Vote for Southwest on Target web site

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You can help us give up to $2.5 million in support to schools through Give With Target®.

Simply choose a K-12 school in our list of eligible schools and vote for it weekly through September 8 or when $2.5 million in Target GiftCards® have been awarded, whichever occurs first. A school will receive a $25 Target GiftCard for every 25 votes received during the Promotion Period; up to a maximum of $10,000 in gift cards. For example, schools that receive less than 25 votes will not receive any gift cards, while schools that receive 25-49 votes receive a $25 Target GiftCard and schools that receive 50-74 votes receive $50 in gift cards. If the school you chose is not on our list, please choose another school.

http://www.facebook.com/target/app_461626783866453

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The above website is the screen on which you can vote for Southwest high school.

you have to enter Southwest  and the Zip Code is 55410

Whooping Coughinformation from MN Dept. Health

Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
Fact Sheet for EMS, Public Safety, and First Responders

Minnesota Department of Health
Revised June, 2006

Download a print version of this document:

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Fact Sheet for EMS, Public Safety, and First Responders (PDF: 21KB/2 pages) 

What is pertussis?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease that affects the lungs.

What is the cause of pertussis?

A bacteria known as Bordetella pertussis.

How is pertussis spread?

Pertussis is spread through the air in droplets produced when an infectious person coughs or sneezes (droplet spread). A person can become infected with pertussis when they are directly coughed at or sneezed on by someone who is infectious with pertussis, or if they are very close to a person with pertussis for an extended period of time.

In general, MDH considers people who are within three feet of someone with pertussis for at least 10 hours a week to be close contacts who are at greater risk of becoming infected with pertussis.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

The classic symptoms of pertussis start with mild cold-like symptoms, which progress to include sudden, uncontrollable bursts of coughing, gasping for air, and vomiting after a coughing spell. Children may make a high-pitched whooping sound when breathing in after a coughing spell. Whooping is less common in babies and adults. Pertussis is most severe in babies younger than 6 months of age who may have apnea, seizures, and no whoop. Older children and adults typically have milder disease with a cough that can last for many weeks.

I was immunized for pertussis when I was a child, am I immune?

Probably not. The immunity produced by the pertussis vaccine does not provide lifetime immunity and begins to wear off within a few years of the last dose, which is usually given at age 5-6 years. There is currently no pertussis vaccine that is licensed for people older than 6 years, but such a vaccine should be available in the next few years.

How can I protect myself from exposure?

Wear a surgical mask, if one is available, when you are in contact with any coughing patient. This will help protect you against pertussis and also against other diseases that are spread by large respiratory droplets. As always, clean your hands after any patient contact. If there is any suspicion that a coughing patient may have a disease such as TB, you should wear an N95 respirator (or PAPR or SCBA). If SARS or avian influenza is suspected; gloves, gown, and eye protection should be worn in addition to using a respirator.

What if I have an exposure to a patient with pertussis?

If you were wearing a surgical mask, antibiotic prophylaxis would not be recommended. However, if you were not wearing a mask and had close face-to-face contact with an infectious pertussis patient, preventive antibiotics would be recommended.

If I have the type of exposure to a patient that makes it necessary for me to take antibiotics, will I be able to “carry” this illness home to my family?

You cannot infect others unless you are infected yourself.

What should I do if I have been exposed to a patient with pertussis in the last 21 days and develop a respiratory illness?

If you develop cold-like symptoms that progress to a cough within 21 days of exposure, you should seek medical attention immediately and make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your exposure, even if you have taken preventive antibiotics.

Is pertussis reportable to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)?

Yes.
See Reporting Pertussis for more information.

How many cases of pertussis are reported each year in Minnesota?

Most years several hundred cases are reported to MDH, but in 2005, over 1,500 cases of pertussis were reported, the largest number of cases since 1954.

Who investigates cases and identifies persons who need to take preventive antibiotics?

