. So, please remember that this year there IS school next Wednesday.
There was no school on this Wed. before turkey day for many years. So, please remember that this year there IS school next Wednesday.
One more chance
Saturday Nov 21 is the last performance of the Cmplte wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged). It is worth your time.
A great funny high energy show for most of the family. The cast of three play all the characters involved in the wonderful world of Shakespeare and cover (well cover might be too broad a word) the entire works of the bard.
Directed superbly by some talented seniors, the show fits nicely in the black box and provides the intimacy that allows for a strong audience/actor relationship.
Unhinged is the student theater in operation at Southwest for over 2o years. A great tradition and fresh with every performance.
You will want to reserve your tickets to make sure you have a seat on Saturday. Follow the links on the SW web site for reservation and other information.
A great funny high energy show for most of the family. The cast of three play all the characters involved in the wonderful world of Shakespeare and cover (well cover might be too broad a word) the entire works of the bard.
Directed superbly by some talented seniors, the show fits nicely in the black box and provides the intimacy that allows for a strong audience/actor relationship.
Unhinged is the student theater in operation at Southwest for over 2o years. A great tradition and fresh with every performance.
You will want to reserve your tickets to make sure you have a seat on Saturday. Follow the links on the SW web site for reservation and other information.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Great week for the arts
Wed was the Choir concert. What a fantastic show! Monday was the Band and Wind Ensemble concert. This is a week of the arts. Unhinged is going on through Sat. Second Act Musical is in a couple week. One Act Company was last week but close to this one.
The number of students involved in all of this is incredible! If the lights are on, come on in, we've got a show going on.
What a great bunch of students. What a wonderful bunch of teachers!
The number of students involved in all of this is incredible! If the lights are on, come on in, we've got a show going on.
What a great bunch of students. What a wonderful bunch of teachers!
A lot going on this week
Tonight - Wed. Nov 18--
Choir Concert in the auditorium 7 pm
Unhinged Theater -the Complete Wrks of Shakespeare Abridged 7 pm Black Box
and Thurs. and Fri.nights
Thurs. Nov 19 -Music fund raiser Barnes and Noble
Fri. Nov 20 Sadie Hawkins Dance East Gym 7-10 pm
Choir Concert in the auditorium 7 pm
Unhinged Theater -the Complete Wrks of Shakespeare Abridged 7 pm Black Box
and Thurs. and Fri.nights
Thurs. Nov 19 -Music fund raiser Barnes and Noble
Fri. Nov 20 Sadie Hawkins Dance East Gym 7-10 pm
Drawing Triangles
I can remember being in geometry and trying my best to make those perfect squares, circles and triangles. Maybe it is part of being 14 and male, but that was (maybe is) a bigger challenge than at first glance appears. I know I tried to match that very neat and sharp point style of the female in the class that I admired from a distance. The point of the compass tore the paper - yes it was the compass. It had nothing to do with my small motor skills (or lack thereof). As I tried to pivot the compass around the paper it would wrinkle, move, change direction and do all type of other activities that would lead me to believe that the lords of math really hated me.
The protractor at least, with sufficient pressure, stayed in one stop. That was fine but once in a while you have to reposition it to produce the square or rectangle that was displayed on the chalkboard. Then there were triangles and I always drew wrong ones not those titled right triangles. On top of that you had to measure them!
My math assignment paper probably could be entered as a smudge and pencil art piece but frequently was not the math paper that was tacked to the bulletin board. The erasers and starts and restarts demonstrated effort but not necessarily mastery of the skills.
From what I am observing right now, a few things have changed but the females in the class seem to have very neat papers and the guys have papers that are evidence of struggle. Now, I know that is a generality but that is the way I remember it.
The protractor at least, with sufficient pressure, stayed in one stop. That was fine but once in a while you have to reposition it to produce the square or rectangle that was displayed on the chalkboard. Then there were triangles and I always drew wrong ones not those titled right triangles. On top of that you had to measure them!
My math assignment paper probably could be entered as a smudge and pencil art piece but frequently was not the math paper that was tacked to the bulletin board. The erasers and starts and restarts demonstrated effort but not necessarily mastery of the skills.
From what I am observing right now, a few things have changed but the females in the class seem to have very neat papers and the guys have papers that are evidence of struggle. Now, I know that is a generality but that is the way I remember it.
