Working The Musical Auditions TUes. Wed & Thurs

Footights the 9th/10th musical auditions are Tuesday Aug 31, Wednesday Sept 1 and Thursday immediately after school in the auditorium.

About Working the musical.
The show opened on Broadway 5/14/1978. A revised version is available for licensing through Music Theatre International. Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso adapted the book from Studs Terkel's Working. The show "takes a look at the hopes and dreams of the American workforce."

Working features music by Stephen Schwartz, Micki Grant, Craig Carnelia, James Taylor, and Mary Rodgers (who was the composer for Once Upon a Mattress)

Working lyrics for the show are by Stephen Schwartz; Micki Grant; Craig Carnelia; James Taylor; Susan Birkenhead; Matt landers and Graciela Daniele. See details below.

Summary of the musical Working:
Based on the best-selling book of interviews with American workers by Studs Terkel, Working explores the American workday from the Monday morning blues to the second shift blahs using the original words of some uncommon common men and women. Twenty-six workers, including a parking lot attendant, corporate executive, newsboy, schoolteacher, gas man, housewife, fireman, waitress, millworker, sailor, etc., sing and talk about their jobs, defining not only their daily round, but their hopes and aspirations as well. Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do

Come to auditions -- only for 9th and 10th grade students

Rain and Humidity

It is going to be another hot one! Twenty years from now we can tell those who will listen about the oven beginning to school way back then.

Parents -- please take a brief look at your darling children as they leave for school. I think a couple of them forget some inches of clothing as they leave the door. I know it is warm and we take that into consideration. This is not the beach or a Lady Gaga concert. If that is the way you go to work, I guess there is not much else to say.

We do not allow hats or non-religious required head coverings during the school day. The outer garment of clothing should cover the under garments. We do not need to see the "cute" boxer shorts with smiley faces or cartoon characters.

We have few rules and try and understand the younger fashion statements. Respect for self and others is common sense and not a old person's lack of understanding.

You help with this would be greatly appreciated.

First Day 2010-11

Well the first day is behind us. One fact is that it was HOT! Maybe we are spoiled with all of our air conditioning, but it was a bit uncomfortable. But the good news is that day one was a keeper!

We made it to classes and off we went into the world of academia and learning. In many of the classes as you wandered around would be difficult to tell if is first day or thirty. It was a super day for learning.

There are some really large classes. We are working numerous hours to make some common sense moves to make this work for all students. Those students who have serious special and academic needs are enrolled in small classes -- many smaller than 15. We are working on those larger numbers. The education of no child will be endangered. The large classes may necessitate a change in schedules of numerous students as we add sections. Fortunately, we have an excellent staff and if we add to that we will continue to secure quality educators. The educational needs of our students is our concern. Their dating relationships or time of lunch is not a consideration.

I do want to remind everyone that this is day one. We are excited that seniors are moving into an exciting and wonderful year. I ask that we work with our children to make this a memory worth keeping not an argument of who did what when.

The first day of school in terms of excitement is second only to the day of graduation. This day meet that definition. Yes, it was hot, but is was good to be back!

IB Middle Year Program

Are you an expert on solar panel? Or how about digital photography? I need some community experts to volunteer a couple hours to work some extremely dedicated and talented sophomores who see working on their Personal Projects.

If you have a speciality job and a couple of hours to talk with a student please let me know. Ni have a bunch of students who would love to talk with you.

First week of school

School starts Monday, August 30. Yes, that is before Labour Day and before the end of the State Fair.

The first week is always fun and a little crazy. Without a doubt you son or daughter is going to tell you about a class with 73 students in it. That could almost be true. Until students actually show up to school it is extremely difficult to determine numbers.

Unless there is a huge mistake we do not want to change schedules the first days of school. Obviously if a student is assigned to a French 4 class but should be in Spanish 2 we want to fix that. My friend is in some other class or I dated that guy this summer and now I hate him and we can't be in classes in the same hallway are not valid scull change reasons.

