Southwest Students Earn World Language Proficiency Certificates

Congrats to Southwest Students Earning Minnesota Language Proficiency Assessment Certificates

During April level four Spanish students took the Minnesota Language Proficiency Assessment (MLPA).This assessment, designed by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota, looks at each student’s ability to read, write, listen and speak Spanish.

The following students achieved the intermediate level based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines:

Rewan Abdelwahab, Lauren Anderson, Helen  Baer, Nathaniel Carlson, Emma Chosy, Nick Daunheimer, Natalie Dusek, Sarah Edinburgh, Miranda Edwardson, Melena Ellingson, Elizabeth Furey, Katie Gnas, Carly Goodrich, Adele Gordon, Libby Jacobson, Madeline Kaye, Arazu Kian, Ben Lane, Sarah Layon, Jenna Lieske, Conor McGillivary, Abigail McIntosh, Claire McPartland, Bailey Monson, AnnaMoskowitz, Claire Olson, Conlan Olson, Anna Patterson, Alex Perera Pick, Javier Ponce-Arce, Margaret Anne Puzak, Grace Rasmussen, Gerhardt Robinson, Matisse Rogers, Noah Rothman, Alex Saucedo, Mackenna Savage, Graham Smith, Hannah Smyth, Eva Steitz, Sam Stovity,  Lynzi Svoboda, Amy Vandenburg, Ella Willford, Genevieve Wood, Sophia Wood.

Southwest Sailing Team Takes Third

Southwest High School Sailing Team Takes Third Place in Co-ed High School State Sailing Championship

On May 17^th and 18^th, Minnetonka Sailing School hosted the State Sailing Championship at Minnetonka Yacht Club. 

 

Southwest’s Varsity team, comprised of two fleets:  A fleet (Soren Anders-MacLeod, Teddy Noun) and B fleet (Jason Davis, Lachlan Anders-MacLeod), teamed up to place third in the 2-day competition, only to be bested by two Minnetonka teams.  Alternates Stephanie Daub and Luc Mainguy also supported Southwest’s third place finish, where Luc sailed 4 of 6 races for B fleet. 

 

Other high schools that competed in the regatta, making up 14 teams were:  Wayzata, Mound Park Academy, Blake, White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Providence Academy, Orono, Stillwater, and Washburn.

Honor Your Senior

The Perfect Grad Gift—an Auditorium Seat Plaque!

Looking for a graduation gift to honor a specialSouthwest senior?  Make a lasting impression with an engraved seat plaque in the Southwest auditorium!  You decide on the message—it can be as simple as the student’s name and graduation year, or you can add a special tribute.  Your tax deductible $200 donation will be a permanent legacy and fund ongoing auditorium maintenance and upgrades, benefiting future Southwest students, as well.  Please contact auditoriumseat@gmail.com to request an order form!

2010 Southwest Alumni Nick Kuhlmann Division III Baseball World Champion

Wisconsin-Whitewater scored six runs in the eighth inning — two coming on a bases-loaded single by Minneapolis Southwest’s Nick Kuhlmann — and beat St. Thomas 10-4 in the Division III World Series on Sunday in Appleton, Wis.

Nick Kuhlmann is a Southwest 2010 graduate.  Congratulations to Nick!

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton Visits with Southwest Senior Government Students

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton visited today with Mrs. Hooper's senior Government Class students.  These students were recognized for participation in a volunteer program at Minnesota caucus time.

Governor Dayton spoke for a few minutes and then answered student questions ranging from the Boundary waters to public education.  After questions Govern Dayton visited in formally with students and posed for pictures.

The Class present Governor Dayton a  Southwest Sweatshirt (in the above picture) and a Southwest purple water bottle.

Memorial Day 2014 - Least We Forget

Least we forget.  The sacrifice of many provided for the freedoms of today.

Mathalete Russell from Southwest

 

Congrats to Russell Pekala from SWHS.  The following note is from David McMayer:

Thought you might like to know that Minneapolis Math League has one current student, Russell Pekala, and one former student (Linxin (Leo) Jiang, who was part of Team Edison last year) who have been selected to represent Minnesota on the All-State Math Team at the Midwest ARML competition at the end of May.

