The end of the year is that traditional time of reflection and new promises. Have to admit I have no idea where or how time flies by so rapidly. I can remember thinking that 2000 was a long way off. I definitely remember speaking to this 2011 graduating class thinking the is still four years away. But the new millennium is two days shy of being 12 years old.
Promises -- somehow new year resolutions have become a ritual that we assume will never really happen. I want something more this year. So I use the word promises. How guarded would we mark our words if we thought of them as promises that we really had to strive to bring into reality? Walking the talk is very difficult.
I know that regular daily attendance to school improves academic achievement. But I can't promise that will happen for every child. I know that being prepared for class will improve academic achievement. But, again, I can't promise that will happen for every child.
Obviously, I can strive to influence those activities but I do not control the circumstances making them happen. What I control and I can promise is a strong and relevant curriculum. I believe that we offer IB to all students grades 9-12 and it is a powerful framework for students and teachers. I can promise to continue to support the development and implementation of IB for our children.
I promise to continue to support strong and relevant teachers who motivate children, provide rich instructional opportunities and demand the best from themselves and their students. I believe that we are fortunate in this educational community to have many outstanding teachers for our children. I believe we have teachers who have a solid background and training in their content area. They are professional educators dedicated to continuous improvement. They are passionate about teaching and learning. I know that we must continue to support our excellent staff and celebrate our tremendous successes.
I promise to support activities, programs and events that promote the educational opportunities for our students. The arts are vital to the success of a creative, productive and responsible society. In the broad sense I include athletics in the arts. In the Classical ages athletics were important to the society, its politics, its statements of faith and its education of the young. I think clubs and events enrich the lives of it's members and connect people to one another and to the school.
I do wish I could enable every child to be academically successful.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Critical Ingredient
“[E]ven when students are willing to cooperate, they are still children. They are immature, disorganized, unreliable, and easily distractible, and they begin their schooling with little or no experience of the kind of sustained, focused, purposeful work that is required for learning. This simple fact – that teachers work with children rather than adults – has profound implications for teachers. For their task is not merely to teach other human beings about school subjects, but also to teach them how to cooperate and how to learn, neither of which comes naturally, so that teachers must also persuade students that all of this is worthwhile.”
“Attribution Error and the Quest for Teacher Quality” by Mary Kennedy in Educational Researcher, November 2010 (Vol. 39, #8, p. 591-598)
With all the discussions moving about Washington DC and St. Paul concerning education there are some factors that need to be remembered. We are dealing with children and their families. Schooling is not a natural activity. If one is dealing with an uncooperative child (or family), the task of providing schooling becomes tremendously more difficult.
The popular notion at the moment for both DC and St. Paul is to move the cooperative children to charter and hope for the rest. Clothed in fancy words it appears that some politicians are ready to abandon public - free and appropriate - schools for a separated system of schools that empower children who have supportived and aware families to choose to be separated from the type that is "forced" to take everyone.
In the name of something are we encouraging a system of have's and have not's?
“Attribution Error and the Quest for Teacher Quality” by Mary Kennedy in Educational Researcher, November 2010 (Vol. 39, #8, p. 591-598)
With all the discussions moving about Washington DC and St. Paul concerning education there are some factors that need to be remembered. We are dealing with children and their families. Schooling is not a natural activity. If one is dealing with an uncooperative child (or family), the task of providing schooling becomes tremendously more difficult.
The popular notion at the moment for both DC and St. Paul is to move the cooperative children to charter and hope for the rest. Clothed in fancy words it appears that some politicians are ready to abandon public - free and appropriate - schools for a separated system of schools that empower children who have supportived and aware families to choose to be separated from the type that is "forced" to take everyone.
In the name of something are we encouraging a system of have's and have not's?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Something for everyone
If you like the winter activities there is ice fishing, skates, pond hockey, skies, snow board and the list goes on and into the motorized vehicles. If you like family events and time with relatives -both out and in laws. If you want to shop till you drop or take advantages of those let's get rid of this stuff sales, it is out there these winter break days. Many families have traditions and their own special customs of the season. For others there are special celebrations and expression of faith services. Regardless of the interest or design, there is something out there for everyone.
Lots of snow, plenty of cold and several days off. Regardless of your particular choice of celebration I trust this time has been fun and treasured as important moments for and with family and friends. One of the constants of life should be the people who love us and those we love. With all the rush and silliness that surrounds this time, it is people -friends, family and all those we hold dear. Hopefully you took time for them and yourself.
One more week to relax, celebrate and enjoy. The moments are precious.
Lots of snow, plenty of cold and several days off. Regardless of your particular choice of celebration I trust this time has been fun and treasured as important moments for and with family and friends. One of the constants of life should be the people who love us and those we love. With all the rush and silliness that surrounds this time, it is people -friends, family and all those we hold dear. Hopefully you took time for them and yourself.
One more week to relax, celebrate and enjoy. The moments are precious.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Southwest building closed Thurs. through Sunday
Southwest building will closed for winter break starting Thursday, the 23rd through Sunday the 26th.
Building will reopen on Monday the 27 and will be open 7 am to 3 pm Mon., Tues., and Wed. The building will be closed the remainder of the week and reopen with the start of school on Monday the 3rd.
The offices are closed for the two- week break. No one should be in the building except athletes for scheduled practiced with the coach.
Have a restful winter break. With all the snow so far this winter digging out driveways and sidewalks might be the break activities. Don't forget to think of the neighbors and those who mitt have difficulty shoveling out.
See you in 2011.
Building will reopen on Monday the 27 and will be open 7 am to 3 pm Mon., Tues., and Wed. The building will be closed the remainder of the week and reopen with the start of school on Monday the 3rd.
The offices are closed for the two- week break. No one should be in the building except athletes for scheduled practiced with the coach.
Have a restful winter break. With all the snow so far this winter digging out driveways and sidewalks might be the break activities. Don't forget to think of the neighbors and those who mitt have difficulty shoveling out.
See you in 2011.
A Wonderful Friend Passed Winston Wallin
The area lost a great friend and outstanding leader this week.
Winston Wallin, founder of the Wallin Education Partners, passed away on December 20. Each year, the Wallin Education Partners provide generous scholarship support to public school students in the Twin Cities area. The scholarship program began within the Minneapolis Public Schools.
Many young people have been supported in their quest for college and a better life through the support of the Foundation.
If you have a personal connection to the Foundation or you or your family have benefited from the Wallin Education Partnership and you would like to express your thoughts please use the following address:
The Wallin Scholarship Program
Calhoun Executive Center
3033 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 420
Minneapolis MN 55416
Winston Wallin, founder of the Wallin Education Partners, passed away on December 20. Each year, the Wallin Education Partners provide generous scholarship support to public school students in the Twin Cities area. The scholarship program began within the Minneapolis Public Schools.
Many young people have been supported in their quest for college and a better life through the support of the Foundation.
If you have a personal connection to the Foundation or you or your family have benefited from the Wallin Education Partnership and you would like to express your thoughts please use the following address:
The Wallin Scholarship Program
Calhoun Executive Center
3033 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 420
Minneapolis MN 55416
Monday, December 20, 2010
Speech Contest Winners
Sowda, Kia and SophiaThree Southwest students competed in the American Legion 5th District Oratorical Contest.
Kia Okuma placed 4th; Sowda Mohamed place 2nd and placing 1st was Sophia Deady. Sophia will move on to regional competition.
Southwest Math Team
The Southwest High School Math Team dominated at meet #3.
- Here are some statistics from the meet:
16.5 inches of snow fell over the weekend, postponing the meet until Wednesday. - Streets are still a mess. Transportation was cancelled.
- We had to hold the meet at the individual schools.
- 158 total students from six schools in the Minneapolis division participated
- 97 Southwest students participated individually at the meet (we seem to get to 100…darn it)
- 87 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
- The top nine individual scores at the meet were all earned by Southwest students
- The junior varsity team scored 47 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
- The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 84 points, finishing in first place within the division for the third meet in the row.
- Before the meet, Southwest was officially ranked 6th in the state out of 178 teams. This was a hard meet, so we might have moved up.
- Official state rankings that include the scores from this meet can be viewed at http://www.augsburg.edu/mathleague/ once they become available.
Tickets for "Hot Notes on a Cold Night,"
Our annual cabaret fundraiser for Southwest High School, are available now!
Go to http://tinyurl.com/HotNotesTickets to buy tickets.
You don't want to miss this social event of the year featuring fabulous entertainment by talented Southwest students, a delicious buffet, cash bar, raffle and great silent auction items for sale.
Date: January 22, 2011.
Many hands are needed on the night of the event, and in the weeks leading up to it. Volunteering is a fun way to get to know other Southwest parents and help with this important fundraiser. Needed now: food committee and decorating/design workers. Please contact volunteer coordinator Jackie Mattingly at jmcountdown@gmail.com.
Our annual cabaret fundraiser for Southwest High School, are available now!
Go to http://tinyurl.com/HotNotesTickets to buy tickets.
You don't want to miss this social event of the year featuring fabulous entertainment by talented Southwest students, a delicious buffet, cash bar, raffle and great silent auction items for sale.
Date: January 22, 2011.
Many hands are needed on the night of the event, and in the weeks leading up to it. Volunteering is a fun way to get to know other Southwest parents and help with this important fundraiser. Needed now: food committee and decorating/design workers. Please contact volunteer coordinator Jackie Mattingly at jmcountdown@gmail.com.
Basilica Winter Concert Reschedule Jan 14, 2011
Basilica Concert - Rescheduled for January 14, 2011 at 7 pm
The concert will feature the musical stylings of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra under the inimitable Keith Liuzzi as well as an appearance by the Men Who Stare at Notes and two lively Spanish Renaissance pieces by the Chamber Singers.
As always the concert will end with instrumental and vocal forces joining for Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Location: Basilica of St. Mary on Hennepin Ave btw 16th &17th Streets, Downtown Minneapolis.
Chamber Singers, Donne Voce, Southwest Singers, Women's Choir, Men Who Stare at Notes, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra with select String Orchestra members performing.
The concert will feature the musical stylings of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra under the inimitable Keith Liuzzi as well as an appearance by the Men Who Stare at Notes and two lively Spanish Renaissance pieces by the Chamber Singers.
As always the concert will end with instrumental and vocal forces joining for Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Location: Basilica of St. Mary on Hennepin Ave btw 16th &17th Streets, Downtown Minneapolis.
Chamber Singers, Donne Voce, Southwest Singers, Women's Choir, Men Who Stare at Notes, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra with select String Orchestra members performing.
Black Box Production Jan 4-7 at 7pm
Due to missed school days....
The Black Box Production of A Streetcar Named Desire has been rescheduled for
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:00pm - Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:00pm.
The Black Box Production of A Streetcar Named Desire has been rescheduled for
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:00pm - Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:00pm.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Winter Parking
From this point through April 1, the city winter parking rule is in effect. No parking on the even side of the streets.
The odd side is the south side of streets and east side of avenues.
This parking restriction is everyday whether school is in session or not. So... if you attend a basketball game in January on a Saturday or during the week or maybe even tonight, you have to obey the winter parking rules.
Parking is problem around school. However, we want you and our neighbors safe and we want emergency equipment to be to get to their destination.
Be careful where you park.
The odd side is the south side of streets and east side of avenues.
This parking restriction is everyday whether school is in session or not. So... if you attend a basketball game in January on a Saturday or during the week or maybe even tonight, you have to obey the winter parking rules.
Parking is problem around school. However, we want you and our neighbors safe and we want emergency equipment to be to get to their destination.
Be careful where you park.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Hot Note Volunteers Needed
Hot Notes on a Cold Note
Saturday January 22, 2011
7 p.m. at the Cargill Stage of the Children's Theatre Company
This school gala is a fantastic event benefiting our music department and the entire school fund-raising. It is a community night.
If you are able to volunteer some hours, please contact Kris Berggren [kberg83@gmail.com].
It is a fun evening of song and music and dance and great fun. This is our school-wide festival of community.
If you have some time, please help.
Saturday January 22, 2011
7 p.m. at the Cargill Stage of the Children's Theatre Company
This school gala is a fantastic event benefiting our music department and the entire school fund-raising. It is a community night.
If you are able to volunteer some hours, please contact Kris Berggren [kberg83@gmail.com].
It is a fun evening of song and music and dance and great fun. This is our school-wide festival of community.
If you have some time, please help.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Parking Continues to be Problem
Parking in school parking lots is restricted to Staff identified cars and District vehicles during regular school hours.
Today is going to be a major problem. All the side streets are packed with piles of snow. With the city snow emergency there is NO parking on the ODD side of the street. There is NO parking on the side of the street with permit only or limited hours parking. If you are parked in the wrong spot you more than likely will be ticketed and probably towed.
If at all possible get dropped off or park many blocks away and walk. Parking a car during school hours is going to be near impossible.
Today is going to be a major problem. All the side streets are packed with piles of snow. With the city snow emergency there is NO parking on the ODD side of the street. There is NO parking on the side of the street with permit only or limited hours parking. If you are parked in the wrong spot you more than likely will be ticketed and probably towed.
If at all possible get dropped off or park many blocks away and walk. Parking a car during school hours is going to be near impossible.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Stop Cyber Bullying
Technology is wonderful. I would not be excited to go backwards 20 or 30 years. The world of information, communication, research have benefited medicine, human relations, health and global understanding just to mention a few.