Music Fund Raiser Barnes and Noble Nov19
Thursday November 19 – Barnes and Noble Book Fair!
When: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Galleria Barnes & Noble
Why: To support music programs at Southwest High School!
How: Bring a copy of your voucher (see link below) to B&N, or pick up a voucher from the Southwest hospitality table at the foot of the escalator, give the cashier your voucher when you check out.
Out of town friends and family can partake in this Book Fair with the voucher at any B&N store!
How much: The Music Boosters get a percentage of all books, music, coffee and food sold at the store that day, depending on the sales attributed to SWHS. What to buy: It’s a perfect time for holiday shopping for those book and music lovers on your list!
Also, at the Barnes & Noble Café, save your Starbucks coffee buying for that day and order and buy a pumpkin Cheesecake Factory cheesecake for Thanksgiving!
Where does the money go? Music, choral accompanists, instrument purchases, instrumental specialists, musical summer scholarships for students, and administration of our choral and instrumental programs.
SW Music Students will be performing in the afternoon and evening that day.Questions? Contact Sarah LeDoux at 612-827-3181 or ssledoux@comcast.net
Get your flyer and voucher here: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/b_n_bookfair_flyer-with-voucher_2009.pdf
When: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Galleria Barnes & Noble
Why: To support music programs at Southwest High School!
How: Bring a copy of your voucher (see link below) to B&N, or pick up a voucher from the Southwest hospitality table at the foot of the escalator, give the cashier your voucher when you check out.
Out of town friends and family can partake in this Book Fair with the voucher at any B&N store!
How much: The Music Boosters get a percentage of all books, music, coffee and food sold at the store that day, depending on the sales attributed to SWHS. What to buy: It’s a perfect time for holiday shopping for those book and music lovers on your list!
Also, at the Barnes & Noble Café, save your Starbucks coffee buying for that day and order and buy a pumpkin Cheesecake Factory cheesecake for Thanksgiving!
Where does the money go? Music, choral accompanists, instrument purchases, instrumental specialists, musical summer scholarships for students, and administration of our choral and instrumental programs.
SW Music Students will be performing in the afternoon and evening that day.Questions? Contact Sarah LeDoux at 612-827-3181 or ssledoux@comcast.net
Get your flyer and voucher here: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/b_n_bookfair_flyer-with-voucher_2009.pdf
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Debaters win again!
One of the freshpeople (9th graders) teams earned a trophy at the Forest Lake Snow Flake Invitational. With 26 schools in attendance the pair scored a perfect 4-0 and with the tie broken by speaker points took home the second place trophy. This is the second week in a row of honors for this team. Congratulations!
Debate continues through the first week in December with the state tournament.
The SW Speech Team will have an introduction meeting Tuesday the 17th at 3:15 in room E103.
Debate continues through the first week in December with the state tournament.
The SW Speech Team will have an introduction meeting Tuesday the 17th at 3:15 in room E103.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday Nov.17 3:15 pm Speech Team Introduction
Now is the time to join the Southwest Speech Team The information meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 17 right after school in room E103.
There are 13 different events. If you are interested in acting, storytelling, writing - plays or novels - public speaking (thinking of becoming a lawyer?), discussion and original and information oratory.
The actual season is from the last weekend in Jan. thought March. Tournaments are on Saturdays. We practice various nights of the week right after school. The practice night is determined by the category. Individual practice times are scheduled to work around schedules.
Successful speakers and actors have earned college scholarships and been accepted in university fine arts programs. If you are interested in business, law, politics or sales public speaking is a must. If you want to further your career in acting or writing, the interpretive categories are for you.
Information meeting Tuesday 3:15 pm in room E103
There are 13 different events. If you are interested in acting, storytelling, writing - plays or novels - public speaking (thinking of becoming a lawyer?), discussion and original and information oratory.
The actual season is from the last weekend in Jan. thought March. Tournaments are on Saturdays. We practice various nights of the week right after school. The practice night is determined by the category. Individual practice times are scheduled to work around schedules.
Successful speakers and actors have earned college scholarships and been accepted in university fine arts programs. If you are interested in business, law, politics or sales public speaking is a must. If you want to further your career in acting or writing, the interpretive categories are for you.