 

Because of the continuing success of recent teams, Minnesota has been granted spots for four teams - three will compete in division A and one will compete in division B. Each team is comprised of 15 students ranging from grade 7 to grade 12. 

 

Over the last four weeks, we have held training sessions/practices at Macalaster College and Wayzata High School. The competition for the final sixty spots was fairly intense. The 75 students who were invited to participate in the training sessions were VERY mathematically talented. I felt pretty small as a mathematician among the group. At least I am good at bringing cookies and other treats.

 

Also noteworthy, Jim Walker is also one of the assistant coaches for the current team. Jim was a resident teacher with the St. Thomas Program who completed his student teaching at Roosevelt in about 2001 or 2002. Next year, Jim is taking over the duties of the head coach on the All-State Math Team. I will likely continue on as an assistant coach nest year.

 

This opportunity has really opened my eyes to what what students are capable of when they are encouraged to push themselves quite a bit harder. We certainly have some work to do with some of the best and brightest math students in our district. Let's not lose sight of these important groups of students at each school.

Southwest Badminton Team Competes at State

The Southwest Badminton Team competes at the Minnesota State Tournament.

Picture is from the state tournament program.  Congratulations Coach Whitehead and Assistant Coach Linh Nguyen and the entire team for a great season.

Celebrat your Senior Southwest Student

 

​

There’s still time left to order a memorable graduation gift – a permanent engraved seat plaque in Southwest’s Auditorium.  You can personalize this thoughtful gift with your student’s name, the year 2014, and a special message.  Seat plaques are available for a one-time donation of $200, which goes directly to Southwest’s Auditorium Fund.  This fund is used to maintain and upgrade the auditorium, so your student will always be a part of Southwest’s arts performances and programs.

To order or for more information please contact auditoriumseat@gmail.com

Personalized plaques are becoming a graduation custom at Southwest- -celebrate your senior and support Southwest High School with this one-of-a-kind gift!

Thank you,

Southwest High School Performing Arts

Margaret Berg, Theatre

Nathan Knoll, Choral

Keith Liuzzi, Instrumental

Colleen Callahan, Dance

Ruth LeMay, Guitar

 

Southwest Instrumental Music At Band Shell Thursday Evening

 A great finish to a great series.  The Southwest Instrumental music students presented a fantastic performance Thursday evening at the Lake Harriet Band Shell.  Jazz, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and Concert Band presented a foot stomping and standing ovation worthy set of music for a huge crowd at the Lake.

Big crowds of friends and families enjoyed the Choir on Monday evening and the Dance Program on Tuesday.  Each evening was a wonderful spring time enjoyment.

Congratulations to all the Southwest Music students, families and staff.

Senior Can Lose Sight of the Prize - Let's Finish the School Year

If you have a senior student in school right now you might want to have a little conversation about ending the school year in a nice manner.  It would be a shame to have to have a conversation about ceremony participation and suspension records at the end of the year.

Seniors start to act more childish with each passing day.  It might be fear of the unknown, concern about increasing responsibility or separation anxiety.  Whatever it is there are times when it is not pretty nor much fun.

Remind your senior students that unlawful entry is a crime and trespassing can end up with a ticket and possible suspension. These are not the times to be "cute" with wandering through schools in which you do not belong.

We want a safe, kind and respectful end of the year for the Class of 2014.

Southwest Baseball Twin City Champs!

All--

Our varsity team is the Twin City Camps!  With Will Belzer leading the pitching and Ben Seidel closing in the last inning, they shut out St. Paul Como Park, 6 to 0.  There was much help from our defense with some amazing catches by our outfielders Denny Carlson, Zev Larcoran and Christian Hedrick. Liam Kelsey was hot on third base.  Max Uetz scooped at first and Jordan Kozicky did his thing well at short stop.  Ian Hussian got dirty at second base chasing ground balls.  Joey Keiski, always solid behind the plate.  And, how about those pinch runners?!