The Social Network is here to stay. Dealing with it responsibly and safely is important. Just as with cars and other potentially dangerous items, our young people make some strange decisions and take actions that seem harmless at the moment. Children have said nasty things to one another for a few dozen centuries. One of the things that make now more harmful is that the nastiness doesn't go away and is not limited to the very few who might be around to hear it.
An insult on Facebook stays on Facebook. It doesn't matter that you do not even live in the same state, you can read that insult about someone miles away and sometimes years away. That degrading picture someone put together with photo software goes from your friend to mine to hundreds and thousands of others with the click of a key. And it is repeated and repeated and rethought and reworded and adjusted for humor - many times by people who know none of the ones involved in the original post.
If you believe your son or daughter is involved or the victim of cyberbullying you need to get involved. Stop name calling and other slurs on the Internet just as you would in person. Hiding behind a screen is not an open season on foul language or personal insults. Humor does not make fun of another person. Joking is not harmful and mean.
If you are interested in what others are doing there are some websites that might provide some ideas: connectsafely.org; stopcyberbulling.org; and commonsensemedia.org.
If your daughter or son can't handle the freedom of the Internet, then take away the instrument. Take the phone or computer or ITouch or whatever. If the child is not able to demonstrate responsibility - take action.
If you son or daughter is the victim, be supportive of him/her. If you know the source you might want to talk directly to the parent. If that does not seem appropriate call the police. Do not erase potential evidence of harassment or threatening messages. Do not respond to nonsense. It takes two for it to be interesting. Don't get caught up trying to play one-up games.
Most of the time it starts innocently enough but escalates when feelings get hurt. So often it is one of the "he said/ she said" and goes round and round. That is why it needs to stop. Don't feed the hate loop.
Communicating with one another over great distances is wonderful. Staying in touch is a grand way to build community. Let's use the power of technology and instant information responsibly.
The Social Network is here to stay. Dealing with it responsibly and safely is important. Just as with cars and other potentially dangerous items, our young people make some strange decisions and take actions that seem harmless at the moment. Children have said nasty things to one another for a few dozen centuries. One of the things that make now more harmful is that the nastiness doesn't go away and is not limited to the very few who might be around to hear it.
An insult on Facebook stays on Facebook. It doesn't matter that you do not even live in the same state, you can read that insult about someone miles away and sometimes years away. That degrading picture someone put together with photo software goes from your friend to mine to hundreds and thousands of others with the click of a key. And it is repeated and repeated and rethought and reworded and adjusted for humor - many times by people who know none of the ones involved in the original post.
If you believe your son or daughter is involved or the victim of cyberbullying you need to get involved. Stop name calling and other slurs on the Internet just as you would in person. Hiding behind a screen is not an open season on foul language or personal insults. Humor does not make fun of another person. Joking is not harmful and mean.
If you are interested in what others are doing there are some websites that might provide some ideas: connectsafely.org; stopcyberbulling.org; and commonsensemedia.org.
If your daughter or son can't handle the freedom of the Internet, then take away the instrument. Take the phone or computer or ITouch or whatever. If the child is not able to demonstrate responsibility - take action.
If you son or daughter is the victim, be supportive of him/her. If you know the source you might want to talk directly to the parent. If that does not seem appropriate call the police. Do not erase potential evidence of harassment or threatening messages. Do not respond to nonsense. It takes two for it to be interesting. Don't get caught up trying to play one-up games.
Most of the time it starts innocently enough but escalates when feelings get hurt. So often it is one of the "he said/ she said" and goes round and round. That is why it needs to stop. Don't feed the hate loop.
Communicating with one another over great distances is wonderful. Staying in touch is a grand way to build community. Let's use the power of technology and instant information responsibly.
Working through the day
City, District and School employees have been working throughout the day to open streets, sidewalks, entrances and parking lots. There continues to be piles of snow.
The street around Southwest are considerably narrower due to the snow piles. Be very careful. Intersections, hills and corners are going to continue to be slick. Black ice will be a problem with these cold temperatures.
Parking will be a nightmare. If you do not have to drive the next three days, please find some other transportation. Get dropped off, car pool, park blocks away, or walk. The number of parking spaces throughout the neighborhood is significantly reduced. There won't be room for the usual number of cars during school. If you park illegally, you will probably have a ticket and or a towing bill.
Be careful on sidewalks. Even with all the plowing the sidewalks and streets will be slippery. Each time the street is plowed, school entrances will get more snow. They are open at the moment but by morning may have some surface snow. Be careful walking from your car, the bus or your home.
Even with all the hard work and efforts of many people, there is a lot of snow and very cold temperatures. Be careful. Be safe.
The street around Southwest are considerably narrower due to the snow piles. Be very careful. Intersections, hills and corners are going to continue to be slick. Black ice will be a problem with these cold temperatures.
Parking will be a nightmare. If you do not have to drive the next three days, please find some other transportation. Get dropped off, car pool, park blocks away, or walk. The number of parking spaces throughout the neighborhood is significantly reduced. There won't be room for the usual number of cars during school. If you park illegally, you will probably have a ticket and or a towing bill.
Be careful on sidewalks. Even with all the plowing the sidewalks and streets will be slippery. Each time the street is plowed, school entrances will get more snow. They are open at the moment but by morning may have some surface snow. Be careful walking from your car, the bus or your home.
Even with all the hard work and efforts of many people, there is a lot of snow and very cold temperatures. Be careful. Be safe.
No School Tuesday December 14
All Minneapolis schools are CLOSED Tuesday December 14 th.
Due to subzero temperatures and unsafe travel conditions Southwest High School and Ali the other schools will be closed.
This will allow school and city workers to continue to walkways, sidewalks and streets.
It will be necessary to make-up this day in the future.
There are NO activities, practices cor other events at the school. Have a safe day.
Due to subzero temperatures and unsafe travel conditions Southwest High School and Ali the other schools will be closed.
This will allow school and city workers to continue to walkways, sidewalks and streets.
It will be necessary to make-up this day in the future.
There are NO activities, practices cor other events at the school. Have a safe day.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Great Day of Snow
Well, it does not happen often. Minneapolis schools just do not closed. But today, Monday December 13, it did. Sub-zero temperatures and 17.1 inches of snow caused is havoc on streets, facilities and people.
So today was a sled day, dig out the driveway day, a bright sunny Minnesota day!
But tomorrow --- there is no place to park. If you can find any other mode of transportation than driving a car that needs parked - then do so. The streets all around school are single lane and there is no place to put a car. The school parking lots are a third of the way full of snow so there is no place for staff cars.
Wear warm clothes because if you do park it will be a long walk. The weather will be below zero in the morning so the usual darling cute but not warm look will not make it for several blocks.
Be careful. Side streets will be crowded and narrow. Snow is getting pushed all over the place and normal turns are now adventures. Don't assume you can stop. Move slowly around school and people and other cars. That is true if you are walking or driving.
This is another day of stories and tales to tell your grandchildren. I trust the day was fun!
So today was a sled day, dig out the driveway day, a bright sunny Minnesota day!
But tomorrow --- there is no place to park. If you can find any other mode of transportation than driving a car that needs parked - then do so. The streets all around school are single lane and there is no place to put a car. The school parking lots are a third of the way full of snow so there is no place for staff cars.
Wear warm clothes because if you do park it will be a long walk. The weather will be below zero in the morning so the usual darling cute but not warm look will not make it for several blocks.
Be careful. Side streets will be crowded and narrow. Snow is getting pushed all over the place and normal turns are now adventures. Don't assume you can stop. Move slowly around school and people and other cars. That is true if you are walking or driving.
This is another day of stories and tales to tell your grandchildren. I trust the day was fun!
SCHOOL CLOSED MONDAY DEC 13
All Minneapolis Public Schools are closed Monday, December 13 due to weather conditions - snow and cold temperatures.
All Southwest school activities are cancelled for Monday. There are no events, practices, shows or Community Education on Monday, Dec. 13.
The Winter Basilica Concert is cancelled for tonight. We are seeking alternative dates and will keep you posted.
The Southwest building is closed.
As needed, other announcements will be posted and on Southwest web site.
All Southwest school activities are cancelled for Monday. There are no events, practices, shows or Community Education on Monday, Dec. 13.
The Winter Basilica Concert is cancelled for tonight. We are seeking alternative dates and will keep you posted.
The Southwest building is closed.
As needed, other announcements will be posted and on Southwest web site.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Stormy Weekend
You know the conditions outside. I suspect plans for sledding the bill hills are already made. It is cold out there. A lecture about frost bite and freezing fingers and toes might be in order. Yes, they will roll their eyes. But maybe they will remember their gloves.
Check the news for continuing developments. The freezing weather is expected to stay with us. This is Minnesota and cold weather and tough people go hand in hand. But standing at the bus stop in the morning is going to difficult.
If you have driving students, the situation at school and in neighborhoods is going to be very confused and congested. If it is possible to car pool or park further away those plans might make sense for the next several days. These might be the days to drop off your students and eliminate the parking issues.
The snow piles are huge. Side streets are going to be more narrow and slick. There are going to be fewer parking spaces and piles of snow in odd places. The temperatures are below zero and with wind chill are dangerous. Be careful and have everyone in your family take a little more time and lots of patience. Pack some extra clothes in the car and be prepared.
Winter in the north lands. But the sun is bright and crisp.
Check the news for continuing developments. The freezing weather is expected to stay with us. This is Minnesota and cold weather and tough people go hand in hand. But standing at the bus stop in the morning is going to difficult.
If you have driving students, the situation at school and in neighborhoods is going to be very confused and congested. If it is possible to car pool or park further away those plans might make sense for the next several days. These might be the days to drop off your students and eliminate the parking issues.
The snow piles are huge. Side streets are going to be more narrow and slick. There are going to be fewer parking spaces and piles of snow in odd places. The temperatures are below zero and with wind chill are dangerous. Be careful and have everyone in your family take a little more time and lots of patience. Pack some extra clothes in the car and be prepared.
Winter in the north lands. But the sun is bright and crisp.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Closed on Saturday
Repeat of earlier announcement ---
All Southwest school activities are CANCELLED for Saturday.
The ski team is in north Minnesota now and if necessary will stay until conditions are safe to return. If you have questions cell phone your ski team children or the emergency numbers Coach Dundon provided.
There are no practices, no activities, no community education activities or school related events.
If you have questions check the Southwest wry site or assume that the event is cancelled.
All Southwest school activities are CANCELLED for Saturday.
The ski team is in north Minnesota now and if necessary will stay until conditions are safe to return. If you have questions cell phone your ski team children or the emergency numbers Coach Dundon provided.
There are no practices, no activities, no community education activities or school related events.
If you have questions check the Southwest wry site or assume that the event is cancelled.
All School Activities CANCELLED Saturday Dec 11
All MPS activities scheduled for tomorrow, December 11, have been canceled due to predictions of severe weather.
This includes Community Education classes, Early Childhood Family Education classes and activities and all other events.
This includes Community Education classes, Early Childhood Family Education classes and activities and all other events.
Winter Storm Warnings
Friday, Saturday and Sunday could be driving adventures. Before you head out to the Gymnastics Meet (St. Cloud), Dance Team (Eastview), Boys Hockey Game (Parade), Girls Hockey at Blake, Swim Meeting in Hutchinson, or Wrestling at Edison, please check to determine if that is actually going to happen.
We will attempt to post here any information we can gain as quickly as possible. Your son or daughter or his/her friends might be the best source of information as this continues to develop. We will attempt to post on our web site as well when information is available.
Be safe
We will attempt to post here any information we can gain as quickly as possible. Your son or daughter or his/her friends might be the best source of information as this continues to develop. We will attempt to post on our web site as well when information is available.
Be safe
Donate Books
Do you have a box of books that you have finished reading and have no idea what to do?
Southwest has a free take-it book shelf that at the moment is empty. We can use your recent popular fiction or interesting non-fiction. Biographies and Autobiographies continue to be popular through the ages.
Please remember that our students are young readers and adult theme are acceptable but please think about the school reader.
If you donate books to the school, these could be tax deductible. You need an inventory of title, etc. We will be happy to verify your inventory. Value and tax credit is between you, the Internal Revenue and your tax accountant.
Southwest has a free take-it book shelf that at the moment is empty. We can use your recent popular fiction or interesting non-fiction. Biographies and Autobiographies continue to be popular through the ages.
Please remember that our students are young readers and adult theme are acceptable but please think about the school reader.
If you donate books to the school, these could be tax deductible. You need an inventory of title, etc. We will be happy to verify your inventory. Value and tax credit is between you, the Internal Revenue and your tax accountant.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Big Time High School Wrestling Friday 4 pm
For a great afternoon of high school wrestling come to the Southwest West Gym at 4 pm on Friday Dec.10.
No there are not ropes and turn buckles. No one will be throwing chairs at the audience. This is more mature form of wrestling with rules and is actually for real.
Come out and support the SW wrestlers and have a great afternoon of athletic fun.
No there are not ropes and turn buckles. No one will be throwing chairs at the audience. This is more mature form of wrestling with rules and is actually for real.
Come out and support the SW wrestlers and have a great afternoon of athletic fun.
Dance Concert Sell-out
If you are coming to the Dance Concert tonight, you'd better get here early. The Fabulous Wednesday performance was a sold-out, turn-them-away crowd.
The concert starts at 7 pm and be prepared to be dazzled and wowed by the outstanding talent of the Southwest students.
Donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students will be accepted at the door.
