Southwest 2015-16 National Honor Society Officers

Congratulations to the new, 2015—2016 NHS Board.  The officers are as follows:

Historian: Melana Ellingson

Community Service Coordinator: Michaela Varma

Recycling Coordinator: Harrison Rademacher

Blood Drive Coordinator: Stephanie Daub

Communications Coordinator: Emet Lieberman

Sadie Hawkins and Induction Ceremony Planner: Shira Rabkin

Sergeant-at-Arms: Hannah Smythe

Treasurer: Arazu Kian

Secretary: Rewan Abdelwahab

Vice-President: Tess Dutton

President: Liam Wulfmann

Southwest Girls Tennis kids Tennis Event

Southwest Girls Tennis Team Sponsors "Kids' Tennis Event"

The SW Girls Tennis Team is hosting this 1st annual summer event for neighborhood children

Where: Linden Hills Tennis Court - 42d & Zenith

When: Saturday, August 8, 2015 

Who: Grades 3-5 at 9:00AM-10:00AM

Grades 6-8 at 10:00AM-11:00AM

Fee: $10/participant before August 1

$15/participant after August 1 

Register by email: susanneet@comcast.net

Southwest Math TEeam Fund Raiser Cub Foods June 6 and 7

Math Team Fundraiser-Help Grill at Cub Foods!

The math team led by David McMayer, will be participating in a fundraiser on June 6 and June 7. 

We have been invited to grill and sell hotdogs, brats and burgers at the Cub Foods location on Nicollett Ave and 60th St in South Minneapolis. 

All proceeds of this fundraiser will be used to reduce participation fees for all students involved with math team next year. Any student (or parents) who has ever participated with the math team is invited to help. 

Mr. McMayer has created a Signup Genius at http://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70a054aa5ad29a64-math

We look forward to seeing you there!

Southwest Class of 2015 Graduation Mariucci Arena 7:00 pm June 2

Graduation Information

Class of 2015 - Tuesday, June 2nd at Mariucci Arena on the campus of the Univ of MN - 7:00 p.m. 

Southwest 2015 International Baccalaureate Candidates - Congratulations!

Diploma Candidates

Maryam Abdi

Henry Aoki

Mikaela Brandt-Fontaine

Nathan Carroll

Sebastian Coll

Olivia Engel

Alison Grausam

Benjamin Lane

Steffan Larcoran

Nathaniel Larson

Casey Lee-Foss

Peter Lefebvre

Eleanor MacLeod

Luc Mainguy

Conor McGillivary

Abby McIntosh

Mia Messer

Siri Peterson

Lily Ren

Olivia Rosenfeld

Noah Rothman

Lexie Schueller

Karl Schwarzkopf

William Stock

Michael Stone

Sarah Stone

Kristi Wyrobek

Southwest Lakers Track On To State

Congratulations to the SWHS track and field team, for the great job at sections today in Wayzata.  It was a beautiful day for great performances.

The following athletes qualified for the state meet next Friday & Saturday at Hamline University.

Athletes can either qualify by placing 1st or 2nd or achieving the state standard in the event.

Qualified for State:

A.J. Ray 

Triple Jump with a qualifying jump of 45’5”

and 

100 Meter Dash with a qualifying time of 11.12

In the 400 Meter Dash finishing 1^st and 2^nd

 1^st Robbie Grace (8th Lake Harriet) Southwest 57.40

 2^nd Caitlin Smyth (9) Southwest 59.55

Way to go to all of the finalists today.  Both teams took 9^th out of 16 teams today.

Here is a link to all of today’s final results: 

http://www.herostiming.com/uploads/5/8/4/9/5849851/complete_results-compiled.pdf

Ryan Lamberty

Athletic Director

Head Track & Field Coach

Southwest High School 

3414 West 47th St.

Minneapolis MN, 55410

O.612.668.3035

C.612.244.4155 

F.612.668.3075

Email:  Ryan.Lamberty@Mpls.k12.mn.us

Twitter: @Swlakers

Facebook:   

 Southwest Athletics

“Turn On the Lights”

Go Lakers!!!

