Minus 11 at the Bus Stop in the Morning

By 6 am on Friday morning the real temperatures are going to minus 11 with a wind chill of minus 28.  Time to be careful of frost bite and freezing exposed skin.

If you waiting on a bus or walking make sure you dress for the conditions.  Even a short walk from your car to the school can be challenging in this weather.

Put a blanket in you car that you can reach without leaving your car.  The truck is not a good idea for storage of winter warm gear.

The is more typical of Minnesota winter weather but it has been a while and we easily forget.  Be safe and careful in the morning.

Turn On The Lights March 16

Southwest At “SPILL THE WINE”                              

YOU ARE INVITED TO TURN ON THE LIGHTS!

We are thrilled to announce plans for installation of permanent lights for our athletic field at Southwest High School. The realization of this long-term goal has been made possible by Harvey Feldman, Class of 1961, who has offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, any funds raised up to $300,000!

The first phase of this project will include renaming Southwest Stadium after two of Southwest’s legendary coaches, Art Fredrickson & Dave Peterson.

We also have long-range goals that include an upgraded ticket/concession booth, improved entrance, new scoreboard, artificial turf, and much more.

Please join us March 16^th, for a Gala Event at location to be announced to continue the push to “Turn on the Lights.”

At this grand event you will have the opportunity to meet current Southwest Coaches, Athletes, Fredrickson and Peterson Family Members, The Lighting Committee, and hear all of the exciting details.

WHEN:                       March 16^th, 2013

TIME:               6:00 to 10:00 PM          

WHERE:           Atlas Grill

   US Bank Plaza

200 South 6th

                  Price:               $40.00

Other:  Light Refreshments, Silent Auction, Buy a Tile, Lifetime Southwest Athletic Passes, and much more!!!    Any Questions Call the Athletic Office at: 612.668.3035

Middle of the Winter Spirit Week

Today was the Olympic day and received moderate participation.  Student Council continue to strive to find ways and themes and ideas for all students to be included. 

Thursday is the Twins day.  I guess that can be a dress alike (Twins) or maybe Twins baseball or the Twin Cities - although not sure what that would look like.  Should be another fun Winter Spirit Day.

Pep Fest and introductions of winter sport teams is Friday -- dress for the date is purple.  If you want to stop by on Friday the Pep Fest is scheduled to be in the West Gym starting around 2:15.

During all the fun and events we continue with 3rd quarter classes.  The return of the ice made for another exciting and bone chilling morning but we warmed up during the day and continued with our learning.

Morning Travel Greatly Improved

The main roads and frequently traveled side streets are in greatly improved conditions thanks to the hard work and efforts of the city crews and the momentary warmer weather yesterday. 

The side streets and sidewalks remain in icing conditions.There are patches of ice in the parking lot.  Most of the sidewalks around the school have been cleared but frozen puddles remain slippery.

The hill coming up from the east is snow and ice covered but appears passable this morning.  It will get more icy with traffic this morning.  Be very careful driving around the school.

Brittle cold returns, the winds have increased and it is cold for the next few days.  Be careful walking and dress for the temperatures.

Free Dental Care for Children In Need

FREE DENTAL CARE APPOINTMENTS STILL
AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND FOR CHILDREN IN NEED 
 
Free dental care appointments are still available this weekend for children in need throughout Minnesota. The care will be delivered on Feb. 1 and 2 at about 200 dental offices statewide. But advance appointments are needed and the Minnesota Dental Association encourages parents to schedule an appointment now.

A record number of volunteer dentists have created a network of 6,000 appointments for free dental care for children whose families are unable to provide for the care.

Patients seeking appointments should be 18 years or younger and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Appointments are now available in the following communities: Albertville, Andover, Bloomington, Brainerd, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Chisholm, Cloquet, Coleraine, Columbia Heights, Cottage Grove, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Eden Prairie, Elbow Lake Dental, Faribault, Forest Lake, Grand Rapids, Hinckley, Lake Elmo, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Northfield, Perham, Pine City, Pipestone, Plymouth, Princeton, Renville, Richfield, Rockford, Rosemount, Roseville, Rush City, Saint Anthony, Saint Louis Park, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Staples, Waconia, Wadena, White Bear Lake, Willmar, Woodbury and Zumbrota.