The concert starts at 7 pm and be prepared to be dazzled and wowed by the outstanding talent of the Southwest students.
Donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students will be accepted at the door.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
BLAST DAY Quiries
BLAST (Be Loving And Sharing Together) is perhaps one of the most misunderstood traditions at Southwest. Many years ago it started as an effort to reach out to community, to explore community issues, to be more supportive and to financially assist community activities.
These events have been over the years, nights out to experiences homelessness, food and clothing drives, working at various non-profits for a few hours, donations to numerous charitable organizations, and learning more about current issues.
From the family side it appears to be another fund-raiser, a different reason to write a check, a complete waste of time or oh,my goodness, what is my child doing this time.
BLAST Day is planned and implemented by the student council and is meant to involved the entire student population. All the various class boards, organizations and clubs work together in different ways to support the events. Many students use the hours for community service hours for IB or scouts or other obligations.
Usually there are fun activities within the event or the actual day. These have been carnivals, dances, picnics or other student driven celebrations. The idea is to work hard and play hard. The purpose is to also promote community and school connectedness.
Please talk to your students about BLAST Day- December 17. Student Council members and class officers introduced the ideas and plans to all students 3rd period yesterday and the day before. There are posters throughout the building and many of your sons and daughters are involved in the plans and workings of the day.
If you have specific questions call Student Council Advisor, James Dundon or email with questions.
Is it a regular, official school day? Yes, it is but we are doing very different things than the six-period day.
These events have been over the years, nights out to experiences homelessness, food and clothing drives, working at various non-profits for a few hours, donations to numerous charitable organizations, and learning more about current issues.
From the family side it appears to be another fund-raiser, a different reason to write a check, a complete waste of time or oh,my goodness, what is my child doing this time.
BLAST Day is planned and implemented by the student council and is meant to involved the entire student population. All the various class boards, organizations and clubs work together in different ways to support the events. Many students use the hours for community service hours for IB or scouts or other obligations.
Usually there are fun activities within the event or the actual day. These have been carnivals, dances, picnics or other student driven celebrations. The idea is to work hard and play hard. The purpose is to also promote community and school connectedness.
Please talk to your students about BLAST Day- December 17. Student Council members and class officers introduced the ideas and plans to all students 3rd period yesterday and the day before. There are posters throughout the building and many of your sons and daughters are involved in the plans and workings of the day.
If you have specific questions call Student Council Advisor, James Dundon or email with questions.
Is it a regular, official school day? Yes, it is but we are doing very different things than the six-period day.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Academic All-Stars on KARE 11
Here’s a link to the Academic All-Star feature on Kare-11.
Also posted on our web-page.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=887526
Also posted on our web-page.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=887526
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday and the start of a 5-day week. Yes, there are two full school weeks left in 2010. Where did the year go?
BLAST day (Student Council and Community Service driven) is Friday, Dec. 17. Check with your son or daughter about activities and events on that day.
Dance Concert - Wed. (Dec. 8) and Thurs. (Dec. 9) here at SW auditorium
Monday, Dec. 13 is the Winter Music Concert at the Basilica
Unhinged Theater in the Black Box is next Tuesday through Friday - Dec. 14- 17 -- Street Car Named Desire
Sports all over the place in the Gymnasium and at other high schools. Check the SW athletic calendar for specific dates, times and places.
We try and cram it all in even thought it is two weeks.
Make sure your student has his/her assignments prior to journeying through the woods to Grandma's house over the break. If you need your daughter/son for the family event, please call in the attendance line.
BLAST day (Student Council and Community Service driven) is Friday, Dec. 17. Check with your son or daughter about activities and events on that day.
Dance Concert - Wed. (Dec. 8) and Thurs. (Dec. 9) here at SW auditorium
Monday, Dec. 13 is the Winter Music Concert at the Basilica
Unhinged Theater in the Black Box is next Tuesday through Friday - Dec. 14- 17 -- Street Car Named Desire
Sports all over the place in the Gymnasium and at other high schools. Check the SW athletic calendar for specific dates, times and places.
We try and cram it all in even thought it is two weeks.
Make sure your student has his/her assignments prior to journeying through the woods to Grandma's house over the break. If you need your daughter/son for the family event, please call in the attendance line.
Join Southwest Speech Team
Speech Team Introductory Meeting
Southwest Speech Team will hold and introductory meeting Tuesday, December 7th in Room E103 at 3:15 PM.
There are 13 individual categories divided between talking and acting categories.
If you are interested in being part of the Southwest Speech Team, come to the introductory meeting on Tuesday, December 7.
Southwest Speech Team will hold and introductory meeting Tuesday, December 7th in Room E103 at 3:15 PM.
There are 13 individual categories divided between talking and acting categories.
If you are interested in being part of the Southwest Speech Team, come to the introductory meeting on Tuesday, December 7.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
KARE 11 Academic All-Stars
Three outstanding Southwest seniors were selected to be the KARE 11 Academic All-Stars
Hana Sato, Kathryn Hehre, and Jason Paller-Rzepka were interviewed and filmed this week. Each was also filmed in a class or two and worked in her/his favorite activities.
Hana - Dance, Japanese
Kathryn - Yearbook and travel to Guatemala and Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and playing volleyball
Jason - Jazz trio, and math team
The Academic All-Star will be on KARE 11 Monday at 5 and/or 6 pm and then repeated on the Sunrise news on Tuesday.
If you can't catch the broadcast, they are available on the KARE 11 website.
Hana Sato, Kathryn Hehre, and Jason Paller-Rzepka were interviewed and filmed this week. Each was also filmed in a class or two and worked in her/his favorite activities.
Hana - Dance, Japanese
Kathryn - Yearbook and travel to Guatemala and Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and playing volleyball
Jason - Jazz trio, and math team
The Academic All-Star will be on KARE 11 Monday at 5 and/or 6 pm and then repeated on the Sunrise news on Tuesday.
If you can't catch the broadcast, they are available on the KARE 11 website.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Pancake Breakfast Sunday Dec. 5 for Nordic Ski Team
Pancake Breakfast
Nordic Ski Team Pancake Breakfast- Sunday December 5th
- 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Pancake breakfast at Famous Dave's in Linden Hills.
Cost - $8 per ticket/children 5 and under eat for free
Nordic Ski Team Pancake Breakfast- Sunday December 5th
- 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Pancake breakfast at Famous Dave's in Linden Hills.
Cost - $8 per ticket/children 5 and under eat for free
TODAY Dec. 1 Barnes and Noble Books for Music
DON'T FORGET! Barnes & Noble Fundraiser on Wednesday, December 1,
at the Galleria Barnes & Noble!
If you mention Southwest High School at the register that day, the SW Music Boosters will receive a percentage of your sales from B&N!! Go to any other Barnes & Noble that day and use our Bookfair ID #103334333 (also found on our voucher -- just click on the link below to get a copy)
ALSO: Southwest Music students will be performing from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Come enjoy some music while you get your holiday shopping done! Get your presents wrapped by Southwest parents!!
Questions? Call Sarah at 612-708-3356
Get your voucher here: http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/lib/2293208309590143/_CalAttachments/Bookfair%202010%20flyer-with-voucher-2.pdf
Can’t attend the Barnes and Noble Fundraiser?
SHOP ONLINE! Visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs/ to support us online from 12/1/10 to 12/6/10 by entering Bookfair ID #103334333 at checkout.
at the Galleria Barnes & Noble!
If you mention Southwest High School at the register that day, the SW Music Boosters will receive a percentage of your sales from B&N!! Go to any other Barnes & Noble that day and use our Bookfair ID #103334333 (also found on our voucher -- just click on the link below to get a copy)
ALSO: Southwest Music students will be performing from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Come enjoy some music while you get your holiday shopping done! Get your presents wrapped by Southwest parents!!
Questions? Call Sarah at 612-708-3356
Get your voucher here: http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/lib/2293208309590143/_CalAttachments/Bookfair%202010%20flyer-with-voucher-2.pdf
Can’t attend the Barnes and Noble Fundraiser?
SHOP ONLINE! Visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs/ to support us online from 12/1/10 to 12/6/10 by entering Bookfair ID #103334333 at checkout.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tutoring Times
Tutoring Times
Monday thru Friday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room 126 -- all subjects with help in Spanish and Somali
Tuesday thru Thursday 3:00 to 4;30 pm Room 126 -- all subjects
Tuesday and Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Media Center -- Writing
Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Room 24 -- Math and Physics
Thursday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room E105 -- Geography
Individual tutoring is set up through the counselors.
Monday thru Friday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room 126 -- all subjects with help in Spanish and Somali
Tuesday thru Thursday 3:00 to 4;30 pm Room 126 -- all subjects
Tuesday and Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Media Center -- Writing
Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 pm Room 24 -- Math and Physics
Thursday 3:00 to 4:00 pm Room E105 -- Geography
Individual tutoring is set up through the counselors.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Time to Focus
There are some weeks between the Thanksgiving break and the winter break. Mentally it is a confusing time. What should I start? What can I put off? Is there sufficient time? This can be a tempting let down period.
Seniors should have the majority of their college aps in. For the other three grades it is a time In between. But it can make or break a grade point average. Once we get back from winter break there is not sufficient time to recoup all the lost opportunities. These are the four weeks to catch up. These are the weeks to make certain that grade is nailed down and solid.
There just are not that many school (work) days in December. Then the year changes and the end of the semester is looming right there. So now is the time to focus. Get the stuff done and turned in. Check to see what still needs to be mastered. What paper is left outstanding?
All the winter sports are now in full swing. Sadie's dance yet to happen. Clubs are off and running. This is a great time in the high school experience. But stay focused on the real work of learning and doing your best. Don't get caught in the lull.
Seniors should have the majority of their college aps in. For the other three grades it is a time In between. But it can make or break a grade point average. Once we get back from winter break there is not sufficient time to recoup all the lost opportunities. These are the four weeks to catch up. These are the weeks to make certain that grade is nailed down and solid.
There just are not that many school (work) days in December. Then the year changes and the end of the semester is looming right there. So now is the time to focus. Get the stuff done and turned in. Check to see what still needs to be mastered. What paper is left outstanding?
All the winter sports are now in full swing. Sadie's dance yet to happen. Clubs are off and running. This is a great time in the high school experience. But stay focused on the real work of learning and doing your best. Don't get caught in the lull.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Little break in preparation for longer break
The Thanksgiving break is a four day break from school for many families. That is not true for families with students is winter sports programs. There probably is practice several days of this short break time.
The more significant event is being away from friends for four days. We've had our three day breaks but this is four days and in a few weeks we will have a 15 day break. I am not sure how face book and the other social networks have effected these breaks but being away from friends for that long is a big deal for teens. I am sure that families are trying to balance family time with "I don't to go." times.
For both parents and children high school is that start of moving to independence and separate lives. Parents have a tendency to take a less active role in the day to day happenings of the child and generally trust more independent events by the child. Children are making new friends that may live further away and that the parents do not know at all. The move to adulthood begins.
The family events that once were sacred traditions are now seen as a bit of a struggle with conflicting time schedules and differing interests. The kids want to move in directions that include their friends. The family generally is moving toward other family events. From the adult perspective getting away from fellow workers or office mates is not even a question. The thought of leaving work on Friday and then seeking ways to get together with the cubicle Monday to Friday associates would appears unnatural.
Students want to be with their friends. They walk down the front stairs of school on Friday with cell phone in hand already asking friends "what are you doing" and more importantly "what are you going to be doing.". How to spend a weekend is a completely different set of questions for an adult and a teen. When a family - comprised of both adults and children - attempts to make plans there are huge differences of values involved in that process.
The older the student, the less the struggle. They have been there before and know the limits. They have had their set of priorities compromised by the discussion with parents and know where the push and break points are. Students with older brothers and sisters have it made because those issues have already been explored and they watched the results. In large families the youngest ones haven struggles and sometimes I am surprised they have any rules to follow. By the fifth kid, all the fight may be gone.
This winter break may be one of those struggles. Getting the family together to take the holiday or special trip or go to Grandma's house may be a bit longer discussion. Generally, that does not have to be the destruction of the family but it may take some different turns. The march toward the sea of independence is interesting. 13 year olds don't always make the best decisions and they generally do not articulate well their issues or their questions. Just as the parents are trying to figure this out, so are the kids. The choice of being with the family over the days off or being with friends is a major design making process.
The more significant event is being away from friends for four days. We've had our three day breaks but this is four days and in a few weeks we will have a 15 day break. I am not sure how face book and the other social networks have effected these breaks but being away from friends for that long is a big deal for teens. I am sure that families are trying to balance family time with "I don't to go." times.
For both parents and children high school is that start of moving to independence and separate lives. Parents have a tendency to take a less active role in the day to day happenings of the child and generally trust more independent events by the child. Children are making new friends that may live further away and that the parents do not know at all. The move to adulthood begins.
The family events that once were sacred traditions are now seen as a bit of a struggle with conflicting time schedules and differing interests. The kids want to move in directions that include their friends. The family generally is moving toward other family events. From the adult perspective getting away from fellow workers or office mates is not even a question. The thought of leaving work on Friday and then seeking ways to get together with the cubicle Monday to Friday associates would appears unnatural.
Students want to be with their friends. They walk down the front stairs of school on Friday with cell phone in hand already asking friends "what are you doing" and more importantly "what are you going to be doing.". How to spend a weekend is a completely different set of questions for an adult and a teen. When a family - comprised of both adults and children - attempts to make plans there are huge differences of values involved in that process.