MDH or local public health investigates each case and ensures that public safety personnel and first responders who are identified as having been exposed are notified of their exposure and evaluated to determine if they need antibiotic treatment. In some communities and at some hospitals, the hospital infection control practitioner will contact emergency medical services and first responder services with this information.

Who do I call if I think I may have been exposed to a patient with pertussis?

You may call MDH at 651-201-5414 (or toll free at 1-877-676-5414). While MDH staff cannot share a patient’s diagnosis without specific permission from the patient or his/her next of kin, they can evaluate your exposure and advise you whether or not antibiotic treatment is indicated. Suspect cases are not always reported to MDH immediately so we may learn of a new case from you.

Who do I call if I have other infectious disease questions?

Please call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 (or toll free at 1-877-676-5414). 

Need Volunteers and interns for:

Southwest has been fortunate to have a wealth of talent within the community.   Numerous individuals have stepped forward to provide services and support in striving to meet the educational challenges of an active student body.

There are numerous opportunities if you are interesting on having s bigger role in the workings of the school.  Being a parent is commitment enough but there are other spots available.  We are looking for parents and community members to serve on the Southwest Leadership Council.  This group meets once a month and is advisory group dealing with policies and long term strategies.  There are standing committees that might meet your interest.  These are Academic Performance, Co-curricular, and Communications.

Our parent organization PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association - is seeking committee chairs and there will be an opportunity in the opening of school packet to volunteer.  If you are interested you can email me your interest also.

We also need a couple intern positions that have a very small stipend.  One is for
Public Relations/ Marketing,  another is Graphics Artist and a third is for Web  site maintenance.

If you are interest in intern position or volunteering, please email me.

Southwest Class of 1962 Reunion Time

1962 National Honor Society

Varsity S Club - 1962

Southwest High School Class of 1962

Southwest had grown in the past decade and in 1955 there was an addition to the building and increase the number of students.  The senior class increased to 285.  7th and 8th graders joined Southwest and the beginning of being crowded began.

The school play in 1962 was the Diary of Anne Frank.  Honor Roll and Honor Students were recognized.  Service clubs were an important part of student life and Hi-Y program were important.

In sports Badminton, Boys Swimming, Basketball and Cross Country were City Champions.  Badminton was also played by boys but only in "Mixed Doubles."  The Southwest Mixed Doubles took the first three places in the City Championship.

All the information was derived from the 1962 yearbook.  If there are mistakes, please send me correction and I will update the entry.

Hugo and Wonder Struck - Good Summer Reads

Two interesting books a reader and an artist should consider for this summer reading.  Both are by Brian Selznick who is a professional graphic and visual artist.

The first book - Hugo - is now made into a movie.  In general the movie follows the book well.  But the real magic of the book is the dual stories - one is words and one in pictures.  The movie does not capture that concept at all.

Selznick tells the story in the conventional book form with words and then shifts to pencil drawings to continue the story.  Several pages of drawings advance the story and then he shifts to words.

In Wonder Struck - the story in words is that of a boy living in the Iron Range with his mother.  The author spent some time on the Gun Flint Trail and northern Minnesota to write this sections.

The picture story is of a young girl living in New York.  As the independent stories of these two young people continue we learn that they both run away.  The story nicely blend together and become one about 2/3's of the way through. 

A very interesting combination of delightful drawings and both are good stories.

More Scholarships for Southwest Seniors

The following students have won college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships:

Christopher Lee-Foss, Minneapolis. Southwest High School, Minneapolis. Probable career field: Mathematics. Macalester College.

Kirsten Wiard-Bauer, Minneapolis. Southwest High School, Minneapolis. Probable career field: Mathematics. University of Chicago.

CLass of 2012 was a gifted class of scholars.  Many have received college-sponsored scholalrships.  We will continue to update the list as we recieve the information.  The IB and AP programs prepared students to meet their dreams!

