/May%2010-11 by Brian Fitzgerald

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The The Official Newsletter of Lincoln Southwest High School Principal: Rob Slauson Assoc. Principals: Keri Applebee

Volume 9, No. 8

May, 2011

http://lsw.lps.org/

The Finish Line—the Next Chapter

John Hastings Susette Taylor, Ph.d.

Dear LSW Community:

Instructional Coordinator: Virginia Geiger Sped Coordinator: Sara Mann Athletic Director: Dave Gillespie Assist. Athletic Director: Kim Carson Attendance Coordinator: Duane Baack

Wow, what a year! As we finish another school year, it is important that we take a moment to ponder what transpired this year. While we have been tested and challenged, we have learned a great deal and developed a stronger community. We learned we can count on one another and become stronger in the collective. We need to remember that in any race the finish is the most important phase. How you finish determines the outcomes for you personally. Did you accomplish everything you set out to do? Did you reach your goals? Were you as successful as you had hoped you would be? What did this school year mean, anyway? Each of us just invested the most premium commodity available to us—time! We just spent eight months of our lives on this past school year. It is important to ask the question, “Did we get a quality return on our investment?” Sometimes it is easy to forget that time is a resource that is critically important in our lives. While money and tangible material items are important to many people, time is the one resource over which we have the most control. Each of us gets to decide how we spend our time. Did you spend your time wisely? Will you do what it takes to finish strongly? We will look forward with a great deal of pride on the accomplishments of our seniors and the exciting future they have ahead. Most people know that in order to be successful in any endeavor you must set goals. However, in addition to setting realistic and challenging goals, we also have to budget the time and invest the effort. If a goal is really important, you must develop a mindset geared toward achievement. When you focus your priorities and focus on your goals, you will do whatever it takes to accomplish them. We will look at our under classmen and celebrate the great year we have had together and the exciting future we have planned together.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Important Dates Counselor Info. Senior Info. Testing Info. Immunizations Cell Phone Policy Awards Yearbook Info. Prom Silver Strike/Booster Information Misc.

People whom are struggling with achievement can often point to two main areas that need a stronger focus: visualizing the goal and setting aside the time. You might have heard it said, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” In addition, the other part of this equation is, “If it is meant to be, it is up to me!” When we can really see ourselves in the future and we can visualize our future success, we have already won half the battle. To finish strong we simply have to make the necessary effort. This has been an incredible year at Lincoln Southwest High School. We have everything we need to reach the highest level of success. We look forward to the future with a great deal of optimism and excitement. Things will only get better from this point forward. The reality of life is that none of us has really completed anything. We begin our life at birth and we finish at death. The time in between is a series of cycles and events that make up our lives. We are coming to the end of another cycle so we can take the opportunity to reflect on what happened this year and use it for a springboard for the future. The good news is that we can start the rest of our lives right now. No matter what has happened, we can start fresh! One of the keys to a successful life is to not take success or failure to seriously. Learn from each of your experiences to adjust your effort and time investment in the future. Take care, Rob Slauson

Lincoln Southwest High School 7001 S. 14th, Lincoln, NE 68512 (402) 436-1306

“Lincoln Southwest High School…A place where safety and learning are the highest priorities.”

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Important Dates May 3: Flight Night Auditions, 3:30 p.m., Parent Teacher Conference, 4-7 p.m. May 4: NESA-S testing, Flight Night Auditions, 3:30 p.m. May 5: Drama Club Meeting, 7 p.m. May 7: Prom, 8-12 p.m. May 9: Music Banquet, 6 p.m. May 11: 8th grade visit, Freshman, Reserve Baseball Banquet, 6 p.m. May 12: 8th grade visit, MultiCultural Student Night, 7 p.m. May 13: Swing Night Dance, 6 p.m. May 17: Drama Club Meeting, 3:15 p.m. May 18: Senior Recognition, 8:15 a.m., Boys Soccer Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Band/Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. May 19: Girls Soccer Banquet, 6 p.m. May 20: JV and Varsity Baseball Banquet, 6 p.m., Flight Night, 7 p.m. May 21: Flight Night, 7 p.m.

Mark your calendar

Parent-Teacher Conferences May 3rd 4-7 p.m.

We need you!

May 23: Athletic Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m. May 24: Track Banquet, 6 p.m., Choir/Show Choir Concert, 6:30 p.m. May 25: I.T.S. Initiation Ceremony, 4 p.m., Special Olympics Banquet, 6 p.m. May 26: Finals, Senior Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Theater Banquet, 6 p.m., Boys Golf Banquet, 6 p.m., Girls Tennis Banquet, 6 p.m. May 27: Finals, Science Olympiad Celebration, 6 p.m. Last Day of School May 29: Graduation, 1 p.m. August 3: Locker Checkout, 83:30 p.m. August 4: Locker Checkout, 83:30 p.m. August 12: Open House, 1-3 p.m.

Jr/Sr. Prom May 7th

Graduation May 29th 1 p.m. Pershing-see page 11

Silver Hawk Authentic Store Manager Position—Volunteer Silver Hawk Authentic—Official Southwest Apparel/Southwest Booster Club is seeking a store manager for the 2 year term of June 2011-June 2013. Please email Barry Gates at BARRY.Gates@usbank.com or Barb Nitz at blnitz3b@neb.rr.comm or any member of the Southwest Booster Club board if interested.

