Southwest Women's Basketball Enter Sections

Southwest Women's Basketball plays 1st round of sections at Cooper on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm.

Southwest Liam Wulfman at STATE

Liam Wulfman made it to state in swim. 

He will some in the 100 yd this Friday at 6 PM, at the U of M Aquatic Center.

Southwest Baseball Fundraising Event March 5th

--

Minneapolis Southwest High School Baseball Boosters

http://www.mplssouthwestbaseball.org

Southwest Ultimate Frisbee Info/Registration Night March 3

Ultimate Frisbee Club (aka MUS) - Info/Registration Night

For returning, new, or "just interested" players & parents.  If you're looking for a new sport, check out Ultimate! 

It's all about the Spirit of the Game, is player-officiated, and uses skills similar to soccer and lacrosse. 

It's "super fun" and great all-around conditioning. MUS (say moose), has a girls team and an open team, with passionate coaches for each. Come find out more and register, 

Thursday, March 3, 7:00pm, SWHS Cafeteria

Contact: MadalynCioci@gmail.com (parent organizer)

Scholarship Information for Students of Color

Page Scholarship:  

Informational meeting and Q&A session on Tuesday, March 1, at 1:30 pm in the Career & College Center, room W201.  

The Page scholarship is an annual, renewable grant ($1000-$2500) for students of color who are pursuing a post-secondary education in Minnesota. 

Students who accept a Page Grant must make a commitment to volunteer tutoring younger children of color in Kindergarten-8th grade through a clearly defined Service to Children Project.

AP Test Deadline February 29th

FINAL REMINDER! 

AP Test Registration is open until February 29^th                                     

Students may register for Advanced Placement exams until Monday, February 29^th at 3:00 PM.  

The cost per exam is $50.00. You may pay by check to Total Registration or by credit card. Scholarships and Financial Assistance is available. 

Please register online at: www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/241680  

More information about AP exams is available on the school webpage at: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/ap_test_registration.html   

If you have questions, please contact Lisa Ledman at: Lisa.Ledman@mpls.k12.mn.us

Southwest Premier National Opening - Prospect Hgh:Brooklyn

In 23 high schools across the country the new high school student written production of Prospect High: Brooklyn will open.  Southwest High School was chosen as one of those 23.

The curtain opened last night on a quality performance produced by the IB HL Theater class and its talented group of actors, tech people, and directors.  The fast paced production moves through several "typical" high school dramas.  There are few solutions and the words seem authentic.

The play addresses themes of apathy, revenge, deep friendship, trans acceptance, causal racism, self-harm and the power of both good and bad advice form teachers, all against the backdrop of an enormous Brooklyn high school.  We see the good, bad and ugly side of teenage relationships and explorations toward adulthood.

Two more nights - Thursday and Friday, Feb. 25 and 16.  Curtain at 7:00 pm in the Black Box.

Southwest Race for Justice Thursday, February 25

Race to Justice Day

Minneapolis Southwest High School will be holding an all day workshop about social justice in our community, society, and internationally, branching out to all intersections. Student organizers from multiple different cultures joined together to create a day where students and teachers alike join together to dive into deep discussions.

Topics include systemic oppression in our schools, Untold history that’s not in our curriculum, looking at art and how art plays a large role in social movements, understanding the roles of white people in the Black Lives Matter movement, and other intersections of current social justice.

Different Activists from around the city will be joining together to assist students with the workshops. Prominent Activists with BLM Minneapolis, NOC, NAACP Minneapolis, and other organizations will be working together to educate all people at Southwest.

Attendance will be taken, throughout the day, and is required as is any other school day.

The day will be in the formation of a block schedule, as follows:

Period 1: 8:05-8:35

Workshop Session 1: 8:40-9:50

Workshop Session 2: 9:55-11:05

Workshop Session 3: 11:10-12:20

Lunch: 12:20-1:20

Workshop Session 4: 1:25-2:35

Period 7: 2:40-3:00

Workshops

"House of the Master" taught by Emilia Gonzalez (she/her)

The popular understanding of racism is personal and individual and that is designed to make
structural racism invisible. It makes racism about intent and reduces it to a rare occurrence that can
be attributed to “bad” individuals or social deviants. In reality, it is only a small part of the problem,
and is made powerful only because of the cultural and Institutional support for individual beliefs and
actions. But, because we are trained to look only for Individual Racism, the social and institutional
aspects are often unchallenged. The House of the Master is a leadership development session that
enables individuals to understand the different aspects or racism and look at the root causes in a
popular education model.