1952 Reunion July 28 - Southwest Tour

Southwest Front Doors -- 1952

Southwest Advanced Band - the Marching Band

Choir right side of picture

Choir left side of picture

Southwest Class of 1952.  Information gathered from 1952 yearbook.  If any information is incorrect, please let me know.  The Choir picture was so large is covered two pages.  Exciting to see those number of students involved.

Class of 1952 Graduated 159 students.  The incoming 9th graders numbered 170.  These students were all in the original building -- before the 1955 major addition and the addition of the junior high building (East Unit).  Total school enrollment was probably about 700.

The students in the building won the City Championships in boys Football and Hockey.  Girls sports had organized up to a G.A.A. status - Girls Athletic Association but could not varsity letter or sit on the athletic council.

R.H Classon was Principal and Al Halley Assistant Principal.  Oscar B. Dahle was the legendary vocal teacher.Class of 1952 Valedictorians: Romie Lundquist and Helen King; Salutatorian: Paula Cranston. 

The Senior and Junior Boards were created this year.  Senior Officers: President, Jack Campbell; Vice President, Romie Lundquist; Secretary, Sunny James; Sergeant-at-Arms, Gretchen Meili and Don Dennison and the Treasurer, Jack Steele

Last lines in the yearbook for the Spotlight on Our Senior Year:
"... and we shall never forget our Senior year, nor the other years either, for the memories will linger when silver hairs replace the gold."

For more information about the 1952 reunion contact Bob Gerlicher.

Southwest Class of 2002 Reunion Information

Greetings, My name is Leah Milojevic (formerly Woodstrom) and I am an alumni from the class of 2002 from SWHS. I am writing to inform you that our class has begun the planning process of our 10yr HS reunion. The date of our reunion will be Saturday, November 24th, 2012. The location and time are currently in the works as well as a class website for individuals to purchase tickets. The Reunion committee for our class are member from our class board: E. Kendahl Moser-Bleil (Co-President 2002) Marina Kern (formerly Herrera) (Co-President 2002)  Leah Milojevic (formerly Woodstrom) (Secretary 2002). Please feel free to use me as a contact should anyone from the Class of 2002 contact the high school. We are very excited for a Reunion as we have a large number of students from our class that have graduate from 2 and 4-year Colleges, Graduate school, Medical School, and Law school. SWHS gave us all the building blocks to succeed in college. Many thanks, Leah -- Leah Milojevic (formerly Woodstrom) M.A. Assistant Director - CLA Diversity Student Support Programs http://mlk.class.umn.edu http://ats.class.umn.edu

Southwest 1942 Sports Memories - Starting the Tradition

Southwest Sports 1942

The all male Varsity "S" Club started in the fall of 1941.

The new school (Southwest) opened in 1940 but upper grade students could continue at their previous school through graduation. Thus, most sport teams began at Southwest as all 9, 10 and 11th grade players.  The first graduating class was 1942.

There was no female varsity level athletics at this time.  All the sports were played as inter murals and extra-curricular activities.  There was a city league and "Girls could earn awards."  -- but not the Varsity "S."

Boys Varsity "S" leaders in 1042 -- George Broadston, President; John Leer, Vice-President; Jasper Fowler, Treasurer; and Ted Taylor, Secretary. 

The boys won city championships in Hockey and Tennis that year.

The girls participated in an athletic council with representative from each home room.  It was labeled in the yearbook at SAGA  which I think is Southwest Athletic Girls Association.  But that may not be correct.  The girls won city honors in Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton.  Nancy Taylor won the Girls Singles in Tennis.

I gathered this information from the 1942 yearbook.  If it is not correct, please let me know and I will make the corrections.

Southwest Reunion Year Memories

 

Southwest Reunion Year Yearbooks -- 1942 - 1952 - 1962 - 1972 - 1982

Great time to renew friendships and review those foundation years.  "Oh, you haven't changed a bit." is probably a favorite.  Welcome back to the neighborhood!

We would love to hear from you.  What are some of your stories?  How have the years between Southwest and now been treating you?  What have been your adventures?

