A FUNDRAISER FOR SOUTHWEST THEATRE!
On Monday, May 3 (7 PM), Larry LaVercombe, a filmmaker and the father of senior Jesse LaVercombe, will host a special screening of two films he made. Details on the poster below. Please post it on Facebook, forward it to friends and relatives, and spread the word as quickly as possible. It promises to be a fun evening and a great way to raise funds for the Southwest theatre program! Thanks, Larry!
Stage Parents
$10 adults
$5 students
A FILM & DOCUMENTARY
BY LARRY LAVERCOMBE
MAY 3 • 7 PM • SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, 3414 W. 47TH ST.
SPECIAL SCREENING A BENEFIT FOR SOUTHWEST’S THEATRE PROGRAM
The Making of WOZ: a 15-minute, behind-the-scenes documentary, starring the cast and crew of woz
The Wizard of Oz: a full-length,edited version of the student directed play
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Your Son or Daughter and a Car
11 dead in the last week involving cars and teens
Enough said.
Go hug your kid.
Enough said.
Go hug your kid.
Dancers Day three
Decided to try to recreate “Day Three” in retrospect since my attempt at the hotel flew away somewhere in cyberspace. In the a.m. students got to decide whether they wanted to site see Uptown or Downtown. The Downtowners went with Dave and Heidi to Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios(I want a 30 Rock T-shirt!), Radio City and then down to the Brooklyn Bridge to take a gander at the Statue of Liberty from afar. The chaperons said that Shannon had the winning line of the day when she looked out over the water and said, “oh there she is! She’s so cute, she’s so small!” I took 23 of them Uptown to Harlem. We got off on 125th and Lennox and headed towards the “Apollo Theater”.
Fresh mango on the street and sites and sounds and smells of African, Jamaican and Latino culture where everywhere. We stopped along the way to look at the vendors tables that lined the street and people bought earrings and gelato and just enjoyed the beautiful weather on such a historic street. Some had just read the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” and I’m sure the location held a different association for them.
At the Apollo we walked into the lobby and some of the kids started snapping pictures. I loved the security guard that said, “oh no, now hold everything-not in my house! You have to ask to take pictures.” Kind of a great lesson for them to know that sometimes it is disrespectful. She then explained that all the pictures had copyright and that unless one of them was standing in front of the photos , it was illegal.
We got on a bus and headed back downtown past Lincoln Center, Julliard and the New York City Ballet. I had them transfer to a subway at 42nd St. to head down to meet the rest of the group in China Town or Soho. (How fun is it for the 42nd St. Cast Members to be seeing those signs everywhere!) Some headed home to soak their feet, take a nap or deal with their blister(me)!
We then met up at 7:00 p.m. for 18 of them to see “In the Heights”(starring our choreographer/teacher from the day before-Luis) and the others to head downtown to NYU to see the Tisch School’s Composition Class Performance. Benny Olk arranged for our free tickets and the NYU neighborhood is just delightful. Brownstones and small coffee shops, frozen yogurt stores, and more and more small shops with jewelry and things students were attracted to. We hustled through quickly as we were running late. The show was packed and not everyone got a seat. The theme was fabulous. The dance students had to collaborate with a set designer and a musician to make a dance work. Not always successful but an intriguing project. None the less, it wasn’t only me falling asleep at the wheel. Kids were so beat. At intermission, I made the decision to not return. I hustled them out so they could get the energy of the neighborhood on the way back and not be home too late.
Bed check begins at midnight and Heidi had taken my duty the night before so I took her rooms this night. So much fun to hear their stories of the day and reality check what it has been like for them. You will hear many more stories that I will never know. That feels weird.
Florrie and Keara and Sophie and Mae have a great one from Fri. night about running into the old woman who was by herself talking about how her son in law wouldn’t let her dance anymore and somehow these girls got her talking and invited her to join us at the dance concert at the Y. It was only a few blocks away and actually we did have 2 extra tickets (but they didn’t know that). They linked arms with her and made her a pal. When it was sold out she started heading out to the street. Her daughter and son in law appeared outside and had been looking for her. Turns out they told the girls she had Alzheimer's. The girls were so sympathetic to her and all I could think about was the many friends who are dealing with parents in that situation right now.
Others did last minute souvenir shopping and we all met up at the hotel at 3 to take our Town cars to the airport. The doorman, Tim, arranged the cars when I decided there was no way we were taking the subway back to JFK with all that luggage. Too much time and energy we didn’t have on this leg of the journey, so instead of paying $5 to get back to the airport it cost them $10. Almost no one complained about that. (Good thing because Dave had left to catch his earlier flight in the a.m. and he started out for the subway to Jamaica Queens and they were working on the tracks so he had to flag a cab. He texted us with the info-gotta love these phones somedays!)
The plane ride home was not easy. More turbulence than one would have liked, but if you looked out the window in the calm times and saw the immense cavern of clouds we were in, it was gorgeous. We got in early(8:35p.m.) and wow, cell phones and minimal luggage checking.....I think the last student was picked up at 9:10p.m.
There it is.
A lovely trip(I think) was had by all. Give me a few years and I might consider again. They were delightful. Colleen
Fresh mango on the street and sites and sounds and smells of African, Jamaican and Latino culture where everywhere. We stopped along the way to look at the vendors tables that lined the street and people bought earrings and gelato and just enjoyed the beautiful weather on such a historic street. Some had just read the “Autobiography of Malcolm X” and I’m sure the location held a different association for them.
At the Apollo we walked into the lobby and some of the kids started snapping pictures. I loved the security guard that said, “oh no, now hold everything-not in my house! You have to ask to take pictures.” Kind of a great lesson for them to know that sometimes it is disrespectful. She then explained that all the pictures had copyright and that unless one of them was standing in front of the photos , it was illegal.
We got on a bus and headed back downtown past Lincoln Center, Julliard and the New York City Ballet. I had them transfer to a subway at 42nd St. to head down to meet the rest of the group in China Town or Soho. (How fun is it for the 42nd St. Cast Members to be seeing those signs everywhere!) Some headed home to soak their feet, take a nap or deal with their blister(me)!
We then met up at 7:00 p.m. for 18 of them to see “In the Heights”(starring our choreographer/teacher from the day before-Luis) and the others to head downtown to NYU to see the Tisch School’s Composition Class Performance. Benny Olk arranged for our free tickets and the NYU neighborhood is just delightful. Brownstones and small coffee shops, frozen yogurt stores, and more and more small shops with jewelry and things students were attracted to. We hustled through quickly as we were running late. The show was packed and not everyone got a seat. The theme was fabulous. The dance students had to collaborate with a set designer and a musician to make a dance work. Not always successful but an intriguing project. None the less, it wasn’t only me falling asleep at the wheel. Kids were so beat. At intermission, I made the decision to not return. I hustled them out so they could get the energy of the neighborhood on the way back and not be home too late.
Bed check begins at midnight and Heidi had taken my duty the night before so I took her rooms this night. So much fun to hear their stories of the day and reality check what it has been like for them. You will hear many more stories that I will never know. That feels weird.
Florrie and Keara and Sophie and Mae have a great one from Fri. night about running into the old woman who was by herself talking about how her son in law wouldn’t let her dance anymore and somehow these girls got her talking and invited her to join us at the dance concert at the Y. It was only a few blocks away and actually we did have 2 extra tickets (but they didn’t know that). They linked arms with her and made her a pal. When it was sold out she started heading out to the street. Her daughter and son in law appeared outside and had been looking for her. Turns out they told the girls she had Alzheimer's. The girls were so sympathetic to her and all I could think about was the many friends who are dealing with parents in that situation right now.
Others did last minute souvenir shopping and we all met up at the hotel at 3 to take our Town cars to the airport. The doorman, Tim, arranged the cars when I decided there was no way we were taking the subway back to JFK with all that luggage. Too much time and energy we didn’t have on this leg of the journey, so instead of paying $5 to get back to the airport it cost them $10. Almost no one complained about that. (Good thing because Dave had left to catch his earlier flight in the a.m. and he started out for the subway to Jamaica Queens and they were working on the tracks so he had to flag a cab. He texted us with the info-gotta love these phones somedays!)
The plane ride home was not easy. More turbulence than one would have liked, but if you looked out the window in the calm times and saw the immense cavern of clouds we were in, it was gorgeous. We got in early(8:35p.m.) and wow, cell phones and minimal luggage checking.....I think the last student was picked up at 9:10p.m.
There it is.
A lovely trip(I think) was had by all. Give me a few years and I might consider again. They were delightful. Colleen
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Unhinged Production starting Tuesday
Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo.
April 27-30 at 7 PM. $10 for adults, $5 for students. In the Black Box.
Caution: Strong language.
April 27-30 at 7 PM. $10 for adults, $5 for students. In the Black Box.
Caution: Strong language.