Information meeting Tuesday 3:15 pm in room E103
Bacteria all over the place
We try to make it real. Ms. Swanson's Biology class is going to be all over the school checking out the bacteria (or lack of). To start the discussion, Ms. Swanson did a swab of our School Liaison Off icier Mark Klukow's handcuffs. To view the results you need to click on the link below.
Click on my web page to see the culture from Mark's cuffs.
YUCK! Look at all the different kinds of bacterial colonies there are....and the fuzzy looking blotches are actually mold.
Ms. Swanson
http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/Swanson_Tanna.html
By the way,,,thanks Mark.
Many teachers have web pages and update them regularly. Some have class assignments, some have current lectures and demonstrations and many have links to other exciting adventures.
Click on my web page to see the culture from Mark's cuffs.
YUCK! Look at all the different kinds of bacterial colonies there are....and the fuzzy looking blotches are actually mold.
Ms. Swanson
http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/Swanson_Tanna.html
By the way,,,thanks Mark.
Many teachers have web pages and update them regularly. Some have class assignments, some have current lectures and demonstrations and many have links to other exciting adventures.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
up in the Air
The balloon slowly begin to inflate. The heat and hair dryers were working. The hot air was filling the inside of the white container and it was taking the shape of an egg-shaped balloon. Big pause, more hot air -- and then there is lift-off!
No this is not a retake of the recent bad news story - this is a 9th grade science class. For four periods today and four periods tomorrow, teams of students will be working to make their class made project fly into space.
Part of the project relates to heated molecules and infection and all that time of stuff. Part is a lab reading of distance traveled. Part is problem solving - how can it fly higher, further? What do we need to do differently to improve our results?
How do we take the theories and put them into practice? How do we describe in scientific terms he everyday occurrences? How do we work together to achieve a specific goal? How do we review data, formulate new questions and move to resolution? All of this with hot air balloons!
No this is not a retake of the recent bad news story - this is a 9th grade science class. For four periods today and four periods tomorrow, teams of students will be working to make their class made project fly into space.
Part of the project relates to heated molecules and infection and all that time of stuff. Part is a lab reading of distance traveled. Part is problem solving - how can it fly higher, further? What do we need to do differently to improve our results?
How do we take the theories and put them into practice? How do we describe in scientific terms he everyday occurrences? How do we work together to achieve a specific goal? How do we review data, formulate new questions and move to resolution? All of this with hot air balloons!
Monday, November 9, 2009
New Quarter
For most of the students this is just another Monday. We just don't have that many changes at the quarter. The grades are final and everyone starts over today. But one day and one quarter builds on the previous. The important factor is what was learned that first quarter and not necessarily the grade for that quarter.
The biggest impact on today is that is bright and sunny. We are just not used to that this time of year. You can tell that have been out running around all weekend which would be normal considering how unusually warm it was this past weekend. Yes, we a bit more excited and a bit more silly and a bit more all over the place and that is a function of the weather. I which we have the power to harness that energy and move it into educational directions.
The Sadie's Dance is upcoming. That always leads to its own thrills. In the spirit of the name Sadie Hawkins - which the vast majority of our students are way too young to remember - the girls ask the boys. That in itself is a buzz for the younger students. Girls at 13, 14 and 15 are light years ahead of the boys in maturity. So this is a big deal for the girls. For the boys - many of them - the concept of noticing a girl is still a novelty let alone being asked to a dance by one.
So we have that to deal with on top of the warm weather, a Monday and new quarter. Give me some cold weather and snow and we might have a change at competing for focus.
But then there was the first official graduating senior assembly today. The class of 2010 is really getting measured for caps and gowns and thinking about ordering announcements, etc. For many this is the wake-up call. Graduation is real and the year is flashing by. It has a tendency to be a somewhat somber assembly even though we try to play it off.
The biggest impact on today is that is bright and sunny. We are just not used to that this time of year. You can tell that have been out running around all weekend which would be normal considering how unusually warm it was this past weekend. Yes, we a bit more excited and a bit more silly and a bit more all over the place and that is a function of the weather. I which we have the power to harness that energy and move it into educational directions.