If we need to we will add sections and/or move students around to balance numbers. Thus, changing class too early may result in further changes. I ask that you and you child be patient these first two weeks. We are thrilled that many students and their families want to attend Southwest. However, that does create some number adjustments early in the year.

We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year.

Scheules available

Just received notice that a student was able to get a new schedule off the portal. Thus, it would appear that the portal is back on line.

Remember it is still necessary to go to the West gym first thing in the morning to receive the Official schedule there have numerous changes. Schedules will be available at 8 am. The advisory (homeroom) starts at 8:30. Breakfast is available prior to 8:30 in the cafeteria.

Breakfast is free to all students. To be eligible for free or reduced lunch, a student needs to be approved at the conclusion of last year or complete a new application. Applications are available on line or in main office.

Students should be at bus stop a little early the first couple days until the routes and drivers get settled. If there are transportation questions, please call the transportation department AT&T 612-668-2300.

The first day of school students will need something to write with and something to write on. Each class teacher will inform the students about needed supplies for that specific class. If students have I'd from last year, please use those for textbooks and identification until new ones will be issued in a couple weeks.

Classes end at 3:00. If you are picking up your student after school, please make arrangements with him/her to meet at the side or rear of school. Buses line up on 47th and it becomes very crowded.

Pay careful attention to parking restrictions. There are different restrictions in different blocks around the school. The school parking lots are for staff only. Do not park in a driveway or too close to a driveway. Follow the parking signs about tsp sign and corners. You will be ticketed and/or towed.

We want the beginning of school to be a successful entry into the high school experience.

Link Crew Excitement

Wednesday was an exciting morning at Southwest. Over 150 juniors and seniors welcomed over 400 9th graders into Southwest. With cheering and high fives the class of 2014 met their new classmates. For the next five hours groups explored the building, found their classes, met new friends and discovered the stories and thrills of being part of Southwest.

Wanting the year to new year to start with a positive beginning Link Crew members under the leadership of James Dundon went throughout several hours of intense training. This dedicated group of junior and senior students know the importance of relationships, being involved and having a support system right from the start of high school.

The class of 2014 expressed relief at meeting so many upper class students. This team building experience supported the idea of being welcomed into school and not being that large, strange place.

The first day of school is Monday the 30th and it will be a positive and exciting start to another great school year.

Student Schedules on line August 30

It appears that the official work now is that the parent portal will not be live until August 30.

That is not a problem. We have hard copies available right now at door 3.

No problem if you cannot make it to school this week. We are asking that ALL students come to the west gym on Monday morning starting at 8 am to pick up the most current schedule.

It is possible that the schedules picked up earlier than the 30th are incorrect. Most will be fine but there have been changes this week and more will be made this weekend.

Have a great weekend.

2010-11 Schedules are ready

We are still working to get the parent portal in operation for you.

In the meantime, 9-12 students schedules are available on the front counter in the west building inside door 3 (the main door).

There will be no opportunity to talk about changing schedules until after Monday, August 30. Forms requesting changes will be available after the 30th. Unless there was a class failure or some summer school, changes will probably not be made.

At this time we are reviewing numbers and class sizes very carefully. There may need to be schedule changes after the first week of school due to balancing classes or the creation of extra sections. Thus, we want to attempt to have a stable first week to determine the extra number of students enrolled and actually attending and the numbers of each class.

Our first priority is quality education for our students.

Parent Portal is down

Regretfully, the parent portal appears to be down. The schedules are there, we just have to get the portal up and running.

Hard copies are available at school. We will be open at Southwest until 8 pm on Wednesday night and then regular hours on Thursday and Friday - 7 am to 4 pm.

Schedules will be available in the West gym on Monday morning at 8 am.

Hopefully, the parent portal will be up and running so you can have the schedule from online.

Have a great few last summer days.

Wednesday August 25 - Schedules Available

9th graders will be involved in Link Crew activities all morning starting at 8 am in the cafeteria. During the morning, all attending 9th graders will receive their class schedules.

