Underground Author Megan Marsnik Reading at MN History Center August 5

Megan Marsnik, Author of the Star Tribune and Southwest High School common book, Underground will be reading a few excerpts from her novel, Under Ground, on August 5th at 6p.m. at the MN History Center, followed by a discussion with Laurie Hertzel, Books Editor, moderated by Veneeta Sawker. 

It's totally FREE, but registration is suggested. 

You can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-author-megan-marsnik-author-of-star-tribunes-summer-serial-registration-17765057766

Southwest on the Rise

Southwest new addition is starting to look like a building.  The steel sub-structure is moving into place to add the second and third floor to the building.  The new single building will be a three story building without the middle separation.

Some rooms will be ready for opening in August.  The new kitchen and commons area will be open in February of 2016 and the entire project will be complete in fall of 2016.

Minneapolis Realignment of Middle School Athletics

Date: July 28, 2015

From: District Director of Athletics Trent Tucker

Re: Realigning Middle School Athletic Programs

The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Athletic Department is realigning 17 middle school athletic programs beginning fall 2015.  This realignment will expand athletic opportunities for our 7th and 8th grade students.

In addition, MPS has partnered with the National Sports Center in Blaine to host a middle school (grades 6-8) soccer league this fall.  This outstanding opportunity will expose MPS middle school students to premier facilities and exciting competition.  We expect to have 6^th grade athletic programming for volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and track in the spring at each K-8/Middle school.

Middle grades student/athletes wishing to participate in tackle football can continue to play through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.  Students will now have the choice of playing with their attendance area high school.  Minnesota State High School League Bylaw 208.00 states: A student who is a member of a high school team may not participate as an individual competitor or as a member of a non-school team in the same sport during the high school season.

Our plan will be to centralize all middle school athletic programs under each of the traditional seven high school athletic directors, plus the athletic director from a combined FAIR/Wellstone program. These eight high school athletic directors (ADs) will now be responsible for athletic programming at their respective high schools, in addition to their assigned middle- schools. 

The high school ADs will establish varsity, junior varsity, as well as developmental teams under “B” and “C” if necessary to ensure that all middle school athletes have the opportunity to participate.  We believe this new structure will allow middle school athletes more opportunities to participate on high school teams, but will also expand their menu of sports options.   

This realignment should help 7th and 8th grade student athletes grow in a number of ways: learn  the importance of academics as it relates to athletic participation; enhance their skills provided by fully certified coaches as required by the Minnesota State High School League; receive expanded game and practice schedules; and, get an early introduction to the workings of high school communities.

For the 2015-16 school year, district high school athletic participation fees will remain the same ($90 for hockey, $70 for tackle football and $60 for all other sports).  The fees will be the same for all high school and middle school participants.

Reduced fees are available for students who qualify for free and/or reduced lunch ($40 for reduced lunch and $20 for free lunch). Participation fee scholarships are available; please contact your high school athletic director for more information. 

7^th and 8^th grade student/athletes wishing to participate will do so at their attendance area  high school.  High school athletic directors will work with the following K-8/Middle schools to assist in this transition process.  High schools with their partnered K-8/Middle schools are listed below:  

●       Edison: Marcy and Northeast

●       FAIR: Andersen and Jefferson

●       Roosevelt: Lake Nokomis-Keewaydin and Sanford

●       South: Anne Sullivan, Folwell and Seward

●       North: Anwatin and Franklin

●       Patrick Henry: Hmong Academy and Olson

●       Southwest: Anthony and Lake Harriet

●       Washburn: Barton, Field and Ramsey

District transportation will be provided for middle grades student/athletes. There will be a meeting scheduled in early August with Principals and former middle school athletic directors to answer questions regarding this realignment. Parents/Guardians should contact their attendance area high school athletic director with any questions, contact information is below.