Dancers in New York Day 2
Day Two began with our dance class from Luis who was the assistant choreographer for "In the Heights". A musical about the Dominican neighborhood of "Washington Heights" in Manhatten. He was delightful. A perfect combination of skilled technician, latin hip hop dancer, teacher, kind human being, etc. An hour and a half of a lovely class that culminated in teaching students a fun section from the show. While we were taking class, our chaperone Dave was on the phone trying to secure tickets at a decent price for the show tonight. We are out of fundraising money but I wanted to make the show available to those that hadn't seen it and could afford a $45-$50 ticket. He found 18 at $45! That worked. We had 17 takers. Luis loved the students and of course why shouldn't he. We walked back tot he hotel at 10:00 and some ate and got dressed as we headed downtown to our performing gig at P.S. 89. Dance teacher, Catherine Gallant was our host. I had not met Catherine only had gotten her name as a possible taker in terms of a dance teacher in a public school that might be open to a performance. NYC District Dance Director Joan Finkelstein had given me a lead to her 2 years ago and it didn't work out so I though maybe this year it would. I could tell she was brilliant over email about dance in the schools, her philosophy etc. bled through all her emails and I was anxious to meet her. Little did I/we know what we would be walking in to. It was a K-5 school literally in the shadow of the former Twin Towers. As we got closer and closer to it and we saw Ground Zero from our path it was clear this would be a school that knew hardship. I asked her in private about the location and what it meant. She said she was the only teacher in the building that had been there on that day 9 years ago. She would be willing to share a little with the students but it there would always be things she couldn't talk emotionally. The school lost no parents or children to the catastrophe she told them, and for that they were grateful. That morning however she said that all the south facing windows revealed the up close and personal site of the planes into the building and the administration still not knowing what was happening, gathered the entire student body into the center of the building to keep people away from the windows. The national guard eventually came in to tell them to evacuate. She said it was too late. As they all started shuffling students down the West Side Hwy, the building began to fall. She couldn't talk about it more than that. Their school became a central location for police and firefighters. Her dance studio was filled with computers and some of the firefighter apparrel was left in her dance closet when they returned in March. The school was relocated to other areas of the city and she said she learned that home is what you take with you. The increase in kids interested in dance rose as they wanted more community and they created a dance piece together called "Towards Home" and ended up performing it at many many venues that year. Upon returning to their building in March, the school had shrunk by 50%, The families of the children, many who live and work in the financial district, moved their famlies to their summer homes or out of the city somewhere else.
The students in the school now are not the ones that experienced this horrific event. She is the school's memory of that day and the evolution back. Wow. Did I mention the students performed wonderfully and the 5th grade audience was delightful. Their comments about New York, dancing, etc. were priceless. To be written another time. We then walked across and circled Ground Zero. I'm not sure how powerful this was to everyone else. Obviously this was a big one for me.
They had free time after to shop or eat and we met at the hotel at 7:00 pm. to go to the 92nd St. YMHA to see a performance of the Doug Varrone Dance Company. Sitting on the floor of this upper east side studio in the Historic 92nd St. Y was a thrill. The earliest Jewish Cultural places in New York that supported and presented countless jewish dancers and dancers of color that no one else was presenting at the time(Pearl Primus, Katherine Dunham, Helen Tamaris, and on and on). The students enjoyed the work though I'm sure the gravity of the building and it's legacy they are too young to comprehend. They were asked to do research on it and find out more before we came. Former Southwest Student Benny Olk joined us as he is majoring in dance at NYU Tisch School for the Arts and he's a huge Doug Varrone fan. Benny was a delight to see as he is blossoming into a full blown artist. So great to hear of his journey as he learns more about his body, the New York dance scene, and the place dance seems to be making in new and sophisticated ways in his life. So exciting to see.
Took a few subways to get back to the hotel and tuck the children in by midnight.
Need to stop now as I get to have breakfast with Sue Weil! Our chaperone Dave Premack is the nephew of the first Walker Art Cente Performing Arts Director (who is now 77) and was responsible for the nurturing of Twyla Tharp in the 70's as she did many residencies in Mpls. Sue is one of my hero's and I was dumbfounded to hear him make plans to meet her and he was nice enough to let me and Heidi tag along.
More later. Colleen
The students in the school now are not the ones that experienced this horrific event. She is the school's memory of that day and the evolution back. Wow. Did I mention the students performed wonderfully and the 5th grade audience was delightful. Their comments about New York, dancing, etc. were priceless. To be written another time. We then walked across and circled Ground Zero. I'm not sure how powerful this was to everyone else. Obviously this was a big one for me.
They had free time after to shop or eat and we met at the hotel at 7:00 pm. to go to the 92nd St. YMHA to see a performance of the Doug Varrone Dance Company. Sitting on the floor of this upper east side studio in the Historic 92nd St. Y was a thrill. The earliest Jewish Cultural places in New York that supported and presented countless jewish dancers and dancers of color that no one else was presenting at the time(Pearl Primus, Katherine Dunham, Helen Tamaris, and on and on). The students enjoyed the work though I'm sure the gravity of the building and it's legacy they are too young to comprehend. They were asked to do research on it and find out more before we came. Former Southwest Student Benny Olk joined us as he is majoring in dance at NYU Tisch School for the Arts and he's a huge Doug Varrone fan. Benny was a delight to see as he is blossoming into a full blown artist. So great to hear of his journey as he learns more about his body, the New York dance scene, and the place dance seems to be making in new and sophisticated ways in his life. So exciting to see.
Took a few subways to get back to the hotel and tuck the children in by midnight.
Need to stop now as I get to have breakfast with Sue Weil! Our chaperone Dave Premack is the nephew of the first Walker Art Cente Performing Arts Director (who is now 77) and was responsible for the nurturing of Twyla Tharp in the 70's as she did many residencies in Mpls. Sue is one of my hero's and I was dumbfounded to hear him make plans to meet her and he was nice enough to let me and Heidi tag along.
More later. Colleen
Time to volunteer some time
We need families, community members and students on our school committees. There are several opportunities to be an important part of the Southwest educational program.
We have numerous volunteer opportunities for you depending on your interest and available time.
The various policy and action committees include:
Leadership
Communications
Climate
Co-curricular
Academic Performance
Other opportunities include:
test proctor(s)
outdoor landscape and planting
Field trip attendance
special events day(s)
Booster groups:
all the various sports
Stage parents
Southwest Education Fund
Southwest Alumni Fund
Music Boosters
Dance Boosters
Contact our volunteer coordinator or email me if you have an interest and some time. We are putting together plans for next year right now. We need you!
We have numerous volunteer opportunities for you depending on your interest and available time.
The various policy and action committees include:
Leadership
Communications
Climate
Co-curricular
Academic Performance
Other opportunities include:
test proctor(s)
outdoor landscape and planting
Field trip attendance
special events day(s)
Booster groups:
all the various sports
Stage parents
Southwest Education Fund
Southwest Alumni Fund
Music Boosters
Dance Boosters
Contact our volunteer coordinator or email me if you have an interest and some time. We are putting together plans for next year right now. We need you!
Music is in the Air
We have open auditions for spots in our instrumental and vocal groups. If you hear music, this is the time to encourage your sons and daughters to dig out that instrument from the back of the closet and get that voice out of the shower and onto stage.
Fun, excitement, travel and tremendous pride all can be yours with a spot on one of the premiere music groups in the state. Recognized through Minnesota as one of the strongest programs around, the Southwest music groups can include you. Auditions are now and all of this before your schedule is set for next year.
Come see the music program at Lake Harriet bandshell the starting May 21 and running through the weekdays of the next week. See SW website for full details.
Don't miss this great opportunity to be part of the best.
Fun, excitement, travel and tremendous pride all can be yours with a spot on one of the premiere music groups in the state. Recognized through Minnesota as one of the strongest programs around, the Southwest music groups can include you. Auditions are now and all of this before your schedule is set for next year.
Come see the music program at Lake Harriet bandshell the starting May 21 and running through the weekdays of the next week. See SW website for full details.
Don't miss this great opportunity to be part of the best.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Instrumental groups do well at contest
40 members of the Wind Esnemble and 4 from Concert Band participated in this year's MN HS League Solo and Ensemble Contest at Edina HS on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Our 8 soloists all earned superior ratings with Emily Gotzsche receiving a perfect 40 score. Of the 13 ensembles, 4 earned Excellent ratings and 9 earned Superiors with the mostly senior Brass Quintet of Andrew Giese, Chris Riddle, Kira Seidel, Zack Christianson, and Phoebe Chastain receiving "Best in Site" recognition.
I'm so pleased and proud of our accomplished musicians! Please congratulate these students.
Put our Lake Harriet Bandshell Concert series on your calender. Concerts begin at Southwest on Thursday, May 20 (choir and orchestra), Friday, May 21 Bandshell (Jazz!), Monday May 24 Bandshell (Choir), Tuesday May 25 (Band and Orchestra), Wednesday, May 26 (Dance). All concerts begin at 7:00 with a jazz combo performing pre-concert music at 6:30.
Come on out for wonderful music and dance performances!