If you have a reunion planned and need information about the current school and students, please let me know.

Getting Ready for Fall

Yes, it is the middle of July. Still plenty of summer remaining for fun, family and friends. But just a couple reminders: SW Office Opens on Monday, August 6. Counselors will be there during regular hours - 8-3. Southwest Marching Band Camp starts Aug. 13 and contines weekdays through the 24th. Fall Sports Registration Tuesday, Aug. 7 - 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Forms available on line. More information about individual sports also available on line. Fall Sport Practices begin Aug. 13 - check with individual sport coaches for exact times and location of practices. Project Success Class of 2016 program is the week of Aug. 20. Southwest Class of 2016 Orientation will be at Southwest, Wednesday Aug. 22. 8:30 am to noon. Class of 2016 and new student and family picnic at Southwest Wednesday, Aug. 22 starting at 6:30 pm in Beards Circle Grades 10-12 2012-13 class schedules can be picked up after 1:00 pm on Wednesday Aug. 22

30 million and One reunion class

Now that sets a standard. Wonder what the next class is going to do? College reunions seem to have that tradition of donating to their alma mater. But without a solid high school education college would not have been possible. There are very few state institutions that are not publically support. Tax dollars go into all the state universities and building and maintainence costs are paid by tax dollars. That is true of the public high school also. However, very few think anything about donating money to the University of Minnesota. We need to rethink the mind set. Without a strong foundation many are not going to make it to college. Without a strong high school education many are not going to have the competitive edge necessary to compete on the global market. Your high school needs your continuing financial support. It does not have to be your 50th reunion to think of how to support your high school. Just consider donating one dollar for every year since your graduation. Think of the amount that would be if every one of your fellow graduates did that. Just consider for a moment what difference that could make in the lives of current students and the future of our state. It takes about $638. Each year to support a support student. Those would be basic minimums of consumables and curricular materials. In addition to that annual cost are textbooks, electronic equipment, classroom furniture and annual replacement items. Your financial support would go a long way in providing a high quality education for all students.

Helicopter Parents & Reponsible Children

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/07/14/when-parents-hover-and-kids-dont-grow-up New York times - Sunday July 15. Check out the link which is a following discussion of the article in the Sunday edition about hovering parents and the question are kids getting programmed too much? Involved parents are important to the growth and development of children. When is too much? When is not enough? Allowing a four year old to decide when it is safe to cross the street might be rushing experience learning. But when is the time to allow for consequences and let the kid figure it out? Interesting article and the following discussion.

Class of 2016

The transitions are important. Whenever we move from a familiar situation into a new on, it can be frightening and a little unnerving. The step from the eighth grade to high school is a major transition in the lives of our children. Even if it is something we are looking forward to with excitement and anticipation the change can be challenging. Southwest strives to support the entry of 9th graders into the program. We need their excitement, fresh eyes and the energy of being new. For many the first contact will be fall sports. Joining a team and meeting some older students can be a great break into high school. Students are encouraged to look at the web site and learn about clubs and activites. Not all students are involved in sports all year long. Clubs offer the same social opportunities. The first Friday once school starts is an opportunity to meet other students and learn about clubs and activities. The summer is ideal to gradually to adjust to the possibilities. If you are not familiar with the area of the schools location or various routes to get to and from school, this is a good field trip adventure. Mentally having a picture is better than thinking of this big unknown. School is school and there are some school supplies which assist in thinking about the start. The move is not to a far and distance unknown place but a school. So while it is going to be different it is not an experience that is completely strange. The student is encouraged to think about the first days and weeks. Making friends and finding a way to be comfortable is the goal. The Class of 2016 is another wonderful group of students and families joining the adventure of high school at Southwest. Since 1940 exciting students came to the school with dreams and high ambitions. We know that this is the beginning of the journey to be College and Career Ready. See you soon.