Southwest Senior Alice Schmitz was featured student artist in Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony

Southwest Senior Alice Schmitz was featured student artist in Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony (GTCYS)   

The link provided is for a 9-minute TPT Minnesota Original on GTCYS, in which Alice was the featured student. This was first aired on Sunday, April 24th.  GTCYS held a special event that evening, a scholarship fundraising dinner and showing of the film, during which Alice spoke to the attendees--which included many GTCYS board members--about the importance of recognizing and supporting the spark inside every child.

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) | MN Original

Southwest Previous Media Center Becoming Classrooms

View of the hallway in the previous media center that is be renovated into six classrooms.

The Southwest addition and renovation continues.  The east unit demolition is almost complete and the ground is ready for concrete and foundation supports.

The interior of the previous media center (pictured) has been renovated into six classrooms.  Three will be Career Technology Education (CTE) labs - Film, Business, and Information Technology.  The additional three rooms will be classrooms.

The previous media center will be ready for students in late August of this year.  Other parts of the new facility will be open in February.  The entire project is scheduled to be completed by fall of 2016.

Clean Out That Garage and Recycle Old Electronics

Hi Makers of Brilliance!

Students of Transition Plus need your help while you de-clutter your garage and attic.  The Electronics Recycling class is running dangerously low on machines to recycle.  As you clean out your garage and find any kind of machine that has recycle-able parts, motors, electronics, cords or anything like that, bring it in.  You will get environmentalist points, be helping the students, your sense of orderliness, and your safety.  It is said that people lurking around neighborhoods see old electronics on the corner as a sign that there are new electronics in the house.  

You can help your neighbors, friends, daycare providers, kids de-clutter.  For all of you who admire Nichole Curtis (Rehab Addict) for her resourcefulness and beautifully rehabbed homes,  I am even giving you permission to follow suit and give dumpster diving a try J

If you have a large pile of electronics and would have a hard time  bringing them to work, put them all in one place and we can pick them up for you. Tell your neighbors to stockpile their electronic gold in your garage.  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

TV’s are not useful to us but we will take anything else: Coffee pots, vacuum cleaners, printers, microwaves, dishwashers, computers, anything with a motor or cords, you get creative and challenge Jackie’s students’ critical thinking skills with the variety of stuff you bring in. 

If you have any questions about what is useful, talk to Jackie Paul, often found in the computer recycling room (C120), or you can call her at 45008.

Thank you!

Colleen Knuth

Family Outreach Coordinator

612-668-4103

Transition Plus Services

3320 Elliot Ave S.

Minneapolis, MN 55407

District Note about Student Based Allocation

Dear families of Southwest High School,

As you may know, this school year MPS has been working with pilot schools to develop a more equitable method to distribute school funding. This funding model is called student-based allocation (SBA). SBA is a formula for allocating school funding based on the unique needs of students. SBA is a more objective, predictable and transparent process for allocating funding than the current model used by MPS, which is largely based on student enrollment.

SBA gives schools money for students based on outstanding and unique learning needs. For example, currently, students with special education needs who are identified as levels 1-5 receive the same amount of funding regardless of their level of need. Under SBA, a school would receive more funding if it serves children with more intensive special education. Learning needs being factored into the SBA formula include English language learner proficiency, school grade levels and advanced learning needs, among others.

Ten principals volunteered to be part of this pilot to help MPS fully explore how various SBA models would play out in a variety of school settings and student populations. Only MPS’ four Community Partnership Schools (listed below) received allocations using the SBA model for the 2015-16 school year. MPS will continue the SBA pilot into the 2015-16 school year with the pilot schools listed below. The school district will be seeking family and teacher input on SBA next school year to ensure we develop the most equitable SBA formula possible, taking into account a wide range of school needs.