Keith Liuzzi
SW Instrumental Music Teacher
I'm so pleased and proud of our accomplished musicians! Please congratulate these students.
Put our Lake Harriet Bandshell Concert series on your calender. Concerts begin at Southwest on Thursday, May 20 (choir and orchestra), Friday, May 21 Bandshell (Jazz!), Monday May 24 Bandshell (Choir), Tuesday May 25 (Band and Orchestra), Wednesday, May 26 (Dance). All concerts begin at 7:00 with a jazz combo performing pre-concert music at 6:30.
Come on out for wonderful music and dance performances!
Keith Liuzzi
SW Instrumental Music Teacher
SW Alumni book reading April 24
"Tracy McMillan is a fellow alumni of Mpls Southwest student '82!
Join us to congratulate Tracy on Sat. at the U of M Book store on her New Book, Signing/ reading @ 2:00pm 4/24/2010".
Event: I LOVE YOU AND I'M LEAVING YOU ANYWAY -- reading and discussion
What: Performance
Start Time: Saturday, April 24 at 2:00pm End Time: Saturday, April 24 at 3:00pm
Where: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BOOKSTORE - Coffman Memorial Union
Join us to congratulate Tracy on Sat. at the U of M Book store on her New Book, Signing/ reading @ 2:00pm 4/24/2010".
Event: I LOVE YOU AND I'M LEAVING YOU ANYWAY -- reading and discussion
What: Performance
Start Time: Saturday, April 24 at 2:00pm End Time: Saturday, April 24 at 3:00pm
Where: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BOOKSTORE - Coffman Memorial Union
Dancers in New York
Hi Parents,
Thought I would do a quick update each day and hoping this will work. Well, I'm hoping the city that put them to sleep last night will actually wake them this a.m. by the time we leave the hotel at eight!
It's been so much fun and so exhausting. We have to remind ourselves that we had been awake since 5:00 a.m. yesterday. The flight was beautifully uneventful though it took a good while to get from Queens into Time Square with all the luggage and train changes. It was our least expensive way in, but watching them hall those suitcases up and down subway stairs, makes me want to opt for cabs to the airport on the way back no matter the price. We'll see. The real trick was learning how to swipe a subway card for some and gracefully make it through the turnstyle. The subway workers in every situation have been AMAZINGLY helpful. Is this the New York I know? Someone has given them a pep talk.
The students have been delightful. All on time(for the most part) and so much fun to be with. We didn't actually get into our rooms until 3:00 p.m so exploring our neighborhood was a little longer than we expected. We delayed the Central Park visit as it started to rain and kids were so beat. Instead they went into their rooms and for some opened their HUGE extra carry ons packed with food and organized themselves,took naps or watched "Tyra"!
Abby C. was greeted by the birds of New York by having one plop a memorable little dump on her head! I said it was good luck. She begged to differ. Some of the students that had travelled the subway before, headed down to Soho to shop a bit. Some got their picture taken with the "Naked Cowboy"(who's that?) in Time Square and others found little delis and stores to revisit later. We all went to see HAIR last night and our luck pulled us down from the top rows of the theater to the front of the balcony. Another kind New York worker/in this case usher. So much fun! It culminated with the cast inviting anyone that wanted to come down to the stage to join them dancing and singing "Let the Sunshine In " and what a gas that was to perform(so to speak) with a Broadway cast on a Broadway stage. I think the students loved it. I'm sure you will get there "blow by blow" accounts on a regular basis but thought it might be fun to hear my point of view. In her excitement, Shannon left her purse on her seat and we had a bit of a panic moment later. Luckily one of the students had picked it up for her. Whew!
The chaperones(Heidi and Dave) have been fabulous. We have split the rooms up so we each have three "Team Heidi", "Team Callahan" and "Team Dave"( We are having an inside competition to see who's rooms show up first for our timelines). I am not in the lead. I'm pressing my rooms for a leg up today. We checked on the students at midnight and they were tired and ready for a good night's sleep. It's so much fun to hear their excitements and concerns after Day One. As I mentioned before , it's the "Wake Up" I'm hoping for in the next few minutes. Off we go to Broadway Dance Center for our class with the choreographer from "In the Heights".
More later. Feel free to contact me in this way if you so desire. Thank you for this opportunity. Colleen
Thought I would do a quick update each day and hoping this will work. Well, I'm hoping the city that put them to sleep last night will actually wake them this a.m. by the time we leave the hotel at eight!
It's been so much fun and so exhausting. We have to remind ourselves that we had been awake since 5:00 a.m. yesterday. The flight was beautifully uneventful though it took a good while to get from Queens into Time Square with all the luggage and train changes. It was our least expensive way in, but watching them hall those suitcases up and down subway stairs, makes me want to opt for cabs to the airport on the way back no matter the price. We'll see. The real trick was learning how to swipe a subway card for some and gracefully make it through the turnstyle. The subway workers in every situation have been AMAZINGLY helpful. Is this the New York I know? Someone has given them a pep talk.
The students have been delightful. All on time(for the most part) and so much fun to be with. We didn't actually get into our rooms until 3:00 p.m so exploring our neighborhood was a little longer than we expected. We delayed the Central Park visit as it started to rain and kids were so beat. Instead they went into their rooms and for some opened their HUGE extra carry ons packed with food and organized themselves,took naps or watched "Tyra"!
Abby C. was greeted by the birds of New York by having one plop a memorable little dump on her head! I said it was good luck. She begged to differ. Some of the students that had travelled the subway before, headed down to Soho to shop a bit. Some got their picture taken with the "Naked Cowboy"(who's that?) in Time Square and others found little delis and stores to revisit later. We all went to see HAIR last night and our luck pulled us down from the top rows of the theater to the front of the balcony. Another kind New York worker/in this case usher. So much fun! It culminated with the cast inviting anyone that wanted to come down to the stage to join them dancing and singing "Let the Sunshine In " and what a gas that was to perform(so to speak) with a Broadway cast on a Broadway stage. I think the students loved it. I'm sure you will get there "blow by blow" accounts on a regular basis but thought it might be fun to hear my point of view. In her excitement, Shannon left her purse on her seat and we had a bit of a panic moment later. Luckily one of the students had picked it up for her. Whew!
The chaperones(Heidi and Dave) have been fabulous. We have split the rooms up so we each have three "Team Heidi", "Team Callahan" and "Team Dave"( We are having an inside competition to see who's rooms show up first for our timelines). I am not in the lead. I'm pressing my rooms for a leg up today. We checked on the students at midnight and they were tired and ready for a good night's sleep. It's so much fun to hear their excitements and concerns after Day One. As I mentioned before , it's the "Wake Up" I'm hoping for in the next few minutes. Off we go to Broadway Dance Center for our class with the choreographer from "In the Heights".
More later. Feel free to contact me in this way if you so desire. Thank you for this opportunity. Colleen
Thursday, April 22, 2010
And let the Senior games begin
Those final weeks are a bit scary. For twelve or thirteen years these young people have been surrounded by nurturing and caring adults. They have been encouraged to do their best and supported when that just didn't happen the way they wanted.
In a very short time, that will go away. It will be memories and stories of years gone by. Perhaps 12th grade graduation is one of the few times there is a very tangible mark in the step from one stage of our life to the next. Maybe retirement is the next closest thing. But our seniors know it.
Spring Break is over. We are now in the fourth and final quarter, it is warm(er) outside and IB and AP testing is right around the corner. The end is in sight.
Some of the silliness is just that -- silliness -- 12 graders acting younger than 9th graders - reliving those middle school years. Some of it is a sense of frustration and anxiety - not knowing what to do with the feelings and emotions. Some of it is outright fear.
Our seniors are just starting the wonderful game of assassins that seems to occupy the last months of many of our senior in the city and beyond. For a few bucks you can bet that you will be the last left standing in this game of attacks and defense and complicated rules.
Unfortuantely this game can result in some hurt feelings, physical injury and misunderstandings. Just think about your son or daughter hiding in the bushes outside one of his/her friends house at dark with a water pistol. The idea is to wait and when the "victum" comes out to walk the dog or whatever it is that is a noticeable routine, the attacker is going to ambush that person and move on.
But let us just suppose that a friendly neighbor see this person hiding with what looks like a gun and calls the police. What happens next could be rather interesting and -- hopefully not -- very painful. Oh, your young person says - that will never happen to me. I certainly hope not.
Just to be clear -- this game is NOT a school activity and is not permitted by the school on school property, during school time or at any school function. To put it in your son/daughter's language, school is a safe zone. Put the toys away and keep them away. I understand the feelings and emotions behind all of this but that does not change the fact that it can be very harmful to some. The idea of "killing" each other, even in fun, are not the memories I want you to leave Southwest with.
I want these last few weeks to be good, positive memories that will last a very long lifetime. Yes, there will be moments of fun and moments of tears. I want all of our kids to be safe.