Rain & Friday the 13th

Well there is rain the forecast at least for the morning. Why not get that summer reading book list out and check how many you checked off in June and how many you should think about for July? Great library weather - raining morning and hot and humid in the afternoon. What about that IB Personal Project? Is it coming along well? Today looks to be a grand day for more inside work. Or that Extended Essay might be a worthy endeavor for today's activities. Don't let a little rain stop your quest to learn more. These rainy days are this year's treats. After running around in the rain for a bit, come in, shower and then off to library or the study for more exciting adventures. The library is air conditioned and with the humidity that is nota bad way to spend the afternoon. After a full day of mind exercises, then go to the lake and watch a glorious sunset. What a powerful and rewarding day!

Friday the 13th - What is your superstition?

The rabbit foot doesn't appear to be all that lucky for the rabbit. A four-leaf clover may have some potential. A horse shoe doesn't exactly ring of excitement and adventure unless on a horse. There are millions of lucky charms out there. Tomorrow is Friday the 13th and many feel that is an unlucky day. No one appears to be exactly certain of the origin of this phenomenon. Not that facts substantiate any superstition. I suspect all of us have some type of good luck symbol or equally some type of omen for bad luck. Actors, athletes, speakers and numerous performers and maybe some salespersons have a routine prior to game/show time. What works seems to get repeated. Once successful, why chance breaking the pattern. Well, tomorrow is the 13th and it will be a Friday. Maybe that is a day to start someone new. To break from some previous pattern and move in a different direction. That may not be lucky or unlucky but an opportunity. Why not take the library into your new adventure? Or maybe a trip to the museum, theater, art store, park or spending time with friends is a Friday break. What is your superstition?

Jungle Theater - Great Family Fun

The current production at Jungle Theater (www.jungletheater.com) is Noises Off. A funny play about being in a play. It is hilarious. Typical old fashion humor - slap stick and way too many doors and silly characters. The Jungle is famous for its fantastic sets and this one is no exception. If you are into technical theater, you will enjoy the backstage antics and the way the show works. The production continues through August 5. Tickets for shows appear to be available. Great aid condition auditorium for these warm evenings. Noises Off -- another wonderful Jungle Theater experience!

School Supplies- Shop the Stores.

This mornings Star Tribune reported thie start of the school supply shopping season - Variety Section page E1. The suggestion is the start early and shop. The lowest price for a particular item is going to be scattered in different stores. One suggestion was to check the listing by Carrie Rochs - http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2012/07/school-supply-deals-78-71412-includes-price-comparison-chart/ For a complete listing of deals on the various typical school supplies. Always best to confirm with the individually listed stores and prices change constantly. That is part of the marketing. The blog on Carrie's site contains practical ideas from families as well. One is don't forget to engrave names on things like graphing calculators and other electronic equipment. Permanent markers are great at home but white boards in schools can be ruined. The school year is long and prices are lower now then later in the winter. Look for the special deals and stock up the supplies for the year. If you shop Target don't forget your Red Card and designated Southwest as your school of choice.