For information about how to contact each clinic, please go to mndental.org.  United Way 2-1-1 Information & Referral Specialists are also on hand right now to help families find a local participating clinic. To contact the United Way, just dial 2-1-1 or the statewide toll-free number, 1-800-543-7709. 

To spread word in your workplace, classrooms, clinics and centers, please use the promotional fliers and other materials, in multiple languages, at mndental.org. Follow our program on Facebook for more frequent updates. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Thank you for your help!  
Jenny Eldredge
Coordinator
Give Kids a Smile
Minnesota Dental Association 

 

Weather is going to be the topic again this week

light rain, snow and sleet most of the day and dropping to 14 by tonight and that probably will be the high tomorrow.

What does that mean to us?  Side Streets and Sidewalks continue to be slippery and dangerous.  Be extra careful when drive through intersections and around the school.  If you are walking or once you park your car, the sidewalks and streets are slippery.

Temperatures will continue to drop through the day so the conditions are not going to improve.  Freezing temperatures Wednesday and Thursday.  So the driving and walking conditions are going to stay dangerous.

Be careful out there.  Take extra time to get around and dress warm.

Very Dangerous On Side Streets and Sidewalks

The coat of ice on the side street (less traveled) and sidewalk is extremely dangerous.  Be very careful.  Allow extra time and watch you driving and walking.  The sidewalks are a sheet of ice and probably walking in the snow is better.

The parking lots are sheets of ice.  Any of the less traveled streets are extremely slippery.  All the intersections are slick and stopping is very difficult.

Plan extra time.  Be careful driving and walking.  The main street are fine and that makes the side street a quick discovery.  Until there are several hours of warmer temperatures, travel by vehicle or by foot is going to be treacherous. 

Southwest Poetry Slam Winners

The (K.)N.E.W. MN Youth Poetry Slam Series, presented by TruArtSpeaks, is a series of poetry slams held throughout the Twin Cities from January 26th to March 29^th, 2013.

The series will identify six young people between the ages of 13-19 to represent Minnesota in the international BRAVE NEW VOICES Youth Poetry Slam Festival (BNV) summer 2013!

The series begins with four preliminary slams that are free and open to the public. Any youth between the ages of 13-19 that lives in Minnesota is eligible to compete in one or more of these slams to earn a place in the semi-finals.  The top 20 poets from the semi-finals advance to the finals where six poets will be chosen to represent Minnesota at the BNV this coming July.

The first preliminary slam was Saturday January 26th at Macalaster College Chapel.  Southwest was well represented.  Three Lakers qualified for the semi-finals:  Fatima Camara, Angie Espinoza, and Jalisa Hunter.
The next preliminary slam is Friday February 1st in the Southwest Auditorium from 5-7 PM. 

The last two preliminary slams are Saturday Feb. 9 from 5-7 PM at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar in St. Paul and at Juxtaposition Arts in Minneapolis on Friday Feb. 15 from 5-7 PM.

You can find out more about youth poetry slams at https://www.facebook.com/MNYOUTHSLAM

Caroline Hooper
NBCT Social Studies
Southwest High School

---

2nd Quarter Grades Out This Week

Southwest second quarter grades will go out to families on Tuesday, January 29.

There are few students who completed work or incompletes after Monday the 21st.  It is possible that the information on Parent Portal for those few students will be incorrect for 2nd quarter until the grades are changes in Parent Portal by the teacher.

The grades received at home are the official grades and definitely should be the same as those on the 2nd quarter grade on Parent Portal.  If there is a difference, contact the teacher.

Hopefully the grades will be reason for celebration.  If there are questions, please contact your teachers or counselor.

Be careful streets and sidewalks today

Sixty crews have been working hard to make driving safe.  But the freezing snow/sleet makes the intersections very slippery - especially on the side streets around school.   Please use an alternate route than the little hill on 47th.  Leave that for the morning buses.

Take extra time for walking and finding a parking spot.  Sidewalks remain covered and slippery.  When driving or walking around school please be extra slow and careful.  Leave for school and work earlier and allow for the street and sidewalk conditions.

We want everyone safe for another great week at school.

