Saturday, December 21, 2013

Southwest Marches in Holidazzle Parade



The Southwest Marching Band under the direction of Keith Luizzi marched in the Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade.  Each year the Southwest band is requested to march in the event and most years frequently.

This is the last year for the current configuration of the Minneapolis Holidazzle event.  Southwest was honored to be a part of the event for several years and again this year to mark the end of an era.  The Laker band looks forward to the new showcase assuming there is one next year.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Wallin Scholarship Applications Due


WallinScholarship: Open now - Deadline January 12, 2014

This $4,000/year ($16,000 overall) award is open to seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, minimum 19 ACT composite score, and a family taxable income of $75,000 or less. Please see the program website, wallinpartners.org/apply, for additional eligibility requirements, including eligible colleges.   The online application is due Sunday, January 12, 2014. See your school counselor or CCC coordinator with any questions. 

BLAST Day was a Blast - Thank you


Dear Southwest Families,

Thanks to your incredible involvement, we're proud to say that we've raised over $25,000 (including more than $6,000 today alone) for our 2013 BLAST Day! Inaddition to these funds, we've collected toys, and made blankets and cards to send over to the Children's Hospital of Minnesota and The Ronald McDonald House. It was amazing to see our school and community come together to support such an important cause. We're so proud to be a part of the Southwest High School community.  

We are keeping the online donation site open for another week, so it's not too late to give to BLAST Day! 

Thanks again, Angie Vaaler and Griffin McEnery  BLAST Day co-chairs

Southwest expansion is moving forward.


Southwest expansion is moving forward.

Southwest High School will experience new construction to house the anticipated new enrollment in the next five years.  The proposed building is to fill the space between the two current buildings.

Everything is in the design and plan phase of the project.  After the first of the new year, architectural, engineering and construction firms will be contracted to move the process along.  Actual dirt moving may still be a few months away.

We are planning on having a construction section on the Southwest web site to keep neighbor, community, students and friends informed about the process and progress.  That site should be open sometime the second week of January.

We are looking for a "small" working group to review the proposed plans.  I am looking for a representative group of about 10 of parents, students and teachers to talk about the project and future.

During the coming weeks we will have a "large" meeting for information and listening.  We are excited about the project and what to share the plans and future for our building, school and community.

If you are interested in being part of the "small" work group, please let me know.  We are looking at some evening during that first week back - the week of January 6 with a meeting time of about 5-6:30 pm.

More information as it develops.

January 14 at 7:00 pm - Teens and Stress and How to Support


BIO:  Anne Gearity, PhD is a clinical social worker with a mental health practice in Minneapolis.  She is clinical faculty at the U of M Department of Child Psychiatry and School of Social Work as well as teaching in an infant mental health post graduate program.  In addition, she consults to agencies and schools about mental health needs of children and adolescents.  Her writing interests include an educational model of mental health and fluency: talking to children and teens in helpful ways.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION :  Educators and parents need to encourage self-reliance and self-motivation in teens.  This is part of their learning mandate, as much as academic mastery.  This workshop will address tasks of adolescence and how adults can best support teens as they practice autonomy. We will focus on what happens when learning is compromised by stress, learning difficulties, and mental illness; and how to build educational supports that help teens better appreciate and enjoy school.
 
Course is posted on eCompass for teachers throughout the district.  The course is a re-licensure topic for mental health.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

BLAST Days December 20, 21013


Dear Southwest families,

 

Southwest’s annual BLAST day fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to make it a success!  BLAST day is an opportunity for our community to unite and do everything in our power to help a certain cause. The goal is to help another community while strengthening our own by Being Loving And Sharing Together. This year all BLAST day donations will go to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and Ronald McDonald House, changing the lives of many children with serious illnesses within our own city who cannot afford care at a critical time in their lives. Together we hope to raise over $35,000, a BLAST Day record.

 

We chose Children’s because it touched our hearts. The most important quality we found was in Children’s oncology department, which cares for 55% of children diagnosed with cancer in Minnesota. As a community, we have witnessed the devastating effects of cancer first hand. We want to make a difference in the lives of these children and support their families during an immensely difficult time. But we can’t do it alone. We can do this together to show our support as a Southwest community.

 

We need your help to make sure our BLAST Day touches the lives of the thousands of children that Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota cares for. We have raised $9,357, but we have a long way till we reach our goal of $35,000. Any amount, big or small, is truly important to help this cause. 