The older the student, the less the struggle. They have been there before and know the limits. They have had their set of priorities compromised by the discussion with parents and know where the push and break points are. Students with older brothers and sisters have it made because those issues have already been explored and they watched the results. In large families the youngest ones haven struggles and sometimes I am surprised they have any rules to follow. By the fifth kid, all the fight may be gone.
This winter break may be one of those struggles. Getting the family together to take the holiday or special trip or go to Grandma's house may be a bit longer discussion. Generally, that does not have to be the destruction of the family but it may take some different turns. The march toward the sea of independence is interesting. 13 year olds don't always make the best decisions and they generally do not articulate well their issues or their questions. Just as the parents are trying to figure this out, so are the kids. The choice of being with the family over the days off or being with friends is a major design making process.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Book Fair & Support for Music!
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, December 1,
Barnes & Noble Fundraiser for Southwest Music Boosters
New this year – not only can our voucher can be used at any Barnes & Noble on December 1st to support our fundraiser, but also you (and your out-of town family) can shop online from Dec. 1 - Dec. 6 and still count for the book fair!
Please send the flyer with our bookfair number (#103334333) to your family out of town, too!! (or even on the other side of town)
Questions? Contact Sarah LeDoux at 612-827-3181 or ssledoux@comcast.net
Get your flyer and voucher here:
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/lib/2293208309590143/_CalAttachments/Bookfair%202010%20flyer-with-voucher-2.pdf
Barnes & Noble Fundraiser for Southwest Music Boosters
New this year – not only can our voucher can be used at any Barnes & Noble on December 1st to support our fundraiser, but also you (and your out-of town family) can shop online from Dec. 1 - Dec. 6 and still count for the book fair!
Please send the flyer with our bookfair number (#103334333) to your family out of town, too!! (or even on the other side of town)
Questions? Contact Sarah LeDoux at 612-827-3181 or ssledoux@comcast.net
Get your flyer and voucher here:
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/lib/2293208309590143/_CalAttachments/Bookfair%202010%20flyer-with-voucher-2.pdf
Athletic Kudos!
Senior Soccer Star John Pitsenbarger was named all-region by the NSCAA
Senior Ayrton Scott is nominated for the Metro Player of the Year in Football
Football Coach John Biezuns was selected 2010 City Conference Football Coach of the year.
Senior Ayrton Scott is nominated for the Metro Player of the Year in Football
Football Coach John Biezuns was selected 2010 City Conference Football Coach of the year.
Dec 13th Monday Basilica Holiday Concert
Monday, December 13th at 7pm at the Basilica of St. Mary
on Hennepin Ave between 16th 17th Street.
This amazing concert will include performances by the
Southwest Singers,
Chamber Singers,
Donne Voce,
The Men Who Stare at Notes,
Chamber Orchestra and
Wind Ensemble.
Suggested donation: $10/adult
on Hennepin Ave between 16th 17th Street.
This amazing concert will include performances by the
Southwest Singers,
Chamber Singers,
Donne Voce,
The Men Who Stare at Notes,
Chamber Orchestra and
Wind Ensemble.
Suggested donation: $10/adult
Les Misérables – Auditions!
Southwest Spotlight Spring Musical
Les Misérables – Auditions!
Auditions for Les Misérables auditions are Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3 at 3:15 in the HS Auditorium.
There will be an optional pre-audition singing workshop after school in the choir room on Tuesday, November 29 and 30. Sign-up on the fine arts bulletin board.
Les Misérables – Auditions!
Auditions for Les Misérables auditions are Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3 at 3:15 in the HS Auditorium.
There will be an optional pre-audition singing workshop after school in the choir room on Tuesday, November 29 and 30. Sign-up on the fine arts bulletin board.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Just another day
The Molecule enclosed the entire science room. Students moved inner workings around as might occur within a molecule seen through a very powerful microscope.
Which door nobs or set of hands have the largest amount of bacteria? Teams of student scientists moved about the building with their petri dishes and cotton swabs to collect research samples.
Just a couple of the activities happening within typical day at Southwest. That is assuming there is ever a "typical" day. Learning is a process. Learning is change. Learning is moving from one disturbances to another. Learning is unsettling and sometimes every uncomfortable. But it can be fun and exciting. It is a collections of mysteries and marvelous happenings that can rival any TV show or fantastic adventure story.
And it all happens here every day numerous times throughout the day.
Which door nobs or set of hands have the largest amount of bacteria? Teams of student scientists moved about the building with their petri dishes and cotton swabs to collect research samples.
Just a couple of the activities happening within typical day at Southwest. That is assuming there is ever a "typical" day. Learning is a process. Learning is change. Learning is moving from one disturbances to another. Learning is unsettling and sometimes every uncomfortable. But it can be fun and exciting. It is a collections of mysteries and marvelous happenings that can rival any TV show or fantastic adventure story.
And it all happens here every day numerous times throughout the day.
SW Math Team On Top
The Southwest High School Math Team rose to the top again at meet #2.
Here are the statistics from the meet.
• 175 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 83 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• The top five individual scores at the meet were all earned by Southwest students
• The junior varsity team scored 51 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 74 points, finishing in first place within the division
• Before the meet, Southwest was officially ranked 5th in the state out of 178 teams
David McMayer, Math Team Coach
Southwest Mathematics Teacher
Here are the statistics from the meet.
• 175 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 83 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• The top five individual scores at the meet were all earned by Southwest students
• The junior varsity team scored 51 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 74 points, finishing in first place within the division
• Before the meet, Southwest was officially ranked 5th in the state out of 178 teams
David McMayer, Math Team Coach
Southwest Mathematics Teacher
Monday, November 22, 2010
Debate Team Moves on to State
Eastview Invitational Tournament Results
1st Place Jr Varsity - 4-0 record
Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley
4th place Novice 4-0 record
Emma Cummings-Krueger and Tatyana Pashibin
and
Honorable Mention - 3-1 record
Philip Gate and Malcolm Smith
Be Careful Out There
The ski team loves it. We are on regular school hours today. Everything is running as scheduled but as you might expect there could be some delays.
Be careful. Streets are vastly improved over Saturday night and Sunday. But there is a mist and slight rain in spots. That is freezing. Drive carefully.
Be careful. Streets are vastly improved over Saturday night and Sunday. But there is a mist and slight rain in spots. That is freezing. Drive carefully.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Made it through the week
Friday is a joy. Some of that is natural in our society of 5-day work week. Some of that is a tradition of free time Saturday and Sunday. Some of that is more time to be with our friends and away from work and spending time with our loved ones.
In the school world it is interesting. The end of the week is a celebration - kind of because it has to be. But where do the kids want to be? Where are there collection of friends? Where do they spend their "leisure" and free time? So leaving school for the weekend is a different kinds of emotional feeling.
The weekends frequently are family times and visiting the relatives and getting chores done. The Saturday and Sunday events, if not careful, can be the very opposite of what a kid thinks is necessary or an ounce of fun. That is not to say that there shouldn't be family events or that chores should not be delegated to children.
It is just another way of looking at days of the week and what means what to whom? I am thrilled it is Saturday but how quickly can I get back to practice with my friends. I am sick of school and tests but can you drop me off at the library so Sally and I can study.
All part of being a teen-ager.
In the school world it is interesting. The end of the week is a celebration - kind of because it has to be. But where do the kids want to be? Where are there collection of friends? Where do they spend their "leisure" and free time? So leaving school for the weekend is a different kinds of emotional feeling.
The weekends frequently are family times and visiting the relatives and getting chores done. The Saturday and Sunday events, if not careful, can be the very opposite of what a kid thinks is necessary or an ounce of fun. That is not to say that there shouldn't be family events or that chores should not be delegated to children.
It is just another way of looking at days of the week and what means what to whom? I am thrilled it is Saturday but how quickly can I get back to practice with my friends. I am sick of school and tests but can you drop me off at the library so Sally and I can study.
All part of being a teen-ager.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Moving through the Week
Five day week this one and then a two-day week. Cloudy days make everything a bit gloomy. The bright sun days are more energetic and fresh. But the fall is a mixture of it all and a premonition of things (usually cold and snowy) to come.
Week eleven and the work continues. Hopefully, those with disappointing 9-week progress reports have made the contacts and are on their way to the appropriate adjustments to vastly improve prior to the end of the semester.
One Acts begin production tonight (Thursday) and continue through Saturday. Fun set of three shows. Good family fun for the price of one.
The vocal and instrumental concerts were great with packed houses both nights. Don't foget that the Dance concert is moved to December 8th and 9th. The Basilica Holiday Concert is the 13th of December. Barnes and Noble sales support the music booster on Dec. 1st.
Week eleven and the work continues. Hopefully, those with disappointing 9-week progress reports have made the contacts and are on their way to the appropriate adjustments to vastly improve prior to the end of the semester.
One Acts begin production tonight (Thursday) and continue through Saturday. Fun set of three shows. Good family fun for the price of one.
The vocal and instrumental concerts were great with packed houses both nights. Don't foget that the Dance concert is moved to December 8th and 9th. The Basilica Holiday Concert is the 13th of December. Barnes and Noble sales support the music booster on Dec. 1st.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Three for the price of one
Three One-Acts Thursday, Friday and Saturday Curtain at 7 pm
November 18, 19 and 20
The Proposal
The X Chromosome
Puberty: The Game Show
great fun for the entire family.
$10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.
November 18, 19 and 20
The Proposal
The X Chromosome
Puberty: The Game Show
great fun for the entire family.
$10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.
Victorious Debate Tournament in Rochester
The Southwest Debate traveled to Rochester in the first major storm of the season bowl.
With perfect scores the following two teams were undefeated:
Emma Cummings-Kruger and Tatyara Pashiah and
Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley
Three teams were honored with a 3-1 record:
Philip Gates and Malcolm Smith;
Sumana Al-Gharbi and Jaisha Syede; and
Arafa Alam and Sawda Mohamed
Great momentum to move to state competition.
With perfect scores the following two teams were undefeated:
Emma Cummings-Kruger and Tatyara Pashiah and
Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley
Three teams were honored with a 3-1 record:
Philip Gates and Malcolm Smith;
Sumana Al-Gharbi and Jaisha Syede; and
Arafa Alam and Sawda Mohamed
Great momentum to move to state competition.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Math Tutoring available on Thursdays
Need some help with that missing concept or that one problem just does not work -- math tutors are available in room 24 right after school on Thursdays. Get the instant help you need or an alternative explanation. Stop by room 24 and get some help. On some days there is some chemistry and physics as well
Friday, November 12, 2010
Writing tutors Tuesday and Thursday
Writer’s Workshop – Writing Tutors Available!
Need writing help with a paper or essay?
Come to the Media center between 3:15 and 4:30 today – and every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers will be there to help you edit and proofread, organize and plan your writing.
Need writing help with a paper or essay?
Come to the Media center between 3:15 and 4:30 today – and every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
Volunteers will be there to help you edit and proofread, organize and plan your writing.
Now we are adjusted
Another week. This is more than week 10 and that means we are well over one-quarter of the way through the school year. Where does the time go?
The transition from junior high to high school is an adjustment. There is not shame or secret about that. There is an adjustment from moving from an underclass-person to a school leader. There are adjustments that are natural and take time.
Well, I think we are now at that time and ready to move into the realities of the now and at this moment. I understand that is easy to say.
For 9th graders the adjustment is probably a bit more serious since it will set the stage for the next three plus years of high school experience. Getting lost, not making it to class on time, forgetting materials and staff all over the place -- that was part of the 1st 9 weeks. Now it is time to have figured out the building and the routes between classes. School is the business at hand and the silliness of the playground just isn't part of the day.
In some cases the grades reflected that first 9 week transition. Yes, in high school there is homework and test that matter. Just showing up is not the sole purpose of school. Busy work to pass time is not what the class is all about. Yes, there is an expectation of something getting learned.
For many the transition was short and painless. We have fun on a daily basis but the chasing around the slide and throwing sand is of days gone by. We are not exactly adults yet, but we probably are close to being adults in training. So the childish things are behind.
The transition from junior high to high school is an adjustment. There is not shame or secret about that. There is an adjustment from moving from an underclass-person to a school leader. There are adjustments that are natural and take time.
Well, I think we are now at that time and ready to move into the realities of the now and at this moment. I understand that is easy to say.
For 9th graders the adjustment is probably a bit more serious since it will set the stage for the next three plus years of high school experience. Getting lost, not making it to class on time, forgetting materials and staff all over the place -- that was part of the 1st 9 weeks. Now it is time to have figured out the building and the routes between classes. School is the business at hand and the silliness of the playground just isn't part of the day.
In some cases the grades reflected that first 9 week transition. Yes, in high school there is homework and test that matter. Just showing up is not the sole purpose of school. Busy work to pass time is not what the class is all about. Yes, there is an expectation of something getting learned.
For many the transition was short and painless. We have fun on a daily basis but the chasing around the slide and throwing sand is of days gone by. We are not exactly adults yet, but we probably are close to being adults in training. So the childish things are behind.
Sunday
Nov. 14 -- 7:00 pm
STAGE PARENTS
Southwest Auditorium
A show to support the fantastic and wonderful Southwest Theater Program
Performances by the proud parents and alumni of Southwest.
Stars from around the area are on stage to support their students and the many involved in the outstanding Southwest Theater Program.