Upper grade students can come to school on Wednesday to pick up their schedule or go online and see their schedule after noon on Wednesday.

For those eligible students go-card are here and on Wednesday you can pick up your card between 8 am and 8 pm.

Back to School and schedules available Wednesday.

And another year is about to begin

The 2010-11 Southwest School Year started with great excitement.

The summer Bridge program introduced about 140 incoming 9th graders to the wonders of a quality high school experience. Over 300 9th graders participated in the opening picnic this past Thursday.

All the fall sports officially started practice this past Monday. The rooms are slowly going back together. The hallways in most of the buildings are almost empty. The smell of floor wax and cleaning fluids are still in the air. Each day a larger number of students are in the building. Teachers are fixing up their rooms and getting ready for the new adventure.

The excitement increases daily. Teachers officially start the new school year on Monday August 23. A full week of meetings and events announce the start of another year. Each year provides those new opportunities as well as the new challenges. For over 25% of the people coming into the building -- this will all be new. They did not hear the speech last year. They start the new journey of new friends, new stories and tall tales.

August 30, Monday, is the first school day for all students. Transportation postcards were mailed last week. If you are over the two-mile limit and will have a bus, those stops are set and you should have a postcard.

If you attended Southwest last year and are returning this year but live outside of Area C you will be issued a Metro Go Card. Those cards will be available on Wednesday the 25th. Transportation questions can be answered at 612-668-2300.

Student schedules will be available Wednesday, August 25. 9th graders will be presented their schedules at the Camp 2014 program 8- 12 Wednesday morning. Grades 10-12 students can pick up their schedules after 1:00 pm on Wednesday or check online on the portal for their schedule.

Schedules will be available online on the Portal Wednesday, August 25.

This is an exciting time. The adventure continues. Welcome Back!

Those Who Save Us

World War II Germany -- how did it happen? Where there that many who did not care? How could civilized people allow something like that to happen in their cities, to their friends, right next to where they lived? What is the power of a mother's love or the sense of responsibility or survival or protection. What would you do to save your child?

Powerful questions in the face of horror. Would I risk the life of my child to save neighbor? Do I shield the ugliness by not believing? How do I forgive myself? How do I live with the pain, guilt, shame?

History is often told through events by men. What about the feelings of people? What about the spirit and the hearts of those in the home- told by mothers?

A professor of German history at the University of Minnesota is trying to understand her mother, her country, the people of her county. This fictional story takes you into the anger, the sorrow and the shame of living in a small town in Germany through the years of the war. The sights and sounds are not easy to read. But should they be? Should we forget? Should we forgive?

This is an adult book with adult themes and descriptions. It is a powerful and moving book. Least we forget........

Summer Bridge - Summer Sucess

About 140 class of 2014 Southwest Lakers participated in the first Summer Bridge program. The three-day program establish some new friends, refreshed some academic skills and encouraged fun. With this advanced start on high school, the first year will be a bit less confusing and a successful beginning to a full high school experience.

Camp 2014 begins this coming Monday. All in coming 9th graders are encouraged to come into the building Wednesday morning

The celebration family and student picnic for the class of 2014 is tonight Aug 19 at Lake Harriet.

Lots of activities as we move quickly to the start of another exciting school year.

It all starts anew

Monday August 16, 2010

Fall Sports officially start today for all teams.

Summer Bridge starts today and continues the mornings of Monday, Aug 16; Tuesday Aug 17 and Wednesday Aug 18. This is a fantastic program to support students as they begin the march to graduation in 2014.

Aug 19, Thursday -- in coming 9th grade (Class of 2014) picnic at Lake Harriett 6:30 pm

Camp 2014
August 23, Monday through Thursday Aug 26. Register online at SW web site
Aug 25 will be at Southwest.

Great beginnings! Looking forward to another exciting and productive school year.

Debate Season starts NOW

The Southwest Debate Team is now in the research stage of the season. The first topic is about immigration and citizenship for those currently in the United States.