Always Harder Than It Looks

That project has been sitting there for a while. I knew I should taken it to the shop weeks ago. But just never got around to it. So today I give it another look and decide it is broken already so how much additional harm could I do? A loosen bolt here and a little tug there and the broken part is now detached. With a bit of inspection I determine the damage, make a decision to get a pro to fix the broken part and all will be well by lunchtime. So far so good. Returned from the shop and ready to reassemble. Now that the broken piece is fixed it is bigger and in a different shape then when removed just minutes ago. A little push there and a couple more loosen bolts and it still not going to return to its designed location. It is about now one needs to seriously consider quitting while ahead, declaring victory and take it all to the shop with people who have the tools and knowledge to fix it. But there is another small voice saying, "this can't be that tough.". Now where in the experience base of recent history does one come up with that type of stupidity? Now it is a challenge - me versus the machine. Person kind in battle with the forces of modern machinery. Mind over matter. This bucket of metal is not going to outwit me. The fact that I was even having this conversation with an inanimate object did not bring into my consciousness that I was a liitle over the top on this one. First battle, what is the correct tool. Usually my choices involve big and bigger. Having tried that unsuccessfully I went to the tool box for reinforcements. Having no idea what was correct I grabbed a handful. Once again common sense stepped aside and I used one tool after another to no avail. I pulled and twisted and tightened and turned. Sure enough, the thing finally was tired of my silliness and took a lunge at me. Using the same brain that got me into this, I reach out my arm to stop it like I had seen Supeman do so many times before. No project is worth doing that doesn't spill a little blood. New project, keep the blood off of stuff and get it to stop. Water is good, paper towels are disposable and there has to be some kind of spray thing here somewhere. One hand applying pressure to the wound, the other is trying to deal with the top of the spray bottle that claims pain relief in great big letters assuming you do no future damage while using it. One guess. One giant turn and the top comes off, the spring flies out and I am holding three pieces of what I had hoped was the cure. So taking a chance I dropped the paper towel from the arm and now with both free hands wanted to throw this pile of useless pain relief stuff back to the manufacturer. Finally reaching a base level - survival, I decided that fixing the spray dispenser and getting in on the wound made more sense. Now we are on two hours after getting the once broken piece back from a competent repair person. Probably from loss of blood and desperation I looked at the stubborn part and saw it could moved by one of those little pieces of mental with shapes that act like screwdrivers but aren't. Sure enough, now I had the correct tool it moved easily and I could actually begin to see some hope the damage was going to be repaired. With tremendous pride and self satisfaction I stood back and examined my completed work. Almost three hours of experience, a fair bruise and some broken skin but no more bleeding, and no visible damage to the machine I had fixed it! The free world is safe. Once again it was the will and determination of the human spirit that suvived the onslaught of mechanized trouble. Now if I could only remember to let the pros handle it.

Olso, Norway Student Seeking SW Host Family

Male student from Olso Norway seeking host family. He will be a junior in high school this year.   He would be arriving in mid-August and would stay through the school year.   He would have family friends in the area for support and being involved in activities outside of the host family's home, travelling etc.  He is not participating in a formal exchange program at this point, as his parents are financing it directly.   The student's family is willing to provide a reasonable amount to the host family to cover expenses, food, etc. Email me for addition information.

Need Host Family for Student from Norway.

We have a student coming from Norway for the 2012-13 school year. We need a host family. If you are interested I can put you touch with those with information. Email me and I will provide more information.

School Supplies - Check for Sales

High school does not have a school supply list. Each class will have its own requirements for the specific class. In general the supply list is something to write on - notebook and something to write with - pencil. Some classes will require journal. Others might have a notebook check. For many classes the loose-leaf binder with divider tabs and paper works. A spiral notebook for each of the different classes works for some students. The important notice at this time is to take advantage of the sales! Many stores are in the school supply mood right now. I know Staple's has a 15% discount offer going through August. Most stores will have some type of discount. Check out the prices. Buy the items on sale at the store at that time. Selection is good now but might want to price check. If you shop at Target don't forget that every purchased made with the Red Card provides dollars to Southwest. That's assuming you listed Southwest as you school of choice. That is a reminder for families of incoming students - Class of 2016 -- switch your school selection name on your Target Red Card! Thank you for your support.

John Irving - Last Night in Twisted River

Good summer read -- not slow, the plot moves with great scene description and strong characters. Yet, not a rush pace either. Look at the lake and reflect. Read for a bit and then take that walk. Much to read and much more to think about. Irving is a prolific and famous writer. I am sure many have read one or more of his novels. His writing started in 1968 and has been going strong since. Twisted River is about the writing process and being a writer. But it is also about the living process. Each moment of our lives is a little story - or at least part of. Most of us could tell (write) a story about our last visit to Grandma's or that baseball game we just saw. Each is full of characters, dialogue, action, conflict and an ending. Much of what we do is dictated by the events and people around us. We do not cause those situation nor do we control them. We start out on a drive and the action starts. Just as in the book-- sometimes what we are seeking drops out of the sky.