Tickets and donations at the door or in advance.
Come out and support Southwest Theater, have a wonderful night out and be entertained by some of the many talented Southwest Parents and Alumni
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Honor Bands across the colleges
Every year, music students from Southwest participate in Honor Bands sponsored by various colleges and universities. Usually we only do Gustavus and St Olaf. Because of increased interest, I accepted other opportunities to nominate students.
Five SW band students went to UMD Nov. 5-6: Melissa Mosher (our only Allstate band member), Asia Franklin, Jackie Malone, Anthony Afful and Kyle Thomas.
The Gustavus Honor Band, Nov. 7-8 involves 4 SW musicians: Melissa Mosher, Asia Franklin, Caleb Likely and Brad Pettijohn.
The Winona Jazz Honor Bands are coming up this next weekend, Nov 12-13. Brad Pettijohn and Caleb Likely will be participating. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is featured in a Saturday performance.
When I nominated students for this I did not realize Brad and Caleb would be missing two days of school. They are both excellent musical opportunities for these students.
The St Olaf Band Festival on Saturday, Nov. 13 includes Melissa Mosher, Zack Christenson and Anthony Afful.
Great music opportunities for all the talented students
Keith Liuzzi
Southwest Instrumental Teacher
Five SW band students went to UMD Nov. 5-6: Melissa Mosher (our only Allstate band member), Asia Franklin, Jackie Malone, Anthony Afful and Kyle Thomas.
The Gustavus Honor Band, Nov. 7-8 involves 4 SW musicians: Melissa Mosher, Asia Franklin, Caleb Likely and Brad Pettijohn.
The Winona Jazz Honor Bands are coming up this next weekend, Nov 12-13. Brad Pettijohn and Caleb Likely will be participating. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is featured in a Saturday performance.
When I nominated students for this I did not realize Brad and Caleb would be missing two days of school. They are both excellent musical opportunities for these students.
The St Olaf Band Festival on Saturday, Nov. 13 includes Melissa Mosher, Zack Christenson and Anthony Afful.
Great music opportunities for all the talented students
Keith Liuzzi
Southwest Instrumental Teacher
Honor Performance
Caitlin Kelliher, Dan Hupp, Eli Johnson, Caleb Sponheim or Louie Umbarger today were wonderful ambassadors for Southwest today. All talented seniors. They performed as the awesome jazz combo, “Tea for Five” at the AchieveMpls fundraising luncheon.
They heard Daniel Pink speak about progressive education and were congratulated by Major Rybak for their performance.
When they want the job well done, they ask for Southwest.
They heard Daniel Pink speak about progressive education and were congratulated by Major Rybak for their performance.
When they want the job well done, they ask for Southwest.
One-Acts Showcase
Mark your calendars now for the Southwest One-Acts Showcase.
November 18 - 20 with curtain at 7 pm in the auditorium
Three shows for the price of one. Great shows and great talent.
November 18 - 20 with curtain at 7 pm in the auditorium
Three shows for the price of one. Great shows and great talent.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Take a deep breath we are inbetween seasons
The Fall sports have ended - almost , swimming is still going -- and the Winter sports have not officially begun. Now is a quiet time to take a break and find something else to do for the weekends and evening nights. But better be quick at it since all will break loose here in a few weeks.
Unhinged just finished another successful run and One-Acts are in rehearsal. A vocal music concert tonight and instrumental music concert Thursday night. So we still have some opportunities if you can't remember where you left your downtown season tickets or looked at the price of a night out on the town.
The winter sport athletes are in captain's practice which is conditioning and getting ready for the season. There is no organized practice yet and some start on the 15th and some on the 22nd. The building seems more quiet for a few days as some families are reuniting with their children and others remembering why they encourage sports participation.
It was a great fall and we are looking forward to an equally exciting winter season.
Unhinged just finished another successful run and One-Acts are in rehearsal. A vocal music concert tonight and instrumental music concert Thursday night. So we still have some opportunities if you can't remember where you left your downtown season tickets or looked at the price of a night out on the town.
The winter sport athletes are in captain's practice which is conditioning and getting ready for the season. There is no organized practice yet and some start on the 15th and some on the 22nd. The building seems more quiet for a few days as some families are reuniting with their children and others remembering why they encourage sports participation.
It was a great fall and we are looking forward to an equally exciting winter season.
Sports Awards!
Here are the list of players that won awards for the soccer program
All State Team:
Elliot Emerson
John Pitsenbarger
2nd Team:
Garrett Powell
all-state tournament team--
Mohamud Abdi
Elliot Emerson
Maliq Hunsberger
Shane Marshall
Also
Volleyball took 2nd in the 6AAA finals Thursday night.
In the State High School Cross Country Race
Kamal Berhe, Placed 14th with a time 16:05.4
Robin Fassett-Carman, took 18th with a time of 15:01.3
All State Team:
Elliot Emerson
John Pitsenbarger
2nd Team:
Garrett Powell
all-state tournament team--
Mohamud Abdi
Elliot Emerson
Maliq Hunsberger
Shane Marshall
Also
Volleyball took 2nd in the 6AAA finals Thursday night.
In the State High School Cross Country Race
Kamal Berhe, Placed 14th with a time 16:05.4
Robin Fassett-Carman, took 18th with a time of 15:01.3
Debate Team at St. Francis Victorious Again
1st Place Novice B Division with 4-0 record - Sirine Benjaafar and Kia Okuma
4th Place Junior Varsity with 3-1 record - Avi Gori and Mariah Oxley
Honorable Mention Novice A with 3-1 record - Emma Cummings-Krueger and Tatyana Pashibin
Honorable Mention Novice B with 3-1 record - Phillip Gates and Malcolm Smith
Honorable Mention Varsity with 3-1 record - Emily Kenner and Aswar Rahman
BIG EVENT Sunday Nov. 14
It's a Show by Talented Parents to raise money for Southwest High School Theatre...
This Sunday night in the Auditorium at SW at 7 pm...
$20/adults; $10/students
Order HERE http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/22932082811578590/forms/TakeSurvey.asp?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=6MJnm35K8542M
or
Get tickets at the door
Alumnus, actor/director/author Tom Hegg debuts his "Too Darn Common," a witty poem about showbiz in the days of the Pharaohs.
Minnesota Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Burt Hara (past & future SW parent) and piano accompanist / current parent John Helgen will perform
Jazz vocalist Rhonda Laurie (past and furure SW parent) will sing, and Robert Bell will accompany her on guitar
Guitarist Jeff Waryan (past parent) will be joined by tabla player Gary Waryan
Comic monologist Lynnell Mickelsen (past and current SW parent) will tell a series of stories linking canine misbehavior and parenting
Actress/singer/dancer Julie Madden (current SW parent) will be joined by singer/songwriter friend Ann Reed (Prairie Home Companion, ABC's Good Morning).
This Sunday night in the Auditorium at SW at 7 pm...
$20/adults; $10/students
Order HERE http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/22932082811578590/forms/TakeSurvey.asp?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=6MJnm35K8542M
or
Get tickets at the door
Alumnus, actor/director/author Tom Hegg debuts his "Too Darn Common," a witty poem about showbiz in the days of the Pharaohs.
Minnesota Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Burt Hara (past & future SW parent) and piano accompanist / current parent John Helgen will perform
Jazz vocalist Rhonda Laurie (past and furure SW parent) will sing, and Robert Bell will accompany her on guitar
Guitarist Jeff Waryan (past parent) will be joined by tabla player Gary Waryan
Comic monologist Lynnell Mickelsen (past and current SW parent) will tell a series of stories linking canine misbehavior and parenting
Actress/singer/dancer Julie Madden (current SW parent) will be joined by singer/songwriter friend Ann Reed (Prairie Home Companion, ABC's Good Morning).
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
College Fair Time
The gym was full of colleges from across the states. Wisconsin, Dakotas, Minnesota were all represented with tables and representatives talking with our students in all grades and selling the value of attending that particular institution of higher learning.
It all starts someplace. What is the right question? How do I know if that is a right fit for me? Will I like being in that place? These are the start points for many of our 9th and 10th grade students. We want them to begin that thought process of where, why and then how.
Not only is it important to think about the college I want to attend, but also how do I get in? What are the grade requirements? What particular courses, if any, are required for enrollment? What do I do about tuition costs?
Tonight might be a opportune time to ask if there was something that caught his/her eye? Did one of the colleges have the right color combinations in their mascot? What questions did they ask? Might not get all the answers or even any but sometimes it doesn't hurt to just start the thinking process.
We will have another college fair this year.
It all starts someplace. What is the right question? How do I know if that is a right fit for me? Will I like being in that place? These are the start points for many of our 9th and 10th grade students. We want them to begin that thought process of where, why and then how.
Not only is it important to think about the college I want to attend, but also how do I get in? What are the grade requirements? What particular courses, if any, are required for enrollment? What do I do about tuition costs?
Tonight might be a opportune time to ask if there was something that caught his/her eye? Did one of the colleges have the right color combinations in their mascot? What questions did they ask? Might not get all the answers or even any but sometimes it doesn't hurt to just start the thinking process.
We will have another college fair this year.
Memorial Service Saturday 11:00 am
Community Service: Saturday Nov. 13th 11am
Posted by Ginger:
Over the last few weeks, our family has been deeply touched by all your notes, prayers, cards, donations and love. We appreciate it more than we could ever express. While we desperately miss our Bucklin Boys, we feel immersed in love. Thank you.
To honor the boys' memory and celebrate their lives, we will host a memorial service that will be open to all who loved and cared about Luke, Nick, Nate and Noah:
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 2010
Time: 11:00am Central Time
Location: Christ Presbyterian Church
6901 Normandale Road(Near Hwy. 100 & 70th St.)
Edina, MN 55435
We would love to see you there. In addition, we are planning to offer a webcast so that those who are not able to join us in person can attend remotely. (More details to come, later this week.)
In the meantime, as the service approaches, please take a moment to recall and cherish your favorite memories of the boys. Each of them meant so much to so many, we are eager to come together to honor their lives. We're working on an online solution for you to share your precious memories with us; more details to come tomorrow.
Posted by Ginger:
Over the last few weeks, our family has been deeply touched by all your notes, prayers, cards, donations and love. We appreciate it more than we could ever express. While we desperately miss our Bucklin Boys, we feel immersed in love. Thank you.
To honor the boys' memory and celebrate their lives, we will host a memorial service that will be open to all who loved and cared about Luke, Nick, Nate and Noah:
Date: Saturday, November 13th, 2010
Time: 11:00am Central Time
Location: Christ Presbyterian Church
6901 Normandale Road(Near Hwy. 100 & 70th St.)
Edina, MN 55435
We would love to see you there. In addition, we are planning to offer a webcast so that those who are not able to join us in person can attend remotely. (More details to come, later this week.)
In the meantime, as the service approaches, please take a moment to recall and cherish your favorite memories of the boys. Each of them meant so much to so many, we are eager to come together to honor their lives. We're working on an online solution for you to share your precious memories with us; more details to come tomorrow.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Music concerts Wednesday and Thursday evenings
What a great way to spend an evening out with those special in your life. Come to the choir concert on Wednesday night and instrumental concert on Thursday. Both start at 7 pm in the Southwest auditorium.
Great evening of fun and sound!
Great evening of fun and sound!
Building Safety Always Important
We had a student in crisis around lunch time today. There are lots of rumors and misinformation. I know that is difficult to believe. At least we know our students remain creative and full of imagination.
The student was have difficulty and we were concerned. The student became seriously agitated and restraint was required. A police officer was called and the student was removed from the building. There is no reason to believe that at any time others were involved or that others were in danger. The student did not have any harmful producing object(s) on his person.
We will continue to maintain a safe and secure building for all students. It is unfortunate that these situations arise. We are concerned about the student and all of our students. We will take whatever steps necessary to keep individuals from hurting themselves or others.
If you have questions, please ask me.
The student was have difficulty and we were concerned. The student became seriously agitated and restraint was required. A police officer was called and the student was removed from the building. There is no reason to believe that at any time others were involved or that others were in danger. The student did not have any harmful producing object(s) on his person.
We will continue to maintain a safe and secure building for all students. It is unfortunate that these situations arise. We are concerned about the student and all of our students. We will take whatever steps necessary to keep individuals from hurting themselves or others.
If you have questions, please ask me.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Support Theater Program Sunday No. 14 at 7 pm
Stage Parents is just one week away!
STAGE PARENTS NOVEMBER 14, SUNDAY 7 PM
In addition to the fine performers listed on the linked poster
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=283699 (and yes, that's THE folk singer-songwriter Ann Reed), Lynnell Mickelsen will be sharing a humorous monologue, and former big-time rock guitarist Jeff Waryan (on acoustic guitar) and his brother Gary (on tabla) will play Indian folk music.
Reserve tickets by clicking on the Stage Parents poster on the Southwest homepage. http://www2.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/site/default.asp
(Adults $20; students $10) Tickets are also available at the door.
Bring your friends! Bring your family! Tell your neighbors! Stage Parents is a fun evening for a great cause--our huge and hugely popular SWHS theatre program!
STAGE PARENTS NOVEMBER 14, SUNDAY 7 PM
In addition to the fine performers listed on the linked poster
http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=283699 (and yes, that's THE folk singer-songwriter Ann Reed), Lynnell Mickelsen will be sharing a humorous monologue, and former big-time rock guitarist Jeff Waryan (on acoustic guitar) and his brother Gary (on tabla) will play Indian folk music.
