Future Hawk Night 2023

Lincoln Southwest High School Future Hawk Night 2023

Silver Hawk Welcome

Welcome to Lincoln Southwest for our Future Hawk Night. We know that the transition to high school is integral to the long-term success of our students. Tonight, we hope to provide you with an overview of the opportunities that are available in the form of a wide array of academic and extracurricular offerings for our students. We are a school about everything. We take pride in providing our students with the opportunity to enjoy a well-rounded high school experience that allows students to explore new interests, connect beyond the classroom and participate in rigorous academic coursework that prepares students to be college and career ready at graduation. We also hope that you hear some of the wonderful stories of celebrations, student achievements, and feel the strong sense of community that serves as the foundation of our school culture.

Southwest has a history of being a great school and we do not take that for granted. A history of success does not guarantee a successful future. We are striving for more than just success. Author Jon Gordon reminds us that, “Success is often measured by comparison to others. Excellence, on the other hand, is all about being the best we can be and maximizing our gifts, talents and abilities to perform at our highest potential.” The pursuit of excellence, as individuals, and as a community of learners, is where we have set our sights. My message to students and staff is that Southwest high school is a place where success is a goal, but excellence is an expectation.

By the end of your visit tonight, I hope that you have felt welcomed and supported as you work to determine the best fit for your student to begin high school. If you leave with any questions about the opportunities that we offer or our systems for supporting the needs of our students, please don’t hesitate to contact us going forward.

Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you next August!

John Matzen -Principal

Block Scheduling

What’s in it for me?

Here at Southwest students follow a block schedule. The major difference between block and traditional scheduling is that students have 4 classes per quarter with each class being 90 minutes in length. There are 4 quarters in each school year. Each quarter’s work is equal to a semester’s worth of coursework at any of the other high schools. Completion of 2 quarters of work at LSW equals a YEAR’S WORTH of class work!

What’s in it for you?

Focus on fewer classes at a time

Study each curricular area more in depth

Have fewer teachers, which allows for greater personalization

Earn 10 more credits compared to other High Schools

Finish one class in half a year that would take all year at other schools.

Let’s break down what a typical freshman schedule might look like…

Freshmen are required to register for 80 credits their first year of high school. As you and your student consider the courses available, it would be helpful to look at our Freshmen Course Menu found on the next page. This menu provides a list of options for students to choose from for their first year at Southwest. Your student will need to earn 245 credits by the end of their senior year to be eligible to graduate. A complete list of specific graduation requirements can be found on Page 8 of this booklet, or on the LSW website.

Bell Schedules

LPS Graduation Requirements

245 Credit Hours Required Minimum

• General Electives: 62.5

• CTE (Career and Technical Education)/Fine Arts: 20 (Including5hours in CTE&5hoursinFineArts)

• Take Charge/Career Education & Personal Finance: 5

• Economics: 5

• English: 40 (Including5hoursofOralComm)

• Human Behavior: 5

• Mathematics: 30 (Including5hourseachinAlgebra&Geometry)

• Health: 2.5

• PE: 10

• Science: 30 (Including5hourseachinEarthScience,Physics, andChemistry; and10hoursinLifeScience)

• Social Studies: 30 (Including5hourseachinCivics,Geography,Global Studies,andGoPo;and10hoursinUSHistory)

• Technology: 5

A link to the online High School Course Guild can be found on the Parent Center page of the LPS website at www.lps.org/parents. This guide provides complete course descriptions, as well as a list of courses that meet each specific graduation requirement.

Individual student progress towards meeting graduation requirements can be monitored through Synergy by selecting the Course History tab in both StudentVUE and ParentVUE.

Support to help your student plan a high school course sequence that aligns with his/her potential career interests can be found by visiting the LSW Counseling Center Website at http://wp.lps.org/lswcounseling/academics/.

Important Dates Mark your calendars!

Jan. 31st, 2023

High school choice forms are due.

Each student has a "home high school" based on the student's address in Synergy. Any student who wants to attend a high school other than the high school in their attendance area needs to complete a High School Choice form. This form must be submitted to your middle school or to LPS Student Services by the deadline or you will not be able to request courses for your chosen high school.

LSW counselors visit all middle schools during the school day to help students complete their course request- Watch for more details from your middle school counselor.