Fall Sports Registration

SCHOOL	Initial Registration Date, Time and Location	Athletic Director w/contact information
EDISON	August 3rd 4:00-6:00 pm & August 4th 10:00 am-Noon @ Edison Gym	Amy Cardarelle, amy.cardarelle@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-1343
FAIR/WELLSTONE	August 17th 8:00–10:00 am @ FAIR School Cafeteria	Kenny Maxey, Kenneth.maxey@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-702-4837
NORTH	August 10th 8:00am-Noon @ North Gym (Door 17)	Dr. Leo Lewis, Leo.lewisiii@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-1706
PATRICK HENRY	August 3rd 8:00 am-Noon @ Patrick Henry High School	Guillaume Paek, CAA, guillaume.paek@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-1947
ROOSEVELT	August 3rd 5:30-7:00pm @ Roosevelt High School (enter on 30th Ave. door)	Dennis Stockmo, dennis.stockmo@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-4859
SOUTH	August 4th 4:00-6:00pm @ South High School Commons	Brett McNeal, brett.Mcneal@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-4324
SOUTHWEST	July 28th 3:00-5:30pm @ Southwest Athletic Office	Ryan Lamberty, ryan.lamberty@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-3035
WASHBURN	July 28th 6:30pm @ Washburn Gym  (enter door 5)	Reggie Perkins, Reginald.perkins@mpls.k12.mn.us 612-668-3456

Students who plan to participate in a fall sport should attend one of the below sessions with a parent. Required forms and important information will be shared regarding practices and games.  Football practice starts Monday August 10^th, all other fall sports (cross country, soccer, swimming (girls), tennis (girls), volleyball start Monday August 17^th.  Contact your building athletic director for additional sign-up dates and times.

Realigning Middle School Athletic Programs Talking points:

·       The MPS Athletic Department is realigning 17 middle school athletic programs beginning this fall 2015.  This realignment will consolidate middle school team athletic activities under eight Minneapolis high schools (including a combined FAIR/Wellstone program) as we expand athletic opportunities for our 7th and 8th grade students.

·       The eight high school athletic directors (ADs) will assist K-8/Middle schools through this transition process.

·       Middle school sports were administered independently at each school.  Some schools lacked from full participation. They compete for athletes with Park Board offerings and some club and Minnesota Amateur Athletic Association athletics opportunities. 

·       This new structure will allow middle school athletes opportunities to participate more competitively while also expanding their sports choices.

·       High school ADs will establish varsity, junior varsity; as well as developmental teams under “B” if necessary to ensure that all middle school athletes have the opportunity to participate. 

·       Game transportation will be provided by District scheduled buses.  We are currently working through transportation logistics and will have more information closer to the beginning of the school year.

Use Digital Media Creatively With Your Kids

Want to Use Digital Media Creatively With Your Kids? These 5 Fun Ways

Posted by Erin Walsh • July 15

We’ve written regularly about the importance of screen-free play and setting screen time limits.

These posts, of course, echo the chorus of child development experts warning about the risks associated with too much or age-inappropriate screen time.

But there is less guidance for parents about how to use technology to enhance child development. We have to continue to push open the space between “lock down” and “hands off” and share strategies and activities that help our kids learn how to unleash the transformative power of technology.

This becomes even more important when we consider the degree to which kids absorb our messages about technology. If we consistently refer to tech as a “mindless waste of time,” the likelihood is that our kids will turn to screens for entertainment alone.

We’d be better off if this next generation of children sees technology as learning tools, building tools, communication and problem solving tools. So in that spirit - here are 5 quick activities to do with your little ones when tech gets turned on:

1. Creativity: Technology does not necessarily kill creativity ; it can unleash it. Consider asking, “What kinds of pictures could you take that represent our family?” Make an art project out of it.
2. Perspective taking: “Take a picture from the perspective of your baby brother. What does this lego tower look like for him?” Or, “Take a video walking through the grass from your perspective. Now repeat it from an ant’s point of view. What is different?”
3. Language and sound: Record sound effects for different parts of your child’s favorite story. Imagine making the car zoom or the cow moo and playing your created sound effects as you say the story out loud together.
4. Inquiry: If your six year old looks out the window and asks, “Why are leaves green?” You might respond, “How might we find out?” Brainstorm some options together and pursue a few of them. For example, you could ask someone else, look in a book, or look online. If you look together online you can ask your child, “How might I find the answer?” Share with your child why you click on the link that you choose. In other words, how did you decide the link was credible?
5. Context: Paste a photo in the middle of a piece of paper. Ask your child to draw what was happening around it. What isn't included in the frame? Next time you see a photo in a magazine you can ask similar questions like, “What didn’t the photographer include here? Why?”

For educators looking for more resources, check out the book Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years: Tips for Teachers, edited by Chip Donahue.


