And They Are Gone

The halls were less crowded and the noise level was reduced. I guess we miss them already. The Class of 2012 is about 24 hours away from being alumni. The senior set the tone for the building. They determine the undercurrent that is an important part of the atmosphere of the place. They establish the standard. And then they are gone. The first day without them is fun to witness. For a bit the juniors try to imitate and usually try too hard. The real emotion of the building is not red shirts and hats but a feeling, a sense of confidence and earned respect. The voice is a little too loud and a little too "notice me" attitude to really take the place of the graduating class. It takes the summer months to grow a bit and discover its own voice and sense of being. The seniors are the leaders. We are very fortunate to have experienced a great group of outstanding young women and men to lead each in his/her own way and collectively as responsible, caring, supportive people. Seniors demonstrate the walk and less of the talk. They go about their business knowing they have purpose and meaning in this world. The younger grades watch and observe waiting for their "inner" being to be exposed and understood. And now they are gone. It is for us remaining to celebrate the time together. But just as important, to find our new voices and strengths. Each year is dynamically different. That is a new adventure and new excitements and thrills. For the next few days and weeks we will remember and honor this year and our seniors. August 27 marks the beginning of a new day and the journey continues.

The future is now & SW Alumni is there

Former SW student Brian Ignaut (SW Grad 2004) started works for SpaceX. Talk about a career that didn't exist a few years ago... From his Facebook page: "30 years old: the average age of those who designed, built, and launched the Falcon 9 rocket and its Dragon spacecraft. With iconic stories of bold exploration so often coming from our past, here's to our generation taking an active role in bringing the future back to the future." http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-spacex-launch-20120523,0,7864281.story http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57441882/spacex-dragon-capsule-makes-historic-space-station-arrival/ Holli Hoffman IB MYP Coordinator

Chuck Aoki (Southwest Class of 2009) officially made the 2012 USA Wheelchair Rugby Team - he'll be heading to London in August.

His Facebook post thanks every teacher, coach, trainer, friend and relative that helped him on his journey.

Chuck's younger brother is currently a freshman at SW.




Holli Hoffman

IB MYP Coordinator

Celebration Spanish Style

Well the Class of 2012 finished with finals and tests and classes today. Thursday is graduation practice and Friday is graduation. But today it was our version of "running with bulls.". I never know the exact right way to deal with all this. I like the celebration, the feeling of relief and closure. But I don't want anyone hurt and want to protect body and property. So I fuss and look stern and attempt to moderate feelings. So today the Class of 2012 said "good-by.". The only real "damage" was way too much trash in the commons and some hallways. Noone seemed to be damaged. I am sure you can participate in the event via Facebook or YouTube. We want to celebrate with them but our job as adults is to make every attempt to protect them even from themselves whether they want that or not. Where did the four years go? It was only yesterday that they entered and during the days struggled and rejoiced and participated and watched. In a couple days we will document their accomplishment of another milestone on their way to adulthood and responsibility -- graduation from high school. It is necessary and something that should be. We wish them well.

Join the Debate Team

Southwest Debate Team


General meeting is Wednesday, May 30th in Mr. Hoselton’s room E116. Debate is a fantastic way to sharpen the college ready skills of research, presentation, quick thinking, teamwork, and argumentation. Do you have questions? Send your student to the meeting May 30th or you can contact me at Alexander.hoselton@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Class of 2012 All-Night Senior Party

Senior Party SWHS All-Night Senior Party


All seniors are invited to attend the All-Night Senior Party immediately following the graduation ceremony on June 1. This will be a fun, safe, end of the year event for the Class of 2012 to celebrate together. Register your son or daughter by Friday, May 25 to be eligible for the early bird fee of $40. The price goes up to $50 after May 25. Registrations were mailed to all seniors in early May. You may also download a registration form in English, Somali ,or Spanish from the SWHS website.

For more information about the event and to download a registration form, click :http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/graduation_party.html.

Register now for the Southwest High Graduation Party! June 1-2 starting at 10:30 p.m. right after the graduation ceremony. Stay up all night with friends. Cost is $40 if you register on or before May 25. $50 after May 25th. Financial assistance is available.

Class of 2013 Graduation Date

The Class of 2013 will Graduate on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 4:30 pm at the Minneapolis Convention Center.