Middle School

Date of Course Request Visit

Schoo

February 6 (Monday)

Park February 7 (Tuesday)

Scott February 8 (Wednesday)

Dawes February 9 (Thursday)

Irving February 10 (Friday)

Goodrich February 13 (Monday)

Culler February 15 (Wednesday)

Lux February 16 (Thursday)

Pound February 17 (Friday)

Lefler February 22 (Wednesday)

Mickle February 23 (Thursday)

Moore February 24 (Friday) *Course request isn’t done on a “first-come/first-served” basis- all student requests are processed at the same time once the course request window is closed.

Student Supports

Building successful students.

LSW helps build a Culture of Learning by following the SOAR expectations. The SOAR expectations are part of a broader district-wide support system called MTSS-B, MultiTiered Support System- Behavior. On day one, we begin teaching it in classrooms and building expectations that can help keep your students successful.

LSW Extras Clubs, sports and other activities.

LSW Departments & Clubs are joined by signing up online. From the LSW website, select the ‘Activities’ tab, and choose Club Information from the drop down.

*The following list may not be complete and is subject to change.

AATSP Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica- Spanish Honor Society, this club is available to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have completed a formal application to join. Contact: Rebecca Christenson bchriste@lps.org

Art & Photo Club- Art club is an opportunity for LSW students to explore a variety of media in visual art including Drawing, Photography, Painting, Digital Art and Pottery. The focus is on student driven art exploration and art making in a fun, stress free environment. We may also have visiting artists and explore community engagement art projects if members are interested. Contact: Chad Petska cpetska@lps.org or Melissa Beard mbeard@lps.org

Asian Caucus- A multicultural club in which our goal is to spread Asian culture and awareness in our school and community. Contact: Charley Bittle cbittle@lps.org

Band- The LSW band program is thriving! The band students have a variety of experiences. First quarter is marching band – performances at LSW games/competes in marching band competitions. Second quarter is concert band –preparing for the Holiday Concert. Third quarter is concert band contest and pep band plays at basketball games. Fourth quarter is the final concert. Contact: Alyssa Wilhelm awilhel2@lps.org or Aaron Mathis amathis@lps.org

Black Caucus- A multicultural club at LSW in which our goal is to spread black culture and awareness in our school and community while creating a safe space for people of color. Contact: Olga Mwenentanda omwenen@lps.org

Chess Club- Interested in learning how to play chess? We’ll teach you everything about how to play and some basic strategy. Contact: Mr. Province

Cheerleading – Cheer is an activity that allows students to join in the school spirit and get others involved in school activities. Contact: Aliyah Westlund awestlun@lps.org

Choir –Come and sing with us! Be a part of a tradition of excellence in the LSW choral music department. Our program provides group singing experiences in several ensembles from large concert choirs to competitive show choirs. We also provide many performance opportunities in local, national, and international venues. Contact: Marci DeAmbrose mdeambr@lps.org or Andrew Jacobson ajacobs2@lps.org

Dance Team “Emeralds” – Students, freshmen through seniors that choreograph and perform routines during sporting events. Contact: Lindsey Hinze lhinze@lps.org

DECA - An association/showcase club for students interested in honing their leadership, business and marketing skills. Members participate in community activities, conferences and competitions. They develop leadership and problem-solving skills required in the business world. Contact: Kathy Little klittle@lps.org

Drama Club- For any student interested in any aspect of the performing arts. Meetings are held throughout the school year. Contact: Bob Henrichs bhenrich@lps.org

D&D- A club for an inclusive gaming experience for fantasy role play at all skill levels. This student run club provides opportunity for storytelling, explorations, and leadership. It is open to anybody and is a safe place to be yourself while being someone else. Contact: Bruce Bullerdiek bbullerd@lps.org

FBLA- Members learn networking and life skills and are actively involved in community building and fundraising events. The focus of Southwest FBLA is gearing up for competition at the State Leadership Conference. Contact: Josh Hinrichs jhinric@lps.org

FCA- Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a club that is focused on developing relationships with other Christian athletes and using sports as a vehicle to impact the world for God. Contact: Terry Berks tberks@lps.org or Matt James mjames2@lps.org

FCCLA- Family Career Community Leaders of America is a nationally recognized leadership organization. We do service projects, competitions, travel & activities. Contact: McKenzie Geier mgeier@lps.org or Sarah Morrow smorrow@lps.org

Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA)- A club to create a safe and welcoming environment for students at LSW to openly discuss and learn about different gender and sexual identities. Contact: Tracy Piper tpiper@lps.org

Hive Helpers- Hive Helpers is an organization started by high schoolers that is dedicated to protecting native bee and other native pollinator populations. Hive Helpers promotes ecological awareness through collaboration with the school, local community and national organizations to create a more sustainable future. We plan to increase the native pollinator garden and expand ways to improve the health and sustainability of Nebraska native pollinators.