Reserve tickets by clicking on the Stage Parents poster on the Southwest homepage. http://www2.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest/site/default.asp
(Adults $20; students $10) Tickets are also available at the door.
Bring your friends! Bring your family! Tell your neighbors! Stage Parents is a fun evening for a great cause--our huge and hugely popular SWHS theatre program!
Music Fund Raiser Barnes and Noble Dec 1
SAVE THE DATE!
Wednesday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. performances by SW music students
Please save the date for the SW Music Boosters' annual Barnes & Noble Bookfair Fundraiser.
New this year -- you may have your purchases gift-wrapped by Southwest parents. Also, your online sales will now be included! More details to come!
Wednesday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. performances by SW music students
Please save the date for the SW Music Boosters' annual Barnes & Noble Bookfair Fundraiser.
New this year -- you may have your purchases gift-wrapped by Southwest parents. Also, your online sales will now be included! More details to come!
Applications for National Honor Society now available
Applications for National Honor Society:
The deadline for juniors and seniors who wish to apply to NHS is November 30.
Information and the application form is available on the NHS activity page at the SW website.
For more info see Monica Linhoff in E103 or monica.linhoff@mpls.k12.mn.us
The deadline for juniors and seniors who wish to apply to NHS is November 30.
Information and the application form is available on the NHS activity page at the SW website.
For more info see Monica Linhoff in E103 or monica.linhoff@mpls.k12.mn.us
Fall Music Concerts Wed. and Thurs. Nov. 10 & 11
Fall Music Concerts.
All SWHS Choirs will perform Wednesday, November 10th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.
On Thursday, November 11th at 7:00pm the SWHS String Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform in the Auditorium.
NOTE: STRING ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY CHANGED TO THURSDAY.
All SWHS Choirs will perform Wednesday, November 10th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.
On Thursday, November 11th at 7:00pm the SWHS String Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will perform in the Auditorium.
NOTE: STRING ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY CHANGED TO THURSDAY.
College Information Night Tuesday Nov. 9 at 7 pm
College Information Night
Tuesday, November 9, at 7 pm in the Southwest Auditorium, the Counselors and the AchieveMpls Career & College Center Coordinator are hosting an informational evening on the introduction to the college search process, testing, timelines, and resources.
Juniors are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. All are welcome, but the information is directed at juniors and their families.
Tuesday, November 9, at 7 pm in the Southwest Auditorium, the Counselors and the AchieveMpls Career & College Center Coordinator are hosting an informational evening on the introduction to the college search process, testing, timelines, and resources.
Juniors are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. All are welcome, but the information is directed at juniors and their families.
Friday, November 5, 2010
MacPhail Dakota Combo
Danny Hupp and Caitlin Helliher have been selected to participate in the Dakota Combo for the 2010-11 school year.
The Dakota Combo is an area-wide jazz ensemble of highly talented musicians in grades 9-12 selected through open auditions. The Combo is a program of the MacPhail Center for Music in partnership with the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education.
Participating in the Dakota Combo is both an honor and a unique opportunity for high school student jazz artists.
They have a heavy rehearsal schedule for the year with performances several times this spring.
The Dakota Combo is an area-wide jazz ensemble of highly talented musicians in grades 9-12 selected through open auditions. The Combo is a program of the MacPhail Center for Music in partnership with the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education.
Participating in the Dakota Combo is both an honor and a unique opportunity for high school student jazz artists.
They have a heavy rehearsal schedule for the year with performances several times this spring.
Circus Star SW Senior Avery Young
With the greatest of ease
Four Twin Cities high school students are still flying on clouds after winning gold last weekend in the Circus Ring of Friendship Festival in Norrköping, Sweden. Trained by St. Paul-based Circus Juventas, the four trapeze artists -- Blake School senior Kate Cieslowski, Minneapolis South High School junior Brigid Fitzgerald, Southwest High School senior Avery Young and St. Paul Central High School senior Heather Snyder -- won gold for their age group for doing coordinated aerial maneuvers on a bar.
Brigid Fitzgerald, Avery Young, Heather Snyder and Kate Cieslowski
It's sort of like synchronized swimming, except upside-down, in the air.
Quiz Bowl at Eden Prairie
The Quiz Bowl team had a meet last night in Eden Prairie, but most of the team went to the soccer game first.
After the Herculean efforts they made to do both, they expressed how proud they were of the soccer team and the pride they felt having such a wonderful group represent their school.
My team proudly displayed SW soccer-wear during our match and I firmly believe it is why we had a wonderful night.
A big thanks to the soccer program for giving our students another reason to feel proud and for providing us with hope during a horrible week.
Dan Ferris
QB Coach
After the Herculean efforts they made to do both, they expressed how proud they were of the soccer team and the pride they felt having such a wonderful group represent their school.
My team proudly displayed SW soccer-wear during our match and I firmly believe it is why we had a wonderful night.
A big thanks to the soccer program for giving our students another reason to feel proud and for providing us with hope during a horrible week.
Dan Ferris
QB Coach
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Great crowd at Volleyball
The quick news is the Women's Volleyball lost to Wyzata in Sectional 6AAA play Thursday night 3 games to 1. The games were close and in each game the lead went back and forth. Being sectional Runner-up is the furthest the volleyball has ever advanced in the state tournament. Congratulation Lady Lakers on a great season!
That the sport's news. But the real news of these past few weeks may be the character and support victors. In the last three men's Soccer games the Southwest fans outnumbered it's opponent by a bunch. Even in the championship round the Southwest students in attendance outnumbered the students from Apple Valley. And if you want to talk about sportsmanship and language and general rudeness -- Southwest was the victor in all those categories.
Tonight the volleyball team played Wyzata. The Lakers weigh in at around 1,800 students. Wyzata has over 3,000 students. The Southwest student fans crowded two full bleacher sections and had to number at least 250 and was not counting the Men's Soccer team who came late after their second in the state place finish at the Metrodome.
You can probably guess where this is headed. Southwest has 1,800 students and over 250 students supporting other students. Wyzata with is 3,000 students barely had 40 students in attendance for support of it's volleyballs team. The Southwest students support one another. They care about each other. They cheer, attend the events, travel to away games ,come to the plays and applaud the efforts of their friends and classmates.
Sometimes we may not be pretty. And sometimes our buildings aren't as cute as theirs, but we got community. The final scores end up in the paper and there is nothing wrong about winning, but at the end of the day which is the true mark of real winners? What do we really need in life to make it all work? We stand together. We stand tall and we are proud... Of our individual efforts and those of our team mates and classmates.
This is a great place. This is a great community. We are Southwest!
That the sport's news. But the real news of these past few weeks may be the character and support victors. In the last three men's Soccer games the Southwest fans outnumbered it's opponent by a bunch. Even in the championship round the Southwest students in attendance outnumbered the students from Apple Valley. And if you want to talk about sportsmanship and language and general rudeness -- Southwest was the victor in all those categories.
Tonight the volleyball team played Wyzata. The Lakers weigh in at around 1,800 students. Wyzata has over 3,000 students. The Southwest student fans crowded two full bleacher sections and had to number at least 250 and was not counting the Men's Soccer team who came late after their second in the state place finish at the Metrodome.
You can probably guess where this is headed. Southwest has 1,800 students and over 250 students supporting other students. Wyzata with is 3,000 students barely had 40 students in attendance for support of it's volleyballs team. The Southwest students support one another. They care about each other. They cheer, attend the events, travel to away games ,come to the plays and applaud the efforts of their friends and classmates.
Sometimes we may not be pretty. And sometimes our buildings aren't as cute as theirs, but we got community. The final scores end up in the paper and there is nothing wrong about winning, but at the end of the day which is the true mark of real winners? What do we really need in life to make it all work? We stand together. We stand tall and we are proud... Of our individual efforts and those of our team mates and classmates.
This is a great place. This is a great community. We are Southwest!
State Cross Country Saturday
Good Luck to the two State qualifiers in Cross Country.
In Women's Cross Country - Robin Fassett-Carman
and for Men's Cross County - Kamal Berhe
Good luck to both as they run at the State Cross Country Running Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN.
Men's AA start at 1:00 pm and Women's at 2:00 pm
Good Luck Lakers!
In Women's Cross Country - Robin Fassett-Carman
and for Men's Cross County - Kamal Berhe
Good luck to both as they run at the State Cross Country Running Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN.
Men's AA start at 1:00 pm and Women's at 2:00 pm
Good Luck Lakers!
A Great Men's Soccer Season
The final game is a tough one to lose regardless of the level. 23-1 is a great season if the 1 is not the last one.
The Southwest Laker Men's Soccer team finished 2nd in Minnesota after a loss to Apple Valley 0-3 in the state finals on Thursday.
Sports show no mercy - there are winners and there are losers. That is the nature of sports. But there doesn't have to be loser team members or players or kids or people. Our Men's Soccer team went further than any Minneapolis soccer team has gone before. They set a bar for others to challenge. They demonstrated excellence sportsmanship, outstanding academic accomplishments and entertaining games. It has been a great season and bunch of great guys!
The tournament has been a fun series and one that will be talked about for many years. No reunion of the class of 2011 will be complete without the trip to state memories followed by the stories of a great fall season for these seniors. They have every reason to be proud.
The Southwest Laker Men's Soccer team finished 2nd in Minnesota after a loss to Apple Valley 0-3 in the state finals on Thursday.
Sports show no mercy - there are winners and there are losers. That is the nature of sports. But there doesn't have to be loser team members or players or kids or people. Our Men's Soccer team went further than any Minneapolis soccer team has gone before. They set a bar for others to challenge. They demonstrated excellence sportsmanship, outstanding academic accomplishments and entertaining games. It has been a great season and bunch of great guys!
The tournament has been a fun series and one that will be talked about for many years. No reunion of the class of 2011 will be complete without the trip to state memories followed by the stories of a great fall season for these seniors. They have every reason to be proud.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Three days in a long week
Just three days. One would think that would be a breeze. Well, let me tell you....
We want to celebrate with our kids. I don't care if it is sports' championships or a good grade on a test or a successful production or just making it to school on time. We must celebrate the moments.
There are events in our lives that escape understanding. We blow through the days without noticing the people around us or the changes in the weather or the birds migrating south or the feelings of our best friends. Then the bottom falls out. We suffer and feel the pain. Life brings its share of sorrows as well.
I often think I am old enough to have gone through it all and developed the coping skills to make it through. Well, maybe I am but there I days I doubt it. But I do believe that 13, 14, 15, 16 year old kids don't have those experiences and skills that we might. We must be there for them. We must listen and watch. We don't always make the best decisions so you can image what a young one is going through and trying to make out of it all.
This is had been quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. And we are not over.
Just be there for them... and each other.
We want to celebrate with our kids. I don't care if it is sports' championships or a good grade on a test or a successful production or just making it to school on time. We must celebrate the moments.
There are events in our lives that escape understanding. We blow through the days without noticing the people around us or the changes in the weather or the birds migrating south or the feelings of our best friends. Then the bottom falls out. We suffer and feel the pain. Life brings its share of sorrows as well.
I often think I am old enough to have gone through it all and developed the coping skills to make it through. Well, maybe I am but there I days I doubt it. But I do believe that 13, 14, 15, 16 year old kids don't have those experiences and skills that we might. We must be there for them. We must listen and watch. We don't always make the best decisions so you can image what a young one is going through and trying to make out of it all.
This is had been quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. And we are not over.
Just be there for them... and each other.
And the excitement continues!
Some Important Updates for the Week:
There is no school for students on Thursday and Friday this week.
Conferences Wednesday night and Thursday.
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday from 4 until 8 pm and on Thursday from 9 am until 5 pm. No appointments are necessary, however, you may have to wait briefly to speak with a teacher. Teachers will be located in their classrooms. Please limit your conferences to 3-5 minutes per teachers.
If you have questions regarding this message, please call 612 668-3030 during regular business hours.
________________________________________
The Boys Soccer team will play in the State Final on Thursday
The Game will start at 3 pm and the Metrodome.
Here is a link to the MSHL brackets. http://mshsl.org/mshsl/showXMLbrackets.asp?tournid=2578&bracket=5657
________________________________________
The Girls Volleyball team will play in the Section Final on Thursday
The Game will start at 7 pm at Edina High School
Here is a link to the MSHL Section Bracket. http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showbrackets.asp?tournid=399
________________________________________
The Southwest Cross Country Team will run in the State Meet Saturday
Saturday, Nov 6, 2010 at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
There is no school for students on Thursday and Friday this week.
Conferences Wednesday night and Thursday.
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday from 4 until 8 pm and on Thursday from 9 am until 5 pm. No appointments are necessary, however, you may have to wait briefly to speak with a teacher. Teachers will be located in their classrooms. Please limit your conferences to 3-5 minutes per teachers.
If you have questions regarding this message, please call 612 668-3030 during regular business hours.
________________________________________
The Boys Soccer team will play in the State Final on Thursday
The Game will start at 3 pm and the Metrodome.
Here is a link to the MSHL brackets. http://mshsl.org/mshsl/showXMLbrackets.asp?tournid=2578&bracket=5657
________________________________________
The Girls Volleyball team will play in the Section Final on Thursday
The Game will start at 7 pm at Edina High School
Here is a link to the MSHL Section Bracket. http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showbrackets.asp?tournid=399
________________________________________
The Southwest Cross Country Team will run in the State Meet Saturday
Saturday, Nov 6, 2010 at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Early morning conferences 7 am
Due to the Minnesota High School League post-season schedule and the amazing talent of the Southwest Laker Men's Soccer team the state title game will be at the Metrodome ,Thursday, Nov. 4.
