Baseball Fund Raiser Chipotle Tuesday After the Game 5-9 pm

Summer Student Transportation Pass 2017

Students at participating high schools (see below) can get a summer's worth of rides on buses and light rail for just $25 with the Summer Student Pass!

From June 1 through Sept. 5, students can get unlimited rides on buses and trains up to a $3 fare (for fares higher than that amount, like some Northstar trips, just add stored value to your pass). Passes can be used between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

Buy your Summer Student Pass with a credit card here or with cash or a credit card at a Metro Transit Service Center.

Metro Transit is pleased to partner with Second Harvest Heartland to promote their free meals program. Click on their logo to learn more about this program or click on this link to download a copy of their flyer.

Eligibility
The pass is available to students enrolled at a participating school (one per student). To purchase a pass, you must provide your school's name and your student ID number. Graduating seniors may purchase a Summer Student Pass if they were enrolled in a participating school in 2017. Participating students must agree to Metro Transit's Code of Conduct.

Replacement
It's important to register your pass against loss or theft. Registering your pass is free, it takes just a few seconds and it ensures that your pass will be replaced if it is lost or stolen (minus a $5 processing fee). In the event that your Summer Student Pass is lost or stolen, call 612-373-3333 or visit a Metro Transit Service Center.

BUY YOUR STUDENT SUMMER PASS

 

Sales begin May 17 - see you then!

Urinetown the Musical - Southwest Summer Theatre

Southwest Summer Theatre will be presenting Urinetown, the Musical, directed by Veteran Theatre Director/Actor Gene Larche. Auditions open to incoming high school juniors and seniors, current college students and adults throughout the metro area.

Important dates include:

- Performances: July 20-22, 7pm; July 23, 2pm.

- Auditions: May 30-31, 5-8pm; Callbacks: June 1-2, 5-8pm.

- Rehearsal times: TBA (likely weekday evenings).

For the audition, come either May 30 or May 31 with: 

-A prepared 30 second monologue (comical or dramatic). 

-16 bars of a song (bring sheet music for accompanist).

-Clothes and shoes to move in for the dance call.

-Resume and headshot (if you have one).  (Cast positions are not paid). 

We will also need people for the pit orchestra, tech crew and front-of-house operations. Please post questions or email margaret.berg@mpls.k12.mn.us, anna.michel@mpls.k12.mn.us or dave.premack@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Please share this event with your friends!

More info about the show here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urinetown

SW Auditorium Seat Plaques: The Perfect Grad Gift!

SW Auditorium Seat Plaques: The Perfect Grad Gift!

Honor a special Southwest Graduate by personalizing a seat with a permanent, engraved plaque on one of the seat's armrests! 

Your tax-deductible donation of $200 will go directly to Southwest's Auditorium Fund, which is used to maintain the space in support of the performing arts. 

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

how you talk to kids — here's how to do it right

Parents want their kids to be successful. So when I saw that Tony Robbins was giving child-raising advice, I paid attention.

Robbins is one of the most successful motivational speakers and leadership coaches of all time, with top CEOs paying him $1 million or more per year for one-on-one coaching. He spends more than 200 days annually running sell-out events (with ticket prices deep into the four-figure range), and he's the author of several number-one bestselling books, among them "Money: Master the Game" (2014), and his massive 1991 bestseller, "Awaken the Giant Within."

If you know anything about Robbins's personal story, however, you might know that his childhood was pretty rough: His parents divorced when he was 7 years old. Money was always tight. He grew up with a mother who has been described as an abusive alcoholic and a pill user — plus a series of stepfathers and father figures.

Robbins broke with his family when he was 17, reportedly after his mother chased him out of their house with a knife. He got a job as a janitor to support himself, but ultimately linked up with self-help guru Jim Rohn in the 1980s. He then started working on his own books and programs, which became massively successful.