Pilot Schools:

Marcy (Area A, grades K-8)

Pillsbury (Area A, grades pre-K-5)

Roosevelt (Area B, grades 9-12)

Hale (Area C, grades K-4)

Lake Harriet Upper (Area C, grades 4-8)

Lyndale (Area C, grades pre-K-5)

Community Partnership Schools:

Bancroft (Area C, grades pre-K-5)

Folwell (Area B, grades K-8)

Nellie Stone Johnson (Area A, grades pre-K-5)

Ramsey (Area C, grades 6-8)

To learn more, please visit the SBA website where you can view and listen to a recording of interim Superintendent Goar’s budget and SBA presentation from MPS’ budget forums in May (will be posted by May 26). The site also has an FAQ, mock SBA formulas and mock budgets:

www.mpls.k12.mn.us/student-based-allocation

I want to stress that we are using the traditional budget model in 2015-16. If you have questions specific to our school budget, please contact our school office at 612-668-3030.

Sincerely,

Bil Smith

Principal, Southwest High School

Summer Legions Baseball Teams Fund Raiser

Friends of the SW Baseball Program:

The summer Legion teams are hosting a fundraiser at the Calhoun Chipotle tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27th from 5:00 to 8:00. (I know the flyers say until 9:00, but Chipotle prefers it go until 8:00, 9:00 was an error).  We get to keep 50% of all sales during that time.  Gift cards count.  Remember, you probably have many graduation parties in the near future.  Chipotle gift cards make great gifts!

I have attached a flyer.  You can show the folks at Chipotle the flyer on your smart phone or you can print it up.  Or, you can simply say, "SW Legion Baseball."  That works, too.

Hopefully, you can have dinner at Chipotle tomorrow and help support your baseball program at SW. 

As always, thank you!

Lori Mittag

SW Baseball Boosters

Southwest Additions and Renovations

West side of main building - 2 science rooms on lower level and Dance Studio and Music Room on top

Looking from the main building east.  Preparing to work on foundations

Southwest Destination Imagination Team Places 5th at Global Finals

Southwest High School Destination Imagination team places 5th at Global Finals!

The Southwest High School Destination Imagination team, nicknamed "Garden and Sock," placed 5th at the Destination Imagination Global Finals held at the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus this past week. The team placed 2nd in the "Instant Challenge" segment of the competition out of 79 teams that came from all across the U.S. as well as from China, Guatemala, Mexico, Poland, and Qatar.

The team is grateful for the support of the Southwest High School Foundation and the whole school community.

At the Instant Challenge competition

The team wins 5th place overall

Minneapolis Suspension Rates Down 47 Percent

Dear MPS partners and friends,

As members of our community who care about the success of Minneapolis Public Schools students, I wanted to make sure you see my response to Sunday's Star Tribune article on suspensions. I have not heard yet if the Star Tribune will be publishing my commentary, but please feel free to share this email with others, and note that this commentary is also on the MPS website.

Sincerely,

Michael Goar
Interim Superintendent
 

---

Suspensions down 47 percent at Minneapolis Public Schools
At Minneapolis Public Schools, suspensions are down by 47 percent from last year and out-of-school removals are down by 32 percent, but in the Star Tribune’s article on MPS suspensions on May 24, this positive trend was all but ignored.

This downward trend in suspensions and removals means MPS students who are most at risk of dropping out of school are spending more time in class learning. This is a direct result of MPS’ concerted effort over the past few years to address student behavior through positive and proactive measures rather than punitive.

As educators, it is our duty to better understand and redirect disruptive student behaviors and not merely react to them. As the MPS behavior standards policy clearly states, “Effective discipline is educational, not punitive. Effective discipline includes building relationships, repair of harm and restoring relationships and restorative practices to reengage students in their learning community.” I wholeheartedly agree with this policy.

The 2015 “spike” in suspension data referenced in the article is from January to the end of April. Despite this apparent increase, students have missed 4,929 fewer days of instruction than they had at the same point last year as a result of its new behavior standard efforts.