 

Please, show our community support to reach our BLAST day goal! We really can’t do it without you. You can donate at http://www.razoo.com/story/Blastday2013 or by bringing in cash or checks to school. Checks can be made out to Southwest High School, and donations are tax deductible. Again, any amount you are able to give will help children in need in of care in our own city, and will be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thank you!!

 

Angie Vaaler and Griffin McEnery

BLAST Day Co-chairs

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Southwest Math Team Off to Another Great Start of the Season


The Southwest High School Math Team hosted Meet #3 on Monday, December 16. Six of the Minneapolis high schools and one charter school gathered to work on some challenging mathematics problems.

Some statistics from the meet:

  • 134 total students from seven schools in the Minneapolis division participated.
  • 67 Southwest students participated individually at the meet.
  • 52 of the Southwest students scored at least one point by correctly answering at least one question. Event C was particularly challenging – lots of zeros.
  • One student from Southwest, Russell Pekala, had a perfect meet, earning all 14 points possible.
  • The Varsity Team had a perfect team event, earning all 24 points possible.
  • The Varsity Team (official scoring team) earned 84 of a possible 136 points, finishing in first place within the division. We are currently ranked 24th in the state out of 172 teams, but will likely move up with the results of this meet.
  • The junior varsity team earned 38 of a possible 136 points, unofficially finishing in third place within the division.

Official state rankings can be viewed at http://mnmathleague.org/

The cumulative rankings are located by clicking on the meets and standings tab on the top of the page.

The following is a list of top performing students from Southwest.

First Name
Last Name
Grade
Meet 3 Events
Meet 3 point total
Russell
Pekala
11
A and D
14
Paul
Heltemes
10
B and D
12
Yuanzhe (Thomas)
Liu
12
A and B
12
Cameron
Fudeh
11
C and D
9
Zijia (Eleanor)
Song
11
C and D
8
John
Anderson
11
B and D
6
Nathan
Carroll
11
B and D
6
Joey
Doyle
9
A and D
6
Lexi
Schueller
11
A and D
6

Monday, December 16, 2013

Hot Notes on a Cold Night Feb. 1, 2014


Hot Notes on a Cold Night Cabaret

Saturday, February 1, 2014, 7:00-10:30 p.m.

You won't want to miss this annual event to raise critical funds for SWHS music programs—and have a lot of fun in the process!
  • Entertainment by top student performers
  • Hearty appetizers, desserts, cash bar
  • Off the Wall, your chance to purchase tickets to cultural and sporting events, Great Gatherings, restaurant gift cards, and other items donated by local businesses — all to benefit SW performing arts
  • Wine raffle
  • Dancing to the Southwest Jazz Band
Tickets are $35 in advance, $50 at the door. Reserve your tickets today! Go to hotnotes.eventbrite.com.

FAQ
May I buy tickets with a personal check?
Yes. Contact the Hot Notes organizers at swhsmusicboosters@gmail.com or visit the Hot Notes page at swhsmusic.com to download a ticket form. Please mail your registration and payment so we receive them by January 30. No service charges will apply.
How will proceeds be used?
Other than teacher salaries, the entire music program is funded by donations at concerts and through fundraisers. Among other things, proceeds will:
  • Replace and repair worn musical instruments
  • Pay for the new choral risers for our growing programs
  • Fund scholarships for individual voice and instrument lessons, and workshops with local professional musicians
  • A portion of proceeds benefit the Dance program and this year’s spring musical: Thoroughly Modern Millie
Will there be convenient parking at the event?
Yes. St. Mary's has abundant, free parking in two lots.
Isn't that the same night as the Luminary Loppet?
Alas, yes, but since our venue is so close to the Loppet action, we hope our skiing friends will do both. The Luminary course on Lake of the Isles opens at 6:00. Hot Notes doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:45. Word is there will be groomed trails on Lake Calhoun, so you can practically ski to Hot Notes! No need to gussy up—ski attire welcome!
How else may I contribute?
See the "Dynamic Donation" option above to make an online contribution. If you'd like to dontate to Off the Wall or host a great gathering, please contact the co-chairs.
What forms of payment will be accepted at the event?
Cash, check, and credit cards.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! There are many ways to help out, big and small, and all of it is appreciated. Please contact the co-chairs for more information. Note that volunteers the night of the event must purchase an admission ticket. If that is financially difficult for you, please let us know. We want everyone who is interested to join the fun!
 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Robotics Regional Qualifier


Southwest Ultraviolet Robotics MN FTC Regional Qualifier

Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free admission to supporters of Southwest’s ULTRA VIOLET team

Valley View Middle School , 6750 Valley View Road, Edina, MN 55439

Get Your Team Apparel - limited time


SW Boys Basketball Updates-

Come support Boys basketball December 13th!  Southwest vs. Henry at Southwest

Boys Basketball - Show Your Team Spirit - Get Your Team Apparel!  Follow this Link Limited Time Availability!  The store closes on Wednesday, December 11

This is not a fundraiser.  (Proceeds do not benefit the Basketball Boosters and are not tax deductible.)