Contact: Charley Bittle cbittle@lps.org

HOSA- Helps students develop their interest in careers with Health Sciences. Also helps students develop their skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership so that they can prepare for the career they choose. Contact: Peter Stone pstone@lps.org

Improv Club- Contact Bob Henrichs bhenrich@lps.org or Scott Engel sengel@lps.org

Japanese Club- Members learn about and celebrate the Japanese culture by exploring language, holidays, food, festivals & calligraphy. Anyone can join, whether they are taking Japanese language classes or not. Club events range from art/craft activities to guest speakers to watching Japanese movies--too many to mention here. In addition, many students apply to participate in the pen pal program with students overseas at our sister school in Japan.

Contact: Tammy Lamprecht tlamprec@lps.org

Kaleidoscope- Kaleidoscope is not a club, it’s a community! Developing authentic friendships…having a safe place to talk about life’s issues…all wrapped in having some fun too, is what we’re about! When you arrive, you hear some vibey music…you enjoy some great snacks…have some fun with a game or two…and then talk some life! We want to help you get better at life, so life gets better for you! A kaleidoscope has all kinds of shapes and sizes and colors…just like our community! Everyone matters…Everyone is welcome! Contact: Ashli True atrue@lps.org

Latino Caucus – Our goal is to make LSW and the community aware of Latino traditions, culture & language. This club is open to everyone. Contact: Shelly Shanahan sshanah@lps.org

Mascot- Come have fun being the official LSW Mascot! Contact: Ashley Turner aturner@lps.org

Math Club- For students who want to work on and discuss math problems and prepare to compete in local and regional mathematics competitions. Contact: Jeff DeVries jdevrie@lps.org

Mass Media- Mass Media is a NSAA varsity activity for upperclassmen or underclassmen who have taken the prerequisite courses or completed an application. This club is a class taken during the school day with time commitments outside of and after school. Mass Media explores the world of newspapers, magazines, podcasting, broadcasting, and other journalistic ventures. Contact: Brandi Benson bbenson2@lps.org (club membership by selection only)

Mindfulness Club- This club focuses on mindfulness and bettering mental health through relaxation activities such as coloring or meditation. Contact: Mr. Ruiz jruiz2@lps.org

Movie Club- Contact: Rosanne Navas rnavas@lps.org

Orchestra – LSW has three orchestras – Freshmen, Prep and Varsity. They perform 3 concerts as well as district music contest. They have also performed in London, England and Hawaii. Contact: Jacob Fahrlander jfahrla@lps.org

Poetry Club- This is a club for those who write in poetic verse and who speak in poetic verse. Write, share and perform! Contact: Lori Nakagawa lanaka@lps.org

Programming Club- This club is open both to students who have taken the programming/robotics courses and those who are just interested in the subject: no experience required. We will be exploring different facets of programming (different languages, microcontrollers, robotics, apps, hopefully bring in some professionals as speakers, etc.). Contact: Scott Handelman shandel@lps.org

Quiz Bowl- A team-based club focused on trivia competitions. We participate in several area competitions per year and use club meetings to practice questions and expand our breadth of knowledge. Students can compete at both a Novice (9-10) and Varsity (9-12) level. Contact: Scott Handelman shandel@lps.org

Science Olympiad- An academic/hands-on competition that promotes student interest in learning and accomplishing meaningful applications in science, problem solving and exploration. Contact: Greg Cooper gcooper@lps.org, or Bruce Bullerdiek bbullerd@lps.org

SFF (Southwest Fan Federation)- This club oversees organizing themes, entertainment and travel accommodations to LSW events. The mission of SFF is to support school activities with passion and pride to create a home advantage for teams while upholding the rules and responsibilities set forth by the NSAA. All students are welcome to join. Contact: Brett Schuster bschust@lps.org Brittany Becker bbecker@lps.org