In a very short time, that will go away. It will be memories and stories of years gone by. Perhaps 12th grade graduation is one of the few times there is a very tangible mark in the step from one stage of our life to the next. Maybe retirement is the next closest thing. But our seniors know it.
Spring Break is over. We are now in the fourth and final quarter, it is warm(er) outside and IB and AP testing is right around the corner. The end is in sight.
Some of the silliness is just that -- silliness -- 12 graders acting younger than 9th graders - reliving those middle school years. Some of it is a sense of frustration and anxiety - not knowing what to do with the feelings and emotions. Some of it is outright fear.
Our seniors are just starting the wonderful game of assassins that seems to occupy the last months of many of our senior in the city and beyond. For a few bucks you can bet that you will be the last left standing in this game of attacks and defense and complicated rules.
Unfortuantely this game can result in some hurt feelings, physical injury and misunderstandings. Just think about your son or daughter hiding in the bushes outside one of his/her friends house at dark with a water pistol. The idea is to wait and when the "victum" comes out to walk the dog or whatever it is that is a noticeable routine, the attacker is going to ambush that person and move on.
But let us just suppose that a friendly neighbor see this person hiding with what looks like a gun and calls the police. What happens next could be rather interesting and -- hopefully not -- very painful. Oh, your young person says - that will never happen to me. I certainly hope not.
Just to be clear -- this game is NOT a school activity and is not permitted by the school on school property, during school time or at any school function. To put it in your son/daughter's language, school is a safe zone. Put the toys away and keep them away. I understand the feelings and emotions behind all of this but that does not change the fact that it can be very harmful to some. The idea of "killing" each other, even in fun, are not the memories I want you to leave Southwest with.
I want these last few weeks to be good, positive memories that will last a very long lifetime. Yes, there will be moments of fun and moments of tears. I want all of our kids to be safe.
Earth Day -Hug a Tree
What a fantastic day! Under the direction of our science department andscience teacher Ms. Swanson, the school celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. It started with an Oath Tree in the link. This morning each student had a post-it note on her/his locker. From instruction is the science class or with announcements first thing in the morning the idea was for each student to make a pledge about what he/she was going to do to support the goals of Earth Day and post it around the Oath Tree.
That worked fairly well. Of course one of the popular responses was a pledge to not use so many post-it notes. At least that shows they were thinking about the concepts around being "green."
The pine tree give away is Friday (tomorrow). Plant a tree and make the world a better tomorrow.
Over the lunch period, 9th and 10th grade students were allow outside to collect trash to make for a better neighborhood. You can bet almost all of them promised to fill a bag. And many did. So a little community service in the mix.
Was a beautiful day and I believe most had fun. Staff and many students dressed in their green and brown. Can't say it looked exactly like a forest but was a reminder that we need to think about the earth and all the resources we use (and waste).
That worked fairly well. Of course one of the popular responses was a pledge to not use so many post-it notes. At least that shows they were thinking about the concepts around being "green."
The pine tree give away is Friday (tomorrow). Plant a tree and make the world a better tomorrow.
Over the lunch period, 9th and 10th grade students were allow outside to collect trash to make for a better neighborhood. You can bet almost all of them promised to fill a bag. And many did. So a little community service in the mix.
Was a beautiful day and I believe most had fun. Staff and many students dressed in their green and brown. Can't say it looked exactly like a forest but was a reminder that we need to think about the earth and all the resources we use (and waste).
Monday, April 19, 2010
Warm Weather Wins
It is early for the nice weather. School people are probably some of the few who like more unpleasant weather through May.
The clothing becomes one of the interesting points. Based on what a few kids wear one would think we had white sand and located on an ocean. Times are economically tight but I think some of our people are wearing sixth grade shorts. Mom might want to stop by around noon and see how much of their daughter or son she can really see. I am guessing when they stepped out of the house they were a bit more covered.
On a typical day we do try to operate a somewhat routine educational activity. If your son or daughter is telling you nothing is happening please let the teacher and I know. Classes operate through the end of school even if that is a bit goofy on testing days.
The clothing becomes one of the interesting points. Based on what a few kids wear one would think we had white sand and located on an ocean. Times are economically tight but I think some of our people are wearing sixth grade shorts. Mom might want to stop by around noon and see how much of their daughter or son she can really see. I am guessing when they stepped out of the house they were a bit more covered.
On a typical day we do try to operate a somewhat routine educational activity. If your son or daughter is telling you nothing is happening please let the teacher and I know. Classes operate through the end of school even if that is a bit goofy on testing days.
Nordic Ski Team at Chipotle
Chipotle Fundraiser for Nordic Ski Team
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser.
Tuesday, April 20th 5:00pm - 8:00pm Calhoun Chipotle.
Show your flyer and proceeds benefit Southwest High School Nordic Ski Team.
Download the Flyer at http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/southwest_hs_nordic_ski_team.pdf
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser.
Tuesday, April 20th 5:00pm - 8:00pm Calhoun Chipotle.
Show your flyer and proceeds benefit Southwest High School Nordic Ski Team.
Download the Flyer at http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/southwest_hs_nordic_ski_team.pdf
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Marketing and Communications
Are you a positive person? Do you like to share wonderful stories with others?
Well, do I have deal for you?
We need committee members for the Southwest Communications Committee. If you have some time to volunteer with this group to continue our efforts to get out the word about the wonderful things happening at SW, please email me.
We do a lot by email and we meet about once a month and can definitely work around your schedule.
Well, do I have deal for you?
We need committee members for the Southwest Communications Committee. If you have some time to volunteer with this group to continue our efforts to get out the word about the wonderful things happening at SW, please email me.
We do a lot by email and we meet about once a month and can definitely work around your schedule.
Weather is warmer and outside more -- remember safety
Longer daylight hours - more time to be outside - earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
Now is a good time to review with your entire family (and talk to yourself a bit) safety tips. Regardless of your age or the age of your children (or gender) a reminder that there are nuts people out there is a good idea. Not everyone is your friend.
We are fortunate to live in a relatively safe city with good law enforcement which is visible. But that does not eliminate the need for all of us to walk in pairs or groups whenever practical. Beware of the surroundings. Do not accept rides from anyone except family members or the very closest of friends. Be cautious and safe.
As you probably read in the newspaper there was a problem in the early evening of someone attempting to grab a young girl. Fortunately, the end was OK but I am sure it was scary for the young person. All of us and our children need to know what to do in an emergency and what our first reactions will be.
This is a place of great wonderful outdoor adventures. Almost any time of the day or night one sees people out walking or jogging. The vast majority of the time nothing unsafe happens. But it is better to have than safety conversation one more time than to regret not having it later.
Have fun, enjoy the time and be safe.
Now is a good time to review with your entire family (and talk to yourself a bit) safety tips. Regardless of your age or the age of your children (or gender) a reminder that there are nuts people out there is a good idea. Not everyone is your friend.
We are fortunate to live in a relatively safe city with good law enforcement which is visible. But that does not eliminate the need for all of us to walk in pairs or groups whenever practical. Beware of the surroundings. Do not accept rides from anyone except family members or the very closest of friends. Be cautious and safe.
As you probably read in the newspaper there was a problem in the early evening of someone attempting to grab a young girl. Fortunately, the end was OK but I am sure it was scary for the young person. All of us and our children need to know what to do in an emergency and what our first reactions will be.
This is a place of great wonderful outdoor adventures. Almost any time of the day or night one sees people out walking or jogging. The vast majority of the time nothing unsafe happens. But it is better to have than safety conversation one more time than to regret not having it later.
Have fun, enjoy the time and be safe.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
And the testing is over for the time being
We finished day two of the state mandated tests in writing, reading and mathematics. The morning went by quickly (but not for the students taking the tests) and without incident. Now we wait on the results.
If there is some problem and a student did not successfully demonstrate proficiency, there are numerous other times to re-take the test(s). As the student approaches his/her senior year, the pressures increase because the opportunity to re-test is reduced. But we want to work and support the student in order for that not to be a problem.
I think the rains helped. The major storm was not planned but both mornings were not as beautiful and inviting as has been the case. Being stuck a classroom taking a test is not near as difficult when it is rainy and miserable outside.
Thursday is back to a regular school day. We have some make-up test time scheduled for those students ill or absent for other reasons those days. But we basically finish the week in a routine manner and back to wonderful educational opportunities throughout the day in all our classes.
If there is some problem and a student did not successfully demonstrate proficiency, there are numerous other times to re-take the test(s). As the student approaches his/her senior year, the pressures increase because the opportunity to re-test is reduced. But we want to work and support the student in order for that not to be a problem.
I think the rains helped. The major storm was not planned but both mornings were not as beautiful and inviting as has been the case. Being stuck a classroom taking a test is not near as difficult when it is rainy and miserable outside.