Inc.com recently asked Robbins, whose son Jariek Robbins is also a successful motivational speaker and performance coach, for his best thoughts on raising kids to be entrepreneurs. More broadly, he advised that to help them achieve success, parents should speak to their children in ways that help them achieve a growth mindset.

The growth mindset

When praising kids, Robbins says, the key is, "don't tell them how perfect they are, how beautiful they are, how smart they are, how unique and special they are." Instead, offer praise and encouragement that focuses on the effort they expend to overcome problems — "persistence, determination, constantly flexing your approach."

Certainly, Robbins is not the first to make this suggestion. As he told Inc.com, his advice is based on the work of Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, whose teachings I've explored at greater length in previous columns. In short, a growth mindset is probably easiest to understand when you consider it in relation to its opposite, a fixed mindset.

As the name implies, a fixed mindset is a belief system that presumes that human achievement is based primarily on innate gifts. As a result, a person with a fixed mindset is likely to discount the roles played by effort, determination, or even working just to be in the right place at the right time, plays in success.

A person with a growth mindset, however, has internalized the belief that humans' ability to achieve is much more malleable and controllable. That means that we can increase our intelligence and problem-solving abilities over time, and that hard work, determination, and perseverance are at least as important as innate ability.

Developing belief in development

Every time I write about Dweck's work, I get comments and emails from adults who realize that they were raised to internalize a fixed mindset. In some cases, they've worked later in life to overcome it. Other times, it seems they're encountering these concepts for the first time — and they wonder whether it's too late to change the way they see things.

The good news is that it's certainly possible to redevelop your mindset as an adult. That said, it's probably more effective to be taught this as a child.

Dweck's most-cited research involves studies with middle schoolers and 11-year-olds. (More details here.) But she says her research shows that even when we're talking about children as young as a year to 3 years old, parents can help them develop growth mindsets. And that in turn affects how they approach challenges and succeed in early elementary school. Dweck has also been known to confront parents in public who are praising their kids the wrong way.

Persistence, hard work, and effort

There's a lot more to Dweck's work, but I was very happy to see her results cited by Robbins when he had time in the interview to share only one single, most important piece of parenting advice.

Kids who develop growth mindsets set higher goals, had a healthier attitude toward effort and failure, and were less likely to complain about being "bored" (which fixed-mindset kids use as a cover or excuse to explain why they don't try difficult things). As Robbins puts it:

"If you teach them — "Honey you did so great on that because look, you never gave up! You kept persisting." Or, 'Look what you did here, by constantly pushing yourself harder and harder until you broke through. I'm so proud of you!' That type of shaping will make a person grow up where they will value persistence, hard work [and] effort, which is where all rewards come from — in business and personal life."

Read the original article on Inc.. Copyright 2017. Follow Inc. on Twitter.

Supporting Kids Through Times of Change

Ten ways to help children cope with tough transitions in school—whether you’re their teacher or their parent.

By Elena Aguilar

Students routinely experience unexpected changes, like learning that a favorite teacher will leave their school, or that a classmate will move away, or that the band program they’d hoped to join the following year will no longer be funded.

Transitions are always hard for kids—they crave and need consistency and routine, and so the end of the school year can be challenging anyway. But if big changes (or even medium-sized ones) are on the horizon, it can be even harder on kids.

This year, my son’s school has been rocked by a rapid series of challenges. As a parent, I’ve had to do a lot to process my own emotions—anger, sadness, and worry—and mindfully share with him what I’m feeling. It’s important to be honest with kids (I’ve expressed my sadness and frustration with my son) as well as to be hopeful.

Suggestions for Helping Children Work Through Change

Whether you’re a teacher supporting your students or a parent supporting your child, here are 10 ways to make unwelcome change easier for kids:

1.   Invite them to talk about their feelings. Listen to whatever they say—to their anger and sadness and confusion. Validate their feelings and let them know that whatever they’re experiencing is OK.

2.   Help them see the elements of stability in their life and school. Name all the teachers and adults who aren’t leaving, the classmates who will stay. 