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ccn

Counseling Center News: May

Counseling Staff Dolores SimpsonKirkland Grades 9-12 * A-G dsimps@lps.org Ext. 66302 Eric Feeken Grades 9-12 * H-K efeeken@lps.org Ext. 66305 Peggy Volker Grades 9-12 * L-P pvolker@lps.org Ext. 66304 Colleen Finkhouse Grades 9-12 * Q-S cfinkho@lps.org Ext. 66307 Tim Ernst Grades 9-12 * T-Z ternst2@lps.org Ext. 66303 Joyce Lehn SPED Grades 9-12 * A-Z Team Leader jlehn2@lps.org Ext. 66308

Special Feature: Pages 3 Career and College Preparation: A Guide for Parents Become a Fan @ Facebook | LSW Counseling Center Follow LSW Counseling Center @ twitter.com | LSW Counselors LSW Counseling Center | http://isite.lps.org/pvolker/web/ Summer School Summer school information, including course descriptions, is available at the LPS website. The direct link is http://www.lps.org/instruction/summer/. Summer school will be held at North Star during June 8th through July 20th with no classes on July 4th. As a reminder, students may register for two summer school courses. Period 1 is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. and period 2 begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 11:50 a.m. E-Learning classes will be held at LSW for students who are not enrolling in any additional summer school classes. The 2011 tuition rates are as follows for students who reside in the LPS district: Tuition cost

Credit hours

$65.00

2.5 credit hours 5 credit hours Each additional 2.5 or 5.0 credit courses

$130.00 $65.00

Janene Way Secretary jway@lps.org Ext. 66300

Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch may take summer school classes at no cost.

Christine Carman Registrar ccarman@lps.org Ext. 66025

Registration for summer school began the week of April 18th. The registration dates for LPS students are shown below:

Nancy Clare Social Worker nclare@lps.org 436-1659

Date

Grade level

Week of April 18th Week of April 25th Week of May 2nd Week of May 9th (4 p.m. deadline) May 20th

LPS Seniors only at LPS Seniors and Juniors only All LPS Students All LPS Students Last day for registrations at schools

June 6th & 7th June 8th, 9th, & 10th

Registration at North Star Late registration at North Star

Current seniors who need to enroll in summer school in order to graduate will be given first priority. Seniors may participate in graduation if they only have 10 hours left to complete during summer school. Once successful completion of summer school has been verified, they will receive their signed diploma. Summer school does not offer excused absences and will be dropped from classes as a result of missing class time. Services available at summer will include child care and a social worker on duty.

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Seize Your Summer Summer is right around the corner. Although school will not be in session, it is important for you to continue to develop your post high â&#x20AC;&#x201C; school academic and career plans. There are many opportunities for you to consider as shown below. The Careers and Colleges: Spring 2011 publication available in the Counseling Center also discusses many opportunities. Southeast Community College Summer Automotive Camp: Are you interested in automotives? Southeast Community College at Milford is offering a great opportunity for students to spend June 10th and 11th on the Milford campus so that you may experience the world of automotive technology. The cost is $ 25.00. Info is in the Counseling Center. College/university visits: Juniors/seniors planning to attend a 4-year college/university need to begin to narrow down their college choices to 3-5 institutions. If at all possible, take time over the summer to make some college visits to get a feel for life on a college/university campus. College admissions examinations: Juniors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Have you taken your college admissions test? The next ACT will be given on June 11th. The registration deadline is May 6th. The next SAT will be given on June 4th. The registration deadline is May 6th. For additional information, please go to www.actstudent.org (ACT) or sat.collegeboard.com/register (SAT). Summer employment: Although the job market is tight, it is still possible for you to find a summer job. Check out your local newspaper and look around your neighborhood to see who is hiring at this time. Volunteer opportunities: Lincoln has a variety of ways in which you can help others in need of assistance. Consider volunteering at a hospital; the Zoo; Matt Talbot Kitchen; the Humane Society or other places throughout the city. If you are going to be seniors in the fall, you may be able to use your hours to fulfill your GoPo community service requirement. Ask a Social Studies teacher about volunteer options. The official Community Service hours log is available in the Social Studies department or the Main Office. Summer internships: Not only do high school students benefit from the practical experiences they gain in summer internships relevant to their personal interests, but they also learn what it is involved in the operation of a company or organization; make invaluable contacts in a field of interest; strengthen college applications; and explore potential careers. Students who are seeking internships should contact museums, colleges/universities, businesses, and other organizations to inquire about available internships. Students interested in pursuing internships in other states or internationally are encouraged to check out the websites below. www.internshipprograms.com

www.vounteerinternational.org

www.students.gov

www.internabroad.com

www.idealist.org

However, be aware that students and their families are usually responsible for expenses associated with housing, travel, etc. And be aware that it is the responsibility of students and their families to research whether additional online organizations are reputable. ~ Internship information adapted from: Workplace Options, Inc. 211