Thursday is back to a regular school day. We have some make-up test time scheduled for those students ill or absent for other reasons those days. But we basically finish the week in a routine manner and back to wonderful educational opportunities throughout the day in all our classes.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Mandated State Testing Tuesday and Wednesday
These are the days we all love. Two full mornings tied up with state mandated tests that will determine if the student is going to receive a diploma. 9th grade is writing, 10th grade is reading and 11th grade is mathematics. 12th graders who have not demonstrated proficiency in all three are taking make-up tests.
The two days are official school days. The students are assigned to a classroom for about three hours. We use the entire building to make the testing situation smaller and hopefully more comfortable and in familiar surroundings. We hope this provides the students with positive opportunities to complete the tests successfully.
We notify the students in advance and ask that they bring study or reading material with them if they think they will finish early. Students are not allowed to have cell phone or ipods or other electronic equipment in the testing room. You can understand the security issues surrounding those rules.
Freshman have school on Wednesday even though their test is concluded on Tuesday. We request that they bring study materials and make good use of the time to read and make-up school work. We want a quiet and orderly building for all of our students during this testing period. If you have a doctor appt that day or some other family situation you may want to use this day for such.
Ask your son/daughter to get a good night's rest, eat a decent breakfast and do your best on the tests. There is sufficient pressure on this entire process so having some conversation about relaxing and not get caught up in the anxiety would be helpful. You know your daughter/son and how he/she reacts to this.
The two days are official school days. The students are assigned to a classroom for about three hours. We use the entire building to make the testing situation smaller and hopefully more comfortable and in familiar surroundings. We hope this provides the students with positive opportunities to complete the tests successfully.
We notify the students in advance and ask that they bring study or reading material with them if they think they will finish early. Students are not allowed to have cell phone or ipods or other electronic equipment in the testing room. You can understand the security issues surrounding those rules.
Freshman have school on Wednesday even though their test is concluded on Tuesday. We request that they bring study materials and make good use of the time to read and make-up school work. We want a quiet and orderly building for all of our students during this testing period. If you have a doctor appt that day or some other family situation you may want to use this day for such.
Ask your son/daughter to get a good night's rest, eat a decent breakfast and do your best on the tests. There is sufficient pressure on this entire process so having some conversation about relaxing and not get caught up in the anxiety would be helpful. You know your daughter/son and how he/she reacts to this.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Pianos in the halls
So there are two pianos in the main hall. Now there is a rather long and complicated story to all that. But maybe it is best to forget all of that and accept to reality that there are two pianos in the main hall.
5th period is the time for piano recitals. We have a piano class that period and we need space so why not spread music throughout the building?
Yes, we have moved it around to try and find a way not to distrub classes. Sometimes it is a wonderful stream of music. Sometimes it is the stumblings of trying to learn a new piece. But regardless it is music in the hallways. I gues that is better than chaos and confusion.
Don't you love it. On any given day you can wander through a hallway and be surprises by the new adventure you find yourself part of. You can not be a visitor at Southwest without being part of the experience. This is not a passive place you wander by. You step in and you are part of the action. At any given moment, you are part of the presentation, a film, a happening, part of a discussion, stepping through the behaviors that represent teen-agers and young adults. You cannot come into the building without being involved and and intregrel part of the learning.
So we have two pianos in the main hall. Enjoy the music of life.
5th period is the time for piano recitals. We have a piano class that period and we need space so why not spread music throughout the building?
Yes, we have moved it around to try and find a way not to distrub classes. Sometimes it is a wonderful stream of music. Sometimes it is the stumblings of trying to learn a new piece. But regardless it is music in the hallways. I gues that is better than chaos and confusion.
Don't you love it. On any given day you can wander through a hallway and be surprises by the new adventure you find yourself part of. You can not be a visitor at Southwest without being part of the experience. This is not a passive place you wander by. You step in and you are part of the action. At any given moment, you are part of the presentation, a film, a happening, part of a discussion, stepping through the behaviors that represent teen-agers and young adults. You cannot come into the building without being involved and and intregrel part of the learning.
So we have two pianos in the main hall. Enjoy the music of life.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Spring and our minds turn to ,,,
I am aware that the national news may cause me to focus on bullying and the pain some of our young people are forced to endure. There will always be kidding and playing around. Yes, it may be teasing and perhaps a little too sharp at times. Those moments of friendly interaction are vastly different from the spiteful, mean and intentional acts of harassment.
If the opportunity presents itself, you might have that discussion with your children. Tuesday April 13 is a PTSA meeting at 7 pm with a speaker on the topic - Connecting with your teen."
But I stray from my original purpose. For whatever reason the spring sometimes when our thoughts turn to other things than the books and the upcoming test. For some of our students, that is every day and every season.
But over the years it seems that an "insider" activity has been to start a notebook (nowadays that might be electronic or some MySpace MyFace) with the name of the various people one knows at the top of the page. The notebook is then passed around to that circle of friends and comments are added under each of the names. Depending on who starts the notebook, there can be specific questions or prompts for the comments. As you can suspect, they can get a bit harsh or even hurtful.
This activity is more prevalent in the junior high grades. We see it from time to time in our 9th and 10th graders. Especially among a "close" group of friends. Almost always someone gets mad or hurt in the process. A slight comment can be very painful to targeted individual.
We do not condone this activity in school. As you might suspect, the students do not ask us for permission. If you are aware of your son or daughter being involved in some like this, you might ask them about it and how they feel about being "criticized."
I'm sure this is more MyFace and MySpace stuff and is just as hurtful to some individuals. You can't image how many parents see nothing wrong with words and phrases their children use in social networking.
Being a kid should be fun. Yes, there are some bumps and tears along the way just in the natural process. They should not be subjected to the mean and nasty young people out their.
If you have particular concerns or questions, let me know.
If the opportunity presents itself, you might have that discussion with your children. Tuesday April 13 is a PTSA meeting at 7 pm with a speaker on the topic - Connecting with your teen."
But I stray from my original purpose. For whatever reason the spring sometimes when our thoughts turn to other things than the books and the upcoming test. For some of our students, that is every day and every season.
But over the years it seems that an "insider" activity has been to start a notebook (nowadays that might be electronic or some MySpace MyFace) with the name of the various people one knows at the top of the page. The notebook is then passed around to that circle of friends and comments are added under each of the names. Depending on who starts the notebook, there can be specific questions or prompts for the comments. As you can suspect, they can get a bit harsh or even hurtful.
This activity is more prevalent in the junior high grades. We see it from time to time in our 9th and 10th graders. Especially among a "close" group of friends. Almost always someone gets mad or hurt in the process. A slight comment can be very painful to targeted individual.
We do not condone this activity in school. As you might suspect, the students do not ask us for permission. If you are aware of your son or daughter being involved in some like this, you might ask them about it and how they feel about being "criticized."
I'm sure this is more MyFace and MySpace stuff and is just as hurtful to some individuals. You can't image how many parents see nothing wrong with words and phrases their children use in social networking.
Being a kid should be fun. Yes, there are some bumps and tears along the way just in the natural process. They should not be subjected to the mean and nasty young people out their.
If you have particular concerns or questions, let me know.
April 16th - The Day of Silence - Stop Bullying and Harassment
The Truth about the Day of Silence
Every year, more and more students participate in the Day of Silence, which began 13 years ago when University of Virginia students wanted to find a way to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment on campus. As the day’s popularity and exposure have increased, many misperceptions have spread about what the Day of Silence is, why the day exists and what participating in it means.
Here are 4 truths that address common misinformation about the Day of Silence.
1) The Day of Silence’s purpose is to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment and effective responses. The goal of the Day of Silence is to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. In a Harris Interactive study on bullying, students said two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. Additionally, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school. Students across the country participate in the Day of Silence to bring attention to this problem, let students who experience such bullying know that they are not alone and ask schools to take action to address the problem.
2) Hundreds of thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds and sexual orientations participate in the Day of Silence. Anti-LGBT bullying and harassment affects all students. Slurs such as "faggot" and "dyke" are commonplace in school. The Day of Silence is an example of students, from middle school to college, working together proactively to bring attention to the anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment experienced by LGBT and straight students alike. The first GSA was created by a straight student over 20 years ago, in the fall of 1988.
3) Day of Silence participants encourage schools to implement proven solutions to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. Adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. Provide staff trainings to enable school staff to identify and address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment effectively and in a timely manner. Support student efforts to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on campus, such as the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance. Institute age-appropriate, factually accurate and inclusive curricula to help students understand and respect difference within the school community and society as a whole.
4) The day is a positive educational experience. The Day of Silence is an opportunity for students to work toward improving school climate for all students. The day is most successful when schools and students work together to show their commitment to ensuring safe schools for all students. Many schools allow students’ participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school.
For the latest GLSEN findings about anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and the school experience go to: www.glsen.org/research
Every year, more and more students participate in the Day of Silence, which began 13 years ago when University of Virginia students wanted to find a way to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment on campus. As the day’s popularity and exposure have increased, many misperceptions have spread about what the Day of Silence is, why the day exists and what participating in it means.
Here are 4 truths that address common misinformation about the Day of Silence.