Hats off to our varsity.  Now, go get 'em in the playoffs.  First game is tonight against South at 4:30 at Neiman.  Come cheer on a great team!  ($8.00 adults/$6.00 students).

-- 

Minneapolis Southwest High School Baseball Boosters

http://www.mplssouthwestbaseball.org

The Cool Times Begin - Qualty Students Deserve Quality Facilities

 

 

And let the cool flow in!   The big crane was poised in front of Southwest High School as workpersons prepared for the installation of the AC unit to go on the roof of the Auditorium.  Preparations are in place for the cooling to start soon.  Some additional connects are needs to be fully operational.

 

The AC will be in the auditorium this summer in time for the FIRST EVER summer theater in the auditorium at Southwest.  The first production will be Rocky Horror Show.  Opening night will be June 19 as the start of 9 performances.

 

Performances - June 19 - 22 and June 26-29 with curtain at 7 pm each evening.

 

 

 

 

Harvey Feldman and his generosity brought the AC to the Southwest auditorium and theater program.  "Quality students deserve quality facilities." stated Southwest 1961 graduate Harvey Feldman.  Harvey financed the purchase and installation of the project.

 

If you are interested in sharing in the continued exciting of an excellent public school program check out the Southwest Foundation.  Your donation is appreciated.

http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/southwest_foundation

 

 

Make Course Decisions Carefully - Choices For a A Lifetime

Quoted from the Minnesota Department of Education :(http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/CollReadi/IB/)

International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognized as a superior education, preparing students for rigorous academic work so they may succeed at postsecondary institutions around the world. The program encourages students to think from an international perspective, while first developing an understanding of their own cultural and national identity. Students learn a second language and develop the skills to live and work with others internationally—essential for life in the 21st century.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) offers three programs of international education that span the primary, middle and secondary school years. Program information is available below.
The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning requires students study courses across six disciplines, including computer science and mathematics, individuals and societies, and the arts. Part of the diploma process involves submitting an essay, completing the Theory of Knowledge course, and participating in creativity, action, and service projects. IB coursework also meets Minnesota’s high school graduation requirements. As an alternative to the full diploma program, students may choose to take individual IB courses and exams to earn IB certificates, which are recognized for credit at most colleges and universities.

Students are encouraged to contact the college of their choice for their IB credit policies. Funding is available to cover all or part of the exam fees. The IBO website contains useful information about the International Baccalaureate Program on a national level. The site includes IB Credit Policies for courses in non-Minnesota colleges and universities. The IB Minnesota website contains state-specific program information and contacts. See Related Offsite Resources for links to these sites. - End Quote

Make Choices for a Lifetime.  Choose your courses carefully to prepare for your dreams.  High School should be exploratory and a wonderful experience.  Now is the time to build that strong foundation for future success.

Southwest Class of 1964 - this is 50th Reunion Information

Good afternoon, SW’64 Classmates, and Friends of the Class of 1964,

It was the day after Labor Day, in late summer of 1951 when I was introduced to the concept of school as structured, delivered and mandated by Minneapolis Public Schools, and then only by virtue of where my parents chose to end their vagabond and unsettled ways, which could have been anywhere – but wasn’t. 

On my first day of Kindergarten, my mother and I walked hand-in-hand those six blocks to Audubon School, with her free hand chain-smoking Phillip Morris cigarettes and her hair in rollers, as was the custom among blue-collar women during the 1950s.  When we arrived, she quickly deposited me in front of classroom #101, leaned over to look me in the eye and said, “Jimmie, do you remember how we got here?”  I nodded affirmatively.  “Good.  Now after school just do the reverse, and I’ll see you at home – goodbye!  ??????!!!!!!  And with those terse instructions began a 13-year odyssey and my accumulation of friends, acquaintances and more memories than I can currently retain. 