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Career and College Preparation: A Guide for Parents According to Linda O’Brien, author of Career Planning and Educational Choices and Preparing for College, parents know their children better than anyone else and this can be an asset when helping them select potential careers to explore. She encourages families to go through the following steps in identifying career possibilities: Step 1) Self-assessment; Step 2) Investigate your career choices; and Step 3) Find a career match. During the career exploration process, O’Brien stresses that parents should consider their children’s strengths, personality traits, and interests so they can explain how these factors are assets in various career fields. Online self-assessments for exploring career options are available at such websites as www.mappingyourfuture.org, www.self-directedsearch.com, http://possibilities.unl.edu/, and www.careercruising.com [User ID: LPS-StudentID# (no spaces) | Password: LPS Computer Password]. Investigating career choices involves researching careers, visiting with individuals employed in areas of interest, and gaining experience that will provide insight into career choices. A great resource for researching careers is available at the Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website located at www.bls.gov/oco/. Job shadowing, volunteering, and part-time employment are also opportunities to investigate career interests. Parents may assist their children in finding potential career matches by having them identify the types of activities they enjoy through the self-assessments, consider the type of post-secondary education they want to pursue, and consider career fields related to current likes (i.e. classes, activities, hobbies, etc.)

While fast growing career areas currently include health care professions, careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as green specialists (saving the environment); parents are reminded that demands for careers change so they should encourage their students to consider careers based on who they are today with the realization that they may choose different career options in the future. In preparing for their children’s college admissions process, families should be aware that the typical criteria goes beyond students’ test scores and GPAs/class ranks to include factors such as the strength of subjects, teacher recommendations, special talents, honors/awards, personal qualities, activity involvement, essays, interviews, and experiences that demonstrate students’ initiative, motivation, responsibility, maturity, work ethic, commitment, leadership, integrity. Additionally, college admission personnel look for students who are able to successfully balance academics with extra-curricular activities (i.e. organizations/clubs, athletics, part-time employment, volunteer work, school activities, etc.). The majority of colleges base admissions criteria on the end of students’ junior year such as the GPA and Class Rank. Many schools will only allow SAT and/or ACT tests to be taken until December of the senior year to count toward admissions status. Although the NCAA will allow a senior to take the ACT and/or SAT after December. Often times colleges/universities, especially those with highly selective admissions standards will require a school profile to be submitted in addition to a student’s transcript, letters of recommendation, application, and ACT and/or SAT score. A profile provides admissions officials with an overview about a student’s high school and community. A copy of the current school profile follows, which provides information about LSW.

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Lincoln Southwest High School 7001 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512 (402) 436-1306 Fax (402) 436-1085 http://lsw.lps.org

CEEB Code 281-309

Rob Slauson, Principal Keri Applebee, Associate Principal John Hastings, Associate Principal Dr. Susette Taylor, Associate Principal Virginia Geiger, Instructional Coordinator

Sara Mann, SPED Coordinator Dave Gillespie, Athletic/Activities Director Kim Carson, Asst. Athletic/Activities Director Duane Baack, Attendance Coordinator

CITY OF LINCOLN Population: approx. 251,000 -- State Capitol Home of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College, Southeast Community College, and several private vocational-technical schools Major employment includes government, banking, insurance, education, light industry The city is considered very livable with an abundance of parks, bike trails, and entertainment/ recreational venues. LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT LPS serves approximately 35,000 students utilizing the K-5, 6-8, 9-12 grade level configuration and consisting of 6 public comprehensive high schools, 4 high school focus programs, 1 alternative high school, 11 middle schools, and 38 elementary schools. LINCOLN SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS  Comprehensive, four-year high school. Opened Fall 2002 – 1125 students  Past four graduating classes: 2007 – 469; 2008 – 466; 2009 – 480; 2010 - 415  Faculty: 141 teachers: 86 hold Masters Degree; 4 PhD’s; Student/Faculty Ratio - 13:1  Students: Total enrollment 1922 / 9th – 474; 10th – 441; 11th – 494; 12th – 513  Students on honor roll (3.5 GPA) - 46% ; Average daily attendance 2008-2009 - 93.42 %  Number of National Merit Scholars - 27 ACCREDITATION Lincoln Southwest is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation of Secondary Schools. The parent organization of NCA is AdvancEd. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS A minimum of 230 credits is required for current seniors to graduate. Graduation Requirements include the following: Required Areas Applied/Fine Arts Economics Oral Communications Mathematics Physical Education Social Studies

Credits Required 15 credits 5 credits 5 credits 20 credits (Including Algebra) 7.5 credits 30 credits

Required Areas Career Education & Planning English Human Behavior Health Science Technology

Credits Required 2.5 credits 30 credits 5 credits 2.5 credits 20 credits 10 credits

Students must also meet District proficiency requirements in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. ACADEMIC PROGRAM The academic program is organized in a 4 X 4 block schedule of 90 minute blocks. A full load is four classes per term. Differentiated classes are designed for able and motivated learners. Contents, processes and products are at a higher level to provide appropriate challenge. Listed on the second page are differentiated classes, Advanced Placement classes, and any other weighted classes offered at Southwest.