3.   Assure kids that the foundations of their community and learning experience will be strong. Even if a beloved staff member or principal is leaving, don’t fall into catastrophizing with your students or children. Help them see that their experience in school is more than one person, program, or other element.

4.   Make sure they don’t take the change personally. Kids tend to blame themselves when things go wrong. Make sure to emphasize that they did nothing to make anyone leave, to drive someone away, as children tend to think whether a teacher or staff member leaves to work at another school, quits the profession, or is perhaps released from the position.

5.   Direct children to see what they are in control of. Unwelcome change makes people feel like they don’t have control over their lives. Ask your students or children, “What are you free to choose right now?” and they’ll be reminded of their own power.

6.   Guide children to focus on a positive future and what might be possible a year from now. Help them imagine making new friends, forming strong connections with other adults, and finding joy, community, and fulfillment at school. If there’s anything they can do to make these things happen (such as making new friends) guide them to do those things.

7.   Allot a brief time for worry. Especially if you have a child who worries all the time, suggest a 15-minute time during the day when they allow themselves to worry. When they start worrying at other times, remind them that it isn’t their designated worry time.

8.   Ask children: What really matters here? Help them see the big picture, gain perspective, and keep the change in proportion.

9.   Help them connect with their own resilience, coping mechanisms, and energy. They have dealt with change and challenge before. Help them access those resources and remind them that they will get through this latest challenge.

10.                Help them see their own resources for making changes that they desire. Help them think about how to be proactive about creating the kind of school and experience they want, even in the face of unwelcome change.

As a teacher, I often had to support students with the above strategies as changes rippled through our school every year. My students, of course, responded differently. Some wore their emotions on their sleeve whereas others were harder to read.

Take the time to explore how students are experiencing change when it strikes. In the end, change is all we can count on, so it’s always useful to help children refine their coping skills.

Nordic Team Requests Your Support

Nordic Team Fundraiser - Unlimited Discounts for a Year

12 “Unlimited Use” Coupons with $20 Donation 

Support your State Champs and receive a year's worth of savings on gas, food, hair cuts, smoothies and more. 

Please see a skier, Mr. Dundon or purchase in cafeteria

Friday, May 26th and Wednesday, May 31st

Before School:  7:30-8 am  and  After School:  3-4 pm

Spring 2017 - Another Step in Time

The end of another exciting school year is upon us.  For over 420 seniors that is the conclusion of a set of experiences that wind their way through primary elementary and then middle school years.  The final test is high school.  All of us love the memory but very few really want to do it all over again.

Four years of personalities, gossip, friendship, broken hearts, identity crisis, fashion mistakes and going to class for a change of pace.  A large part of who we will be for the rest of our lives is now set and is modified over time but basically a major part of who we are.

The the remaining 1,400 left overs this is another step forward to the unknown but supposedly exciting and wonderful.  The soon to be 10th, 11th and 12th  graders are trying hard not to over assume that they (seniors) are gone.  In a few days the proud red t-shirts will announce that once I was an 11th grader but now I am a SENIOR.

In coming 9th graders are busy celebrating the end of 8th grade - not sure why but parents like it.  This is the class of 2021 and that number is frightening for those of use still remembering the Ed Sullivan show with the Beatles.  In a few short months they will move from obnoxious teenagers to the big and bad high schoolers.

It all ends and all begins at the same time.  As it has for the many years that humans have found reason to send their children to school.  For some celebrations and for others a continuous march to adulthood.

The end of the school year should be fun.  For those of us in school, we have been here before and have some expectations of what might be coming.  On the one side that is trying to keep them safe from themselves.  At the same time a time to remember and dream.  We do not want to hamper the joy of the occasion nor ruin the stories they will lie about in 20 years.  We want all to be safe and friendly to one another and off into the summer in good spirits and health.