During the Star Tribune’s interviews with MPS Research, Evaluation and Assessment staff, it was clearly explained that the possible increase is inconclusive given that it is preliminary data and anomalous compared to past years. Indeed, the 2014-2015 data may be more reflective of MPS’ new policy on behavior that is attempting to impact a yearly rate rather than a point in time. Certainly, if this increase in suspensions holds true, we will want to look closely at what exactly led to this. As is the case with any data gathering, the data won’t be complete until the full cycle of data reporting is closed, in this case in late June. Once the data is verified, MPS staff will be able to analyze whether this possible increase will hold true and can fully assess and address the root causes of that uptick.

Our duty at MPS is to teach all students and to meet each student’s individual needs so they can be in class every day ready to learn. Is this easy? Absolutely not. Can and should MPS do more to meet these needs? Absolutely. And that is why we continue to be committed to providing our principals and teachers with the professional development, skills and support they need to do this challenging, but critical work. Over the past year we’ve engaged school leaders and their behavior standards teams through extensive training. This summer we will continue that work through all-day sessions to take a close look at how we can improve our supports to schools so they can successfully manage and redirect student behavior.

It should not go unnoticed that initiatives such as Governor Dayton’s fight to establish universal education for four-year-olds is a critical piece to this issue. MPS’ own program for four-year-olds, High Five, has shown to be a resounding success in giving students with the greatest needs the boost early in life they need to perform at the level of their more affluent peers. It is clear that if we could expand High Five, the ripple effect in accelerating student academic achievement of all students would be profound.

It is disconcerting that the Star Tribune ignored an opportunity to dig deep into a widespread reality in urban education involving a complex issue that touches on poverty, health disparities, institutional racism and cultural attitudes. MPS students, families and teachers deserve better than that.

Michael Goar, Interim Superintendent

Southwest Destination imagination Team Finished 5th at Nationals

Members of 1,468 teams from 17 different countries gathered in Thompson-Boling Arena for Destination Imagination's 2015 Welcome Ceremony on Wednesday night. After a parade featuring delegates from each nation, there was music, acrobats, and a special appearance from astronaut Buzz Aldrin.


Hello! My name is Hannah FitzGerald and I, along with my team mates Nathaniel Larson, Seth Colbert-Pollack, Jared Tincher, Piper Shatz-Akin, and Kaj Anders-Macleod are apart of the Southwest High School Destination Imagination team, Garden and Sock.

Destination Imagination (DI) is an educational program where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. This year our team tackled the fine arts challenge, challenge C, Feary Tales. The challenge was to create and perform an original play in which the central character over comes a fear.

Come See SWHS Improv/Acting Team Perform!

State Champion Southwest High School Destination Imagination Team invites you to a Performance Open House

Friday, May 8 

7:00-8:30 p.m.

Linden Hills Park (3100 W 43rd St)

Come see the winning performance of the team “Garden and Sock”
at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served
No charge/donations gladly accepted

The story: This group of senior SWHS students won 1st place at the State Destination Imagination (DI) tournament and they are off to the international Global Finals competition to be held in Knoxville, TN from May 20-23, 2015. The group includes Kaj Anders MacLeod, Seth Colbert-Pollack, Hannah FitzGerald, Nathaniel Larson, Piper Shatz-Akin and Jared Tincher--all seniors at Southwest High School. This group of students competed in DI together for five years (grades 4-8) and went to Globals in 8th grade. They reunited this year to compete one last time in the program.

For more information about the team see the team’s Indiegogo website at:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-garden-and-sock-perform-at-global-finals

What is Destination Imagination? DI is an international program that inspires students to become the next generation

Come See SWHS Improv/Acting Team Perform!

State Champion Southwest High School Destination Imagination Team invites you to a Performance Open House

Friday, May 8 

7:00-8:30 p.m.

Linden Hills Park (3100 W 43rd St)

Come see the winning performance of the team “Garden and Sock”
at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served
No charge/donations gladly accepted

The story: This group of senior SWHS students won 1st place at the State Destination Imagination (DI) tournament and they are off to the international Global Finals competition to be held in Knoxville, TN from May 20-23, 2015. The group includes Kaj Anders MacLeod, Seth Colbert-Pollack, Hannah FitzGerald, Nathaniel Larson, Piper Shatz-Akin and Jared Tincher--all seniors at Southwest High School. This group of students competed in DI together for five years (grades 4-8) and went to Globals in 8th grade. They reunited this year to compete one last time in the program.