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ART AP Drawing Portfolio* AP 2-D Design AP 3-D Design BUSINESS College Accounting*

MATHEMATICS Diff Geometry AP Statistics* Diff Pre-Calculus* Diff Advanced Algebra* AP Calculus* AP Diff Calculus*

SOCIAL STUDIES Diff Civics Diff Sociology * Diff Geography AP Psychology* AP Government and Politics* AP Human Geography* AP World History* AP US History* AP Macroeconomics*

ENGLISH Diff English Diff Oral Communications Diff English 10* AP Language/Composition* AP Literature/Composition*

WORLD LANGUAGE AP Spanish 5* AP French AP German

Science Diff Biology Diff Chemistry* Advanced Chemistry* Diff Anatomy & Physiology* Diff Physics* AP Advanced Physics*

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Applied CAD Architecture/Engineering*

Weighted courses are marked with an asterisk. GRADING SCALE Grade

Percent

Points

Weighted Points

Grade

Percent

Points

Weighted Points

A B+ B C+

90 - 100 85 - 89 80 - 84 75-79

4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5

5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5

C D+ D F

70 - 74 65 - 69 60 - 64 <60

2.0 1.5 1.0 0

3.0 1.5 1.0 0.0

RANK POINTS Lincoln Public Schools has created a points system to determine class rank. All courses a student takes will be assigned class rank points (with the exception of courses graded S/U). Earned class rank points will be determined by the grade the student receives in a course and the number of credit hours the course is worth. Weighted courses receive more class rank points than non-weighted courses. Class rank will be determined by the total of a student’s class rank points. A cap of 35 hours per semester will be used to calculate rank points. If a student earns more than 35 hours in a semester, the lowest grades and hours will be dropped from the class rank calculation. The class rank point system rewards students for taking weighted courses as well as a full schedule of classes. CLASS OF 2009 – 480 Graduates Post-Secondary Education Plans 4-year college 2-year college/transfer to 4-year 2-year college/vocational TEST DATA 2009-2010 ACT 71% of senior class SAT 11% of senior class

59% 20% 18%

Military Workforce Other

1% 1% 1%

Middle 50% Composite Score= 23.6 Middle 50% Critical Reading = 563; Middle 50% Math = 596; Middle 50% Writing = 553 Middle 50% Composite Score= 579 (Verbal and Math)

CLASS OF 2010 -- Cumulative Weighted GPA Distribution after 6 semesters 4.25 - 4.422 8% 4.0 - 4.24 13% 3.75 - 3.99 15% 3.5 - 3.74 13% (4.422 highest GPA in class)

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Dr. Dee Simpson-Kirkland Eric Feeken Peggy Volker Colleen Finkhouse Tim Ernst Dr. Joyce Lehn Janene Way Christine Carman

3.25 3.0 2.75 2.5 <1.5

3.49 3.24 2.99 2.74

12% 11% 8% 6% 1%

2.25 2.0 1.75 1.5

2.49 2.24 1.99 1.74

4% 4% 3% 2%

Phone (402) 436-1306, Ext. 66300, Fax (402) 436-1086 9 - 12 (A-G) 9 - 12 (H-K) 9 - 12 (L-P) 9 - 12 (Q-S) 9 - 12 (T-Z) Team Leader, 9-12 (SPED A-Z) Secretary Registrar

dsimps@lps.org efeeken@lps.org pvolker@lps.org cfinkho@lps.org ternst2@lps.org jlehn2@lps.org jway@lps.org ccarman@lps.org

Lincoln Southwest High School is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and adheres to NACAC’s Statement Principles of Good Practice.

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Highly Selective Colleges: Are they really the best? According to the American School Counseling Association, Joel Kupfersmid, reports that research comparing the earnings of more than 2,000 student pairs, where one student was admitted and the other rejected from the same highly selective school indicated that there was little difference in yearly earnings between the pairs when matched by occupation after the students graduated from college. The best school is the one which will best meet the student’s needs, interests, and personality. In their research on highly selective schools, Pascarella and Terenzini reported there was very little support for the belief that attending a highly selective institution will have a consistent and substantial positive influence on how much a student learns. The number one reason why most students enroll in a highly selective school is because students and their families are seeking the social recognition and the cost is not overwhelming for them. The second highest reason why some students choose to enroll in a highly selective college is when he/ she can receive a “full-ride” to the school and other costs will be minimal. Most importantly, there is a wide variety of colleges/universities that best fit students, whether they are high-achieving or are average in their academic status. Parents should keep in mind that their students should be the ones to have the most influence on what type of education they will receive. ~ Adapted from: ASCA School Counselor, November/December 2010

