From the Principal’s Desk
Bigger Than the Building
One of the things that I have always loved about education, is the fact that no two days are ever the same. When prospective teachers ask me what a typical day is like, my initial response is to chuckle a little, before letting them know that there is no such thing as a typical day in education. As ready as I have always felt in anticipation of the unexpected, I never imagined a scenario where we would have to conduct the business of school, outside of the school setting.
At the moment, our focus is on doing what we can to provide students with the best opportunity to remain engaged in learning under these circumstances. With remote learning now underway, we will continue to learn where we can make changes and improvements to our practices. As with anything that is brand new, we had to start somewhere. We will take stock of what is and isn’t working well, and do what we can to adjust accordingly.
Please help encourage students to stay engaged and connected during this time. Remote learning presents some different things for students to manage and think about. It is not a simulation of traditional school, it is a shift to an online course format. This requires students to identify priorities, plan ahead, reach out with questions and take advantage of the resources available to support their personal growth. While this is new and challenging now, the skills that students develop during this experience will serve them well in the long run.
As we navigate the circumstances associated with the new normal that is remote learning, I have relied on my core belief that maintaining a growth mindset and a positive attitude is essential for successfully navigating the unexpected challenges that life throws our way. That being said, the impact that these circumstances are having on our students is not lost on me, or on any of our staff. This is tough for everyone, but my heart goes out to our seniors, who are missing out on experiences that represent the culmination of their life’s work as students. Parents are missing out on what might be their last opportunities to support students in activities they have worked on since they were little kids. The impact of our current circumstances is in the hearts and minds of all of us right now.
Remember, Southwest is more than a building. Just as a family is still a family, even when they are not all in the same house, we all still call the same place home. We won’t forget where we come from and we will continue to support each other in new ways. We will stay focused on what we can control and driven toward the goals that we can still achieve. Above all else, we will continue to represent the same standard of excellence that was established at Southwest when the doors opened eighteen years ago with pride. We can do this!
Thank you all for everything that you do for Southwest.
Sincerely,
Mike Gillotti – Principal
SCIP
SCIP works with schools to form a front line of early identification, intervention, and connections for resources for students and their families struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. Please take a few moments and read through the various articles:
Social Media: What Parents Need to Know
Social media is more than just Facebook and Instagram. According to Oxford Dictionary, social media is defined as “websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking”. There are thousands of online platforms that allow for information sharing among users. YouTube (85%), Instagram (72%) and Snapchat (69%) are the most popular online platforms used by U.S. teens ages 13-17, followed by Facebook (51%), Twitter (32%), Tumbler (9%) and Reddit (7%) (PEW Research). PEW also found that in 2018, 95% of teens reported they have access to a smart phone, up from the 73% of teens who reported having access to a smartphone in 2014-2015 (PEW Research). With the rise in the number of teens that own or have access to a smart phone, it is more important than ever for parents to be aware of social media trends and ways to keep their child safe online.
Link – Remainder of the article
Homebound- Tips to Help Manage School Closures and Social Distancing
Children and families across the country are becoming all too familiar with the term “social distancing”. As medical experts press upon families the importance of staying home, learning to navigate such lifestyle changes may be difficult for kids. According to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, not only are boredom and frustration common during extended periods at home, “the lifestyle changes may also contribute to social isolation from peers and teachers, anxiety, and tension among family members due to a lack of personal space at home.” Over the past couple of weeks, several resources have surfaced to support families in better managing their time at home. Below are some of our favorite tips and ideas.
Link- Remainder of the Article
Managing Youth Anxiety During COVID-19
School closures, activity cancelations, and adhering to the new concept of “social distancing” has quickly become a new reality for our kids and teenagers. Helping our youth make sense of the changes taking place in the world around them is something educators and parents across Nebraska are facing. It is normal to feel fear, uncertainty and worry during wide-scale disease outbreaks that are contagious, especially when the normalcy of everyday life is turned upside down. Additionally, it is hard to escape the endless news cycles detailing the spread COVID-19, which can increase feelings of anxiety.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, these feelings can feel even more overwhelming for a child/teen who is already suffering from an anxiety disorder or who may be predisposed to feeling more anxious during times of uncertainty.
Below are tips to help communicate with you children and teens about the Coronavirus:
Link – Remainder of the article
Drivers Education Courses
Driver’s Education is NOT a course offered through Lincoln Public Schools. However, there are several organizations here in Lincoln that do offer courses at various times throughout the year at Southwest. They are:
Southeast Community College, (402) 437-2710
Nebraska Safety Council, (402) 483-2511
Road-Ready, (402) 477-5933
For information regarding their classes, times and fees, please check their websites or contact them at the numbers listed above. Each website has their own message for their policies and procedures involving Covid-19.
Hop, SCIP, Jump and Run!
Brought to you by Family Health & Wellness Center, P.C.
Where: Antelope Park
When: May 29, 2020, 5:30-7:30 PM
Join SCIP on Friday, May 29th for fun activities, prizes, food and a 1-Mile Fun Run. “Hop, SCIP, Jump and Run” offers activities for all ages, making it a great family-friendly event! Money raised at the event will help SCIP continue to provide mental and behavioral health resources to schools and families.
The 1-mile Fun Run is $15.00 per person. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Those wanting to attend, but not participate in the Fun Run, will be admitted for free.
Click here to register for the 1-Mile Fun Run. The 1-Mile Fun Run start time is 7:00 PM.
Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, the date of this event will be re-evaluated in mid-April.