1) The Day of Silence’s purpose is to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment and effective responses. The goal of the Day of Silence is to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. In a Harris Interactive study on bullying, students said two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. Additionally, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school. Students across the country participate in the Day of Silence to bring attention to this problem, let students who experience such bullying know that they are not alone and ask schools to take action to address the problem.
2) Hundreds of thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds and sexual orientations participate in the Day of Silence. Anti-LGBT bullying and harassment affects all students. Slurs such as "faggot" and "dyke" are commonplace in school. The Day of Silence is an example of students, from middle school to college, working together proactively to bring attention to the anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment experienced by LGBT and straight students alike. The first GSA was created by a straight student over 20 years ago, in the fall of 1988.
3) Day of Silence participants encourage schools to implement proven solutions to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. Adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. Provide staff trainings to enable school staff to identify and address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment effectively and in a timely manner. Support student efforts to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on campus, such as the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance. Institute age-appropriate, factually accurate and inclusive curricula to help students understand and respect difference within the school community and society as a whole.
4) The day is a positive educational experience. The Day of Silence is an opportunity for students to work toward improving school climate for all students. The day is most successful when schools and students work together to show their commitment to ensuring safe schools for all students. Many schools allow students’ participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school.
For the latest GLSEN findings about anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and the school experience go to: www.glsen.org/research
Bullying is a continuing and serious problem
"The case of a teenager in Massachusetts who killed herself after a relentless, months-long bullying campaign shows how the common schoolyard behavior is evolving in dangerous new ways online." (Reuters)
I would suggest it goes beyond the online social networks and beyond just having available technology. This is another tragic example of how cruel something that started in simple forms can become. The girl dated a guy another girl previously dated. That is an age-old high school story. It caused some anger, some hurt feelings and broken friendships. But it wasn't printed somewhere forever and repeated minute by minute instantly.
The technology allows me to say something to thousands of people instantly. I do not have to worry about one friend telling another friend and so on. I push send or click on the phone and the message - correct or incorrect - is off into the world. A joke in one class at 9 am can be throughout the entire student body and all their friends and all their friends by 9:01.
The same is true about a nasty comment. Even a correction made later might not get to all the people that heard or read the first statement. In fact I may read the correction prior to reading the first statement which means the nasty statement is the "latest" news.
The situation is tragic. The loss of a young person is painful. For the reason to be hate or anger or cruel joke makes it that much more disgusting. But what is the reaction?
New legislation that may put adults in jail or get a big fine -- most adults do not attend high school by the way. Well, you can get the court to find the young person as an adult and then he/she can be tried as an adult. Oh, that is a direct and quick solution to the problem of people being mean to one another.
Well, the school should take care of it. It all happened at school and there are lots of school people so they knew and they should be responsible and take care of it.
Knew that one was coming. Cell phones, electronic devises and other means of social networking are "not allowed" during regular school hours. All of us know that the cooperating kids follow those rules but even the parents are cell phoning and leaving text messages for their children during school hours. I love it when a student comes to the office to inform us that Mom is on her way because she was able to get the dental appointment. Yeah, you received that message via telepathic mental processes.
The school has a role, the parents have a role and the students have a role. When a student is being harrazed we need to put a stop to it. It is the silly he said, she said most of the time. One nonsense statement after another. If the child cannot figure out how to stop it, then take away the phone or the computer or whatever it is the allows for the mass distribution of nonsence. Repsonsibility is what we need to teach - at home and at school. A child needs to understand his/her accountibility in making these types of comments. It is not enough to say it is too persontal or private or they are just kids.
Making a statement in your back yard and being immediately accountible for that statement is vasting different than posting something out there in space with no voice or face or consequences.
If you believe your child is being bullied, it needs to be dealt with. That is in the home, inbetween hours and at school. Children spend more time out of school than they do in school. First, when, where, what and who? The messages come with some type of name (address) and in most cases your child knows the identity of the other person. Be parpared to file charges. Make prints, keep copies you need evidence to make a charge. And be prepared to read what the other parent has to show you.
This needs to stop. We need to respect ourselves and others more than is being displayed on national TV right now. Promoting violence is not a legitimate form and discussion or disagreement. People, including children, need to be held accountible for their words and mean spirits.
I would suggest it goes beyond the online social networks and beyond just having available technology. This is another tragic example of how cruel something that started in simple forms can become. The girl dated a guy another girl previously dated. That is an age-old high school story. It caused some anger, some hurt feelings and broken friendships. But it wasn't printed somewhere forever and repeated minute by minute instantly.
The technology allows me to say something to thousands of people instantly. I do not have to worry about one friend telling another friend and so on. I push send or click on the phone and the message - correct or incorrect - is off into the world. A joke in one class at 9 am can be throughout the entire student body and all their friends and all their friends by 9:01.
The same is true about a nasty comment. Even a correction made later might not get to all the people that heard or read the first statement. In fact I may read the correction prior to reading the first statement which means the nasty statement is the "latest" news.
The situation is tragic. The loss of a young person is painful. For the reason to be hate or anger or cruel joke makes it that much more disgusting. But what is the reaction?
New legislation that may put adults in jail or get a big fine -- most adults do not attend high school by the way. Well, you can get the court to find the young person as an adult and then he/she can be tried as an adult. Oh, that is a direct and quick solution to the problem of people being mean to one another.
Well, the school should take care of it. It all happened at school and there are lots of school people so they knew and they should be responsible and take care of it.
Knew that one was coming. Cell phones, electronic devises and other means of social networking are "not allowed" during regular school hours. All of us know that the cooperating kids follow those rules but even the parents are cell phoning and leaving text messages for their children during school hours. I love it when a student comes to the office to inform us that Mom is on her way because she was able to get the dental appointment. Yeah, you received that message via telepathic mental processes.
The school has a role, the parents have a role and the students have a role. When a student is being harrazed we need to put a stop to it. It is the silly he said, she said most of the time. One nonsense statement after another. If the child cannot figure out how to stop it, then take away the phone or the computer or whatever it is the allows for the mass distribution of nonsence. Repsonsibility is what we need to teach - at home and at school. A child needs to understand his/her accountibility in making these types of comments. It is not enough to say it is too persontal or private or they are just kids.
Making a statement in your back yard and being immediately accountible for that statement is vasting different than posting something out there in space with no voice or face or consequences.
If you believe your child is being bullied, it needs to be dealt with. That is in the home, inbetween hours and at school. Children spend more time out of school than they do in school. First, when, where, what and who? The messages come with some type of name (address) and in most cases your child knows the identity of the other person. Be parpared to file charges. Make prints, keep copies you need evidence to make a charge. And be prepared to read what the other parent has to show you.
This needs to stop. We need to respect ourselves and others more than is being displayed on national TV right now. Promoting violence is not a legitimate form and discussion or disagreement. People, including children, need to be held accountible for their words and mean spirits.
Watching People Fly Around in Space
I am not up on the latest blast-off or which satellite is where in the sky, but this morning I watched the International Space Station (ISS) and the docked space shuttle Discovery whiz across the sky. The whole thing lasted about three minutes.
Learning is fasinating. So I learned that there are currently 14 people in the ISS and that is the most people in space at one ever. The light being reflected from its surfaces, which are what we see, was bright and clearly distinguishable. Yes, it helps if you know where to look and at what time - that was 5:50 something am and SSW - thanks to sister and brother -in-law.
I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with this new knowledge nor do I have any plans on how to use this morning's experience. What I do know is that there are some exciting things happening in this world. Our kids are growing up with this stuff just as common day events. Quick quiz -- when did the Discovery launch which is docked at the ISS now? Don't be too shy, it was last week or so but I can't come up with the date -- I do know how to look up the information and in a pinch could generate the answer but it is not in my memory at this moment.
On the other hand I can almost tell you what I was wearing when I was staring at a black and white TV through lots of static and watched the first moon landing. None of the kids in high school right now lived through anything prior to 1992. They are part of a new and different place. I hope it is also exciting. They will be doing stuff and making their living doing stuff we once upon a time might have thought about as science fiction - if we could even image something that so far out.
Just in case you wondering here at the times in the next few days for the sighting of the docked space shuttle and ISS:
April 11 - 5:54 am WSW
April 12 - 4:46 am SSE
April 13 - 5:09 am W
April 14 - 5:32 am W
April 15 - 4:23 am N
Happy hunting -- learn something new today!
Learning is fasinating. So I learned that there are currently 14 people in the ISS and that is the most people in space at one ever. The light being reflected from its surfaces, which are what we see, was bright and clearly distinguishable. Yes, it helps if you know where to look and at what time - that was 5:50 something am and SSW - thanks to sister and brother -in-law.
I am not exactly sure what I am going to do with this new knowledge nor do I have any plans on how to use this morning's experience. What I do know is that there are some exciting things happening in this world. Our kids are growing up with this stuff just as common day events. Quick quiz -- when did the Discovery launch which is docked at the ISS now? Don't be too shy, it was last week or so but I can't come up with the date -- I do know how to look up the information and in a pinch could generate the answer but it is not in my memory at this moment.