What’s Next? Community Conversations continue at Lincoln Public Schools this spring as the School District’s third Conversation – set for 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Lincoln North Star High School – asks the question: “What’s next?” The What’s Next Parent Event is an informational evening that targets issues surrounding the key transitions for students in school: preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary success. The event showcases a panel of parents and students who will offer insight into how parents and guardians can engage in these critical transitions. LPS Superintendent Steve Joel said. “The event continues the School District’s community conversation about improving graduation rates, and this time we focus on how to help our students survive and thrive through the key transitions in their education…We will have a chance to learn from the personal experiences of our panel members, as well as open up the conversation to community participants.” Joel will offer welcoming remarks for the Community Conversation, while the panel discussion is facilitated by Eddie Brown, an LPS graduate, LPS parent, community volunteer and local businessman. Free dinner and childcare will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the panel discussion. North Star High School is located at 5801 N. 33rd St. The event is a collaborative effort that includes a wide list of community partners: Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Parent Involvement Resource Centers (PIRC), Lincoln Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, National Education Association, EL Centro de Las Americas, Malone Center and United Way. Information booths will be available from the EducationQuest Foundation, Southeast Community College, University of Nebraska Lincoln, and more. For more information contact: Josh Cramer Supervisor of Federal Programs Lincoln Public Schools

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Life Lessons for Achieving Academic Success According to Kurt J. Grube, who has more than 30 years of experience in technical and executive management positions at a premier global information technology firm, there are five basic life lessons associated with being successful in the workplace that can be used by students to achieve academic success. Lesson #1: Attending every class Be present every day. As in the world of work, your presence is required unless you want to be fired. Whether you work for large or small company, your attendance is vital to its daily operation. As with work, your presence in the classroom is equally important to help you succeed with academia. Lesson #2: Being on time One of the worst errors a person can make in the world of work is to be late. For those employees who are being habitually late, they quickly develop a reputation for being undependable which can result in not being eligible for a raise or promotion, loss of job, etc. In the classroom, not being on time can have a negative impact upon your learning. Lesson #3: Using a syllabus Like a meeting agenda at work, a syllabus is your guide to knowing the expectations for a course, who they are to be accomplished, and what the deadlines are. If you have questions, contact the instructor for clarification. Lesson #4: Meeting deadlines In the workplace, there are deadlines that need to be met or you will not earn a paycheck. In the classroom, not meeting deadlines can also have negative consequences. Lesson #5: Requesting feedback In the corporate realm, feedback is part of the socialization process that involves requesting comments/critiques for projects, documents, etc. that you are proposing. Feedback provides insights, perspectives, etc. that you may not have considered which may also be helpful when received from a teacher or professor. ~ Adapted from: NextStepU.com NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers Student-athletes, who are currently juniors, are reminded to register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center if they have not previously completed this task. The NCAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eligibility website is located at http://eligibilitycenter.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html and the NAIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eligibility Center may be accessed at http://www.playnaia.org/. Student-athletes planning on competing at a Division I or II college/university must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center before taking an official college visit. If a student qualifies for an ACT or SAT fee waiver due to being on Free/Reduced Lunch, he/she will also qualify for a NCAA or NAIA fee waiver.

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Seniors’ Final Transcripts Seniors are reminded that it is their responsibility to submit transcript release forms to Mrs. Carman in the Registrar’s Office for the schools they will be attending in the fall, NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Centers if participating in collegiate athletics, and organizations that require this information for scholarship purposes. May Events May 1st

Notification Deadline for Colleges/Universities Most colleges/universities require students to notify the admissions office by May 1st of their final school choice.

May 2nd Summer School Registration at LSW thru May 20th Contact: Student’s Assigned Counselor & IEP Manager (if applicable) May 3rd

What’s Next? North Star High School 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Contact: Josh Cramer (LPSDO) 436-1994

May 5th

Career Ed Interviews Term 4 Career Ed classes Contact: Mr. Feeken

May 11th 8th Grade Spring Visits at LSW May 12th 8th Grade Spring Visits at LSW Contact: Mrs. Finkhouse May 19th New Student Registrations May 20th New Student Registrations Contact: Mrs. Carman (Registrar’s Office) May 29th Graduation Pershing Auditorium

“Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.”

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Senior Information! Seniors Senior Honors and Recognition On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 8:15 a.m. in the auditorium, seniors will be recognized by the Lincoln Southwest staff. In April, all Seniors were given a green Senior Information Sheet that they were required to fill out and return to the Counseling Center by April 29th. This form asked for the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for after high school and any scholarship(s) the senior will be using to attend college. The information provided on this sheet along with academic honors will be included in the recognition. We encourage all seniors to attend so we can celebrate their future plans.

Reminder for seniors from the Health Office: most colleges will require a copy of your immunization record for admission purposes. For your convenience, this document will be placed in every graduate's diploma folder.

Government and Politics Volunteer Hours Due dates for Government and Politics volunteer hours: If your student is enrolled in Term 4 Government and Politics, volunteer hours are due: May 23rd. Questions? Contact Social Studies teacher Ryan

Graduation is May 29, 1:00 p.m., at Pershing. There will be a senior meeting for all seniors on May 26 at 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Please plan to attend as cap and gowns will be distributed after the meeting. All fines and costs will need to be paid before you will be able to pick up your cap and gown. Please check with the bookkeeper regarding any fees due. If you have not ordered your cap & gown, please do so immediately as time is running out! The website for this information is: lincolngraduation.com. The school does not provide the cap and gown for graduation and you will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony if you do not have them. The first week of May, a letter with information regarding commencement, will be sent to seniors. Please watch for this important information to arrive in the mail.