The next day, and now on my own returning home from morning Kindergarten, I saw two boys standing on the corner of Drew Avenue and Glendale Terrace, directly across the street from the Little Park.  They were the only boys my age I remembered seeing in the neighborhood, so I stopped to awkwardly address them.  “Hi, my name is Jimmie Boyer; what’s your names?”  “I’m Jeff; and I’m Randy.”  They were going to afternoon Kindergarten at Audubon, and as it turned out they became my very first friends, and remain so to this day – 63-years later.  Jeff Peterson and Randy Nelson.

Perhaps you have a story like mine.  I would be surprised if you didn’t.  And, perhaps, you wouldn’t mind sharing yours with us – your first friends and classmates – on July 25^th at the Minikada Club, the scene of our milestone 50^th year reunion.  Your reunion committee and all attending classmates are looking forward to seeing you again.  Please be there, because we want you there.

Let us know how we can make this happen for you.

From your lifelong friend and classmate forever,

James Boyer, Chair

SW’64 50^th Anniversary

Reunion Committee

End of Year Celebration - May 20 at Brian Coyle Community Center

The Office of Student, Family and Community Engagement          Transportation Provided for Area C families Green Central Community School          Pick Up: 4:40 pm         Drop Off: 9:30pm 3416 4th Ave. South 554 Jefferson Community School                    Pick Up: 5:00 pm         Drop Off: 9:10 pm 1200 West 26th Street      End of Year Celebration Community Meeting* Tuesday May 20th - 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Brian Coyle Community Center 420 15th Ave. South 55454     Flyers:  Information about transportation and parking included  English Spanish Somali  Hmong       The Evening Includes: student entertainment great food  an opportunity to meet parents and community members from across the district. childcare for ages 3 & up interpretation in Spanish, Somali and Hmong   Discussion Topics Your Input Matters! Student Progress Reporting - Learn about a proposed process for reporting student academic progress to parents, guardians and give feedback to help shape this process. Strategic Planning - Earlier this year there were conversations about what's working an what's not working in MPS.  Now it's time to review areas you identified as priorities that will be articulated in a new 2014-2020 Strategic Plan.   Questions? 612-668-0640 or ofce@mpls.k12.mn.us

MOnday May 19 Sports Cancels Due to Weather

Southwest High School:

 

Section Softball game is cancelled today, meet in the cages after school

Twin City Baseball Game cancelled tonight, Varsity meet in the west gym, jv chalk talk, c-team- off

Track meet in the cafeteria at 3:15

 

Congrats Golfers- Both boys and girls won city today in this horrible weather.

 

Ryan Lamberty

Athletic Director

"International Baccalaureate is a better education." Says John Claughton

Quote:  As far as school qualifications are concerned, the International Baccalaureate has always stood out for the passion of its supporters. No average award this, they say, the IB is the complete package.

“Almost everybody who teaches it thinks it is a better education,” says John Claughton, Chief Master of King Edward’s School, Birmingham, which switched from A-levels to the post-16 IB diploma in 2010.

This year their faith has been rewarded, as two leading universities have lowered their entry requirements for IB students.King’s College London and Leeds universities have both announced that for admission next autumn, they will consider three As at A-level to be the equivalent of an IB score of 35 points – out of a total of 45 possible points – rather than 39 as previously. This is a recognition that grade inflation has not affected the IB in the same way that it has the A-level.

Although other universities are yet to follow suit, the result will be that greater numbers of IB students will be able to claim places at top universities. End Quote  says Nick Morrison, reporter for the UK The Telegraph.

As we continue toward course registration for the coming year it is important that students and families review all the options.  Our goal continues to be all student Career and College Ready.  And that means students actually getting into the careers and colleges of their chose.  We want all of our students to excel during high school and be readily accepted into the colleges of their choosing.  We believe the IB framework presents the best possible opportunity for that to occur.

to review the entire article in The Telegraph visit this link:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/10786060/The-IB-a-better-preparation-for-life.html

 

Southwest Honors Academic Achievement of Seniors

 

The President's Education Awards Program sets the standards.  We aer extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of all our students.  The President's Award goes to graduating seniors.