“Demystifying Intersectionality” taught by Emilia Gonzalez (she/her)

Students will participate in a popular education leadership development session on intersectionality.
The objective is to promote an understanding of human beings as shaped by the interaction of
different social locations (e.g., ‘race’/ethnicity, Indige-neity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, age,
disability/ability, migration status, religion). These interactions occur within a context of connected
systems and structures of power (e.g., laws, policies, state governments and other political and
economic unions, religious institutions, media). Through such processes, interdependent forms of
privilege and oppression shaped by colonialism, imperialism, racism, homophobia, ableism and
patriarchy are created.

“Black in America” Fatuma Ali

This workshop will cover the history of race being created as a social construct, the purpose of the
racial classifications and the effects they have on us today. This workshop will also delve into the
definition of racism and White privilege.

“ Race, Sports and Minnesota” taught by Lea Olsen

An open conversation on how race has been handled in the sports world as well as how race relations
are handle in Minnesota and how we can move past some of the barriers of having the difficult
conversation.

“Discussing Race: How to Get Started” taught by Betty Mfalingundi (she/her)

Race is a difficult, complicated subject. It can be challenging to keep up with events, terminology, and to explain your ideas. This goal of this workshop, lead by student leaders from South High, is to assit you in articulating your thoughts and opinions in discussions about race and ethnicity. We will break down definitions, ideas, and begin to examine where we fit in these conversations. By the end of this workshop we hope all participants feel more prepared to have informed, conscious discussions
regarding race.

“Respect the culture” taught by Iman and Khadijah

A presentation given by African-American sisters, Iman and Khadijah, on cultural appropriation of
black & Hip-Hop culture and hip-hop dance lessons. Black culture and Hip-Hop will be given the
respect they deserves, as we acknowledge the appropriation of them and participate in learning
authentic hip-Hop dance.

“King Kunta & Queen Bey: Songs of a Movement” taught by Mica Grimm (she/her)

With the rise of BlackLivesMatter as the modern day civil rights movement, art has served as a mirror to the current state of racial politics in America. The conversation has shown up online, at the most prestigious award ceremonies and within America's favorite pastime, but is it important to have these truths solidified by major artists and popular music? And what does it mean to have the message of black politics broadcast to an entire nation? This workshop will explore the songs and performances that begin to define the contemporary black experience and reflect our present moment in history.

“Alternative Civil Rights Timeline” taught by Kenna Cottman (she/her)

Tired of hearing and learning the same old thing every Black History Month? First of all we will
unscramble a timeline of ‘Negro’ civil rights made of events you probably never heard of and Dr. King is not among them. Second, we will learn about the BHM2016 theme: 2016 – Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. There are some historical sites around Black Minnesotans that we will consider. Finally, if you’re good, we will play the Underground Railroad board game. Test your knowledge on  one of the only things you probably learned about Black History every single year in a big board game, and leave with your game piece and your freedom.

“How to be a Trans Ally” taught by Arden, Sadie, and Cynder

“Intersectional Identities: Finding Faith at the Precinct” taught by Asma Mohammed Nizami
(she/her)
If you had the opportunity to join the movement at the 4th precinct this past fall, you may have asked
yourself how your different identities brought you to the movement. In this workshop, facilitators will focus on how intersectionality plays a key role in finding one's place in the movement. Asma
Mohammed Nizami, a cis Pakistani, Muslim and hijabi woman will share her experience in finding
her role as a non-Black person of color at the precinct. She will also lead attendees in activities that
will help each of us come to individual understandings about our perceived and actual identities and
their roles in the movement.

“Colorism: 50 Shades of Systematic Oppression” taught by Jada Olsen, Awa Mally, Isak Douah
Teaching the basics and breaking down colorism to analyze conflicts within communities of color
across the globe while addressing how tone of skin can change and shape your identity and your
feelings.

“Changing the Community: What it takes to pick up to where the school left off!” and “Leave No
Child Behind” taught by Evan Dentley
Exploring the dynamics of community and team interaction in a creative process. Practice
collaboration and working together towards one goal. Gain an understanding of what motivates self
and others to be involved. Learn the value of a goal for both process and task. Discover how
facilitative leadership fosters ownership amongst the team. Explore the process from idea generation
to implementation (How are decisions really made?)

“I am Not a Minority: Understanding Oppression” taught by Crystal Ballard

“Racial Justice at the Intersection of Power" taught by Anaïs Deal-Marquez (she/her)

This interactive workshop will explore the role of power in both structural racism and organizing for
racial justice. We will incorporate movement exercises, theater of the oppressed, and writing to
explore U.S. histories of racialized oppression, the social movements that have always resisted, and
where that leaves us today.

. “Youth Activism and Organizing” taught by Yonci Jameson (she/her-they/them)

This workshop will be talking about my experience coming up as an activist and organizing
techniques as well as resources, risks associated with organizing, necessities of organizing etc.
Discussion based, we'll be talking about concepts of activism and how those can intersect with
everyday values. Community engagement and outreach tips as well.