2011 Graduates Please check your name on the list posted on the Attendance Office window. The LEGAL name of the student will be printed on 2011 diplomas as they appear on the list. Any change must be made through Mrs. Carman, the Registrar, by May 2nd.

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***PLEASE NOTE*** CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;NeSA TESTING DATES MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW

***Science (NeSA-S) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 4 The state of Nebraska will now conduct assessments of students in several academic areas and at designated grade levels. At the high school level all the assessments occur in Grade 11. The testing includes assessments in writing, reading, math and science. Assessment results are part of the state report card that provides individual school data to the public in the areas of student participation and proficiency. All juniors participate in all of the assessments and are encouraged to give their best effort. The state assessment in Science is a one day online test. Students respond to a series of multiple-choice questions. The assessment results provide data on individual student progress in meeting state/local standards that are designed to improve reading skills of Nebraska students.

Parent Advisory Council

Interested in learning more about Southwest? Come to the Parent Advisory Council meetings the second Monday of each month. This is an open forum where parents and community members can meet with school administration to receive information and discuss issues and concerns relating to LSW. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and end no later than 8:30 p.m. They are held in the A118 forum unless notified differently. No membership is needed. Come when your schedule allows. The next meeting is May 9, 2011, and the topics for the evening is the End of the School Year Report.

IMMUNIZATIONS! This notification is a reminder of a very important change in Nebraska State law regarding immunization requirements for the 2011-2012 school year. All LPS students will be required to be immunized against varicella with 2 doses of vaccine or the parent/guardian must provide a signed statement of past history of chicken pox disease. You will be notified by the health office if your student does not meet this requirement.

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Cell Phones/Electronic Devices The following policies and procedures apply to student cell phone use at LSW. Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices use will be restricted to non-class times. Students will ensure that their phones are in the ‘off’ or ‘silent’ mode during class times. Students who have a legitimate purpose to use cell phones during class time will do so at the direction of their teacher. (This should be cleared in advance before class begins) Students who are seen using phones/electronic devices in the hallways during class times have their phone confiscated by administration and security. Teachers may also confiscate phones. These will be turned into security until the end of the school day. (this includes tardy times as well as class times) Students who are caught using phones in class will be subject to a three-step response1st incident-teacher will give a warning to put phone away 2nd incident-teacher will keep phone until the end of the day 3rd incident-teacher will turn phone into security, a referral will be made, student may be suspended for one day and a plan will be developed for device Students who may already have been informed will be subject to current level of intervention that already exist We believe that student cell phone use is a privilege not a right. Students who bring cell phones and electronic devices to school are doing so at their own risk. The school does not guarantee the safety of security of these devices even when they are impounded. We feel these devices should not interfere with the learning environment. We ask for your support and that you remind your student(s) to only use their phone/electronic devices during appropriate times.

Congratulations! Congratulations to Connor Dahlke for his 2nd place finish in the Technical Drawing Competition at the 2011 SkillsUSA State Conference. Alan Vo place 10th in Technical Drawing and Will Folsom placed in Architectural Drawing.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to Lincoln HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) club members who represented LSW, LNS and Lincoln Public Schools at the State HOSA Conference over spring break, March 24-25 at Boys Town. The top three qualify for Nationals in Anaheim, CA June 23-26.

HOSA Bowl: 1st Place and National Qualifiers Ramsey Jaber, Sara Christianson, Luis Miranda & Tyler Peterson

Pictured above are: back row: Luis Miranda (LNS), Ramsey Jaber (LNS), Sara Christianson (LSW), Matt Lickei (LSW),

Medical Photography: Sara Christianson-LSW —2nd place and National Qualifier in Medical Photography Medical Terminology: Ramsey Jaber – LNS—2nd Place and National Qualifier Luis Miranda - LNS —5th Place Pathophysiology Knowledge Test: Ramsey Jaber-LNS —1st Place and National Qualifier Luis Miranda - LNS Creative Problem Solving: Kyle Hinz, Matt Lickei and Tyler Peterson – LSW Medical Math: Tyler Peterson – LSW Sara Christianson - LSW Outstanding Member, Lincoln Chapter: Sara Christianson (LSW)

Medical Reading: 2nd place and National Qualifiers Ramsey Jaber , Sara Christianson, Tyler Peterson

Page 15

YEARBOOKS!! LAST YEARBOOK SALE: May 2-6 before and after school, including at Parent Teacher Conferences, May 3. Cost is $60. Get your book reserved now. No books will be sold after this time until they are distributed. Cost will be $65. Yearbook Distribution: Yearbooks are tentatively scheduled for distribution on Thursday, May 19 after school and Friday, May 20, before and after school. Students who have bought a book may pick it up at this time. Extras will be sold for $65. More information will be provided in the student bulletin in May. Class of 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Senior Photo Information For information regarding the Class of 2012 senior portraits, please review the information on the link below: http://www.lps.org/instruction/curriculum/english/ yearbookphotos.html

Jr. & Sr. Prom Junior and Senior Prom is Saturday, May 7th from 8:00-12:00 p.m. at UNL Centennial Room (main campus union). Tickets are $15 per person. Tickets go on sale (May 3-May 5) Tuesday afterschool, Wednesday before school, at lunch, and afterschool. On Thursday tickets will be sold before school and at noon! Tickets will not be sold after the noon hour on Thursday so please make sure your student purchases a ticket before the cut off. All fines will need to be paid before students will be eligible to purchase tickets for prom. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until the last minute to pay your fines!