Speech Team Opens Season Successfully

The Southwest Speech Team participated in the Hll-Murray Invitational this past weekend.  The team opener was a tremendous success as well as a grand beginning.

 

Earning Excellence Awards: 

Danielle Green -- Discussion

Russell Pekala and GiGi Rich -- Duo Interpretation

Piper Shatz-Akin and Nathaniel Larson -- Duo Interpretation

Geneva Larche -- Humorous Interpretations

Vienna Larche -- Humorous Interpretation

Henry Aoki - Original Oratory

Lucien Turczan-Lipets -- Extemp Speaking

Vince Puzak -- Extemp Speaking

Alexandra Nicome -- Extemp Speaking

Shira Rabkin -- Original Oratory

Madelaine Foster -- Creative Expression

 

Next tournament is next Saturday at Prior Lake High School

Which Dance is Your Child Attending?

The old familiar high school dance.  What has happen to those?  An opportunity has presented itself for an interesting dinner time conversation.  Which dance should I go to on Friday or Saturday night?

I think it only appropriate that the family have that conversation.  Over the years, the idea of dancing has developed its own various definitions.  One of moving the feet and body to the rhythm of the music to one of sexual interplay.

Now where does the family come into the picture and then the extension -- the school?  The old high school dance.  Is it a sexual experience?  Or fun and games?

What happens in the basement of your home or the back seat of the Chevy may not be public business.  But what happens at a school activity has different obligations and responsibilities.  13, 14 and 15 year olds find navigating the social norms difficult in the best of times.  I might be so bold to say that many 20 year olds are still trying to figure out the "rules" of social interaction.

Well, they all do it.  That is the common excuse.  But, no one will like me or they will think I am _____ -- you finish the sentence.  The pressure to conform is tremendous on young people - and many old people.  Rubbing one's privates against another seems a bit intrusive to me but then I may be a bit removed from the modern age.  On the other hand I think that is a great family discussion.

It appears that the Winter Formal has started the conversation.  Because the rule makers said there shall be no bumping and grinding at the school sponsored dance, some students have decided to have their own party.  So, as it should be, it is up to the families to decide the venue for their children.  There is no rule that a student has to attend a school dance.  There is no problem with students and/or their families having parties and socials at any time.

I do not believe that any person needs to feel pressured to present him or herself in a vulnerable and sexual position.  The bumping and grinding of persons in a public settings seems a bit much.  Or as one of our older student put it "sexual exploration."  Maybe that has some place in a health course or even better in your own home but I am not sure that sexual exploration is the purpose of a high school dance.

It appears there are going to be choices this weekend.  I think that is great.  Families need to decide what are the common values for that family.  What is okay for your son and daughter?

IB Orals Volunteers Needed

IB Orals - Help check in and monitor students during IB Oral prep. 

Contact Kim Gregg at: kjgregg44@gmail.com  if you are able to help with any of the following dates:  Two volunteers are needed for each shift:

Tue, Jan 29      8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Wed, Jan 30    8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Thu, Jan 31     8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Fri, Feb 1       8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Tue, Feb 5      8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Start of Baseball Captain Practice

Baseball Captain’s Practice Captains' Practice is scheduled for the following Saturday, January 26th, from 8:00 - 10:00 A.M. at the Lake Street YWCA located at Lake and Hiawatha.  

Hope to see you there! 

 If you have any questions, please send an email to southwestbaseball@gmail.com.

Winter Spirit Week Jan. 28 - Feb. 1

Spirit Days this Week at Southwest!

Monday: Comfy Day

Tuesday: Decade Day

Wednesday: Olympic Day

Thursday: Twin Day

Friday: Laker Day

Pepfest on Friday 

and the dance is Saturday night from 7 - 10 at Jeune Lune in Minneapolis.

Hot Notes Web Site Is Open Check Out The Action

Hot Notes on a Cold Night Cabaret is THIS SATURDAY, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.. Don't be left out in the cold!
Get your tickets before Saturday and save $10 per ticket.   Spend an evening at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis and enjoy dazzling student performances and delectable food as we raise money for our dynamic music program.  For more information go to the Southwest High School Hot Notes web page.

Softball and Football New Coaches

Southwest is Proud to announce two new coaches.

Alex Case will take over the softball program after many years working as a baseball coach at SW.  