For the Class of 2014, 54 seniors earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) accumulated over the four years of 3.50 to 3/74 and these are our Academic Honors Students.

For the Class of 2014 78 seniors earned a GPA accumulated over four year of a 3.75 or higher earning the Outstanding Honors President's Award.

These students are  heading to college and universities all over the world.  These students are excellent examples of the Southwest students who be leaders in the community, state, country and world in a few years.

We are proud of the academic achievement of our Class of 2014 Seniors!

Lake Harriet Band Shell Concert for Monday Moved to 22nd

 

Schedule Changes for the Lake Harriet Concerts!

• Due to weather forecast, the Band and Orchestra Concert has been moved to May 22^nd, combining with the Jazz Concert.- 7PM Lake Harriet Bandshell
• May 20 - Choir Concert, 7PM Lake Harriet Bandshell
• May 21 - Dance Concert, 7PM, Lake Harriet Bandshell
• May 22 – Band, Orchestra and Jazz Concert (combos and Big Band) 6:30PM Lake Harriet Bandshell
• May 29 - Dance Concert 7PM, SW Auditorium
• June 3 - Graduation 8PM, Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium

 

Note Concert Date Change.

 

Tuesday, May 20, 47th between Chowen and Beards will be CLOSED

 

 

Tuesday, May 20 in the early morning hours 47th will be blocked between Chowen and Beards to move the mechanical to the roof of the auditorium for air conditioning.

 

 

Please plan on dropping students off in the morning at other locations.  Door 3 will be closed.  You will need to use the east, north, west entrances for school on Tuesday, May 20.

Southwest Spring City Champions

Spring is sort-of here and we are getting to the championship time for many of our spring athletes.
    They have worked very hard to achieve some successes so far in this unforgiving spring. 
    Here is what is coming up. 

Badminton- Is in the state round already, last night, winning the 1^st round over Washburn, but losing to a very tough St. Paul Johnson team in the 2^nd round of team competition.  Tonight and tomorrow they will continue on with the individual portion of the state tournament.

Baseball- Are the City Champions and will be hosting the Twin City Championship game- This will be held at Midway Stadium in St. Paul at 7PM, 5-19-14

- They will also be competing in sections to advance to state, 1st games will be the 22nd or 23rd, depending on the seed meeting.
-  If they keep winning they could play on the 27th, 28th, and 29th as well.

Track and Field- The track team has won the 1st city-conference showdown in the City Relay meet the end of April, winning on the boy’s side by a big margin, and a closer but still impressive margin on the girls side.  

-For the Team Title they will compete in the city meet hosted at SW on Tuesday the 20^th and 23^rd of May.  Preliminaries are Tuesday and with any luck we will have a large number that will advance to Finals on Thursday.
-Track will also have section competition at Wayzata to advance to the State meet on May 27^th and May 29^th.
 
Softball- Coach Case, and O’Connor, have led the girls to control the 2^nd position of 2^nd place and will start sections on May 19^th, with wins they could play the 20^th, 23^rd, 28^th, and 29^th to advance to the state meet.

Boys Tennis- Again running a strong 2^nd this year, they have a chance to make a run at the city championships meet next week.  They start team sections this week with individual conference and section tournaments the following weeks.

Golf- this team has played in some horrible rainy weather, but the old saying “I’d rather be golfing” still exists because the players are all in high spirits.  They play their conference championship Monday the 19^th all-day at The Minikahda Club.  The boys’ will tee-off at 8:30, and the girls at 9:00am.   They will follow that up with sections, in Jordan at the Ridges of Sand Creek, May 28^th and 29^th.

Girls Lacrosse & Boys Lacrosse- both teams are having very good seasons, girls started off 6-1.  They will start sections May 23^rd, then play 27^th and 29^th.

 Hopefully you will be able to see some of these athletes out participating in their other classroom.

 

 

Ryan Lamberty

Athletic Director
Head Track & Field Coach
Southwest High School 

2014 Senior Junior Southwest Prom

The 2014 Southwest Prom is now a memory.  A fun filled night of colorful clothing - lots of shiny dresses and many white Tux's - and good friends.  The mark of the end of the school year.  One step closer to adulthood and all the obligations and responsibilities that are a part of that.