Check out the new electives for '12-13

Posted previously, Southwest is offering new different and exciting electives. Greetings and Happy Summer! SWHS will be offering two additional semester electives open to grades 9-12 for the upcoming school year. Please review the descriptions of each course below. If these interest you, contact your counselor listed below by email and indicate that to them. These courses will then be entered into your course requests for the up coming school year.


Anatomy/Physiology Semester Long Elective Credit

Anatomy & Physiology is a one-semester science elective for students with an interest in health-related careers, as well as those interested in learning more about how the human body works. Students will study the structure and function of the major body systems, to understand how they work together and independently to fight off disease, adjust to environmental changes, and facilitate growth and reproduction. The course will include presentations, technology use, laboratories, and hands-on-activities.

World Cultures, Culture's Languages Semester Long Elective Credit

In this course, students will investigate the heritage of world cultures through dance, music, art, film and food. Through, reading, writing, discussion and hands on practice, students will investigate their history, see it in their present, and create that which best represents their understanding of the world they live in and the one they hope to shape. Expect guest speakers and discussion, lots of music, movement, and feasts for the eyes, belly, heart and mind. This semester long class can be taken for elective credit.

Counselors to contact:
Last Name: A-E Mary.Morseth@mpls.k12.mn.us
F-K Jean.Sherwood@mpls.k12.mn.us
L-Q George.mountin@mpls.k12.mn.us
R-Z Janelle.Kreisher@mpls.k12.mn.us

Radio Program Southwest and North students

From the Southwest Patch - your online news source for the area. http://southwestminneapolis.patch.com/ Youth reporters from North and Southwest high schools produce joint audio documentary to air on Jazz 88


Documentary culminates Parent Voices Talk Radio Show season

MINNEAPOLIS – KBEM Jazz 88 on July 10 will air “Graduation 2012,” a 60-minute student-produced audio documentary that explores cross-cultural and racial differences in the graduating classes at their respective high schools. The audio documentary, produced by students from North and Southwest high schools, is part of a season finale for Parent Voices Talk Radio Show, a weekly program on KBEM that is led by Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) parents and community members focusing on the importance of parental involvement.

Four students from the two schools served on the Parent Voices Talk Radio Show youth reporter team over the past seven weeks. The students served as radio hosts and facilitated discussions aimed at specific topics affecting public school students in urban school districts, such as closing the achievement gap between white students and students of color and comparing the experiences of students at North and Southwest.

To prepare for the audio documentary, students reflected on the different people, places, ideas and experiences that shaped the graduating classes of 2012.

This program was sponsored by a grant from the MPS Office of Equity and Diversity to provide cultural learning, interracial dialogue and interaction between two racially isolated MPS schools. 

WHAT: Parent Voices Youth Reporter Team Audio Documentary “Graduation 2012” airs on KBEM

WHEN: Tuesday, July 10, from 9-10 p.m., Parent Voices live finale show begins at 8 p.m.

WHERE: KBEM Jazz 88.5 FM

Southwest Alumni in Summer Race

From the Southwest Patch your online source on up to date news in the area: http://southwestminneapolis.patch.com/

Last weekend, a team of three recent grads from Southwest High School and one Robbinsdale's Armstrong High School took second place in what's surely one of the most unusual five-kilometer road races Minneapolis has ever seen.

In this madcap dash across downtown, Gus Price, Sam Hills, Matt Dole and Ryan Heltemes didn't even know what the course would be. Instead, they and the other 90 teams taking part in the Challenge Nation Urban Scavenger Race were given a set of 12 brain-twisting clues and tasks that had to be completed before they crossed the finish line.

"It was a lot of fun," Hills told Patch on Tuesday, while trying to hold back his laughter. "One minute you're sprinting like crazy and the next you're chatting up strangers and getting people at a bus stop to jump into the air all at once, while we took a picture."