On the other hand I can almost tell you what I was wearing when I was staring at a black and white TV through lots of static and watched the first moon landing. None of the kids in high school right now lived through anything prior to 1992. They are part of a new and different place. I hope it is also exciting. They will be doing stuff and making their living doing stuff we once upon a time might have thought about as science fiction - if we could even image something that so far out.
Just in case you wondering here at the times in the next few days for the sighting of the docked space shuttle and ISS:
April 11 - 5:54 am WSW
April 12 - 4:46 am SSE
April 13 - 5:09 am W
April 14 - 5:32 am W
April 15 - 4:23 am N
Happy hunting -- learn something new today!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Summer OnLine Classes
Interested in Online Summer School this summer?
Minneapolis Online Learning will be offering one online summer session from June 10th to July 1st. Go to http://online.mpls.k12.mn.us to register.
Summer School registration tab is located on the left hand side of the page. After you have completed the registration for your selected classes, print out the Registration Form.
You and your parents and counselor MUST sign this form and you need to take this form to your orientation session.
If you have specific questions about Online Summer School please contact the Minneapolis Online Office at 612-668-4136.
PLEASE NOTE: Students can only take one quarter of Fitness or Health during this session.
Minneapolis Online Learning will be offering one online summer session from June 10th to July 1st. Go to http://online.mpls.k12.mn.us to register.
Summer School registration tab is located on the left hand side of the page. After you have completed the registration for your selected classes, print out the Registration Form.
You and your parents and counselor MUST sign this form and you need to take this form to your orientation session.
If you have specific questions about Online Summer School please contact the Minneapolis Online Office at 612-668-4136.
PLEASE NOTE: Students can only take one quarter of Fitness or Health during this session.
SW General Scholarship Application
Southwest General Scholarship Application
Seniors: The SW General Scholarship Application is now available to be completed on Naviance.
Please log in to your Naviance account, and you can find the scholarship under “surveys to take” in the “about me” tab.
There are over 12 different scholarships available using this ONE application. The deadline is 10:59 pm on April 15, 2010.
As always, you are encourage not to wait til the last minute. Students must complete the application and then submit additional forms.
See Ms. Jastrow for more info.http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/special_event_spaceholder.html
Seniors: The SW General Scholarship Application is now available to be completed on Naviance.
Please log in to your Naviance account, and you can find the scholarship under “surveys to take” in the “about me” tab.
There are over 12 different scholarships available using this ONE application. The deadline is 10:59 pm on April 15, 2010.
As always, you are encourage not to wait til the last minute. Students must complete the application and then submit additional forms.
See Ms. Jastrow for more info.http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/special_event_spaceholder.html
Films at SW Wed April 14 7 pm
Forget the Oscars!
The Southwest FilmFest is Wednesday at 7:00 in the auditorium. The cost is $5 and proceeds go to building an awesome film program.
Our own SW students have worked hard producing these films!
The Southwest FilmFest is Wednesday at 7:00 in the auditorium. The cost is $5 and proceeds go to building an awesome film program.
Our own SW students have worked hard producing these films!
PTSA Meeting 7 pm 4/13 Connecting with your teen
Communicating and Connecting with Your Teen
PTSA Meeting Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Kathleen Kimball-Baker Kathleen Kimball-Baker, the author of two books on building relationships with teens, including Tag, You’re It: 50 Easy Ways to Connect with Teens, currently works in public health at the University of Minnesota.
Her presentation combines the latest research in positive youth development, adolescent brain research, her work with Search Institute, and her personal experiences both as a parent and a friend to many teens.
You’ll see your parenting challenges and your teens in a new, more hopeful light following Kathleen’s presentation.http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/ptsa_meetings_2009-10.pdf
PTSA Meeting Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Kathleen Kimball-Baker Kathleen Kimball-Baker, the author of two books on building relationships with teens, including Tag, You’re It: 50 Easy Ways to Connect with Teens, currently works in public health at the University of Minnesota.
Her presentation combines the latest research in positive youth development, adolescent brain research, her work with Search Institute, and her personal experiences both as a parent and a friend to many teens.
You’ll see your parenting challenges and your teens in a new, more hopeful light following Kathleen’s presentation.http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/ptsa_meetings_2009-10.pdf
Breakfast April 18 for FastPitch Famous Dave's
You are Invited to a Breakfast Fundraiser at Famous Dave's!
Southwest Fastpitch is hosting a fundraiser breakfast at Famous Dave's restaurant in Linden Hills ... and you are invited!
Come join us on Sunday, April 18th, from 7:00am - 10:00am for an all-you-can-eat breakfast of scrumptious pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, milk, juice and coffee.
At just $8 for adults and $6 for kids (10 and under), it's a great deal for a great cause.
Southwest Fastpitch is raising money to help the program grow and develop a more competitive program.
For more information, contact Coach Brian Badenhoff at 612.867.4929 or email bkb_71@yahoo.com. See you at Famous Dave's!
Southwest Fastpitch is hosting a fundraiser breakfast at Famous Dave's restaurant in Linden Hills ... and you are invited!
Come join us on Sunday, April 18th, from 7:00am - 10:00am for an all-you-can-eat breakfast of scrumptious pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, milk, juice and coffee.
At just $8 for adults and $6 for kids (10 and under), it's a great deal for a great cause.
Southwest Fastpitch is raising money to help the program grow and develop a more competitive program.
For more information, contact Coach Brian Badenhoff at 612.867.4929 or email bkb_71@yahoo.com. See you at Famous Dave's!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sometimes
There is no question the situation these past few days in Hastings have been terrible and frightening and scary. We would like to believe those situations do not happen and never will. Unfortunately, we live in a time of easy guns, angry folks and too many who believe that violence solves it all. And those are the adults.
The Hastings experience is tragic but with a fortunate ending. It did not have to end that way. That is why we drill and train. That is why we try to take precautions.
I did notice the reported statement of the one mother who was angry that the school did not notify her quicker. I will guarantee you that if such a thing happens in our building (heaven forbid) I will deal with the safety of your children before I find a computer and post a blog about the details.
We must pay attention to all the various factors. Guns in the home need to be locked and safe from easy access. We need to pay attention to the needs of all our children. They do not carry around signs that say -- I am the one who will cause you problems. We need to be concerned, every day, about the safety of our children and their relationships with one another and the outside world.
This is a complicated world and gets more tense almost daily. I sometimes think that our only hope is that these children grow up quickly to resolve this mess we have caused. We need to spend more time working on solutions than blame. Finding the problems is the easy part. I can read the paper and figure out what is not working the way it should (based on my view of the world). But the paper or those quoted therein doesn't offer me too many solutions. Just saying NO is not an answer.
We will continue to monitor our hallways and building for the safety of our students and staff. We need the help and support of every student and family and community member to make it a safe and healthy place for all. Do we care about one another? Are we concerned about the well being of all our children and families? Are in involved in creating a positive learning environment for all children?
The Hastings experience is tragic but with a fortunate ending. It did not have to end that way. That is why we drill and train. That is why we try to take precautions.
I did notice the reported statement of the one mother who was angry that the school did not notify her quicker. I will guarantee you that if such a thing happens in our building (heaven forbid) I will deal with the safety of your children before I find a computer and post a blog about the details.
We must pay attention to all the various factors. Guns in the home need to be locked and safe from easy access. We need to pay attention to the needs of all our children. They do not carry around signs that say -- I am the one who will cause you problems. We need to be concerned, every day, about the safety of our children and their relationships with one another and the outside world.
This is a complicated world and gets more tense almost daily. I sometimes think that our only hope is that these children grow up quickly to resolve this mess we have caused. We need to spend more time working on solutions than blame. Finding the problems is the easy part. I can read the paper and figure out what is not working the way it should (based on my view of the world). But the paper or those quoted therein doesn't offer me too many solutions. Just saying NO is not an answer.
We will continue to monitor our hallways and building for the safety of our students and staff. We need the help and support of every student and family and community member to make it a safe and healthy place for all. Do we care about one another? Are we concerned about the well being of all our children and families? Are in involved in creating a positive learning environment for all children?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Fire Drill today
May not have been the best of times, but the fire Marshall came by today and we had a building evacuation fire drill. Good to have drills and hope that is all they ever are. We do need to stay prepared. The only comment was that we have to get further away for the building- about a half block distance. The neighbors might not understand but we will work on that one.
It is time like these one can be very proud of the students and staff. The fire truck pulls up, a fire officer walls in and declares a drill. So we pull the alarm and see what happens. -- What happens is that the students and staff do what they are suppose to do. They wait for the evacuation instructions and then orderly leave the building through assigned or alternate routes - depending if the fire dept. has block an exit for the drill.
The students do what they are supposed to do. They are supportive of one another and move through the business at hand. They follow instructions and appear to understand the importance of the process.
