Tradition suggests these are the days of reflection and resolution. Numerous cultures and societies celebrate the annual calendar change, many on this date and others on different dates. The customs are about the same - celebration, noise, feast and reflection. The universal idea is to put the past behind and make the next set of days better.
Southwest High School is preparing to graduate its 74th class. The start of the 2016-17 school year will also be the 75th and the 1st as a school with a totally new and different building. While we need to honor the past we need to remember the achievements and challenges yet to be resolved. It is a time to explore resolutions.
Graduation rates exceed 90% annually. The number of students starting some level of higher education is over 85% annually. Students and their families choose Southwest for high school and stay the four years. ACT and SAT average results continue to be above the state and national averages. The International Baccalaureate program continues to be one of the largest in the country. The Arts have establish a standard of excellence that rivals many college and dedicated art magnets.
Statistics frequently hide the reality for some. While the top scores are excellence they provide a buffer for the lowest. We recognize that some students are not achieving at an appropriate level of achievement. There are struggling students within the system who are not meeting the standards of success necessary to meet the demands of a new work force and our future. Questions of equity remain. The questions of catch-up remain that suggests that a three month summer vacation results in all entering 9th graders to be at the same academic level.
Continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results is insane - (paraphrasing Einstein). The next school year and those that follow will not be "doing the same thing." The new building is structured to support IB, projects, collaborations and meaningful hands-on learning. The goal of Southwest to be more independent from the district is to be more student centered with emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and life- long learning. The objective is to provide skills that are critical to success of the student in the future. Gaining mastery of yesterday's skills is not logical.
This year is one of options and opportunities for all students. As a result of reflection and research moving forward will be exciting and challenging. Those accustomed to memorization and right and wrong answers are going to be confused and frustrated. Learning will insure that college required test scores will continue to increase while focusing on the whole student and important future skills and talents.
Today is important. The high school experience should be cherished resulting in lifelong memories and friends. Within the same moments we need to foresee the future. Just finishing high school is no longer sufficient. We must master continual learning. We expect all Southwest students to be responsible and responsive citizens within the globally conscious society.
From all of us involved with educating the Southwest students for our future we say Happy New Year however or whenever you choose to observe the moment. We wish you joy, peace,memories and adventure.
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