Skills USA – Promotes the academic, social and industrial skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Contact: Travis Simpson tsimpson@lps.org

Speech/Debate - Students can develop the art of public speaking, which will provide many educational and lifelong benefits. We travel to competitions which provide opportunities for educational growth and competitive success. Contact: Matt Heimes mheimes@lps.org, Toni Heimes theimes@lps.org

Stage & Studio Club- A club for students who are writing, recording and performing music (or interested in getting into it). The club will give these students the opportunity to meet and collaborate with others that are working on similar skills and projects. Weekly topics will cover songwriting, beat production, vocal and guitar recording techniques, the copyright process, live music mixing, recording equipment and audio engineering. This will be a safe creative space for interested students of all skill levels and backgrounds to learn, share, teach and collaborate. Contact: Jeremy Redmund jeredmund@lps.org

Stand Together Against Cancer (STAC) – An organization that works to financially and emotionally support local cancer patients. This club is a fun opportunity for students to connect with the STAC network while contributing to the community through volunteer work and fundraising. Contact: Jeremy Redmond jredmond@lps.org

Strategy Gaming Club- We have a fun time playing games like Settlers of Catan, Magic: The Gathering, Risk, Axis and Allies, Trivial Pursuit, Chess, Checkers, Flux, and many other games. It is always a great time! Contact: Scott Handelman shandel@lps.org

Student Ambassadors- Students that volunteer to assist any student transition to LSW. We plan, prepare and carry out activities/events for students as they come to LSW. Ambassadors partner with other organizations to support a positive school experience. Contact: Lindsey Augustine laugusti@lps.org or Amanda Tomes atomes@lps.org (club membership by selection only)

Student Council- The group organizes school activities and events. They are a prominent group within LSW and are the go-to group for ideas or suggestions regarding the LSW community. Contact: Sarah Hammers shamme@lps.org (club membership by selection only)

TIE- Teens Influencing Equity (TIE) club aims to provide increased transparency about equity at Southwest High School, as well as encouraging equity throughout the student body. Contact: Melanie Gross mgross@lps.org

Unified Club- Unified Club is a club that supports students of all abilities by developing friendships through social activities and community involvement. Unified club also includes members of the Unified Bowling and Unified Track teams. Contact: Brandi Benson bbenson2@lps.org

Yearbook- Yearbook is a NSAA varsity activity for upperclassmen or underclassmen who have taken the prerequisite courses or completed an application. This club is a class taken during the school day with time commitments outside of and after school. Yearbook creates a historical document showcasing the entirety of the school year for current students and a historical document that represents LSW forever. Contact: Brandi Benson bbenson2@lps.org (club membership by selection only)

LSW Athletics

Athletic/Activity Director: Mark Armstrong

Assistant Athletic/Activity Director: Brittany Becker

Athletic Trainer: Crystal Kjar

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Townsend

FallSports:

August 7, 2023 – Girls Golf, Football, Softball, Boys Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball

Golf – girls Jonas Christensen jcrist5@lps.org Football Andrew Sherman asherma@lps.org Softball Mitch Ohnoutka mohnoutk@lps.org Tennis – boys Dennis Hershberger dhersh@lps.org Cross Country Ryan Salem rsalem@lps.org Volleyball Jessica Baker jbaker2@lps.org

WinterSports:

November 13, 2023 – Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Swimming/Diving, Wrestling

Basketball – boys Alex Bahe abahe@lps.org Basketball – girls Tim Barada tbarada@lps.org Swimming – boys & girls Tiffany Hale thale2@lps.org Wrestling Aaron Finley afinley@lps.org

Moratorium – December 23 - 27, 2023 (no practice or games)

SpringSports:

February 26, 2024 - Baseball, Boys Golf, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, Track/Field Baseball Mitch Vernon mvernon@lps.org

Golf – boys Jonas Christensen jchrist5@lps.org

Soccer – boys Derek Scheich dscheic@lps.org Soccer – girls Thomas Nettleton tnettle@lps.org Track – boys & girls Kevin Schrad kschrad@lps.org Tennis – girls Dennis Hershberger dhersch@lps.org

Clinic Schedules will come out sometime in April. We will post them to the Athletic Website once the dates are available. For open gyms/conditioning times, please check the sport’s individual website. Coaches will post all important information on their website.