“White Allies” taught by Educate Ya Self members!

This workshop is about white allyship. You will learn what an ally is and how to be a good one, while also staying in your lane and checking your privilege. You’ll learn key words, and also have a
discussion about how you can be the best white ally you can be.

“#BlackGirlMagic: A Conversation on Intersectionality & the Need to Change the Narrative” taught

by Kandace Montgomery (she/her)
#BlackGirlMagic is more than a hashtag but a direct tactic to change the story about black trans and
cis-gendered women. At the same time, we are seeing a Movement for Black Lives growing that
centers many new and different voices. This workshop will explore why this new approach is
necessary and how we all play a role in creating more space for black trans and cis women and black
queer folx leadership.

"Young, Black, and Fed Up: A Radical Workshop for Radical Youth" taught by Jobi Adams

(he/him/his) and Vanessa Taylor (she/her)

“QTPOC and Organizing: The Intersection of Race, Sexuality, and Gender in the Movement” taught
by Skye Vang (they/them/theirs) and Oluchi Omoega (any pronouns)

“What does race have to do with capitalism?”: taught by Eric (him) Andy (them) Cliff (him)
 - a workshop introducing people to the many connections between racism (white supremacy) and the
political economic system of capitalism

“Building an Intersectional Youth Movement” taught by Eric (she/her) Antonia (him) Alex (she/her)

a workshop where all participants create a set of strategies on building a youth movement in Mn
about intersectionality

"Basics of Activism" taught by Ali Abdirahman (he/him)

In order to understand what it means to be an activist we’ll first discuss and define what we believe
activism is. Once the groundwork for what activism is has been laid we will go into specifics on the
activism that we’ve seen in our personal experiences as well as activism that we might have seen but
overlooked because the framework for understanding that form of activism wasn’t understood before.
We’ll then move on to what kinds of activism as youth we can engage in and participate in. To finish
the workshop we will ground ourselves with what we learned and how we can apply it in our everyday lives as activists Student organizing for racial justice - a workshop on walkouts, sit ins, teach ins, student unions, and student power with a how to model about fighting for racial justice in the education system.

"Telling Your Story: Speaking Truth to Power" taught by Ryan Stopera (he/him) and Adja Gildersleve (she/her)

Your words and your story are a powerful tool for social change. Ryan Stopera is a writer,
photographer, and filmmaker using storytelling to speak truth to power. Join Ryan and Adja
Gildersleve of Black Lives Matter Minneapolis to learn more about the history of social justice writing, how storytelling is used to fight social justice issues, and what you can do use your story to create positive social change.

“ What Do We Mean By Freedom?” taught by Keno Evol (he/him)

My writing workshop will be on interrogating the question What Do We Mean By Freedom? The
specific workshop goal is to build an understanding of how the word freedom lives in the American
social system while comparing differences and similarities to how freedom might live in our own
lives and consciousness. I will also be plugging the history of resistance, resilience and rebellion in
Spoken word and Hip Hop Culture. Ties and connection in the wake of recent events surrounding the
execution of Jamar Clark and continuing the larger conversation around state sanctioned terrorism.
We will also be covering work by other poets writing on freedom and state sanctioned terrorism. We
will be contextualizing all art brought into the current times and dialoguing on its relevance.
Participants will also spend some time creating and sharing their own work.

"Seeing Ourselves in Art: What we Hear and What We Know" taught by Hawwa Youngmark
(she/her)
How does identity fit into art? Join fine artist Hawwa Youngmark in a conversation and art making
session on how who you are can influence how you make and moving beyond making art for art sake

“ Using Art as a Tactic in the Movement” taught by Michael McDowell (he/him)

POC HEALING SPACE facilitated by Kenna Cottman (she/her)

Enter a space where your experiences and modes of communication are centralized. Participate in
and learn about mental and physical healing practices that will help you thrive. Connect with other
people of color, create new bonds, reinforce supportive relationships, and just kick back.


"Organize Where You Are: Finding Your Stake and Role in Revolutionary Change" taught by David
Boenkhe (he/him)
As waves of movements our transforming our minds and our possibilities, many of us our joining
movements for revolutionary social change, including those from privileged backgrounds. This is
exciting but also creates challenges us and our groups.  Where is it appropriate for a person to organize? How do we organize effectively for ourselves or in solidarity with others? How do we address different levels of power and privilege in our movements?  In this workshop a one time student organizer who has been working for revolutionary change for the last 13 years--from unionizing at Jimmy John's, to trying to get police out of schools, to organizing prisons--will open up a conversation about what organizing we are best able to accomplish, and how to make it happen for real.