The team is open to any interested student at Southwest. The tournament season starts in Oct. and end in Dec. The tournaments are held on Saturdays in the metro area. The state tournament is the first weekend in December.

9th graders are encouraged to consider joining the team. There are three level of competition - novice, junior varsity and varsity. The team works together to building cases and rebuttal speeches.

If you are interested in business, politics, law, theater or just want to have influence, debate is a great learning activity. For more information check out the Southwest web site or talk or email Dr. Smith.

Thursday August 19 In-coming Student Picnic

Attention In-coming Students to Southwest High School

Thursday, August 19 starting at 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Picnic
Beard's Plaisance Shelter -- on Lake Harriet

Further information -- Holli Hoffman, MYP Corrdinator
holli.hoffman@mpls.k12.mn.us

Information was sent to families in a May letter and then a summer follow-up post card.

New to Southwest? See you at the picnic!

Debate Team Seeking Knowledgeable Persons

The first Classic Debate topic is selected for the month of September and October.

The official topic is: Resolved: The US federal government should offer a minimally punitive path to citizenship to immigrants currently in the country illegally.

The purpose of the topic is to debate the concept of USA citizenship and issues surrounding persons already in the country. The idea is not to debate US immigration policy.

The team began research this week. If you are an immigration attorney or have dealings with business or immigration policy, we are asking for a bit of your time to talk with our team members.

If you have a moment to volunteer your intellectual talent to the team, please email Bill Smith, Principal.

Thank you

Health Clinic to re-open at Southwest

Article in Southwest Journal
By Dylan Thomas

Southwest to get new on-campus clinic

LINDEN HILLS — After its previous clinic closed suddenly in 2008, Southwest High School will again have an on-campus clinic this school year.

A plan to expand Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support-operated school-based clinic services to Southwest was approved July 20 by the School Board. The city department runs clinics at the sites of six of the district’s high school programs.

Southwest has gone without a clinic since June 2008, when Teenage Medical Services [TAMS], the adolescent outpatient health service of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, shuttered the independent operation. In a written statement released at the time, Children’s Hospitals cited “financial challenges” as the reason for closing.

“They just pulled out,” recalled Mary Heiman, the district’s nursing service manager, who added there was little advance warning of the decision.

Heiman said the school-based clinics are a convenient option for students, who don’t have to leave campus for routine exams like sports physicals. TAMS clinic staff also could make health diagnoses, prescribe medication, administer immunizations and provide other health care services.

Statistics provided by the district after the 2008 closing of Southwest’s TAMS clinic indicated about half the students who used the service in the previous year were uninsured or underinsured. When TAMS pulled out, it left Southwest as the only one of the city’s seven traditional high schools without a school-based clinic.

Heiman said the licensed school nurse at Southwest often referred students needing clinical services to a TAMS site at 2425 Chicago Ave. S. during the interim. Some uninsured students sought care at other community-based clinics with a sliding-scale pay system, she added.

Heiman said it was difficult to judge the impact on Southwest students’ health. Still, it was reasonable to assume some students missed out on scheduled immunizations, follow-up visits and other types of routine care, she said.

The district’s amended lease agreement with the Department of Health and Family Support will shift one of its six school-based clinics from Broadway High School to Southwest. Broadway, located at 1250 W. Broadway Ave., was home to the district’s Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Program, or TAPPP.

The School Board in May voted to build a new district headquarters on the Broadway site. Next year, TAPPP will relocate to North High School.

Heiman said the new Southwest clinic most likely would open in October. It will re-use the former TAMS clinic space, already outfitted with a waiting area, several exam rooms, offices and a lab, she said.

“It’s a true clinic space,” Heiman said.

Fall Athletic Registration

Tuesday, August 10
Southwest West Gymnasium
4:30 pm to 6 pm

All Fall Sports
Must have completed physical to practice

Paperwork available online and at tonight's meeting.

Southwest Summer Bridge

The Southwest Summer Bridge program starts this Monday August 16 and runs for three days until the 18th. This is the first year for the program and we are excited that so many have already registered. Incoming 9th graders can register on the Southwest web site.