Due to the time of the game several of our teachers who are needed at the stadium will be starting conferences on Thursday at 7:00 am. You students will be informed Wednesday during class who is going to be available the early hours. Teachers will attempt to contact families regarding the change of hours also.
Normally scheduled conferences for Thursday are 9 am to 5 pm. The early hours starting at 7 am will be an interesting experiment.
Please talk with you students about the Wednesday hours you child's teacher will have conferences on Thursday. Conferences on Tuesday are 4-8 pm.
Due to the time of the game several of our teachers who are needed at the stadium will be starting conferences on Thursday at 7:00 am. You students will be informed Wednesday during class who is going to be available the early hours. Teachers will attempt to contact families regarding the change of hours also.
Normally scheduled conferences for Thursday are 9 am to 5 pm. The early hours starting at 7 am will be an interesting experiment.
Please talk with you students about the Wednesday hours you child's teacher will have conferences on Thursday. Conferences on Tuesday are 4-8 pm.
Soccer Victoripus on to Championship
The southwest laker conference and Regional Champions
The team plays for the state title on Thursday at 3 pm in the Metrodome.
Women's Volleyball plays for regional championship on Thursday at 7 pm at Edina
The team plays for the state title on Thursday at 3 pm in the Metrodome.
Women's Volleyball plays for regional championship on Thursday at 7 pm at Edina
Math Team Victorious
The Southwest Math Team traveled to Patrick Henry High School last night to compete in the first meet of the 2010-2011 season.
They represented our school well.
Here are some statistics from the meet.
• 168 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 79 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• Two Southwest students tied for the most individual points at the meet
• The varsity team scored a near-perfect 22 points on the team event
• The junior varsity team scored 52 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 82 points, finishing in first place within the
Official state rankings, once they become available, can be viewed at http://www.augsburg.edu/mathleague/
They represented our school well.
Here are some statistics from the meet.
• 168 total students from eight schools in the Minneapolis division participated
• 90 Southwest students participated individually at the meet
• 79 of the Southwest students scored at least one point
• Two Southwest students tied for the most individual points at the meet
• The varsity team scored a near-perfect 22 points on the team event
• The junior varsity team scored 52 points officially, good enough to unofficially place second in the division
• The varsity team (official scoring team) earned 82 points, finishing in first place within the
Official state rankings, once they become available, can be viewed at http://www.augsburg.edu/mathleague/
The Search is over -
Press release from the search team - 11/02 10am CDT
UPDATE: Searchers find missing aircraft
(Lander, WY) – Fremont County Sheriff Skip Hornecker confirmed the wreckage of a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft was found late Monday in the primary search area east of the Continental Divide. Searchers on the scene reported there were no survivors. The crash site was found approximately one mile east of the aircraft’s last known location near Indian Pass at an elevation of about 11,100 feet early this evening, Nov. 1, 2010.
We share in the sorrow and grief of the family. We want to support the Bucklin family and respect their privacy in these coming days.
UPDATE: Searchers find missing aircraft
(Lander, WY) – Fremont County Sheriff Skip Hornecker confirmed the wreckage of a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft was found late Monday in the primary search area east of the Continental Divide. Searchers on the scene reported there were no survivors. The crash site was found approximately one mile east of the aircraft’s last known location near Indian Pass at an elevation of about 11,100 feet early this evening, Nov. 1, 2010.
We share in the sorrow and grief of the family. We want to support the Bucklin family and respect their privacy in these coming days.
Wednesday night at the Theater
Looking for a great place to take the special one in your life? Wanting a special night out with totally ruining the budget? Want to laugh?
Come out and see the current Unhinged Theater production of Actor's Nightmare/Sister Mary Ignatius. Great fun and a great audience to share it with.
Student tickets are $5.00 and adults $10.00. Check ahead due to limited seating.
Have a great time! The show run Wednesday Nov 2 through Saturday night Nov. 6. Curtain at 7 pm.
Come out and see the current Unhinged Theater production of Actor's Nightmare/Sister Mary Ignatius. Great fun and a great audience to share it with.
Student tickets are $5.00 and adults $10.00. Check ahead due to limited seating.
Have a great time! The show run Wednesday Nov 2 through Saturday night Nov. 6. Curtain at 7 pm.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Volleyball WINS!
In an exciting fifth game finish with a score of 17-15 Southwest Volleyball defeated Hopkins in the Semi-Finals of Sectional play.
The Finals will be at Edina on November 4 starting at 7 pm.
The Southwest Conference Champions will play the winner of the Wyzata/Edina game.
Come out and support your Volleyball Team!
The Finals will be at Edina on November 4 starting at 7 pm.
The Southwest Conference Champions will play the winner of the Wyzata/Edina game.
Come out and support your Volleyball Team!
Search Continues Nov 1 -- 5 pm
press release from the search team - 11/01 5pm CDT
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010
Contact: NEW: Ernie Over, Search Public Information Officer (307) 851-0794
MISSING PLANE SEARCH UPDATE at 4:00 PM MT
(Lander, WY) – Blessed with clear skies and warmer weather, ground and air search teams are putting in a full day of searching this afternoon for a missing aircraft in the rugged Wind River Range of northwest Wyoming. The missing craft disappeared from radar one week ago.
Through mid-day Monday, no physical trace of the aircraft has been found.
Searchers today concentrated their efforts in what was termed as the “area of highest probability,” that area around the aircraft’s last known radar position.
“We have two teams consisting of the ‘best of the best” technical mountaineers out there today searching some of the toughest terrain,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We will keep them there as long as the helicopter crews allow us too.”
Aanestad also reported that because of the clear weather today, air units are able to put in additional flight hours. Through Saturday, air teams had logged over 260 hours in the search.
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010
Contact: NEW: Ernie Over, Search Public Information Officer (307) 851-0794
MISSING PLANE SEARCH UPDATE at 4:00 PM MT
(Lander, WY) – Blessed with clear skies and warmer weather, ground and air search teams are putting in a full day of searching this afternoon for a missing aircraft in the rugged Wind River Range of northwest Wyoming. The missing craft disappeared from radar one week ago.
Through mid-day Monday, no physical trace of the aircraft has been found.
Searchers today concentrated their efforts in what was termed as the “area of highest probability,” that area around the aircraft’s last known radar position.
“We have two teams consisting of the ‘best of the best” technical mountaineers out there today searching some of the toughest terrain,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We will keep them there as long as the helicopter crews allow us too.”
Aanestad also reported that because of the clear weather today, air units are able to put in additional flight hours. Through Saturday, air teams had logged over 260 hours in the search.
Monday - interesting
Today is the first day of a three day week. Five days of energy rolled in three.
By itself that is exciting. No there is a sectional semi-final game in Volleyball tonight and a semi final state game in Men's Soccer tomorrow - during the school day.
So we have a short week, two meaningful sports activities, elections tomorrow night and the opening of another Unhinged play on Wednesday. How much more excitement can there be?
For the most part students are doing well with all the commotion and thrills. We still are going to classes and preparing for a variety of tests. The kids know that parent teacher conference is coming so need to get in shape prior to that. Letters of concern went out this past weekend to those student earning Ds and Fs in class. Full grade reports are available at the Parent Portal.
Tuesday will be its own issue with many out to the Dome. For the rest of us, it is a regular school day. If you are permitting your student to attend the game you need a permission slip or telephone call like any other absent day.
By itself that is exciting. No there is a sectional semi-final game in Volleyball tonight and a semi final state game in Men's Soccer tomorrow - during the school day.
So we have a short week, two meaningful sports activities, elections tomorrow night and the opening of another Unhinged play on Wednesday. How much more excitement can there be?
For the most part students are doing well with all the commotion and thrills. We still are going to classes and preparing for a variety of tests. The kids know that parent teacher conference is coming so need to get in shape prior to that. Letters of concern went out this past weekend to those student earning Ds and Fs in class. Full grade reports are available at the Parent Portal.
Tuesday will be its own issue with many out to the Dome. For the rest of us, it is a regular school day. If you are permitting your student to attend the game you need a permission slip or telephone call like any other absent day.
Search Continues Storms over the area
Press Releases
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY at 10:00 AM MT
(Lander, WY) – Fully one week after a light airplane with four members of a Minnesota family on board went off of radar over the rugged Wind River Mountains of northwest Wyoming, search organizers today are sending two more ground teams into the field and four more aircraft.
The Incident Command staff overseeing the search and rescue mission met until late last night pouring over all search routes and data secured from the previous six days of search operations. A plan based on that review was formulated early today and the plan is now being initiated.
“Today we are going to concentrate on clearing the areas of highest probability, including an area just west of the aircraft’s last known radar contact,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We are continuing to work on pinpointing the source of an elusive emergency transponder signal (ELT) that is reverberating in the area, as well.”
All previous attempts to determine the location of a presumed emergency signal with the use of highly sophisticated air and ground detection equipment has frustrated rescuers. Today, two specialized aircraft with detection equipment on board will resume the search. Both are fixed winged-aircraft, one from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol and the second from the Park County (WY) Search and Rescue Team. In addition, two helicopters will continue searching in a grid pattern, again in the area of highest probability based on radar data.
Since initiation of the search after the aircraft disappeared from radar in a snowstorm one week ago this afternoon, numerous air and ground search efforts have been launched in an attempt to find clues to the missing plane. As of today, no physical evidence of the 1977 model Mooney aircraft has been found.
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Monday, November 1, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY at 10:00 AM MT
(Lander, WY) – Fully one week after a light airplane with four members of a Minnesota family on board went off of radar over the rugged Wind River Mountains of northwest Wyoming, search organizers today are sending two more ground teams into the field and four more aircraft.
The Incident Command staff overseeing the search and rescue mission met until late last night pouring over all search routes and data secured from the previous six days of search operations. A plan based on that review was formulated early today and the plan is now being initiated.
“Today we are going to concentrate on clearing the areas of highest probability, including an area just west of the aircraft’s last known radar contact,” said Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. “We are continuing to work on pinpointing the source of an elusive emergency transponder signal (ELT) that is reverberating in the area, as well.”
All previous attempts to determine the location of a presumed emergency signal with the use of highly sophisticated air and ground detection equipment has frustrated rescuers. Today, two specialized aircraft with detection equipment on board will resume the search. Both are fixed winged-aircraft, one from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol and the second from the Park County (WY) Search and Rescue Team. In addition, two helicopters will continue searching in a grid pattern, again in the area of highest probability based on radar data.
Since initiation of the search after the aircraft disappeared from radar in a snowstorm one week ago this afternoon, numerous air and ground search efforts have been launched in an attempt to find clues to the missing plane. As of today, no physical evidence of the 1977 model Mooney aircraft has been found.
Volleyball at Benilde St. Margaret Monday Night
NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION
Southwest beat Robbinsdale Armstrong in three straight games (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) on Friday Night.
Hopkins beat Benilde St. Margaret 3-1.
Southwest will play Hopkins on Monday, Nov 1 at 5:30 in the Semi-finals at Benilde St. Margaret High School.
Note change in location!
Southwest beat Robbinsdale Armstrong in three straight games (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) on Friday Night.
Hopkins beat Benilde St. Margaret 3-1.
Southwest will play Hopkins on Monday, Nov 1 at 5:30 in the Semi-finals at Benilde St. Margaret High School.
Note change in location!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday and Tuesday
Southwest Athletics so far this season has produced the school of champions. Swimming, women's cross country, men's cross country, football, volleyball and men's soccer are all city champions. And the wave continues. Men's and Women's Cross Country send one each to state. Swimmers are still swimming.
Volleyball continues the race to state Monday at Edina versus Hopkins High School.
Tuesday at noon is the trip to the Metrodome for the Men's Soccer team.
Tuesday is a regular school day. Students are expected to be in school UNLESS there is permission by parents to miss due to family situations.
Students need parent permission to miss school on Tuesday OR to leave school early to attend the soccer game at the dome.
Students are expected to be good sports at the Metrodome. No banners are permitted. Hand-held obstructive signs are permitted with appropriate wording. The behavior at the Metrodome is expected to be positive toward teams and players. Horns and other sound makers are not permitted. The soccer game at the Metrodome at noon is a school event and appropriate behavior is expected.
Volleyball continues the race to state Monday at Edina versus Hopkins High School.
Tuesday at noon is the trip to the Metrodome for the Men's Soccer team.
Tuesday is a regular school day. Students are expected to be in school UNLESS there is permission by parents to miss due to family situations.
Students need parent permission to miss school on Tuesday OR to leave school early to attend the soccer game at the dome.
Students are expected to be good sports at the Metrodome. No banners are permitted. Hand-held obstructive signs are permitted with appropriate wording. The behavior at the Metrodome is expected to be positive toward teams and players. Horns and other sound makers are not permitted. The soccer game at the Metrodome at noon is a school event and appropriate behavior is expected.
Spanish Club Selling Sugar Skulls
The Spanish club is selling sugar skulls in honor of the Mexican holiday of día de los muertos. Students created and decorated the skulls themselves.
Check with students in the Spanish Club for further details.
The proceeds from the sales will be used to purchase farm animals through Heifer International to benefit families in Latin America.