The all clear is signaled and the students move back to class and on we go with the period. There is minimal play and generally no confusion or other silliness. They go about the business of school and the work of learning.
We do have great kids!
It is time like these one can be very proud of the students and staff. The fire truck pulls up, a fire officer walls in and declares a drill. So we pull the alarm and see what happens. -- What happens is that the students and staff do what they are suppose to do. They wait for the evacuation instructions and then orderly leave the building through assigned or alternate routes - depending if the fire dept. has block an exit for the drill.
The students do what they are supposed to do. They are supportive of one another and move through the business at hand. They follow instructions and appear to understand the importance of the process.
The all clear is signaled and the students move back to class and on we go with the period. There is minimal play and generally no confusion or other silliness. They go about the business of school and the work of learning.
We do have great kids!
Off and Running
Back from a great week of relaxation and refreshment - we enter the final quarter to a wonderful and exciting school year. So far there have been events will long be treasured memories. I am confident that in the next nine weeks we will add to those precious moments.
We all slip and slide from this year to the next - what am I doing and what will I be doing next? I encourage you to stay involved. More outdoor activities mean more time the family will be apart and less face to face sharing time. That is not a bad thing, it is just the way it is. However, that means as the adult in the situation we need to watch for those signs of frustration, disappointment, anger or depression is quickly partial moments. Not that we expect to see any. What we hope is that your family can share in the joys and celebrate in the victories.
I find that this time of year flies by. Graduation will be here and gone. Just when we think we have figured out 2009-10 school year it is over and really to begin anew. Catch the moments. Each day should be a precious memory you will treasure the rest of your life.
We all slip and slide from this year to the next - what am I doing and what will I be doing next? I encourage you to stay involved. More outdoor activities mean more time the family will be apart and less face to face sharing time. That is not a bad thing, it is just the way it is. However, that means as the adult in the situation we need to watch for those signs of frustration, disappointment, anger or depression is quickly partial moments. Not that we expect to see any. What we hope is that your family can share in the joys and celebrate in the victories.
I find that this time of year flies by. Graduation will be here and gone. Just when we think we have figured out 2009-10 school year it is over and really to begin anew. Catch the moments. Each day should be a precious memory you will treasure the rest of your life.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Spring Sports
The weather is warmer, the temperatures allow you to stay out longer and it is a pretty season -- get out and support spring sports.
Girls softball team is exciting to watch and should be a serious contender this year. Boys baseball is annually tough and ready to challenge for the city title. Southwest has won so many girls and boys track city titles that it is difficult to remember the last non-champion. Badminton is the indoor sport and great spectator event.
Golf and tennis round out the spring sport season. All are exciting and filled with wonderful students who are keeping up the tradition for Southwest.
Almost any evening, sometime between 3 and dark, there is a Southwest sporting event for you to watch. Come on out and support the Laker Athletes.
Girls softball team is exciting to watch and should be a serious contender this year. Boys baseball is annually tough and ready to challenge for the city title. Southwest has won so many girls and boys track city titles that it is difficult to remember the last non-champion. Badminton is the indoor sport and great spectator event.
Golf and tennis round out the spring sport season. All are exciting and filled with wonderful students who are keeping up the tradition for Southwest.
Almost any evening, sometime between 3 and dark, there is a Southwest sporting event for you to watch. Come on out and support the Laker Athletes.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Sometimes it is okay to just relax
Just think about when you were sixteen or so. What were the big issues and what did you want to make sure your parents did not know? What were your parents telling you that you were not hearing? What was that noise?
Times have not changed all that much. 16 year olds are doing pretty much the same stuff you did at sixteen --no, do not go up and chain your child's bedroom door. Just think what you would do if your parents did what you are thinking of doing? Was that really going to work? Do you really believe that what they said made that much difference?
Your sixteen year old (or you pick the age) is going through pretty much the same stuff you went through. Yes, that is scary. But now you know. What can you do to help your child successfully navigate those scary times. No, your parents may not have done anything you need to do. They said no - you pretended to hear that and moved on. Things are different now.
Cars are faster. Be careful out there in the family station wagon that was going about three blocks to the lake is a bit different to one that can hit sixty rather quickly in much traffic and who knows where they are going or how far.
The drugs were much softer in those days -- yes, I know you never did that but for those few that did it is different today. They are stiffer and stronger and much more dangerous.
Sex -- ok -- that is about the same. Yes, now we are scared of the fatal diseases but basically they are about as ill informed as we were. Wander by the Trojan display and just reminiscing a little. It is not that easy to buy them today any more than it was those X years ago.
But you made it. How? What do you do or did your parents or family do that made it safe and secure for you to grow up to be whatever age you are? For the vast majority of you I suspect it was not a major incident or some late night speech or some horrible event. I suspect you grew up. You remembered your family values, you understood your own sense of self-respect and you got through it.
Maybe it was that you talked to your parents. Maybe it was dinner every so often around the dinner table and the boring stuff parents talk about. Maybe it was knowing what damage you would do to the trust and respect they had for you.
Do your children know any of that? Do they know what the family values? Do they know who they can turn to when there are some serious questions? Do they know that you are there?
Times have not changed all that much. 16 year olds are doing pretty much the same stuff you did at sixteen --no, do not go up and chain your child's bedroom door. Just think what you would do if your parents did what you are thinking of doing? Was that really going to work? Do you really believe that what they said made that much difference?
Your sixteen year old (or you pick the age) is going through pretty much the same stuff you went through. Yes, that is scary. But now you know. What can you do to help your child successfully navigate those scary times. No, your parents may not have done anything you need to do. They said no - you pretended to hear that and moved on. Things are different now.
Cars are faster. Be careful out there in the family station wagon that was going about three blocks to the lake is a bit different to one that can hit sixty rather quickly in much traffic and who knows where they are going or how far.
The drugs were much softer in those days -- yes, I know you never did that but for those few that did it is different today. They are stiffer and stronger and much more dangerous.
Sex -- ok -- that is about the same. Yes, now we are scared of the fatal diseases but basically they are about as ill informed as we were. Wander by the Trojan display and just reminiscing a little. It is not that easy to buy them today any more than it was those X years ago.
But you made it. How? What do you do or did your parents or family do that made it safe and secure for you to grow up to be whatever age you are? For the vast majority of you I suspect it was not a major incident or some late night speech or some horrible event. I suspect you grew up. You remembered your family values, you understood your own sense of self-respect and you got through it.
Maybe it was that you talked to your parents. Maybe it was dinner every so often around the dinner table and the boring stuff parents talk about. Maybe it was knowing what damage you would do to the trust and respect they had for you.
Do your children know any of that? Do they know what the family values? Do they know who they can turn to when there are some serious questions? Do they know that you are there?
The Last Quarter
This is the tough one. The weather gets nicer. AP and IB tests happen throughout the quarter. It all starts to wind down. But it really isn't.
For the highly competitive schools or scholarships this quarter can really mess with some plans. Seniors are convinced that it makes no difference. Unfortunately, the GPA and rank stays with you for a couple more years. If you stay in one college for 4 years you only need to convince that school to take you once. If there is a chance you might transfer, then that high school GPA becomes important again.
The last high school year is a big thing to all the students. They might not exactly talk about it but they know this is really the last time they have the opportunity to be a kid. The age of 18 brings legal responsibility and a sense that I'm now grown up. We old people may know different but that concept of 18 being the gate has been around for a long time.
For the rest of the group, it is tough to remind them that "next year will be better" attitude is not the best route to take. This quarter is the one to build the GPA not let it slide.
The weather is not our friend this time of year. Educators are perhaps some of the few that really want rain and cool weather Monday through Friday until the last day of school. We still have important material to cover. The first part of the year has been a build up to this point in order to tie it all together into new knowledge and new meanings. So rather than coasting into summer, we want to go deeper and into more meanings. Nice, beautiful days do not work to our benefit.
Nine weeks, and they will go quickly.
For the highly competitive schools or scholarships this quarter can really mess with some plans. Seniors are convinced that it makes no difference. Unfortunately, the GPA and rank stays with you for a couple more years. If you stay in one college for 4 years you only need to convince that school to take you once. If there is a chance you might transfer, then that high school GPA becomes important again.
The last high school year is a big thing to all the students. They might not exactly talk about it but they know this is really the last time they have the opportunity to be a kid. The age of 18 brings legal responsibility and a sense that I'm now grown up. We old people may know different but that concept of 18 being the gate has been around for a long time.
For the rest of the group, it is tough to remind them that "next year will be better" attitude is not the best route to take. This quarter is the one to build the GPA not let it slide.
The weather is not our friend this time of year. Educators are perhaps some of the few that really want rain and cool weather Monday through Friday until the last day of school. We still have important material to cover. The first part of the year has been a build up to this point in order to tie it all together into new knowledge and new meanings. So rather than coasting into summer, we want to go deeper and into more meanings. Nice, beautiful days do not work to our benefit.
Nine weeks, and they will go quickly.
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