Dr. Dave and Erin Walsh - Mind Positive Parenting

Southwest Addition is Moving Upward

Southwest addition between the existing two buildings continues.  The structure on the left in the picture is the new kitchen.  The concrete block wall in the distant right is the east wall of the the new three story structure housing the media center and on the third floor English classrooms.

A few spaces will be open this fall.  However the majority of the renovation will be complete in the fall of 2016.

Southwest Start Time for Success - 2015-16 School Year

Period Zero         7:10-8:00

Period One          8:05-8:55

Period Two         9:00-9:50

Period Three       9:55-10:45

Period Four         10:50-11:40

Period Five A       Lunch 11:45-12:10           Class    12:15-1:10

Period Five B       Class   11:45-12:10           Lunch   12:10-12:40         Class   12:45-1:10

Period Five C       Class   11:45-12:40           Lunch   12:45-1:10

Period Six            1:15-2:05

Period Seven       2:10-3:00

Period Eight        3:05 - 3: 55 - Study Support, Test Retake and Credit Make-up

    

Southwest West Additions Taking Shape

Southwest west side is pictured from the outside.   This would be outside windows and walls of the new music room, dance studio, and two science classrooms.  The project has taken form and outside bricks are being installed while interior work continues.

Southwest Women's Tennis Camp

1^st Annual

Southwest Neighborhood

Kids’ Tennis Event

Tennis Lessons, Drills, Fun Games!

Where:       Linden Hills Tennis Courts – 42^nd St. & Zenith

When:         Saturday, August 8

Who:           Grades 3 – 5, 9:00 – 10:00 A.M.

                               Grades 6 – 8 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.

Fee:            $10 per participant – pre register by Aug. 1

                               15$ per participant day of event

Coaches will be the girls from the SW tennis team

 Go Lakers!

How to Register:

Email susanneet@comcast.net for registration form.

Southwest Fall Sports Summer Opportunties

News from Southwest          Sports Extra!

More Sports News and Summer Camps After yesterday's email, we heard from more sports booster club leaders with summer news and events to share. Here are a few sports reminders for the fall season: Check the Southwest High School website for the dates that practices begin, fees, and the latest information:  http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/Athletics Registrations for fall sports are due on July 27, 2015. More information and the forms are available on the Southwest High School website: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/Athletics Basketball. Friday, July 24: Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx staff will be leading a one-day basketball camp for girls and boys ages 8 - 14. It will be at the Southwest Main Gym (enter through door #7 at 46th and Chowen) from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Please register by Monday, July 20, by sending player's name, grade, age, parent name, phone #, address, and email address to Boys BB Coach Greg Boone at 3414 W. 47th St., Minneapolis, MN 55410. The cost is $50 and checks should be payable to the Southwest Basketball Boosters. Cross Country. Daily practice. Students who will be starting 7th grade or older may join the daily practices at 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Southwest Track. If you are coming for the first time, come to the 4:00 p.m. practice. The practices, which include sprints, form, and core training, are a great way to get ready for the season, which begins August 17th. Football. Please check lakersfootball.org for the latest information. Registrations are due July 27, 2015, Captain's practice will begin August 3, and the first game is August 22. Questions? Please contact Brenda Horstman at swlakerfootballboosters@gmail.com Performance Team. The Lakers Performance Team is a unique combination of cheerleading and dance. It is the best of both and the Team supports the fall sports as well as having the opportunity to perform in front of large crowds. The coach is Sarah Huinker at sjhuinker@gmail.com. Soccer. Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13: Youth Soccer Camp for boys and girls entering grades 4-9 in the fall. The camp will be at the Minneapolis Southwest High School Stadium at 48th and Abbott Ave. S. and will be led by the Southwest Lakers Boys and Girls Coaches and the Lakers Varsity Captains. Cost is $75. To register, click here. Questions? call Dale Peterson at 612.655.2796 or dalepete@me.com. Girls Swim and Dive. Coach Chris Aaseth writes: "The Southwest Girls Swim and Dive Team is working hard towards the upcoming season. Our team has continued thriving in the Minneapolis City Conference with 8 consecutive championships along with 4 consecutive Twin City Championships.  Joining the Tri-Metro conference last year helped us continue our competiveness against the state's best.  We also will swim a very difficult non-conference schedule--facing Edina and Lakeville this upcoming season.  Most of our girls are currently swimming with their USA Junior Olympic clubs." Girls interested in joining the team should watch the Southwest High School website for information. Girls Tennis. Saturday, August 8: First Annual Girls Tennis Team Southwest Neighborhood Kids Tennis Event at the Linden Hills Tennis Courts. $10 per participant if you pre-register by August 1, $15 the day of the event. Girls in grades 3-5, 9-10 a.m. and girls in grades 6-8, 10-11 a.m. The coaches will be girls from the Southwest tennis team. Please email susanneet@comcast.net for questions and a registration form. Volleyball. Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30: Middle School Volleyball Camp, 8:30 - Noon for girls entering grades 6-9. Cost is $95 (includes a t-shirt) and the camp will meet in the Southwest High School West Gym. The registration form is on the Southwest High School website. Questions? Please contact Kara Coffler at coffler@msn.com.