For more information about the team see the team’s Indiegogo website at:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-garden-and-sock-perform-at-global-finals

What is Destination Imagination? DI is an international program that inspires students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. DI teaches the creative process from imagination to innovation extending learning and development of life skills far beyond the classroom, in a supportive and exciting team atmosphere.

For more information about DI in Minnesota see: http://www.mndi.org/


Come support this winning Southwest team and learn more about Destination Imagination! of innovators and leaders. DI teaches the creative process from imagination to innovation extending learning and development of life skills far beyond the classroom, in a supportive and exciting team atmosphere.

For more information about DI in Minnesota see: http://www.mndi.org/


Come support this winning Southwest team and learn more about Destination Imagina

Underground by Megan Marsnik Available on AmazonSmile

Southwest Megan Marsnik's novel, Underground is now available on Amazon Smile.   Purchase the book for 3.99 and available for Kindle.  In addition if you are registered for Amazon Smile a percentage is return to the Southwest for addition educational uses.

Read a great story or Minnesota history, a novel attesting to the strength of women in our history and a story of the contribution of immigrants to the building of Minnesota.  Support Southwest by registering with Amazon Smile and naming Minneapolis Southwest High School as your charitable recipient.

A great summer read, learn more about Minnesota and support Southwest students.

Southwest Megan Marsnik's Novel in Star Tribune

Underground by Southwest English Teacher Megan Marsnik in Sunday Star Teibune 

Start your summer reading with a new Star Tribune novel by local author Megan Marsnik, serialized for our readers. “Under Ground” is set on Minnesota’s Iron Range a century ago. A work of fiction, it is based on real events. From now until Labor Day weekend, read a new installment each day in the Variety section.

Buy the e-book: The entire novel “Under Ground” can be purchased as an e-book at startribune.com/ebooks.

Summer Bus Passes For Sale

Help your students get a summer’s worth of transit rides for just $20!

Metro Transit just announced a special offer for students at high schools that offer the Student Pass program. For just $20, your students can get a special Summer Student Pass that gives them unlimited rides on buses and light rail all summer long! It’s perfect for summer jobs, sports leagues and all the other fun that summer brings.

The Student Summer Pass is valid from June 1 through Sept. 8, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Students can use it on any bus or train in the metro with a fare up to $3 (for fares higher than that amount, like some Northstar commuter rail trips, students will need to add value to their passes.)

Students can go to metrotransit.org/summer-pass to get more details about the pass and order one by using a credit card. They can purchase a pass with cash or a credit card at Metro Transit Service Centers.

Eligibility
The pass is available to all students enrolled at a participating school (one per student). To purchase a pass, the student must provide your school's name and their student ID number. Metro Transit will deny purchases without this information. Seniors may purchase a Summer Student Pass if they were enrolled in a participating school in 2015.

Replacement

Unlike the school-year Student Pass program, students will contact Metro Transit directly about lost or stolen Summer Student Passes. Students MUST register their pass (registration is free) with Metro Transit to receive a replacement pass. A $5 processing fee will be charged.

Help us spread the word!

Attached to this email is a poster that you can forward to students and parents, or display in high-traffic areas.

Again, this is a fantastic opportunity for high schoolers this summer. Help your students take advantage of this offer by passing along this information. Thanks in advance for your help.

Southwest Addition and Remodeling Continues in Force

From the upper floors it takes on the appearance of a Tonka Truck convention or a kid's sandbox full of construction equipment.

Work continues to make the various time schedules set for students.  Some parts will open in August of this year.  Other parts make a transition in February.  The final project is scheduled to be completed Fall of 2016.