Graduations to the Class of 2017.  Well wishes to the incoming classes of 2018,2019, 2020 and especially to the Class of 2021.  And Good Luck to all of the rest of us bracing for another year.

Guitar Concert Under the Lights

Last night was an indoor Guitar Concert with over 167 guitar performers.  A great time, warm and dry under the lights.

Another great guitar concert with the "Three Strings" band. Thanks Ruth Lemay for doing what you do so well. And special thanks to Artisha Knight and Quinn Peterson for their outstanding assistance with the band.

Ted Tellman

Southwest Teacher

School Day Pranks Not Okay

There are three and one-half weeks of school remaining is the 2016-17 school year.  This should be a time of celebration, awards and joy.  It should not be a time of aggravation and turmoil.  The "silliness" that surrounds the end of school can be dangerous and harmful.

Regardless of the intent it becomes more work for someone.  Some one is cleaning up the mess or repairing the damage or trying to protect smaller and younger students.

Today, Tuesday, was things with wheels.  Sounds funny even complaining about.  How could 18 year olds leave the house and decide that today was the day to roll around the building?  Social media makes it all possible and easy to arrange.

Rolling on slick floors is not safe.  We do not need to be sending kids to hospitals as they bounce off walls or down stairs, etc.  Students that are causing an unsafe situation for themselves or others will be removed from school.

Please have the conversation with your student.  Let's finish school on a happy and joyful time and not one of conflict and nonsense.

Let's have a safe end to the 2017 school year.

Southwest Guitar Concert Moved to Auditorium Tonight Tuesday, May 23 at 7 pm

In the Spotlight! View this email in your browser Tonight's Guitar Concert has been moved to the Southwest High School Auditorium. Plus, there's a fantastic opportunity to provide guitars to the guitar program, news on the Southwest Summer Theatre production and more:

Tuesday's Guitar Concert has been moved to the SWHS Auditorium, but the weather the rest of the week looks nice, so check out great music from the up-and-coming SWHS musicians at Lake Harriet. ~~~ Southwest High School Music's Spring Concert Series May 23, 7 pm  Guitar Concert - MOVED to SWHS Auditorium May 24, 7 pm  Dance Concert - Lake Harriet Bandshell May 25, 7 pm  Band/Orchestra Concert - Lake Harriet Bandshell May 31, 7 pm  Jazz Concert- Lake Harriet Bandshell Suggested donation $5 students, $10 adults to support the performing arts . Thank you! SPONSOR A GUITAR! (Or, um, forty...) SWHS has an amazing opportunity to purchase 40 guitars at a HUGE discount but we need you help! Read more HERE! If you have any questions or would like to help us take advantage of this incredible offer, please contact Ruth LeMay, SWHS Guitar Director The Southwest Summer Theatre Program is back! And they're doing the fantastic musical Urinetown! And auditions are next week! And I can't stop using exclamation points! Get all the info on where Summer Theatre has been and the details on this summer's production, HERE. (Also, this was also announced on the Southwest High School Theatre page a few days ago, so if you're into Facebook, you might want to like it....)

We need a go-getter for a short-term project. The PAC is in need of someone to procure advertisers for the 2017-18 performing arts programs this summer. It involves contacting about a dozen current businesses to renew their ads as well as solicit local businesses. Relatively short-term project using existing templates, over email and phone. Please let us know if you can help by contacting us at swhsperformingartscouncil@gmail.com. Thanks! Looking for that perfect graduation or teacher appreciation gift?  Dedicate a seat plaque in the Southwest Auditorium for a unique and memorable gift!  Read more HERE

Southwest 2017 PROM

Southwest 2017 Prom

Sample of Photos from the evening.

The photobooth shots are here if you are looking for it.

The online gallery can be viewed by entering your Event Password (47H7D) on our website under "Enter Your Photo ID". This gallery will be active for 60 days, then the images will expire.

Michael Ries
Media Specialist/Yearbook Advisor/Materials Management
Southwest High School