The Nerd Opens in Balck Box December 17


Come see The Nerd , performed in the Southwest Blackbox Theatre at 7pm, Tuesday December 17th - Friday December 20th! I
t's a riot!
This is Unhinged Theater Company's third show of the year, and the forecast as predicted by Sven Sundgaard is a downpour of laughter!!!! 
 
The Nerd  is directed by Josh Kirk and Owen Lazur.  Stage-managed by Samuel Ramach. Tickets are 10 dollars for an adult, 5 dollars for a student, and kids under 24 inches get in free!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Ara C/ Zone 3 Summary of Enrollment Plans


Newsletter: Zone 3/Area C

 

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is excited about the increased enrollment in our schools and the opportunity to add 4,800 new student seats over the next five years. The school district’s five-year enrollment plan that strengthens schools through enrollment strategies was approved by the Minneapolis Board of Education at its Dec. 10 meeting.

 

Thank you to all of our parents and community members who helped make the plan relevant to the diverse students we serve. We were pleased to hear from over 1,400 people through community Listening Sessions and emails during the development of the recommended plan. Additional community engagement will be ongoing throughout each year of the plan’s implementation.

 

In Zone 3/Area C, the plan brings all-day kindergarten to all sites in 2014-15. In 2015-16, Washburn will utilize space at Ramsey for courses that support programming at both sites and a new pre-K-5 school at Wilder will be developed through community engagement. A building addition at Southwest will take place in 2016-17.

 

Overall, the plan strengthens zone-specific and districtwide pathways and roots schools in neighborhood communities; strengthens magnet and IB programs, arts and world language offerings through additional financial resources to adequately support program development and implementation; and expands services in areas such as early childhood, new-to-country student support and providing Go-To bus passes for out-of-district students attending high schools

 

To learn more about the five-year enrollment plan, visit www.mpls.k12.mn.us.


Newsletter: Zone 3/Area C

 

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) waxay ku faraxsantahay kordhinta isdiiwaangalinta iyo fursada oo ay 4,800 arday cusub u heli doonaan in ay ku soo biiraan dugsiyada dadweynaha Minneapolis 5-ta sanoo soo socota. Qorshaha Isdiiwaangelinta degmada, taas oo loogu talagalay in ay ku xoojiso dugsiyada qaab isdiiwaangelineed, waxaa go’aamiyaya Guddiga Waxbarashada kulan laqabtay Diseembar 10.   

 

Waxaa mahad mudan waalidiinta iyo xibnaha bulshada oo naga caawiyay in aan qorshaha ka dhigno mid lajaanqaada ardayda kala duwan oo aan u shaqeyno. Waxaan ku faraxsanahay in aan la shaqaynay in ka badan 1,4000 qof, si’ay noosiiyaan talooyinka loo baahnaa si’aan u soo saarno Qorshaha Isdiiwaangelinta. Wadashaqaynta bulshada waan sii wadidoonaa sanad waliba si’aan u meelmarino qorshaha. 

 

Xaafadaha Zone 3/Area C, qorshaha wuxuu suuro galindoonaa in maalind buuxda oo waxbarashada xanaada caruurta (kindergarten) sanadka 2014-15. Sanadka 2014-15, Washburn waxay boos ka helidoontaa Ramsey si ay u bixiso fasalo anfaca barnaamijyada labada iskuul. Sidookale, dugsi cusub oo ah pre-K-5 oo ku yaala Wilder ayaa la samayndoonaa, iyadoo lala kaashanaya wadashaqaynta bulshada. Southwest waxaa laga furidoonaa dhismo cusub sanada 2016-17.