“Climate Justice and Front-line Communities”: taught by Andy (him) Alex (her) Antonia (her)-
 a workshop introducing people to how climate change and environmental disaster impacts mostly fall on working class communities of color, in the US and globally

Southwest Audience Opportunity - Prospect High: Brooklyn - Feb 24, 25 and 26

NATIONWIDE WORLD PREMIERE OF PROSPECT HIGH: BROOKLYN

What is Prospect High: Brooklyn?

We are pleased to announce the first‐ever nationwide world premiere of a new play! PROSPECT HIGH: BROOKLYN, written by Daniel Robert Sullivan and a team of New York City teenagers, was developed in partnership with Education at Roundabout and the Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships.

The play will premiere in 23 high school productions across the country between September 2015 – May 2016. Conceived by Daniel Robert Sullivan (Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, Author of Places Please!) and co‐written by a team of New York City teenagers, the play focuses on four intelligent, highly charged students and one seriously apathetic teacher.Prospect High: Brooklyn was created with the intent of offering a new collection of serious, true‐to‐life material for teenage actors. The play addresses themes of apathy, revenge, deep friendship, trans acceptance, casual racism, self‐harm, and the power of both good and bad advice from teachers, all against the backdrop of an enormous Brooklyn high school. Prospect High: Brooklyn can be performed by 5 – 18 actors.

Creator Daniel Robert Sullivan notes: “The National New Play Network introduced the concept of a rolling world premiere in 1998, and I’ve always thought it would be great to offer that kind of arrangement to high schools. There is so much energy and power in teenage theatre‐makers, but that positive force is often felt only locally. By introducing this fierce new play to the nation’s high schools in a coordinated way, Roundabout is not only promoting the play with positive publicity, but the schools themselves. After much research, we chose 23 of the boldest high school theatre departments from across the country and can use this first‐ever high school rolling world premiere to recognize them and expose their power at a national level."

Prospect High: Brooklyn was recently awarded semi‐finalist status for the 2015 National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Center and has been published by Smith & Kraus.

Sullivan adds, “I wanted to create an issue‐driven, age‐appropriate, ethnically‐diverse, flexible‐cast play that represents the extremes inherent in an urban high school environment. Through nine months of collaboration, these teenagers have introduced me to the issues and debates most important to them. We’ve structured these conversations into the play.”

Robotic Rubies - All Women Team Win at State

Rubies win Robotics Award at State Tournament!

Monday, February 22, 2016 6:45 AM

The Rubies, a FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team (the next level above GISE & GEMS), won the prestigious Control award and were finalists for the Motivate award at the FTC State Tournament on February 6th. The Control award is given to the team who best masters robot intelligence through the use of sensors and software while the Motivate award celebrates teams exemplifying the core values of the program through outreach, team-building, and enthusiasm. The Rubies consist of LHCS 8th grader and lead programmer Rachel S as well as 9th graders (and LHCS alumni) Izzy M, Isabella K, Ava K, and Adelaide F. Competing against students in up to 12th grade they were the only first year team to win a judged award. Congratulations girls! For more details see their press release click here

Be Careful Slippery Out There

Driving and walking conditions are going to be difficult, wet and slippery.  The wet snow is falling and the temperatures are a little above freezing.  With the warm ground the snow is melting giving moisture to the surface and that makes it slippery.

Be careful driving around school and watch for walkers.  If on the sidewalks or walking from car be very careful.  The surface beneath your feet could be slippery.

Laker Wrestlers Christian Porter and Graham Evavold Qualify for State!

LAKERS WRESTLERS CHRISTIAN PORTER & GRAHAM EVAVOLD QUALIFY FOR STATE TOURNAMENT.

State Entrants Graham Evavold (L) 126# and Christian Porter (R) 160#

On Feb 22, 2016, Graham Evavold and Christian Porter became the first Southwest Wrestlers to qualify for State since Greg Gandy was a State Participant for SW  in 2009.

Christian Porter went 3- 0 in the Section 6AAA Qualifier, winning the 160# championship. Two-year Team Captain Porter is the first section champion from Southwest since 1994.  Senior Porter has a 3.49 GPA goes into the State tournament with a 27-2  season record. 

Senior Captain Graham Evavold also gets to cap off his four-year varsity career with a trip to state next weekend.  He was the 126# Runner- Up in the Section Individual Tournament. Graham has a 3.0 GPA and enters the state tournament with a 26-6 season record.

Sophomore Ricky Kruse (5-2) earned  third-place as  did sophomore Kieran Porter (22-12). The final place-winner for Southwest was Freshman Dylan Surprise.