Southwest 2015-16 Bell Schedule

Southwest High School
2015-2016 Bell Schedule

1- 8:10 - 9:00

2- 9:05 - 9:55

3- 10:00 - 10:50

4- 10:55 - 11:45

5A- Lunch 11:50 - 12:15                Class 12:20 - 1:10

5B- Class 11:50 - 12:15                 Lunch 12:15 - 12:40       Class 12:45 - 1:10

5C- Class 11:50 - 12:40                 Lunch 12:45 - 1;10

6- 1:15 - 2:05

7- 2:10 - 3:00


The 2015-16 End time remains the same for Southwest High School - 3:00 pm

The Start time is a bit earlier to allow for the 50 minute periods - 8:10 am

The will be a zero prior to 1st period and an 8th hour after 3:00.  These are specific courses for student flexibility and different opportunities.

Southwest Celebrates Honor Roll Students.

Southwest Honor Roll Celebrations.

Three celebrations announced the 2015 Honor Roll students.  One celebration was held of the 9th, 10th and 11th grade students.  Almost 600 students were honored from the three grades for achievement a 3.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) this school year.

Southwest is proud of its high achieving students and honor their success individually and collectively.  The celebrations included a certificate and refreshments and casual time with friends.

Different Southwest Jazz Combos provided the entertainment.

Southwest Start of Morning with Demonstration by Independent Group

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

We may or may not agree with the opinions, beliefs, thoughts and ideas of others.  At the same time we need to think carefully about the right to express those thoughts. 

This morning an independent group of people expressed their thoughts and opinions.  Do they have the right to do  - absolutely.  The sidewalk was built and maintained by the city and tax payers.  It is a public place.  People have a right to assemble on the sidewalk and to express their opinions.

A peaceful assembly may chat and sing songs and make speeches.  We see that in many places in our local area and throughout the country.  Do they have the right to block entrances or to threaten the security of others – absolute not.  The issue become matters of degree.  What is an expression of opinion and what takes away the rights of others.

Part of any discussion should be the audience or participants.  If I am opposed, I do not need to read the pamphlets or listen to the speakers.  If I do not want to be part of the conversation I certainly do not want to cause an issue that will only increase media attention or provide dignity to something I do not choose to support.

Whose rights do we choose to protect and which issues do we choose to endorse or oppose? 

If the topic comes up in class I trust that we will take advantage of the learning opportunities.

MPS safety and security staff and Minneapolis police are monitoring the situation. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority.

We will work with our students and school community to ensure that learning continues today as we work toward a strong finish to the school year. Thank you for your patience and support.

Thank you.

Bill Smith

Southwest High School, Principal

Southwest Senior Ava Szychalski Awarded Scholarship from Village Scholars Program

Southwest Senior Ava Szychalski Awarded Scholarship from Village Scholars Program

We are happy to announce that Southwest senior and violinist Ava Szychalski has been selected to receive a scholarship from the Village Scholars Program in recognition of her artistic and academic achievements and future goals in the arts. 

This scholarship from the Minneapolis Foundation is for $5,000 and renewable up to 4 years. In the fall, Ava will attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. 

Congratulations, Ava!

Southwest Return of the Cranes

These are views of the area on 47th street between the two buildings.  It once was the location of the Link and bicycle ranks and landscaping.  In their places are cranes and bulldozers and heavy equipment.

The new building should start to rise this summer.  Some parts will be available for classes this fall.  The commons, kitchen and cafeteria should be ready around end of February 2016 and the entire project completed fall of 2016.

Southwest Foundation Receives Target and Kowalski Donations Thanks to You

Please use your Red Card IF you shop at Target.  A portion of your purchase supports Southwest.  Please make sure that your donation is going to Southwest.  You have to return to the Target and Rec Card online location to change your donation choice.  We appreciate your support and that of Target

Kowalski's Markets support schools and other non-profit organizations.  If you show at Kowalski's and use the Lyndale and 54th store, please place your shopping receipt in the box labeled Southwest.  Kowalski's donates a portion of your purchase but you must place the receipt in the Southwest box.

Thank you for your support.

Southwest Appreciates Your Choice of Using AmazonSmile For Your Donations

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. 