Link to the Athletic Website: sites.google.com/class.lps.org/silverhawks/home

LSW Resources Other important information.

ADDRESS

Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 S 14th St Lincoln, NE 68512

Phone 402-436-1306 Fax 402-436-1085 http://lsw.lps.org/

OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm

ADMINISTRATION

Principal- John Matzen Associate Principal- Brett Schuster Associate Principal- John Hastings Associate Principal- Ashley Turner Testing Coordinator- Travis Brady Special Education Coordinator- Christy Champoux Instructional Coordinator- Mariah Reicks

Athletic/Activity- Mark Armstrong Assistant Athletic/Activity Director- Brittany Becker

COUNSELING CENTER

Counseling center personnel can be reached at 402-436-1306 option 3.

Counselors are assigned according to the last name of the student, as follows:

London Bercey ( A – Cl )

Kali Almond ( Cm – Ge )

Amanda Tomes ( Gf – Kr )

Lindsey Augustine ( Ks – Ol )

Anders Peterson ( Om – Sl )

Tim Ernst ( Sm – Z )

ATTENDANCE

If you have an absence to report, your student needs to be dismissed early, or you have any attendance issue, the attendance office can be reached at 402-436-1306 option 1.

HEALTH OFFICE

If your student has a medication that needs to be administered during the school day, the health office can be reached at 402-436-1306 option 7.

Academic Support

MEDIA CENTER

Media Center hours are from 7:30am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday. Students are welcome to utilize the Media Center where computers are available.

TUTORING

If you need help in any of your classes, you can pick up a National Honor Society (NHS) tutoring information sheet in the counseling center or in the Media Center. Once you turn in your application to the library or counseling center someone will be in contact with you.

INTERVENTION ROOM

Our intervention room is open every day from 7:15-3:45. Students are welcome to drop by for academic support before school and after school. Students may also utilize this room to make up assignments/tests after an absence.

Department Chairs

ART – Deanna Ebmeier

MUSIC – Alyssa Wilhelm

BUSINESS – BJ James PHYS. ED – Amy Cariotto ENGLISH – Angela Kramer SCIENCE – Charlie Bittle

FACS – McKenzie Geier SOCIAL STUDIES – Alex Bahe

IND. TECH – Jeff Jochum SPED – Lynn Strack MATH – Sarah Scofield

WORLD LANG. – Aaron Finley

Campus Maps

LSW Future Hawk Night 2023

6:00 – 6:30 Performance by the Pep Band

6:30 – National Anthem by the LSW Hawktet

6:32 – LSW Emeralds

6:36 – LSW Cheer Squad

6:40 – Future Hawks, join us, our Pep Band, Cheer and Dance team as we sing the LSW Fight Song!!

Come on and Cheer for Southwest Silver Hawks Who Proudly Wear the Silver and Green. Come on and Cheer for Southwest Silver Hawks, Until the Walls and Rafters Ring. "Go Hawks"!!

Let's yell and Cheer, Cheer, Cheer for Silver Hawks Let's yell and Cheer until we hear the Final Score, Come on and Cheer for Southwest Silver Hawks And watch the Great Hawks Soar!!

6:45 – 6:50 – Welcome to the “Nest”! and Opening Remarks, Mr. Matzen, LSW Principal

6:50 – 6:55 – Welcome from the Athletics/Activities Director Mark Armstrong.

6:55 – 7:00 – Ms. Augustine & Ms. Tomes, School Counselors, overview of tonight’s break-out sessions.

7:00 – 8:00 – Attend one of our Break-Out sessions and get to know all that LSW has to offer, or feel free to take a tour of the building and meet our staff.

7:00 – 7:30 - Auditorium – A quick presentation on Counselors, Course Information & a student panel. Typicallyforfamiliesnew toLSW.

7:00 – 8:00 – Counselors – A118 & B118 forums (following Auditorium session)

Clubs/Activities – Commons Department Chairs – Commons Coaches/Athletics – Main Gym Media Center – Media Center

ASpanishspeakinginterpreterwillbeavailableifneeded.

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS BY LAST NAME

Almond

Tomes

Peterson

Ernst