 

Guudahaan, qorshaha wuxuu xoojiyaa isku xiritaanka dugsiyada iyo asaaska dugsiyada bulshada. Sidookale, wuxuu xoojiyaa barnaamijyada magnet-ka iyo IB. Qorshaha Isdiiwaangelinta wuxuu sidookale xoojiyaa dhalinta ilo dhaqaale oo safiican loogu taageero si loogu hormariyo laguna meelmariyo barnaamijyo waxbarasho. Sidookale, qorshaqa wuxuu suutogelin doonaa in lagu balaariyo adeegyada xanaadada caruurta, ardayda wadan ku cusub iyo gaadiidka (Go-To buss) oo loogu talagalay ardayda dhigata dugsiga sare.

 

Si’aad macluumaad dheeraad ah ugu ogaato Qorshaha Isdiiwaangalinta 5-ta sano (Five-year Enrollment Plant), booqo: www.mpls.k12.mn.us.



Hoja Informativa: Zona 3/Area C

 

Las Escuelas Públicas de Minneapolis (MPS) están muy entusiasmadas con el aumento de la matrícula en las escuelas y la oportunidad de agregar 4.800 nuevos cupos escolares en los próximos cinco años. El plan de inscripción de cinco años del distrito escolar que fortalece a las escuelas a través de estrategias de inscripción fue aprobado por la Junta de Educación de Minneapolis en su reunión el 10 de diciembre.

Gracias a todos los padres y miembros de la comunidad que ayudaron a que el plan sea relevante a los diversos estudiantes que servimos. Tuvimos el placer de escuchar a más de 1.400 personas a través de los foros de la comunidad y los correos electrónicos durante el desarrollo del plan recomendado. El compromiso adicional de la comunidad será permanente a lo largo de cada año durante la ejecución del plan.



En la Zona 3/Area C, el plan brinda “kindergarten” el día completo a todos los sitios en 2014-15. En 2015-16, “Washburn” utilizará el espacio en Ramsey para los cursos que admiten la programación en ambas escuelas y una nueva escuela pre -K -5 en “Wilder” se desarrollará a través de la participación comunitaria. Una adición al edificio en “Southwest” tendrá lugar en 2016-17.


En general, el plan refuerza las vías específicas de la zona y de todo el distrito y las escuelas de base en las comunidades; fortalece Programas Especializados y de Bachillerato Internacional (IB), ofreciendo artes e idiomas internacionales a través de recursos financieros adicionales para apoyar adecuadamente el desarrollo y ejecución del programa, y amplía los servicios en áreas como la primera infancia,  apoya a estudiantes que acaban de llegar al país y proporciona pases de autobús “Go-To” para los estudiantes de fuera del distrito que asisten a las escuelas secundarias con matrícula baja.

 

Para obtener más información sobre el plan de inscripción de cinco años, visite www.mpls.k12.mn.us.

 

Hoja Informativa: Zona 3/Area C

 

Las Escuelas Públicas de Minneapolis (MPS) están muy entusiasmadas con el aumento de la matrícula en las escuelas y la oportunidad de agregar 4.800 nuevos cupos escolares en los próximos cinco años. El plan de inscripción de cinco años del distrito escolar que fortalece a las escuelas a través de estrategias de inscripción fue aprobado por la Junta de Educación de Minneapolis en su reunión el 10 de diciembre.

Gracias a todos los padres y miembros de la comunidad que ayudaron a que el plan sea relevante a los diversos estudiantes que servimos. Tuvimos el placer de escuchar a más de 1.400 personas a través de los foros de la comunidad y los correos electrónicos durante el desarrollo del plan recomendado. El compromiso adicional de la comunidad será permanente a lo largo de cada año durante la ejecución del plan.



En la Zona 3/Area C, el plan brinda “kindergarten” el día completo a todos los sitios en 2014-15. En 2015-16, “Washburn” utilizará el espacio en Ramsey para los cursos que admiten la programación en ambas escuelas y una nueva escuela pre -K -5 en “Wilder” se desarrollará a través de la participación comunitaria. Una adición al edificio en “Southwest” tendrá lugar en 2016-17.


En general, el plan refuerza las vías específicas de la zona y de todo el distrito y las escuelas de base en las comunidades; fortalece Programas Especializados y de Bachillerato Internacional (IB), ofreciendo artes e idiomas internacionales a través de recursos financieros adicionales para apoyar adecuadamente el desarrollo y ejecución del programa, y amplía los servicios en áreas como la primera infancia,  apoya a estudiantes que acaban de llegar al país y proporciona pases de autobús “Go-To” para los estudiantes de fuera del distrito que asisten a las escuelas secundarias con matrícula baja.

 

Para obtener más información sobre el plan de inscripción de cinco años, visite www.mpls.k12.mn.us.