In the meantime it was an evening of friends and fantasy.  A beautiful moment suspended between those years of dependence and childhood and the coming years of looking for jobs and making personal decisions.  The night was blaring with song and shouts of greetings and thrills.  Golden Books makes a fortune writing about these nights.

Lots of kids, lots of parents and lots of staff joined together in a evening of celebration, fun and memories.  Another good night and another step forward.

Club and Activities Happenings

Yoga Club

Meets at KULA at 4410 France Avenue South, 3:30 to 4:30 every Wednesday.  All SWHS students welcome.  Bring a mat if you have one.

 

 

 

After School Tutoring and Homework Help Drop in center 

Open Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:15-4:30.  Room E105 – Drop in and get help with your homework:  writing or researching a paper, stuck on a math problem, can’t figure out how to study for the next biology test??   We also need volunteers tohelp staff the center. Please contact Joan at joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us if you are interested.

 

 

Japanese Culture Club

Meets Wednesdays from 3:05 to 4:30 in Room 219.  If you are interested in Japanese Culture, Japanese movies, and J-Quiz, please join us.

 

Chess Club - Room 33
Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 - Questions?   Contact Mr. Balson

 

Break Dance Club  Absolutely no experience necessary!  Join us in the link Mondays and Wednesdays 3:15 – 4:30.  Questions?  See Ms. Valdez in room 109

 

GSA - Gay Straight Alliance

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 3:15 to 4:30, East Building Room #110

 

Political Activism Club:
A place to talk with your peers about current issues and how to engage in the political process.  Grassroots activism. We meet every third Tuesday in Room 34. Interested? Email Ms. Rittler at Valerie.rittler@mpls.k12.mn.us

 

 

SPANISH  PEER TUTORING
will take place every Tuesday at 3:15 in room 218.   If you are struggling with Spanish, please take advantage of this opportunity whenever possible.  If you are an upper-level Spanish student and can help with the tutoring, please see Ms. Woebke.

 

 

Join Teen Health & Unity Group!  (THUG)
Learn about health topics that interest YOU!  Earn service hours!  Build your resume!  Eat free food!  Make friends!  THURSDAYS 3—4pm, Room E19 

The Feminism Club raised $394.00 during their bakesale for The Harriet Tubman Shelter. 

 

Southwest Super Summer Program 2014

Over 125 SUPER activities for children entering Kindergarten to age 14.  The program starts the week of June 16. Classes/activities include: literature, music, art, crafts, cooking, computers, sports, theater & drama, science, fitness & health, TREK program, and lots more.  Classes run Monday through Thursday, 9:30-12:00, noon and 1:00-3:30 p.m. (supervised lunch included for students who bring their own lunches).  Average cost is $55.00.  Registration materials will be sent to homes the week of April 7.  Call or email us for further information Tom.neiman@mpls.k12.mn.us or612-668-3100

 

Southwest Green Team

The Green Team is presenting their environmental workshops at a variety of Minneapolis grade schools and middle schools beginning in March.  Join them for their Community Earth Day Clean-up.  This year their activities have included:

?         Built two homes for Habitat for Humanity

?         Attended monthly meetings to learn about environmental issues & topics (alternative energy sources, food additives & preservatives, climate change, food & nutrition, organics, and farming practices,  ground, air and water pollution)

?         Worked at Feed My Starving Children several times

?         Donated almost 600 lbs of food to local food shelves

?         researched about food, nutrition and healthy eating

?         raised funds to purchase two additional state-of-the-art water fountains for SWHS

1.        

 

Young Artist Party May 16th

The Young Artist Party is May 16th this year at the U of M Regis Art building West gallery, 6-9 pm.

NHS Food Drive May 18th Pick-Up

The NHS will be conducting a food drive next week

 

Collection bags will be distributed on Wednesday and pick-up scheduled for Saturday, May 18th.