The Sadie's Dance is upcoming. That always leads to its own thrills. In the spirit of the name Sadie Hawkins - which the vast majority of our students are way too young to remember - the girls ask the boys. That in itself is a buzz for the younger students. Girls at 13, 14 and 15 are light years ahead of the boys in maturity. So this is a big deal for the girls. For the boys - many of them - the concept of noticing a girl is still a novelty let alone being asked to a dance by one.
So we have that to deal with on top of the warm weather, a Monday and new quarter. Give me some cold weather and snow and we might have a change at competing for focus.
But then there was the first official graduating senior assembly today. The class of 2010 is really getting measured for caps and gowns and thinking about ordering announcements, etc. For many this is the wake-up call. Graduation is real and the year is flashing by. It has a tendency to be a somewhat somber assembly even though we try to play it off.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
PTSA Meeting 7 pm Tuesday Nov10
One of the new bright spots in this school year is the introduction of the leadership program sponsored by Student Council called Link Crew.
The evening program starting at 7 pm will explore the concept and practices of Link Crew. Wear casual clothes as student members of Link crew will move you through some of the experiences.
Be a part of it all and learn about this new program.
The evening program starting at 7 pm will explore the concept and practices of Link Crew. Wear casual clothes as student members of Link crew will move you through some of the experiences.
Be a part of it all and learn about this new program.
One Act Company present An Evening of Theater
Thurs., Fri., and Sat. Nov 12, 13 and 14 are the days and dates of the One Act Company - An Evening of Theater. All three works are directed by Margaret Berg and feature some of the newest of the fantastic theater group of students at Southwest.
Tickets are $10. for adults and $5. for students.
Want to support the theater but can't fit the dates into your calendar. For $20. four students could enjoy the night and maybe that is their first theater experience. Send your check to SW and enter in the memo line "Share theater." We will get the tickets to students who may not have attended other wise.
Tickets are $10. for adults and $5. for students.
Want to support the theater but can't fit the dates into your calendar. For $20. four students could enjoy the night and maybe that is their first theater experience. Send your check to SW and enter in the memo line "Share theater." We will get the tickets to students who may not have attended other wise.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday - one-quarter of a year
I think I am just about prepared to start and it is the end of the quarter. That means we are 25% (one-quarter) of the way finished with school year. It may be a by-product of age or a sign that one is having a good time, but the parts seem to fly by so quickly.
The realities of finishing high school and being off into the real world is quickly marching into the home and lives of our seniors. The freshpeople are getting a little older (somehow that still takes time). Those in between are finally looking at that GPA and trying to remember all the silly things they posted on Facebook or YouTube and wondering if that college admissions officer really is going to look.
I remind myself and try to live in such a way that every moment must be treasured. There are no repeats in this process. I pass a student in the hall and say hello - or fail to - that moment was here, now and gone. That smile or simple pleasant greeting really is significant. What have I done this day to make things work better for each and every student? How has my action of this moment made an impact on the ways of society?
No, I am not off onto an ego trip thinking my every move has some universal significance. But I do think we have opportunities and we make choices. Collectively how does our live add up?
Well, enough of that in this wonderful sun light. Three more quarters to go. I trust they went well for you and your family. It will be summer all too quickly.
The realities of finishing high school and being off into the real world is quickly marching into the home and lives of our seniors. The freshpeople are getting a little older (somehow that still takes time). Those in between are finally looking at that GPA and trying to remember all the silly things they posted on Facebook or YouTube and wondering if that college admissions officer really is going to look.
I remind myself and try to live in such a way that every moment must be treasured. There are no repeats in this process. I pass a student in the hall and say hello - or fail to - that moment was here, now and gone. That smile or simple pleasant greeting really is significant. What have I done this day to make things work better for each and every student? How has my action of this moment made an impact on the ways of society?
No, I am not off onto an ego trip thinking my every move has some universal significance. But I do think we have opportunities and we make choices. Collectively how does our live add up?
Well, enough of that in this wonderful sun light. Three more quarters to go. I trust they went well for you and your family. It will be summer all too quickly.
PTSA Meeting Nov 10, Tuesday 7:00 pm
What are you doing this coming Tuesday, Nov. 10? The SW Parent Teacher Student Association is hosting a meeting for all the SW families. The topic is the introduction of the Link Crew - a new student leadership activity supported by the Student Council.