One Hundred-Eleven Southwest Students Named to AP Scholar Roster

All Students and families will be notified in September by email.  Scores and awards will be available on line late August.

Number of Southwest AP Scholars

AP Scholars -- 67     AP Scholars with Honors - 19      AP Scholars with Distinction - 23 and

National AP Scholars - 2

AP Scholar Awards

The AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through AP courses and exams with the AP Scholar Awards. Although there is no monetary award, each award-winning student receives a certificate, and the award is acknowledged on any AP score report that is sent to colleges after the award has been conferred.

AP Scholar Awards are added to students' online score reports in late August. If you earned an award, you will be notified by email. Award certificates are sent by mail in September.

Award Levels

Award	Criteria
AP Scholar	Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
AP Scholar with Honor	Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, andscores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
AP Scholar with Distinction	Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
State AP Scholar	Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.
National AP Scholar	Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Underground - Southwest Teacher Megan Marsnik - Summer Star Tribune Novel

Illustration by EDDIE THOMAS, STAR TRIBUNE

Southwest Megan Marsnik's novel, Underground is now available on Amazon Smile and through the Star Tribune.   Purchase the book for $3.99 and available for Kindle.

Jon Megan for a live chat at noon on July 30 - www.startribune.com/variety

Megan will be reading from her book and sharing thoughts at teh Minnesota History Center's 3M Auditorium on August 5.   Details and registration at www.startribune.com/undergroundevent

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.

http://www.startribune.com/variety/books/underground/

Target and Kowalski's Support Southwest

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 Red 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 shop 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.

Amazon Smile Can Support Southwest Classrooms by Your Choice

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 New Gym Lights Provided by Alumni Gift

Difficult to see the difference unless you remember the old ones.
These are significantly brighter and fill the entire space with lights.

Once again 1961 Southwest graduate, Harvey Feldman, brightens the Southwest area for the excitement and opportunities of Southwest students, staff and fans.  Most recently is the first installment of the brightening of the main gymnasium.  The first step is new lighting.  The next steps is refurbishing the ceramic tiles and then, next summer after air ventilation is finished, painting.

The lights are significantly brighter than the previous set of lights.  In addition, they are energy efficient and longer lasting elements for increased cost savings.  No more dark corners and dim areas around the perimeter of the gym.

Harvey Feldman has provided the generous financial support for lights at the stadium, air conditioning for the auditorium and now is now enhancing the main gym.  Without his fantastic support none of this would have happened or been possible,

In addition to the physical plant, Harvey establish 5 scholarships for student who never give up, find a way to do their best, contribute to the success of their team mates and are good representatives of the Southwest spirit.  This is the third year of the scholarships and make a significant contribution to the cost of attending college for these young people.

You, too, can contribute to the continued success of Southwest students.   The Southwest Foundation supports an excellent academic program, excellent facilities to meet the learning needs of all students and scholarships for Southwest students.

Southwest Weight Room Renovation

The Southwest Athletic Department through the Minneapolis Schools secured a grant for improvements and renovation of the weight room.  The pictured area is what once was a classroom space in the south end of the weight room.

The renovation will increase the available space by  about 40%.  More space for more athletes.  The grant also includes new and renovated equipment for the athletes using the weight room.

The Athletic Department also secured a grant through the Southwest Foundation for increases in weights and equipment to meet the needs of female athletes.

According to Athletic Director Ryan Lamberty, "The renovations and improvements will support the increased needs of our students and athletes."  The number of enrolled students is increasing and the number of students involved in athletics continues to increase.