 Josh Zoucha will be moving from the offensive coordinator position to the Head Coach for the Football program.  

This will be Josh's 5th year with SW football.

 

Ryan Lamberty

Athletic Director

School Based Clinic on WCCO

Wanted to share a link to a story that WCCO did yesterday about the flu epidemic in Minnesota.

 

They interviewed Southwest very own Mindy Fine as well as Southwest student Nathalie Robles about the flu shot clinic we held at Southwest. 

 

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/studies-exercise-improves-flu-shot-effectiveness/

 

Alison Moore, MPH

Health Educator - Minneapolis School Based Clinics Program

 
Minneapolis Health Department

SATURDAY Hot Notes on a Cold Night

Hot Notes on a Cold Night Cabaret!


 

WHY? To insure SW continues to offer a high caliber music program to our SW students. Help ake the wishes of our Music Directors come true. Music Director Burning Desires 2013.

WHAT? Entertainment, Food, Cash Bar, Silent Auction, Raffle. Be the first to get a sneak preview of Southwest's new Spotlight spring musical, Tommy!

WHEN? Saturday, January 26, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Women's Club of Minneapolis

For more information: Hot Notes Ticket Information

WANT TO HELP?: Buy a ticket. Donate an item for Off-the-Wall. Sponsor a program ad. Volunteer at the event.

Jackie Mattingly, Event Chair

swhsmusicboosters@gmail.com

Big Sports Weekend

Friday, Jan 25
Boys Basketball at Roosevelt 7 pm
Girls Basketball at Southwest Home game 7pm
Boys Novas Hockey at Parade Ice Garden 5 pm
Girls Novas Hockey at Parade Ice Garden 7 pm

Saturday More Hockey and Basketball
Wrestling at Cooper Invitation - all day starting at 9 am

Monday
Swimming Boys at Southwest 6 pm

Wednesday
Gymnastics at Como Park 6 pm
Nordic Skiing Varsity Conference Noon at Wirth Golf Course

Lots of teams to support and lots of athletic action.
  Come out and support the Lakers.

In addition, the Speech team is at Hill Murray this Saturday and
 the Laker Math team is in competition this coming week.

Second quarter grades ready to go.

Families will receive grades this week through the mail for the second quarter.  All final grade will be posted no later than Feb. 1. Still waiting on the completion of some incompletes.  But generally all the final semester grades are posted on the Parent Portal and hopefully correct.

If you have questions about any of the grades please contact the teacher.  Attendance errors can only be corrected for the previous two week period.

The cold continues as we advance through the more typical Minnesota winter season.

Area C Advisory Council Community Forum at Washburn

 Washburn Community Forum

Join us for a public forum for students, families, and community members to promote learning, respect, and unity in light of the incident at Washburn High School.

Wednesday, January 23

Washburn High School - 201 West 49th Street - Auditorium

4:45pm Doors Open 5:00 - 6:30pm Program and Discussion

 

Flyer with Spanish, Somali, Hmong Translations

 

Childcare is available for ages 3 & up, all children are welcome.  There will be interpreters for Spanish, Hmong and Somali families.   Everyone is welcome.

 

Questions?  Call me:  Gael Ellis 612-382-0546 or Communications:  612-668-0230

Today a Day of Reflection & Promise

As with many National Holidays the day off and the family gatherings and the three day weekend cloud over the reason(s) the day was decided to be so important that we would close schools and banks and government office. Today is the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. born 84 years ago on this day in 1929.

Probably from the point in human history that there was more than one person around, there has been disagreement, conflict and even battle.  The need for people to get along goes back decades and centuries and eons.   Over the years there have been many leaders who cried out against the injustice and horrible conditions,  They are not unique to the United States or the western world.  Leaders who saw what might be rather than what is exist in many times and location.  Dr. King was definitely one of the great leaders who brought attention to the plight of the poor and of those persons of color who seemed to be outside of public concern or care.