Lakers Section 6AAA Place-winners and Coaches (L-R): Coach Quinn Peterson, Graham Evavold, Coach Paul Porter, Kieran Porter,

Ricky Kruse, Dylan Surprise, Christian Porter, Coach Joe Burns, Coach Cole Peterson, Coach Steffan Jobe

Congratulations to  the Southwest Wrestling Team for their dedication, hard work and achievement both on and off the mat.

The Team earned a GOLD State Academic Team Award for with a 3.51 Average GPA. The entire team participated in several  community service projects.

In December, they packed meals at Feed My Starving Children. In January, The wrestlers prepared and served a snack and two meals at Greater MPLS Crisis Nursery.

The boys also planned and provided enrichment activities for the children at  the GMCN nursery  aged 1 to 6. 

The wrestlers take turns volunteering throughout the season help teach wrestling  to K-6 graders in the Pershing-Linden Hills Wrestling program.

Project Success Tour Application Due Feb. 25

Project SUCCESS’ Chicago and Wisconsin tours are still open for applications. Applications due on Feb 25^th

Project SUCCESS’ Chicago and Wisconsin tours are also still open for applications.  

Come pick up an application and complete it as soon as possible. Pick up an application and complete it as soon as possible. 

There is a short interview process associated with the Chicago college tour.  

Both applications can be found in the counseling office. 

We hope to see you soon!

Page Scholarship Application Due

Page Scholarship:  Informational meeting and Q&A session on Tuesday, March 1, at 1:30 pm in the Career & College Center, room W201.  

The Page scholarship is an annual, renewable grant ($1000-$2500) for students of color who are pursuing a post-secondary education in Minnesota. 

Students who accept a Page Grant must make a commitment to volunteer tutoring younger children of color in Kindergarten-8th grade through a clearly defined Service to Children Project.

PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM Application due Feb. 26

PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM 

Applications are open for the 2016 Princeton Summer Journalism Program, an all-expenses-paid journalism and college preparation program at Princeton University for students from low-income backgrounds. 

Students learn reporting skills from celebrated journalists, report and write their own newspaper, and are paired with a counselor who oversees their college admissions process. 

SJP alumni have gone on to jobs at The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR, and many other news outlets. 

The application can be found at www.princeton.edu/sjp and is due at 11:59pm EST on Friday, February 26, 2016. 

If you have questions, please reach out to sjp@princeton.edu.

Congratulations to Southwest JV and Varsity Gymnasts

Congratulations to JV and Varsity Gymnasts 

Both teams won City Conference on January 30th. Elise Erickson Cooley was City All-Around Champion, Francis Birch placed 3rd All-Around, and Allison Sundeen placed 5th All-Around. 

The team competed in 6AA Sections this past Saturday (2/13) and came in 5^th.  

The team placed #1 in the section for academic performance with a team average GPA of 3.91. 

Elise Erickson Cooley was named to the All-Section team for beam.

Parent Advisory Councils Meeting Feb 25

Board of Education Districts 4 & 6 Family and Community Meeting

Thursday, February 25, 2016 | Lyndale Community School – 312 West 34th Street | 6:00 – 7:30 pm | Media Center | Childcare ages 3 & up | Interpretation in Spanish and Somali | Light Refreshments

Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) are a place for families to come together around shared interests and passions focused on student success.

• PACs use their voice to create and influence district policies, practices and programs.
• PACs are a friendly place to learn about district issues, have conversations with other families and

community members. 

Southwest Theater Prospect High: Brooklyn Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at 7 PM

IB HL theatre presents Prospect High: Brooklyn,

By Daniel Robert Sullivan, Feb. 24, 25, 26, at 7 pm in the Black Box Theatre. 

This is a fundraiser for IB SL and HL Theatre students' trip to NYC, suggested donations: Adults, $10, Students, $5.

McKinsey & Company Scholarship for MPS Students.

McKinsey & Company is offering a NEW scholarship for MPS students! If you know of a student who meets the criteria, please encourage them to apply! This will help to build this new partnership and increase our scholarship opportunities for MPS students!

McKinsey & Company Diverse Young Leaders Scholarship:


Application website - http://minneapolis.diversityscholars.mckinsey.com/
Eligibility:

• Be a high school senior graduating in Spring 2016
• Be of Hispanic, Latino/Latina or African American race or ethnicity (e.g., more than 2 races)
• Be able to establish to McKinsey evidence of your identity and right to work in the U.S.
• Have a minimum unweighted grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and either a minimum ACT score of 27 or a minimum SAT score of 1860
  Have plans to enroll at a four year accredited institution during the 2016-2017 academic year

Award:

• 1-$5,000 or multiple-1,000 scholarship
• Matched with a McKinsey mentor
• Guaranteed first round interview for internship in college or full time Business Analyst position upon college graduation

Application timelines: February 15 - March 31, 2016. Interviews will occur in April, and winners announced by May 15, 2016.
Please feel free to share with others in your network. We want EVERY qualifying MPS student to apply for this!!  