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. 

The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.

For more information and sign-in site: smile.amazon.com

Southwest Changed a Line of Buses for a Line of Trucks

The line of trucks at 7 am to continuing the process of preparing to build.

No too long ago the moment scene was a ling of buses delivering students to another day of fun and academics.  In recent days that has been a line of trucks or other construction equipment waiting on the starting bell to begin another day of making a remodel facility for Southwest students.

The new, exciting educational facility will be completed in the fall of 2016.  Work started March 15 and has continued at a steady pace since.   Some parts will be available in August of 2015 and others in February of 2016.

The new building will enhance the learning opportunities for students and continue its tradition as a community center.

Southwest Wallin Education Partners Scholars

Jostens Scholar - Lucky Aden

Junior League of Minneapolis Scholar - Lor Vang

U.S. Bank Scholars - Fatima Ahmad & Sarah Pogany


  Congratulations Scholars!

Southwest Jordan Kozicky Selected to Play Minnesota All-Star Baseball

Jordan Kozicky has been selected to play in the Play Ball Minnesota All Star Series for the state of Minnesota.  This was formally the Lion’s All-Star game and is now sponsored by the Minnesota Twins, State High School Coaches Association, B.I.G. Athletics and Camberia.  

The Series will be played in June from the 18^th to 20^th at Chaska.  

Jordan was one of 20 players selected to play for Team West.  He is the 8^th player from Southwest to play in the game.  

Congratulations to Jordan and please pass the word around.

Thanks,

Jared Mountain

Head Baseball Coach

Minneapolis Southwest

Southwest Construction and Renovation and Lots of Dirt

Southwest Addition and Renovation Project continue.  The west side of the east building is demolished and the Link is gone.  The top view is looking through what used to be the stairs and entrance to the media center.  This view would be looking down the hallway.

Some areas are due to be completed by this fall, some by end of February and the complete project is finished Fall of 2016.

Southwest Women's City Golf Champions

Women's City Golf Champions

Frankie Moore

Amy Macintosh 

Victoria Graens - all city

Margaux Cazaban - all city

Danee Voss - all city
Maddie brown

Looking for girls for next years team.  Call or Text Bo Dolphin 612.229.0992 if interested.  Golf clubs available to check out this summer.

Thanks, Bo,

Southwest Golf Coach

Southwest Sophomore Won EDU Film Festival Best Cinematography

EDU Film Festival
   As the only statewide high school student film festival in Minnesota, The EDU Film Festival serves an important role in the development of young filmmakers in our state. EDU aims to provide young filmmakers with an authentic film festival experience, a valuable understanding of the film industry, and an opportunity to screen their movies on “the big screen.”

By putting students together with Minnesota filmmakers, industry professionals, and post high school educational institutions, the EDU Film Festival also introduces the young people of Minnesota to the variety of film industry options available right here in our state.

Lastly, The EDU Film Festival provides a time and place for young filmmakers from all over the state to interact with each other, form friendships and partnerships, and to create a professional network of peers.

RESULTS From May 12 Festival :

Southwest Sophomore Simon Tolman's video Bad Day won in the EDU Film Festival for Best Cinematography.

The EDU Film Festival boasts being the only statewide film festival in Minnesota. It was a pleasure to attend, to talk to professional filmmakers and for all of our featured filmmakers to see their work on the giant screen.

       Sophia Chadbourn 12 (Take a Look in the Mirror)
       Renn Elkins 11 (Taboo)
       Linnea Maertens 11 (Yellow Wallpaper)
       Mia Messer 12 (Mind of Roses)
       Stefan Nelson 12 (Run Boy Run)
       Zen Raudys 11 (All that It Will Ever Be)
       Malcolm Ryshavy 11 (Dance of the Deceased and Scotty)
       Will Stock 12 (Fisheye, Freedom, Ohana Trailer)
       Simon Tolman 10 (Bad Day,  Vegas Baby, Texting and Driving PSA)

David West

Fine Arts Teacher

Southwest High School