 

We need to reflect on these days and remember why someone thought they were important in our course of events.  But we also need to keep in mind the promise.  If tomorrow is going to be better we need to be working on it today.  Education is a structure that honors the past while preparing for the future.  We must continue to move forward.  Time, efforts and resources need to be spent on the improvement of the human condition.  One of our students may find the cure for cancer in the not too distant future.  One of our student may discover how to generate renewable and sustainable fuel.  The possibilities are endless.  But we need to understand our differences.  We need to struggle to find peaceful solutions to very complex issues,

 

Today is the National Holiday to honor the life, memories and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

 



Southwest Art Students Receive Top Honors

- News Release -

Media inquiries:

Cecily Spano, SWHS Art Teacher, Cecily.spano@mpls.k12.mn.us

Ben Zhao, SWHS Art Teacher, Ben.zhao@mpls.k12.mn.us

Southwest High School Students Receive Top Honors in Statewide Art Competition

Artwork will be sent on to compete at national level

 

Minneapolis, MN – January 17, 2013: Four Southwest High School students have been recognized for their artistic achievements in the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards (MSAA), which is a statewide affiliate of the National Scholastic Art Awards program. Two of the students received Gold Keys, the top honor awarded. Southwest teachers Cecily Spano and Ben Zhao teach the four students in their International Baccalaureate (IB) art classes.

 

Southwest High School winners:

• Marissa Nicol: Gold Key for portfolio of eight pieces; Gold Key for drawing, “Portrait of my Parents”; Silver Key for painting, “Portrait of a Memory”; Honorable Mention for painting, “One Side”
• Dane Cole: Gold Key for mixed media, “Untitled”
• Stanley Kirshner-Breen: Silver Key for mixed media, “Facing Fates”
• Natalie Ostrow: Silver Key for photography, “Dripping in Gold”

MSAA recognizes Minnesota’s most creative teenagers and offers scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors. It’s open to all Minnesota students in grades 7 through 12. This year MSAA received 1,849 individual artwork entries and 164 portfolio entries (up 500 from the previous year). The jury awarded 183 Gold Keys for individual entries and 17 Gold Keys for portfolio entries. Additionally, the judges awarded 186 Silver Keys and 340 Honorable Mentions for individual entries.

Minnesota’s Gold Key Award Ceremony will be held on Sunday March 3, 1pm, at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Boulevard West, Saint Paul. The Gold Key artwork winners from around the state will be on display February 7 - March 3 at the College of Visual Arts Gallery, 173 Western Avenue North, Saint Paul. The Gold Key winning artwork has been sent to New York and will now be judged at the national level as part of the National Scholastic Art Awards, competing against other Gold Keys from around the country. National awards will be announced in mid-April.

More information is available at http://www.cva.edu/gallery/msaa_awards/

###

NOTE: Attached are the two pieces that won Gold Key individual artwork honors.

Southwest High School has been rated the #1 high school in Minnesota for three years in a row, and is widely known for inspiring excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

 

Southwest High School • 3414 W 47^th Street • Minneapolis, MN 55410 • 612.668.3030 • southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us

Grade Book and Parent Portal Back Working

In the past several weeks there have been significant problems with the GradeBook and the Parent Portal.  It appears that District issues have been resolved.  A "fix" was posted last night and the system appears to be stable.

Sorry for any inconvenience.because of the problems grades in all classes may not be currently available.  This is a long weekend and final grades will be posted starting Tuesday morning.

We are assuming the information showing is correct but I would be careful in reacting to the information until later Tuesday.

We regret the confusion and frustration.

Clubs And Events Happenings

GET A TASTE OF YOUR OWN GENEROSITY

Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser.  Monday, JANUARY 28TH, 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Calhoun Chipotle

Bring in a flyer and 50% of the proceeds will go to benefit Southwest HS Girls Basketball.

Juniors and Families: The College Search II Presentation

The College Search II has been rescheduled to April 16. This is a change from Jan 31. Please make the change in your calendars. More information to come as the date approaches.

Our IB Diploma Candidates' Extended Essay titles are now available. 

Look at this astounding array of topics via the link on the IB Website.

Contact the IB office if you are interested in reading any of these Extended Essays: ContactRichard Schwartz

Graduation Date Change!