Parent Survey Online Begins February 17

OCR Parent Survey administration begins February 17: 

As part of our agreement with the Office of Civil Rights, MPS is required to conduct a survey of students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

 The administration of the OCR Parent Survey will focus on a random sample of parents, proportionate to students being surveyed at each school.

The survey begins online February 17. Selected parents will receive a link to the survey by email.

The online survey window lasts two weeks, after which time parents that did not complete it will be contacted by phone.

You will receive more information about the OCR Student and Staff surveys later this Spring. Those surveys will be administered in May.

If you get questions from parents about the survey, please direct them to REAsurvey@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Scheduled Asbestos Removal Notification - Southwest High School

MEMORANDUM
February 18, 2016

From: Lee Setter, Construction Coordinator

RE: Notice of Asbestos Response Action (Southwest High School – AA364M 2016 Phase)

As part of the Districts’ ongoing Asbestos Compliance Management Program, the following asbestos response action is scheduled to occur at Southwest High School:

Asbestos containing building materials will be removed at various locations throughout Southwest High School to facilitate the Additions and Renovations Project. The abatement areas will be secured and isolated from occupied portions of the building. Asbestos removal activities will be performed after school hours.

Abatement Start: Monday March 21, 2016
Abatement Finish: Thursday June 30, 2016

The asbestos removal response action will be performed in accordance with federal and state regulations by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor and a licensed industrial hygiene company. All project documentation and record keeping will be maintained as part of the Asbestos Compliance Management Plan for Southwest High School.

Please provide notification of the scheduled response action to School staff, parents, parent organizations or other organizations that use your building.

The attached Q&A flyer can be used for notification and to address questions or concerns.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 612-668-0308. Thank you.

Facilities Department
Phone: (612) 668-0308
lee.setter@mpls.k12.mn.us

Questions and Answers
Asbestos Removal
NOTIFICATION
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Southwest High School (AA364M)
Where? Asbestos-containing building materials will be removed at Southwest High School to facilitate the Additions and Renovations Project. The abatement areas will be secured and isolated from occupied portions of the building. The abatement areas include floor tile removal in the black box theater, Room 45A/45B, the Main Office Suite and Rooms 107 & 108

When? Asbestos abatement activities will occur starting Monday March 21, 2016 and will be phased in conjunction with the General Construction through June 30, 2016. Asbestos removal activities will be performed after school hours or over school breaks
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Why?
A -- Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has scheduled asbestos abatement to accommodate the Additions and Renovations Project at Southwest High School.
Who will remove the asbestos?

A -- Qualified consultants will identify specific areas were asbestos fibers will be disturbed by construction at a specific facility. Licensed asbestos removal contractors will then conduct the removal under strict supervision. The safety of all students, staff and visitors at the school are the prime concern during removal of the asbestos-containing material.
What is asbestos and why does it have to be removed?

A -- Asbestos is a naturally occurring fireproof fibrous mineral which was used in construction materials before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the asbestos fibers as potentially damaging to our health. The EPA mandated that school districts assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials to determine the potential of a related airborne health hazard. When building materials are disturbed during construction by demolition, drilling, cutting, or sanding, asbestos particles become airborne. Once airborne, the fibers can be inhaled and become a health hazard. MPS is removing the asbestos-containing materials in areas of the schools where construction activities will occur to eliminate any potential release of asbestos fibers into the building environment.

How is asbestos removed?
A -- Licensed contractors follow federal and state controlled procedures for removing asbestos-containing materials from buildings. The areas where the removal takes place are sealed off in an airtight enclosure. The workers operate inside the isolated areas and use wet methods and specialized vacuum equipment to remove the asbestos-containing materials.

Why is this work being done at this time?
A -- Asbestos removal is being performed as part of the overall abatement program and must be completed before demolition and renovation can begin.
What do the work areas look like?

A -- Most of the time, the work areas are enclosed by a solid, sealed barrier. Qualified personnel continuously monitor the enclosure so no unauthorized people can enter. The workers wear respirators and white protective suits and in most cases will not be visible to anyone at the school because of the solid, sealed barriers.

