Letter from the Superintendent - November 2023
It’s hard to believe that we have already completed the 1st quarter of school. With that being said, please make sure that you are checking Infinite Campus to monitor your child’s grades, attendance, and lunch balance. There is still plenty of time for students to improve their grades if they are struggling, or failing a class. If you have any questions about your child’s grades or academic progress, please make sure and contact the teacher directly.
Our girl’s golf team, and cross-country teams have just concluded their season. They both had many positives, and accomplishments during their season. As I write this newsletter our football team is still competing in the playoffs, and our volleyball team is competing for a chance to qualify for the state tournament. Both teams have had great seasons so far, and I wish them both good luck as they enter post-season play. Thank you for representing our school and communities in a positive manner. I would also like to thank the band, cheerleaders, parents, and of course all of our great fans that have supported, and encouraged all of our student-athletes throughout the year.
The JH football and volleyball seasons have both concluded, and they have moved on to their next season. The JH boys have started wrestling practice, and the girls have begun practicing for basketball. Good luck to both of these teams as they begin competition in the next few weeks.
There are many other extra-curricular activities that are going on at the school as well. Our FFA chapter will be attending the National FFA convention in Indianapolis. Our quiz bowl teams will be competing in numerous competitions over the next few weeks. The music and band students have been very busy performing at home games, pep rallies, and competitions. I have not seen a band that is more dedicated, and supporting of their teams and school. We are lucky to have such a dedicated band director, and students that show up to support their teams.
Providing educational opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals families and communities in the 21st century is the school’s mission statement. On October 18th Southwest did exactly what our mission statement states; we provided students with educational opportunities by hosting a college and career fair at the high school. Mrs. Lewis did a great job of organizing this event not only for our school, but for other schools in our area as well. This was a great opportunity for our students to learn about career, and college opportunities. There were many college representatives set up in the gym for students to visit with. There were also many local businesses that were in attendance at the old gym for students to visit with and learn about their business. The seniors also all got an opportunity to have a mock interview with the business of their choice.
Last spring it was decided to provide an incentive to motivate students in grades 6-12 to give their best effort on their spring MAP assessments. MAP assessments are the school’s district-wide assessment that are used to monitor student’s academic progress. The goal for students was to either show growth, or meet grade level benchmark in 3 of the 4 subject areas that are assessed (Reading, Language, Math, Science). This incentive was once again set for the fall assessment. All students that met the goal have the opportunity to go to Spring City in Grand Island on Wednesday, November 8th. Spring City is an indoor trampoline park that has multiple activities for students to participate in. There are 110 of the 147 students in grades 6-12 that met the goal. The elementary will be having a similar incentive for their winter MAP assessments. Mrs. Fries will send out more details as we get closer to the assessment date.
The school’s annual Veteran’s Day program will be held at the high school on Friday, November 9th starting at 9:30AM. This is a great opportunity for the school to honor all of our brave men and woman that have served our country. Please send pictures of area veterans for our Veterans Day video to donna.roggenkamp@swpschools.org. Tell us the veterans name, branch of military, and to whom they are related (if they are related to a SW student/staff member). We hope to see you there, as this has always been a great program, and a way for all of us to show our appreciation to all of those that have served in the military.
Lastly, as the weather continues to get colder, and that white stuff starts to fall, please stay tuned for school closings. School closings will be posted on our social media sites, blackboard, and local tv and radio stations.