Believe it or not, Hills said, trying to organize strangers into peculiar group photos, while panting and dripping with sweat in the searing heat is not as awkward as you'd think.

"People were surprisingly willing to help us out," he said.

The least cooperative was a police officer filling out paperwork in his parked cruiser. Desperate for directions to a particular fire station, Hills walked up to the front passenger door.

Pasting on his brightest smile, Hills rapped on the door and asked how to get to the station in question. The officer, Hills said, frowned and buried his nose in his papers, probably sick of questions from members of the 90 other teams combing downtown that Sunday.

"He deliberately tried to ignore us, but I wouldn't stop nocking—or smiling," Hills said with a laugh. "Finally he gave up."

But they weren't just up against the clock and Challenge Nation's puzzlemasters. Just as Hills, Heltemes, Dole, and Price were stepping away from the cruiser, they saw a group of other racers lurking nearby, watching their move and waiting to tail them.

"We were like 'Aaah! Run way from the other teams,'" Hills said.

This same scene played itself out one other time as the team coursed through downtown. Trying to dodge another pack who they suspected of piggybacking off of their breakthroughs, Hills and the others pounded around a corner—and over a 12-foot wall. Good thing all four used to be successful athletes at Southwest.

"As we were going into it, we didn't expect the event to be nearly as big as it was," Hills said. "We imagined it as a random gathering of people, who wouldn't take it too seriously."

In the end, they finished this concrete scavenger hunt-cum-steplechase in a hair over an hour, winning second place and a $100 bill. The next day, it was back to their day jobs at Southwest's Super Summer program, and then back to college in the fall, but Hills said he hopes to reunite the team for another try in summers to come.

Thanks to reader/blogger Mary Ann Schoenberger for tipping us off to the cool stuff her son Sam and his friends were getting up to this summer.

Southwest Grad John Jamison - Great Article

Great article and pictures on wonderful young talent! Southwest Alumni John Jamison. The article is long but definitely worth the read. Subject: The new song and dance: Twin Cities teen John Douglas Jamison II gains attention of national talent scouts | Twin Cities Daily Planet http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2012/07/01/new-song-and-dance-twin-cities-teen-john-douglas-jamison-ii-gains-attention-national#.T_JgIWG0_6c.gmail

Summer book review -- Birds In Fall by Brad Kessler

An interesting summer read -- Birds in Fall by Brad Kessler. A tragic story plot but interesting character study. The story is about continuing life through tragedy and misfortune. Migrating bird patterns provides a background to the book's theme. Migrating is a part of life that is a given for birds. It is not necessarily a choice or a direct result of anything the birds have done. They do not cause it or responsible for it or to blame because of it. Migrating is what nature has in store for them. Living and loving and being part of life is an individual activity. At any given moment something we did not cause or even anticipate changes it all. Then what happens? Great character book. Would be a good book club selection with considerable moments within the book to explore. Definitely worth the time. The Review from Amazon -- "One fall night off the coast of a remote island in Nova Scotia, an airplane plummets to the sea as an innkeeper watches from the shore. Miles away in New York City, ornithologist Ana Gathreaux works in a darkened room full of sparrows, testing their migratory instincts. Soon, Ana will be bound for Trachis Island, along with other relatives of victims who converge on the site of the tragedy. As the search for survivors envelops the island, the mourning families gather at the inn, waiting for news of those they have lost. Here among strangers, and watched over by innkeeper Kevin Gearns, they form an unusual community, struggling for comfort and consolation. A Taiwanese couple sets out fruit for their daughter's ghost. A Bulgarian man plays piano in the dark, sending the music to his lost wife, a cellist. Two Dutch teenagers, a brother and sister, rage against their parents' death. An Iranian exile, mourning his niece, recites the Persian tales that carry the wisdom of centuries." What are you reading this summer? Share with others. Email me your thoughts and selections.