Does the removal process present a health hazard?
A - No! Strict safety procedures have been implemented to protect students, teachers, and building occupants. First, the removal is being performed by professionals who are very familiar with the safety regulations, and they are being monitored by an industrial hygiene consulting firm and the MPS Facilities Department. Second, the work areas are isolated, secured and clearly marked so that the students and teachers are aware of their location. Third, the airtight work area is controlled by special air filtering equipment which separates and collects any airborne asbestos fibers so that no fibers escape the enclosure. Air monitoring is conducted continuously in and outside the work areas, the school, and classroom areas to be sure the school environment remains safe, with no escaping asbestos fibers

Who is making sure the removal is being conducted safely?
A - Asbestos removal must meet strict federal, state, and local safety regulations. MPS has retained professional industrial hygiene consulting firms to monitor each removal project daily. These firms supervise the contractor’s activities and conduct air monitoring throughout the process to make sure the applicable regulations are enforced. MPS Facilities Department representatives also visit the project sites to ensure all safety regulations are fully enforced.

When are the areas safe to use again?
A - As each work area is completed, it must pass very detailed and stringent clearance procedures. Highly qualified personnel visually inspect the areas to verify that asbestos has been removed properly. Then, air monitoring is performed to ensure the air is clean and meets the strict clearance criteria required by the Environmental Protection Agency and other state agencies. When these requirements are satisfied, an inspector inspects the entire project area and approves the area for reoccupancy by the school.

If you have questions, please call
Mr. Lee Setter, Manager, EH&S
MPS Facilities Department
(612) 668-0308
lee.setter@mpls.k12.mn.us

Southwest Alumni Lenne Klingaman Returns to the Jungle Theater Stage

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

THROUGH - MARCH 27
 

by  William Shakespeare
directed by  Sarah Rasmussen
featuring  Shá Cage, Maggie Chestovich,
Christiana Clark, George Keller, Barbara Kingsley,
Lenne Klingaman, Wendy Lehr and Mo Perry

The Two Gentlemen of Verona is director Sarah Rasmussen's debut as artistic head of the Jungle, and from the first moment it was apparent that things have changed at the cozy Lyn-Lake institution.
Whereas most shows under founding artistic director Bain Boehlke (who appeared, quiet and supportive, in the audience) were enclosed in tight, pristine sets on the Jungle's jewel box of a stage, Gentlemen set designer Andrew Boyce skips a ceiling, with two pink trees reaching past pink walls into exposed rigging. A dozen or so audience members are seated onstage, and performers occasionally appear in the audience, hit by unexpected spotlights.

Any questions about whether this dynamic approach is something Jungle regulars can get used to, though, are quickly answered by an irrepressible, almost ecstatic production of Shakespeare's early comedy. For the piece, Rasmussen has cast all women — and what women!

Gentlemen's ensemble is an all-star team of local female talent, led by Christiana Clark and Mo Perry as Proteus and Valentine, respectively. They're two young men who journey from their titular hometown to Milan, where they both quickly fall for a young royal named Silvia (returning Minneapolis expat Lenne Klingaman). Silvia has eyes only for Valentine, which is just as well since Proteus already has a sweetheart (Maggie Chestovich), who's making plans to come meet him in disguise.

Southwest 2015-2016 All-State Choir and Instrumental

2015-2016

Minnesota Music Educators Association

All-State Women’s Choir                                                              All-State Men’s Choir

Shira Rabkin                                                                                       Ryan Brown

Ella Paine                                                                                             Adam Clark

All-State Jazz Ensemble                                                                 All-State Concert Band

Tenor Saxophone Gerhardt Robinson                                           Bb Clarinet Nicola Lowry

All-State Orchestra

Viola Emerson Clay                                                                          

Southwest Theater

IB HL theatre presents Prospect High: Brooklyn, by Daniel Robert Sullivan, Feb. 24, 25, 26, at 7 pm in the Black Box Theatre. This is a fundraiser for IB HL Theatre students' trip to NYC, suggested donations: Adults, $10, Students, $5.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Southwest High School presents the Spotlight Musical : Guys and Dolls, music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, March 10-12, 7 pm; March 13, 2 pm, March 17-19, 7 pm; March 20, 2 pm. Opening night is "name your price" at the door. Online, reserved seating ticket sales: www.southwesttheatre.org

Southwest Baseball Fund Raiser - March 5th - Mark Your Calendar

Friends and Families of the SW Baseball Program,

Please mark the date and join the baseball boosters on Saturday, March 5th, for its 7th Annual Beer Tasting Fundraiser.  The invitation is attached to this email!

It is a great way to meet the coaches, families and friends in our baseball program. Freshmen families, please come!  Spread the word.  All are welcome. Like last year, we hope to see a great turnout of our baseball alums that are over 21.

Please RSVP to this email if you are able to attend.

Thank you.