Kristin Woebke
SW Spanish Teacher
Check with students in the Spanish Club for further details.
The proceeds from the sales will be used to purchase farm animals through Heifer International to benefit families in Latin America.
Kristin Woebke
SW Spanish Teacher
Searchers racing weather in day 6 of search for missing plane
By the CNN Wire Staff
October 31, 2010 11:47 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Bad weather forces teams to spend the night in search area
No evidence of the plane has been found
It disappeared from radar on Monday
(CNN) -- Teams in their sixth day of searching for a missing plane in Wyoming were attempting to stay ahead of bad weather Sunday after two search teams spent the night at an elevation of 10,000 feet because of "blizzard-like" conditions, authorities said.
The plane had four people on board, members of a Minnesota family, according to the Fremont County, Wyoming, Sheriff's Office. It took off from the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, airport on Monday. It was bound for Riverton, Wyoming, en route to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
"As day six of active searching begins, no physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been found," the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday. "At the incident command center Sunday morning ... fresh snow was visible on the peaks of the Wind River Range."
Searchers have been working in a very remote area at elevations of up to 13,000 feet, the sheriff's office has said.
A Wyoming National Army Guard Blackhawk helicopter was able to remove one ground team, which reported it was nearly "socked in" with "blizzard-like conditions" at the landing zone, authorities said. However, two other teams were forced to spend the night in the area.
"We tried to extract the teams by helicopter, but the weather closed in and they had to spend the night," said Jason Aanestad, incident command operations chief, in the sheriff's office statement. Authorities planned Sunday morning to put in a fresh ground team and remove the other two, he said.
The weather cleared Saturday night, the sheriff's office said, and searchers Sunday had mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 20s. "The weather, however, is expected to close in again late Sunday afternoon," authorities said.
The search plan for Sunday includes using a helicopter in a grid search as well as ground teams, the statement said.
Searchers received a boost on Saturday when they received messages of prayers and support from friends and colleagues of the missing family. After receiving a pile of hand-written notes, the sheriff's office said, searcher Andy Basset -- who had just been plucked from the blizzard -- said, "I wish we could go out again right now."
Snow, high winds and low visibility have hampered the search since it began. The sheriff's office has not identified the identities of those thought to be on board the plane and has also not said whether children were on board.
However, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that the plane carried Luke Bucklin, 40, and his three sons -- 14-year-old twins Nate and Nick, and 12-year-old Noah. A prayer gathering was held for the family Friday night, the newspaper reported.
By the CNN Wire Staff
October 31, 2010 11:47 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Bad weather forces teams to spend the night in search area
No evidence of the plane has been found
It disappeared from radar on Monday
(CNN) -- Teams in their sixth day of searching for a missing plane in Wyoming were attempting to stay ahead of bad weather Sunday after two search teams spent the night at an elevation of 10,000 feet because of "blizzard-like" conditions, authorities said.
The plane had four people on board, members of a Minnesota family, according to the Fremont County, Wyoming, Sheriff's Office. It took off from the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, airport on Monday. It was bound for Riverton, Wyoming, en route to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
"As day six of active searching begins, no physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been found," the sheriff's office said in a statement Sunday. "At the incident command center Sunday morning ... fresh snow was visible on the peaks of the Wind River Range."
Searchers have been working in a very remote area at elevations of up to 13,000 feet, the sheriff's office has said.
A Wyoming National Army Guard Blackhawk helicopter was able to remove one ground team, which reported it was nearly "socked in" with "blizzard-like conditions" at the landing zone, authorities said. However, two other teams were forced to spend the night in the area.
"We tried to extract the teams by helicopter, but the weather closed in and they had to spend the night," said Jason Aanestad, incident command operations chief, in the sheriff's office statement. Authorities planned Sunday morning to put in a fresh ground team and remove the other two, he said.
The weather cleared Saturday night, the sheriff's office said, and searchers Sunday had mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 20s. "The weather, however, is expected to close in again late Sunday afternoon," authorities said.
The search plan for Sunday includes using a helicopter in a grid search as well as ground teams, the statement said.
Searchers received a boost on Saturday when they received messages of prayers and support from friends and colleagues of the missing family. After receiving a pile of hand-written notes, the sheriff's office said, searcher Andy Basset -- who had just been plucked from the blizzard -- said, "I wish we could go out again right now."
Snow, high winds and low visibility have hampered the search since it began. The sheriff's office has not identified the identities of those thought to be on board the plane and has also not said whether children were on board.
However, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that the plane carried Luke Bucklin, 40, and his three sons -- 14-year-old twins Nate and Nick, and 12-year-old Noah. A prayer gathering was held for the family Friday night, the newspaper reported.
Saturday afternoon Press Release Search Continues
press release from the search team - 10/30 4:30pm cdt
By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028
UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 3:30 A.M. M.S.T.
(Lander, WY) – Two Civil Air Patrol fixed wing aircraft returned to the air during the fifth day of active searching for a missing single-engine plane in northwest Wyoming Saturday. The CAP aircraft were sent aloft to re-evaluate an emergency transponder signal, which both air and ground crews have been unable to pinpoint in the rocky canyons of the nine-square mile search area.
No physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been located.
“We have three teams of world-class mountaineers on ground searches today to augment the air search, which includes a new military unit—a Blackhawk helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard,” said Incident Command Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. The Blackhawk arrived at mid-day to relieve a U.S. Air Force Huey, which had been on the search for the past three days.
One of the helicopters involved in the search is performing visual grid work today, scouring the area looking for any clues. “In a search such as this, we are looking for anything unusual or something that is out of place on the landscape,” said Incident Commander Chip Williams. “With the high winds of the last several days, snowfields have shifted and we want to ensure that we’ve covered each grid thoroughly.”
Although the day began with favorable weather, wind speeds began to increase by mid-afternoon and snow showers are forecast later this afternoon into tomorrow.
By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
From: Fremont County Sheriff's Office
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028
UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 3:30 A.M. M.S.T.
(Lander, WY) – Two Civil Air Patrol fixed wing aircraft returned to the air during the fifth day of active searching for a missing single-engine plane in northwest Wyoming Saturday. The CAP aircraft were sent aloft to re-evaluate an emergency transponder signal, which both air and ground crews have been unable to pinpoint in the rocky canyons of the nine-square mile search area.
No physical evidence of the missing aircraft has been located.
“We have three teams of world-class mountaineers on ground searches today to augment the air search, which includes a new military unit—a Blackhawk helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard,” said Incident Command Operations Chief Jason Aanestad. The Blackhawk arrived at mid-day to relieve a U.S. Air Force Huey, which had been on the search for the past three days.
One of the helicopters involved in the search is performing visual grid work today, scouring the area looking for any clues. “In a search such as this, we are looking for anything unusual or something that is out of place on the landscape,” said Incident Commander Chip Williams. “With the high winds of the last several days, snowfields have shifted and we want to ensure that we’ve covered each grid thoroughly.”
Although the day began with favorable weather, wind speeds began to increase by mid-afternoon and snow showers are forecast later this afternoon into tomorrow.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Search News Saturday Oct. 30
press release from the search team - 10/30 10am CDT
By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028
UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 9:00 A.M. M.T.
(Lander, WY) – With favorable weather early today, the fifth full day of searching for a missing single-engine plane with four members of a Minnesota family on board began at daylight in northwest Wyoming. In the four previous full days of searching, no physical evidence of the craft has been found, although teams are still attempting to track an emergency locator signal, which has been heard in the area.
A group of mountaineers from the Sublette County Search and Rescue Team from Pinedale, WY, joined the search this morning and is one of three ground search teams, joining two existing teams from Lander. The ground searchers are being airlifted into the search area by a U.S. Air Force Huey helicopter from Cheyenne, WY.
In addition to the three helicopters, one fixed wing craft from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol is expected to join the search and overfly the area at mid-morning in another attempt to pinpoint the location of an elusive emergency transponder signal that was detected several days ago.
“We are searching some areas today that were previously searched because strong winds have rearranged some surface features in the past two days,” said Chip Williams, Incident Commander. “We are also sending up digital video equipment in one of the helicopters so we can analyze the video for clues to the plane’s disappearance.”
The search area is at an elevation of between 11,000 and 12,000 feet and east of Wyoming’s highest mountain, which is at an elevation of 13,802 feet. The landscape in the search area includes deep drainages, heavy timber and boulder fields, steep and crevassed canyon walls with numerous rock outcroppings and rock towers. Much of the search area is still covered in snow. c
Weather conditions today are forecast to be favorable through late afternoon when isolated snow showers and thunderstorms are forecast. Temperatures in the search area today are forecast to reach a high of between 32 an 35°F.
By ginger - Posted on October 30th, 2010
Tagged: SAR Press Releases
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Contact: Det. Sgt. Ryan Lee, 307-332-1021 or 332-1028
UPDATE: Search for missing aircraft at 9:00 A.M. M.T.
(Lander, WY) – With favorable weather early today, the fifth full day of searching for a missing single-engine plane with four members of a Minnesota family on board began at daylight in northwest Wyoming. In the four previous full days of searching, no physical evidence of the craft has been found, although teams are still attempting to track an emergency locator signal, which has been heard in the area.
A group of mountaineers from the Sublette County Search and Rescue Team from Pinedale, WY, joined the search this morning and is one of three ground search teams, joining two existing teams from Lander. The ground searchers are being airlifted into the search area by a U.S. Air Force Huey helicopter from Cheyenne, WY.
In addition to the three helicopters, one fixed wing craft from the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol is expected to join the search and overfly the area at mid-morning in another attempt to pinpoint the location of an elusive emergency transponder signal that was detected several days ago.
“We are searching some areas today that were previously searched because strong winds have rearranged some surface features in the past two days,” said Chip Williams, Incident Commander. “We are also sending up digital video equipment in one of the helicopters so we can analyze the video for clues to the plane’s disappearance.”
The search area is at an elevation of between 11,000 and 12,000 feet and east of Wyoming’s highest mountain, which is at an elevation of 13,802 feet. The landscape in the search area includes deep drainages, heavy timber and boulder fields, steep and crevassed canyon walls with numerous rock outcroppings and rock towers. Much of the search area is still covered in snow. c
Weather conditions today are forecast to be favorable through late afternoon when isolated snow showers and thunderstorms are forecast. Temperatures in the search area today are forecast to reach a high of between 32 an 35°F.
Championship Competition
Friday was a great day in Southwest Athletics.
Girls Volleyball won in Section 1/4 final action, moving on to the Semi-finals Monday at Edina. There they will compete against Hopkins. This is a rematch, in the first meeting the Lakers won in Three games.
In Cross Country Sections
Robin Fassett-Carman got 6th, and the girls team got 7th
Kamal Berhe took 7th, and the boys team took 5th overall.
Both Robin and Kamal advance to the State Meet at St. Olaf
Boys Soccer in the State Quarterfinals defeated Moundsview 1-0. They now advance to the state semi-finals Tuesday at noon in the Mall of America Field, (Metrodome). The Supervisor and AD at Park HS said that in the 6 years they have been hosting State 1/4 finals that last night was by far the biggest and best fans he has ever seen. Scoring for the Lakers was Junior, Michal Pulkrabek. The Lakers are now 21-0 with only two goals against this season.
Thank you to the dozens of staff, and hundreds of students in attendance to support all of the teams this season.
As we look to this week there is lots of excited athletes still in competition
With Swimming going strong, Cross country, Volleyball, and Soccer still moving forward, it is a great time to come and support them outside of the class room.
Thanks again to everyone for their support last night,
Ryan Lamberty, AD
Girls Volleyball won in Section 1/4 final action, moving on to the Semi-finals Monday at Edina. There they will compete against Hopkins. This is a rematch, in the first meeting the Lakers won in Three games.
In Cross Country Sections
Robin Fassett-Carman got 6th, and the girls team got 7th
Kamal Berhe took 7th, and the boys team took 5th overall.
Both Robin and Kamal advance to the State Meet at St. Olaf
Boys Soccer in the State Quarterfinals defeated Moundsview 1-0. They now advance to the state semi-finals Tuesday at noon in the Mall of America Field, (Metrodome). The Supervisor and AD at Park HS said that in the 6 years they have been hosting State 1/4 finals that last night was by far the biggest and best fans he has ever seen. Scoring for the Lakers was Junior, Michal Pulkrabek. The Lakers are now 21-0 with only two goals against this season.
Thank you to the dozens of staff, and hundreds of students in attendance to support all of the teams this season.
As we look to this week there is lots of excited athletes still in competition
With Swimming going strong, Cross country, Volleyball, and Soccer still moving forward, it is a great time to come and support them outside of the class room.
Thanks again to everyone for their support last night,
Ryan Lamberty, AD
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday is Sports Day
Southwest City Champions continue Friday Oct. 29
Mens' and Womens' Cross Country team starts sectional competition this afternoon at Gale Woods
Mens' Soccer continue their quest for state against Moundsview but playing at Cottage Grove at 7:30 pm
Womens' Volleyball are in Quarterfinals this evening at Southwest High School at 7 pm versus Armstrong
Good Luck Lakers!
Mens' and Womens' Cross Country team starts sectional competition this afternoon at Gale Woods
Mens' Soccer continue their quest for state against Moundsview but playing at Cottage Grove at 7:30 pm
Womens' Volleyball are in Quarterfinals this evening at Southwest High School at 7 pm versus Armstrong
Good Luck Lakers!
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