Dress is casual clothes because you will have the opportunity to participate in some of the same activities as experienced by the students.
The purpose of Link Crew is to provide positive leadership opportunity for all students, support the transition of new students into the school and supporting a positive school climate.
Dec. 8 in the next PTSA meeting and the topic is "Teens and Employment: Should Your Teen have a Job? Speaker Jyeylan Mortimer, Un. of MN.
Dress is casual clothes because you will have the opportunity to participate in some of the same activities as experienced by the students.
The purpose of Link Crew is to provide positive leadership opportunity for all students, support the transition of new students into the school and supporting a positive school climate.
Dec. 8 in the next PTSA meeting and the topic is "Teens and Employment: Should Your Teen have a Job? Speaker Jyeylan Mortimer, Un. of MN.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Morning Moves Slowly
I try to be out in the halls first thing in the morning. Usually that means I am at door 3 (the main one with the steps) and try to say good morning and hello to those entering students. First, I enjoy meeting the students at the brink of another exciting day of adventure and learning. I am fairly certain they do not see it the same way. In fact with the look in their eyes I am not sure they see anything that early in the morning.
I am standing at the front desk. This past summer I was determined to get into the technology age. I had great fun buying the books and wonderful anticipation of my entry into the world of cyberspace. Well that was humiliating and ego deflating. So I found a kid.
Well, not exactlly a kid. I didn't want to admit to one of our current students that I was techo illiteriate. So I got the name of a graduate. I made the call and scheduled the time.
It was summer and the main office was out in the hall with the area was being cleaned. So, my introduction into this world started standing at the front desk. He was very patient and I asked questioned that would embarass "Blogs for Dummies" (which I did buy and read - actually looked at the pictures which I also did not understand).
After two hours and thousands of questions and millions of kinds words from this very knowing graduate of two years ago who promised to be off to college in the next couple days and had been sworn to secrecy (at least until now) I thought maybe I could venture into the techo world without complete mental breakdown and anquish.
It all started here at the front desk.
So anyway - they enter the front doors and with blinking eyes awake to the blare of educational opportunity. I can tell from their faces that they would just about be anywhere else in the world right at this moment. These are delightful children that exude those looks that a mother would like to forget.
The morning of a school day is a treat to behold and I enjoy every one of them.
I am standing at the front desk. This past summer I was determined to get into the technology age. I had great fun buying the books and wonderful anticipation of my entry into the world of cyberspace. Well that was humiliating and ego deflating. So I found a kid.
Well, not exactlly a kid. I didn't want to admit to one of our current students that I was techo illiteriate. So I got the name of a graduate. I made the call and scheduled the time.
It was summer and the main office was out in the hall with the area was being cleaned. So, my introduction into this world started standing at the front desk. He was very patient and I asked questioned that would embarass "Blogs for Dummies" (which I did buy and read - actually looked at the pictures which I also did not understand).
After two hours and thousands of questions and millions of kinds words from this very knowing graduate of two years ago who promised to be off to college in the next couple days and had been sworn to secrecy (at least until now) I thought maybe I could venture into the techo world without complete mental breakdown and anquish.
It all started here at the front desk.
So anyway - they enter the front doors and with blinking eyes awake to the blare of educational opportunity. I can tell from their faces that they would just about be anywhere else in the world right at this moment. These are delightful children that exude those looks that a mother would like to forget.
The morning of a school day is a treat to behold and I enjoy every one of them.
Support Burroughs School Saturday Art Show
50 Artists on 50th is the theme for the 48th Cultivated Fine Art Show this Saturday Nov. 7. The show opens at 10 am and you can shop until 5 pm.
The Artists have donated $1,000 to the Burroughs School art fund. Stop by, look at the displays and thank the vendors for their support of the school's art program and all its students.
The Artists have donated $1,000 to the Burroughs School art fund. Stop by, look at the displays and thank the vendors for their support of the school's art program and all its students.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Harvest Moon
The past three nights have displayed spectacular moon shows. Now only was it Halloween, but this week is a four-school day week, the end of the grading period, finals week and re-test for the state graduation tests. Now if that is not enough to set things a little skewed -not sure what would.
I maintain that a fantastic research study would be to determine the correlation of the cycle of the moon, barometer pressure and student behavior. I have to believe it to be very high. That is not to say anything all that strange occured but there was an uneasiness throughout the building the past two days.