Due to a variety of circumstances it is necessary to CHANGE the date and the place of the 2013 Southwest Graduation.  The NEW date will be Saturday, June 1, 2013

NEW Place we are proud to announce is:  Mariucci Arena, 1901 SW 4th Street on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

The time is changed to 7:30 pm

More information will be forth coming. We want you to have this information as quickly as possible. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Winter Formal

Throwback edition Winter Formal is coming up! Tickets go on sale Tuesday the 22nd outside the Student Council Office. $25 for a single, $45 for a double. The dance will be at the beautiful Jeune Lune Theater in downtown Minneapolis Saturday, February 2nd. Get excited!

Semester 2 Schedule Change Requests

Students/Families requesting a schedule change for 2nd semester should pick up a schedule change request form in the counseling office. A student wishing to change levels in any core subject or World Language will need both teacher and parent signatures. ALL SEMESTER 2 SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH.

Please keep in mind that when requesting a schedule change, the change may affect the entire student's schedule. If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.

Trip to Japan in June, 2013

There will be a trip to Japan in June.  The tentative dates for travel are from June 11th to June 24th, 2013.  At present the trip is open to all students.  For sure, the more students who attend the trip, the cheaper the costs will be on the average per person.  If you know of a friend who is interested in going to Japan, please bring him/her along.  Please come to room 219 to talk withMrs. French for more details.

STEP-UP application season is upon us once again!

This year the application is 100% online and the application will go live beginning December 17th. To support you with the new online format, we will have regular help sessions on Tuesdays beginning January 15th in the Career and College Center located in Room 104. The application deadline will be March 4th, 2013.

To apply, please go to the following link: http://stepup.iapplicants.com/

STEP-UP is the City of Minneapolis Summer Jobs Program. We train thousands of students on the skills you need to be successful and then place students in paid, professional summer jobs.

Benefits of STEP-UP:

• Explore a career that interests you while gaining valuable work experience
• Earn up to $2,000 over the summer
• Build professional skills that look great on your resume
• Meet people who can help you with your college and career goals

STEP-UP is open to Minneapolis residents ages 14-21 that meet income guidelines (listed below) and are not yet enrolled in college.

Family Size /Total Household Income Guidelines

• 1 Person/ $45,500.00

• 2 Persons/ $52,000.00
• 3 Persons/ $58,500.00
• 4 Persons/ $65,000.00
• 5 Persons/ $70,200.00
• 6 Persons/ $75,400.00
• 7 Persons/ $80,600.00
• 8 Persons/ $85,800.00

Information sheets are now available in the Career and College Center, located in room 104. Additional information is attached to this email. Call Joel Lampe at (612) 455-1536 with any questions on the STEP-UP program.

STEP-UP applications must be submitted online by March 4th, 2013.

Speech Team Practice

Speech Team practices Mondays and Thursdays after school in room e103.

Wallin Scholarship now available!

Wallin Education Partners awards college scholarships to high potential students with financial need. Awards are up to $16,000 for 4 years ($4,000 per year). Selected scholars receive personalized advising services to ensure college success.

http://wallinpartners.org/apply

Eligibility

Minimum eligibility requirements are:

• Senior at a partnering high school.
• Family taxable income of $75,000 or less with low to moderate assets (proof of income & assets required).
• Unweighted GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Composite ACT score of 19 or above.
• Applying to at least one eligible college or university. These are accredited 4-year public or private colleges in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North or South Dakota, or one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Awards must be used at one of these colleges or universities

IB Orals - Help check in and monitor students during IB Oral prep. 

Contact Kim Gregg at: kjgregg44@gmail.com  if you are able to help with any of the following dates:  Two volunteers are needed for each shift:

Wed, Jan 23     7:45 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Thu, Jan 24      7:45 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Fri, Jan 25        8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Tue, Jan 29      8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Wed, Jan 30    8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Thu, Jan 31     8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Fri, Feb 1       8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

Tue, Feb 5      8:15 - 11:45    12:15 - 2:30

The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) is extending the opportunity for Southwest students/families to participate in their program:

Each semester, SEGL selects a small number of promising 11th grade students who represent the rich geographic, socio-economic, and racial diversity of the United States and world. SEGL uses Washington, DC as an ethical leadership laboratory that teaches students through firsthand interactions with diplomats, policymakers, and academic experts.