Welcome Back!

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SILVER HAWK BOOSTER BENEFIT AUCTION FALL 2011 Silver Strike is back by popular demand! The Silver Strike Benefit Auction, sponsored by the Silver Hawks Booster Club, will be back in the Fall of 2011! Silver Strike is a Silent and Live Auction held for the benefit of our Lincoln Southwest High School community!

Shelly Anderson Silver Strike Event Co-Chair 7448 Elk Creek Dr Lincoln NE 68516 402.328.9578 scanderson7448@neb.rr.com

SILVER STRIKE 2011

Jodi Rowlett Silver Strike Event Co-Chair 3101 Chisholm Rd Lincoln NE 68516 402.423.8556 jorowlett@aol.com

Proceeds from past auctions have been used to provide individual assistance to more than 50 activities, athletics, and performing arts groups and make improvements to outdoor facilities. The 2011 Silver Strike proceeds will be used to grant the needs and wish lists of those groups in the 2011/2012 school year, while working on our bigger capital improvement projects benefiting all Lincoln Southwest students. More details about this exciting event will be released over the next several months! Check out the following ways you can get involved:

SILVER STRIKE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES An event of this size provides opportunities for families throughout the Southwest community to get involved. The Silver Strike Planning Committee will provide additional information to all volunteers: _____ Advertising/Public Relations _____ Gift Acquirement _____ Auction Catalog _____ Tickets _____ Auction Display & Set up _____ Treasurer/Cashiers _____ Decorations _____ Dinner/Table Set-Up _____ Other (we will match your talents/interests with help needed!) Name: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________Email: ________________________________

SILVER STRIKE DONATION OPPORTUNITIES Considering a donation to our silent and/or live auctions. We have provided a list of suggested items below, but all offers and donations will be accepted and appreciated! Suggested Donations Include: Products (Artwork, Clothing, Electronics, Jewelry, etc.) Tickets (Concerts, Movies, Sporting Events, Theatre, TV Shows, etc.) Gift Certificates (Catering, Malls, Restaurants, Salons, etc.) Vacation Getaways (Hotel, Limousine, Plane Tickets, Timeshares, Tours, etc.) Professional Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Attorney, Chiropractor, Computer Tech, Contractor, Dentist, Decorator, Doctor, Landscaping, etc. Sports/Entertainment Memorabilia Lunch with a celebrity/government official Gift Baskets, Once-a Month Club (coffee, desserts, flowers, etc.) Sponsorship/Purchase of Items Needed (call for wish list items) Cash Donations Please mail or email responses to: Shelly Anderson or Jodi Rowlett

Thank you for supporting the students and programs at Lincoln Southwest High School!

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LSW Booster Store Store Manager Position—Volunteer Silver Hawk Authentic—Official Southwest Apparel/Southwest Booster Club is seeking a store manager for the 2 year term of June 2011-June 2013. Please email Barry Gates at BARRY.Gates@usbank.com or Barb Nitz at blnitz3b@neb.rr.comm or any member of the Southwest Booster Club board if interested. Silver Hawk Authentic May Garage Sale!! Week 1 of May: Clearance 20% off marked prices Week 2 of May: Clearance 25% off marked prices Week 3 of May: Clearance 40% off marked prices Week 4 of May: Clearance 50% off marked prices OPEN HOURS: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parent-Teacher Conferences, May 3, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Buy your letter jacket NOW! Letter jacket prices will be going up in the fall 2011 so buy now, most styles and sizes are in stock. Last day to shop May 27 – 11am to 1pm

Spring Projects? Graduation? Don’t forget to use Scrip!! Remember to buy Scrip gift cards for all your spring projects, graduation gifts or parties. We carry home improvement stores, grocery stores, discount stores…now including Target. See attached order form for all participating retailers. Or pick up a Scrip order form outside the Booster Store today! You simply purchase the cards at face value and our school receives a percentage of that sale…at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU!! Simple, easy and beneficial to our students and school! Order form on next page!

Silverhawk Boosters Scrip LSW Staff? Yes or No Form drop off box outside the booster store. Questions or special requests? Email debswann@yahoo.com Name:

Check #:

Order Date:

Product Groceries

Amounts

% Qty Total

Product Retail

Amounts %

HyVee

25.00

Aeropostale

25.00

50.00

American Eagle Outfitters

25.00

10%

Russ's Super Saver

100.00

20.00

50.00

5% 3%

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

10.00

Bath & Body Works

10.00

13%

Bed Bath & Beyond

25.00

20.00

Best Buy

25.00

50.00

Buckle

25.00

100.00

Claire's

10.00

Dillard's

25.00

Gap

25.00

Restaurants Applebee's

Qty Total

25.00

Arby's

10.00

Home Depot

25.00

Bagels and Joe

10.00

10%

iTunes

15.00

Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican CafĂŠ

10.00

JCPenney

25.00

Cheesecake Factory

25.00

Kohl's Department Store

25.00

Chili's Grill & Bar

25.00

Lowe's Home Improvement

25.00

Chipotle

10.00

10%

Macy's

25.00

10%

Cold Stone Creamery

10.00

Marcus Theatres

10.00

15%

DaVinci's

5.00

Old Navy

25.00

Famous Dave's

10.00

10%

Pottery Barn

25.00

Godfather's

5.00

15%

Scheel's

25.00

Great Harvest

10.00

50.00

Macaroni Grill

25.00

Shopko

25.00

Noodle's & Company

10.00

Target

25.00

Olive Garden

25.00

100.00

Old Chicago

25.00

T.J. Maxx/ Marshall's

25.00

Omaha Steaks

25.00

11%

Walgreens

25.00

Wal-Mart/ Sam's Club

25.00

100.00

25.00

10.00

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

25.00

Panera Bread

10.00

Red Lobster

25.00

Younkers

Red Robin

25.00

Gas

Ruby Tuesdays

25.00

U-Stop

Sam & Louie's

10.00

Order Total $_____________

Starbucks

10.00

Subway

10.00

Texas Roadhouse

25.00

Make Checks Payable to: Silverhawk Booster Scrip

Page 19

LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESS RELEASE For more information contact: Mary Kay Roth—(402) 436-1609 * mkroth@lps.org Zachary Baehr—(402) 436-1619 * zbaehr@lps.org

April 5, 2011 For immediate release

LPS to host next community conversation about supporting students, improving graduation rates Community Conversations continue at Lincoln Public Schools this spring as the School District’s third Conversation – set for 5:308 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Lincoln North Star High School – asks the question: “What’s next?” The What’s Next Parent Event is an informational evening that targets issues surrounding the key transitions for students in school: preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary success. The event showcases a panel of parents and students who will offer insight into how parents and guardians can engage in these critical transitions. Last year Lincoln Public Schools hosted a successful two-meeting Community Conversation that addressed and identified solutions to major issues impacting students who not graduate from high school: issues involving family support systems, poverty, mental health issues, and additional community and societal challenges. The Lincoln Education Association hosted additional Community Conversations last spring that added to the discussion. “This is a continuation of that conversation,” LPS Superintendent Steve Joel said. “The ‘What’s Next’ event expands and further explores the School District’s community conversation about improving graduation rates, and this time we focus on how to help our students survive and thrive through the key transitions in their education. We will have a chance to learn from the personal experiences of our panel members, as well as open up the conversation to community participants.” Joel will offer welcoming remarks for the Community Conversation, while the panel discussion is facilitated by Eddie Brown, an LPS graduate, LPS parent, community volunteer and local businessman. Free dinner and childcare will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the panel discussion. North Star High School is located at 5801 N. 33rd St. The event is a collaborative effort that includes a wide list of community partners: Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Parent Involvement Resource Centers (PIRC), Lincoln Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, National Education Association, Malone Center and United Way. Information booths will be available from the EducationQuest Foundation, Southeast Community College, University of Nebraska Lincoln, and more. For more information contact: Josh Cramer at LPS, 402-436-1994.

Page 20

Driver’s Education Classes Nebraska Safety Council will offer driver’s education classes at Southwest High School this spring. The classroom lectures and times will vary due to the session chosen. Course Curriculum  22 hours of classroom instruction  5 hours hands-on driving  5 hours of observation (suggested but not required)  1/2 hour Behind-The Wheel Drive Test for Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP)  Driving includes: highway/gravel, parallel/ perpendicular/angle parking, marked and unmarked streets/intersections, interstate driving, heavy city traffic driving. Advance registration and payment are required. Students must possess a learner’s permit to enroll. Lecture dates: June 6-9, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 13-16, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 18-21, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Driving Appointment Cancellation Policy: Student must give their instructors at least four (4) hours notice before cancelling a driving appointment. Failure to do this will result in a $20.00 no call, no show charge and must be paid before students can receive their P.O.P forms. Please contact Nebraska Safety Council regarding questions and registration fees. (402) 483-2511

Southeast Community College will

offer driver education classes at Lincoln Southwest. The classroom lectures will meet twice each week for 5 weeks The drive lab will meet for 2 hours once a week for 6 weeks. Students also have the option of taking the lecture on-line. Students must have a school or learner’s permit and complete both the lecture and driving to be eligible for documentation for the Provisional Operator’s Permit and/or insurance requirements. Participation in a mandatory orientation is required before each class. The orientation for student and adult representative is scheduled before each session to provide important information and to schedule the drive lab. Please bring a planning calendar for this purpose. A registered student who is not accompanied by an adult representative (i.e., parent, legal guardian/ representative/sponsor) at the orientation will be dropped from the class. Orientations will be held at the Continuing Education Center, 301 South 68 Street Place. Required book is available at the Orientation and the SCC Bookstore. Orientation date: May 26, Lecture dates: June 6-17, Monday-Friday, 12-2 p.m. Orientation date: June 9, Lecture dates: June 20-July 1, 12-2 p.m. Orientation date: June 30, Lecture dates: July 11-22 12 -2 p.m. Tuition $225 Please contact Southeast Community College regarding questions and registration fees.