--

Minneapolis Southwest High School Baseball Boosters

http://www.mplssouthwestbaseball.org

Southwest Men Join with Morehouse College Glee Club and VocalEssence Feb 21 @ 7:00 pm in Orchestra Hall

CONCERT: VocalEssence WITNESS: 

Morehouse College Glee Club

Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 55403

Feb 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | $10 - $40

Low notes will be high points when the internationally-renowned Morehouse College Glee Club teams up with VocalEssence to celebrate male singing. Founded in Atlanta in 1867,

Morehouse College remains the only all-male historically black college in the nation. The Glee Club is known for its musical precision, wide-ranging repertoire and distinguished alumni.

VocalEssence and the Glee Club will share the stage with guest conductor David Morrow, singing everything from classical favorites to the Morehouse College Glee Club anthem, “Betelehemu.”

VocalEssence Chorus

200-Voice High School Male Chorus
  including Southwest Men's Choir
Morehouse College Glee Club

Talented Tenth Apprentices

David Morrow, conductorG. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

To buy Tickets:

A fee of $3.50 per ticket is included in listed prices; all orders will incur a $5.00 transaction fee.

http://www.vocalessence.org/events/?tribe_eventcategory=197

Southwest Math Team Wins Again!

Southwest Math Team Wins Again!

The Southwest Math Team won the division title for Minneapolis. This is the tenth consecutive division title for the Southwest Math Team. It’s hard to find the right words to express how proud I feel when I think of all that we have done.

The Varsity Team has earned an invitation to the state tournament, held in St. Paul on March 14^th. On the season, the Southwest Math Team finished with 333 points. We finished in sole possession of 30^th place (out of 176 teams). It was a bit of a down year for us, but I’m excited when I look forward to the future. Our last two meets of the year earned us 15^th and 16^th place honors for those competitions…so we are starting to “figure it out”.

I am very proud of each of the 47 students who made it over to South High School for the last competition. At least half of them who competed had to zoom back to Southwest for the evening music concert.

We had some individual accolades from the last competition and from the season:

·       Paul Heltemes finished in 1^st place overall. He earned an invitation to the invitational event, a test given to the top 70 students in the state, at the state tournament.

·       Simon Rothman finished in 2^nd place overall. He has participated in math team for three years now and developed into a Varsity Team regular!

·       

Claire Weil earned a PERFECT score of 14 points at the meet. She was the only student in the Minneapolis division with a perfect score at the meet. Also, she was one of only 19 students in the entire state to earn all the points at meet #5. Truly remarkable, considering the level of questions that were on her events – the questions were pretty tough!

There will be an award ceremony for the 39 students who earned a letter award this year. We hold that ceremony sometime in March.

We will resume regular season practices next fall! Contact David McMayer at david.mcmayer@mpls.k12.mn.us if you are interested in joining the team or if you would simply like more information.

Southwest Japan Bowl Regional Winners on to Nationals

The Japan Bowl is a national competition to test the ability of high school students throughout America who are studying the Japanese language.  It is modeled on a quiz show format and aims to make the study of Japanese challenging and enjoyable.  

The Upper Midwest Regional Competition was held at Normandale Community College on Saturday, February  13^th, 2016.  There were three levels: level II, level III and level IV in this competition. 

The Southwest level IV-B students won first place in their level.   This team is now eligible to participate in The 2016 National Japan Bowl Competition, to be held Thursday-Saturday, April 14-16, 2016 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  

After the competition, students will participate in the SAKURA MATSURI (Japanese Street Festival) in Washington DC.

Please congratulate the finalists who represented Southwest at Regions this year: 

Level IV-B             Isabella Gold,  Taylor Nelson,  Devon Olson

Other participants who did a great job at Regions are:

Level IV-A  Fadumo Mohamed, Yanique Simpson,  Starlight Thao

Level III-A - Virginia Culhane, Elizabeth Kofuji, Athen Schooler

Level III-B  Megan Browne, Zakeria Husein, Cooper Nesmith

Level II-A - Madison Blevins, Korrina Chantland, Nathaniel Murray

Level II-B - Sam Chihak, Ruby Cromer, Gitzie Simonson

 

Isabella Gold,  Taylor Nelson,  Devon Olson

Southwest Women's Basketball - Big Game At South this Friday, Feb, 19

Not only did the boys basketball team beat Washburn in both games this season, the girls basketball team also knocked off Washburn in both of their games. In my informal research, I think it's been a couple decades since Southwest has won all four basketball games against Washburn in one year.

Also, tonight the girls basketball team clinched a share of the City Conference title - for the first time since 1984!! 

They are off to an 18-3 start, 11-0 in the conference and play their other arch-rival, South, in their conference final next Friday. A Lady Lakers win means SW will win the title outright! 

Either way, SW will represent the Minneapolis City Conference in the Twin City Game against the St. Paul Conference champ on February 27th!

Hoops is happening at SW!