Now Monday was a left over sugar high and wasn't it fun to remember our childhood high. But it was a bit different. The leaves are finally falling from the trees and it is almost snowing. Fall and winter are acting a little odd like summer did a few months ago. It's okay but just not exactly right.
Once we get to real winter and there is normal snow and the weather is behaving as it should, then we will feel normal. But until then, it is a second trip to the locker for that forgotten book or a wasted wander down the wrong hallway for something that once was a good idea or how did I get this laste?
A day away from school on Friday and the start of a new moon, a new quarter and a new week on Monday will make it all better.
I maintain that a fantastic research study would be to determine the correlation of the cycle of the moon, barometer pressure and student behavior. I have to believe it to be very high. That is not to say anything all that strange occured but there was an uneasiness throughout the building the past two days.
Now Monday was a left over sugar high and wasn't it fun to remember our childhood high. But it was a bit different. The leaves are finally falling from the trees and it is almost snowing. Fall and winter are acting a little odd like summer did a few months ago. It's okay but just not exactly right.
Once we get to real winter and there is normal snow and the weather is behaving as it should, then we will feel normal. But until then, it is a second trip to the locker for that forgotten book or a wasted wander down the wrong hallway for something that once was a good idea or how did I get this laste?
A day away from school on Friday and the start of a new moon, a new quarter and a new week on Monday will make it all better.
Math Team Envelopes Competition
The Southwest Math Team competed Monday night finishing with 101 out of a possible 136 points.
There were 83 students from Southwest at the meet and 140 total students from all the high schools in Minneapolis. I’m not certain, but I think Southwest has the biggest math team in the entire state.
Several students performed well individually. They earned 10 or more points (out of a possible 14) on their two individual events. Two team members led the way with perfect individual event scores. Super job!
David McMayer
Math Team Coach
SW Math Teacher
There were 83 students from Southwest at the meet and 140 total students from all the high schools in Minneapolis. I’m not certain, but I think Southwest has the biggest math team in the entire state.
Several students performed well individually. They earned 10 or more points (out of a possible 14) on their two individual events. Two team members led the way with perfect individual event scores. Super job!
David McMayer
Math Team Coach
SW Math Teacher
Volleyball ends with loss to Hopkins
The Volleyball team finished a great season last night with a loss to Hopkins. This is the third round of the playoff tournament. It is highest in the rounds SW has advanced in recent years.
The season was a great one to watch. A tremendous bunch of young female athletes. All levels of the SW program played well and marked up numerous victories throughout the season.
It was a great season and lot of players returning for next year. Congratulations players and coaches. Thank you for a fun season.
The season was a great one to watch. A tremendous bunch of young female athletes. All levels of the SW program played well and marked up numerous victories throughout the season.
It was a great season and lot of players returning for next year. Congratulations players and coaches. Thank you for a fun season.
Talking Suitcases
Toward the end of last school year English teacher Casey Briskin created a unit for her students to relate some of the literature they had been reading and their own experiences. The theme was immigration and changes.
With the support of Arts for Academic Achievement, Casey was able to secure the assistance of professional artist Susan Armington. The 12th grade students presented a program for other students and were on display for a few days.
Some of the SW student Talking Suitcases will be part of the exhibit at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery at the University of Minnesota - 405 21s Ave. S.
Talking Suitcases are suitcases filled with handmade objects that tell personal stories. The selected suitcases are created by students with diverse backgrounds , with focus on issues of immigration, personal loss and identity.
The Show opens Nov.20 and runs through Dec 17 at the Regis Center for Art. All events are free and open to the public.
With the support of Arts for Academic Achievement, Casey was able to secure the assistance of professional artist Susan Armington. The 12th grade students presented a program for other students and were on display for a few days.
Some of the SW student Talking Suitcases will be part of the exhibit at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery at the University of Minnesota - 405 21s Ave. S.
Talking Suitcases are suitcases filled with handmade objects that tell personal stories. The selected suitcases are created by students with diverse backgrounds , with focus on issues of immigration, personal loss and identity.
The Show opens Nov.20 and runs through Dec 17 at the Regis Center for Art. All events are free and open to the public.
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