Please visit the following for more information: http://schoolforethics.org/  and :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFhScn_HMW4

Southwest Community Education Updates

The Southwest Green Team is focusing on two issues this semester:  water & food. The members participated in a workshop on water pollution & water treatment conducted by Ms. Anja Meissner (a post-doctoral chemistry TA from the Univ. of MN).  They will be touring a waste water treatment plant next month as a part of their research for workshop presentations to grade school students..  In concert with this topic, the Green Team has written several grants and is doing some fund-raising to try to provide new filtered water   coolers that encourage the use of reusable water bottles for SW.  For their food topic of concern, they are learning how to can & preserve foods next month and then donating the food to local food shelves.  They have also written & won several other grants, including additional funds for more weatherization kits that we are using to keep the Link and East building classrooms warmer!

Southwest Study Buddies.  We are continuing to tutor students on Thursday afternoons at Lake Harriet.  You can earn community service credit for doing this for IB/NHS or simply to have it acknowledged for college applications (it looks good!).  Interested in helping during the winter quarter - stop by and pick up a form in the Community Education Office.

General student/adult Education classes.  Our new winter quarter starts the week of January 28th.  There are over 150 classes you can take (lots of options for fitness, dance, art, foreign languages, home repair, computers, etc.) 

Family Sock Hop - Friday, March 1, 2013.  More details later

Spoken Word/Poetry Slam:  Did you know that SW has a Spoken Word club?

Spoken word is a way to write and perform your own poetry.  SW poets will be competing with other poets from across the metro area beginning January 26 through the MN Youth Poetry Slam Series.  SW is also hosting a preliminary Slam on Friday February 1 from 5-7 PM in the auditorium.  Come Wednesdays after school to room #212 to participate in Spoken Word activities or just come on February 1st to hear some of the best poetry around.  Contact Ms. Hooper if you have any questions.

CHINA - a really BIG country, a major player in the world economy, and, a partner with Southwest!

This year Southwest is hosting four students from the iNECS China exhcnage program. Stay tuned for information about hosting a Chinese student in the 2013-2014 academic year and an upcoming event wherein you can meet our four students.

Yoga Club

Yoga club will meet Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 at Kula Yoga on 44th and France next to Caribou Coffee. It is free and meets every Wednesday that school is in session. Bring a mat if you have one.

After School Credit Make-up is running!

Please see your counselor for details if you are missing credits in Science, Math, Social Studies, Phy-ed, or Health!

After School Study Center - tutoring and homework help.  Who?  Any SWHS student - all levels and courses

When - Tuesday and Thursdays after school 3:15-4:30

Where - Room E105

What - Help with homework in any subject, writing papers, essays, reports, help studying for tests, tutoring available in math and other subjects.

Staffed by:   University graduates, parent and community volunteers.

Contact: Joan Leverenz 612 668 3072 joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us

Want to help? Volunteers needed to work one on one and in small groups. Contact Joan 612 668 3072  joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn

The Break Dance Club spreads B-boy culture with new and advanced dancers alike through practice, performance and teaching. We meet Mondays 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the E110 AND Wednesdays same time in the Room 21. See Ms. Valdez in 109 with any questions or see you there! lhempel@mpls.k12.mn.us 

Anime Club

Anime fans of Southwest High, Anime club meets each meeting will be on Mondays from 3:05-5:00 pm in room E100, you are allowed to bring snacks for yourself or for everybody. So if you love anime come on down.

SPANISH TUTORING

If you are needing help in Spanish, one-on-one help will be given to you. Tutoring will occur every Tuesday in room 107 after school till the end of school year. stephanie.wegner@mpls.k12.mn.us

Chess Team

The chess team is meeting every Wednesday after school in Room E101 until 4:30 pm.  Anyone interested is welcome to stop by and learn how to play chess or get better.  Mr. Fresco.  See you there.

Flu Shots Available Southwest Clinic

Flu Shots Available at the School Based Clinic

Due to strong demand the School Based Clinic staff will be providing flu-shot days available to all STUDENTS who have a clinic consent and flu-consent on file on Wednesday and Thursday January 23rd -24th , 2013 during the school day. Please go to the school clinic’s webpage for both the general clinic consent and flu-consent and have these forms filled-out before your visit.  Please call the clinic if you have questions or concerns at: 612-668-3040 or alternatively e-mail Mindy Fine, FNP-C atmindy.fine@minneapolismn.gov>