The program is to provide an introduction to high school. Note taking, study guides, helpful tips about getting the right start, math review and many more "school" skills are the topics in addition to getting that fresh start into high school. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

This is NOT a substitution for CAMP 2014 which is the following week - August 23 through 26. Students can register for CAMP 2014 on the Southwest web site. The registration can be for all four days or one at a time.

CAMP 2014 will be held at Southwest on Wednesday August 25. This is for ALL incoming 9th graders -- the Southwest graduating class of 2014.

We all have some notion of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I even visited the gas station he designed in Cloquet, MN. I suspect many of you have been to his house in Wisconsin. He has a grand exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Well this is about the woman who loved Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a personal story told through her eyes and heart. There is much about the art and the talent and inspirations. But there is also much about two people. One who is very much in love and make decisions that cause great pain to her family and herself.

It is a story about the women's movement and the situations about women at the turn of the century. The struggle to vote, to receive equal treatment, compensation and respect. Perhaps this same women 40 years later would not have made the same decisions nor felt that she had no choice. Do the times make the person? Are there rules and conditions that we accept due to society or custom that are modified through the ages? Are that moral rules that are constant?

I found the book interesting and very readable. Some of the times are familiar enough to make one feel comfortable but then challenged because we are at a different time. Challenged because the story asks some difficult questions about love and responsibility.

What happens to our lives and our believes as we move through college, start that career, strive to be successful, work hard to make a difference. Do the people around us change as we change our position or knowledge or discover our talent? The book offers the questions but allows you to resolve the issues.

And the beat goes on

We are now in August. It is that time of the year when you are convinced it will not work, there is no sense in trying and it will be November before we are ready to go. Furniture is all out in the hallways, there are books to be inventories and even the building is sweating.

But that is every summer. The kids are coming back - like they ever were away - for captain's practices and the weight room is in constant use. Fall sports start officially on a Monday. Each day is a little more activity around the building. The 23rd is first day for teachers and the first day for students is the 30th.

We are trying to have student schedules on line by the 25th. That will save paper and time. All the student needs to dooms sign into the parent portal and their will be their schedule. No lines and little confusion. They will be live on the 25th.

Hopefully the summer readings are completed. Still time to make it to the library and a museum or two. Might as well make the best of it. Besides, those buildings have air conditioning.

Off we go into another exciting, wonderful school year. Have great fun!

Pillars of Faith by Follett

Pillars of Faith by Ken Follett

The book reached such worldwide success that it was made into a mini-series for television. The building of a cathedral is the central theme. But it is people that build a cathedral.

Politics, lust, greed and just decent people trying to live are at the core of this novel. There is a sense of evil and good -- of right and wrong -- but not is the sense of strong religious dogma.

It is a novel about determination. The main character is a strong woman. That is interesting in itself. One does not thing about the days of knights and crusades and strong women. Without a doubt the hero is a female character.

A good read for the summer or anytime. There are moments that cause reflection and even though the plot is thousands of years ago, the nature of human beings have not changed all that much.

Would be an interesting book to compare with the a modern story - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo comes to mind quickly. Might make an interesting -what I did this summer essay.

Aswar Rahman, Southwest senior and Student Council President earned second place at the Gustavus Adolphus Forensic Speech Tournament.

In addition to the second place award in public address, Aswar was awarded a scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus for his forensic excellence.

The tournament was the concluding event to a week long speech camp with over 90 students from six different states. The coaches represented some of the best in the country with National Champions to their honors.

Aswar earlier represented Southwest High School at the Minnesota Boys State Convention and made his break running for Governor in the political battles. Almost making to the final vote, Aswar moved for party unity and lead his party to control the Governor's seat at Boys State.

Aswar is a third year speech competitor. This year will be his fourth move to the state contest and a shot at the state title.

Other Southwest students interested in competitive speech should contact Aswar or coach Dr. Smith. The season starts August 12 with debate and individual speech events start in November. Beginners and experienced forensic students are encouraged to join the team.