Silver Hawk Authentic Booster Store Closed Until Further Notice
SOAR Rewards
Would you like to be a part of promoting a positive culture at LSW? If so, please consider donating to our SOAR Rewards student acknowledgement system. Our goal is to help incentivize and recognize students who are “caught SOAR’ing” by demonstrating that they are being Safe, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful. Students who are recognized by staff for modeling SOAR expectations are eligible to receive prizes such as (Gift cards to restaurants, tickets to husker games, movie passes, Husker/LSW apparel, etc)
If you would like to be a part of this please contact Laura Runge (lrunge@lps.org) or Brett Schuster (bschust@lps.org) to ask about which items students enjoy the most and how to donate. Donations can be dropped off in the main office here at school. Thanks for helping our Silver Hawks SOAR!
Theatre
With the recent developments with COVID-19 we are currently uncertain of future dates and performances like many other organizations out there. As information is given to us, we will be updating you on our website and on our Facebook page. Thank you for your patience and support.
Counseling Center News
Please visit the Counseling Center’s Website for information on
- Counselor Availability
- Seniors: Counting Down, Reminder of 2020 Grades
- Juniors: Planning Time.
Library News
Don’t forget that even though school is out, the virtual LSW library is open!
Log in to the LSW Media Center homepage to access our databases using the Home Access links listed under this icon.
Students will log in with their LPS credentials.
Also on the LSW Media Center homepage students and parents can submit a question for Mrs. Schnell, the LSW Media Specialist, or can meet with her between 8:00 am and noon via ZOOM using the links at the top of the page. Look for this on the website:
LSW Librarian Office Hours
M-F 8:00am – 12:00pm, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Click here to Zoom Chat with Mrs. Schnell
Submit a question for me!
Students can also access our Sora collection of ebooks and audio books by clicking on the ebook tab at the top of the LSW Media Center homepage .
And finally, check out the LPS Daily Learning Challenges posted on the LSW Media Center homepage. LPS librarians from across the district have collaborated there to provide your student with interesting and engaging activities that will keep them reading, writing, and learning during this difficult time.
Student Grade Withdrawal Information
If a student withdraws from a class late in the term, below is the grading table that we follow:
| Term/Dates | Timeframe of Withdrawal from Class | Grade Students Will Receive |
| Term 1-Aug. 12-Oct. 16 | Sept. 3-16 | W |
| Sept. 17-Oct. 16 | F | |
| Term 2-Oct. 21-Dec. 20 | Nov. 11-22 | W |
| Nov. 25-Dec. 20 | F | |
| Term 3-Jan. 7-March 6 | Jan. 28-Feb. 11 | W |
| Feb. 12-Mar. 6 | F | |
| Term 4-March 16-May 21 | April 6-April 20 | W |
| April 21-May 21 | F |
Class of 2020 Panoramic Photo Ordering
Dear Seniors and Parents of Seniors;
If you are receiving this letter, it means that either you or your Senior was fortunate enough to have already had their “2020” Senior Class Panoramic pictures taken before schools were closed. If you did not purchase your Senior Class Panoramic picture you still have the opportunity to get them.
Please visit:
If you have any questions or need any help navigating through the website. Please call me at 303.909.0226.
Sincerely;
Dan Derry
Parent Information
Prom 2020 Update
In light of the district’s decision to keep schools closed through May 6, the district has cancelled all Prom and Post Prom events. This means that the Southwest High School Prom and Post Prom scheduled for the weekend of April 18 will not be rescheduled. We understand that Prom is an important milestone for our students and an event that many of our juniors and seniors look forward to this time of year. Please know that this decision was made with the safety of everyone in mind as we all work together and to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
ACT for Juniors
Because the state-wide ACT test is canceled during the month of April, the Nebraska Department of Education is working with ACT to find a way for juniors to take the test at no cost for the student. Be watching for an announcement later in April.
Parent Teacher Conferences
As of now, Parent Teacher Conferences will be postponed. If you have any concerns or would like to speak with your student’s teachers, we recommend reaching out to your student’s teachers directly via email. A list of all LSW teachers’ emails can be found here.
Blood Drive
There will be no blood drive held at LSW this spring. If you are healthy and willing, blood banks are still in need of donors. Please visit Nebraska Community Blood Bank for more details.
LPS Grab and Go Meals
Meals will be distributed weekly on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 12 LPS locations.
Drive-thru sites are being set up at each location and families are strongly encouraged to stay in their vehicles and pick up the child meals in the drive-thru lane.
Please obey all traffic laws and do not block the regular flow of traffic, driveways or arterial streets surrounding schools.
The sites will open at 11 a.m. and vehicle lines will not be allowed to form more than five minutes prior to opening.
There is a walk-up area available for families who do not have a vehicle, but long lines will not be allowed. Please follow the directions from LPS staff. Cones will be set to promote proper line spacing.
Each child will continue to receive five breakfasts and five lunch meals.
The meals are for children only, and all children 18 and younger are eligible for meals.
Children must now be present to receive the meals.
Meals are also available to persons with disabilities, ages 18 to 21, who participate in LPS programs. They must also be present to receive the meals.
For more information about Grab and Go Meals and the Food Bank of Lincoln click here.
Remote Learning Support
There are excellent resources found on lps.org to help support parents/guardians and students while learning remotely. Click the following links for support.
Chromebook Assistance
Have an issue with a student Chromebook? You can get assistance by submitting a ‘Help Ticket’ online! If you are unable to log into your Chromebook, use another device and begin at LPS.ORG, search Keyword ‘Portal’ then follow the remaining steps.
Log into the Chromebook with your Student ID and Password
Open Chrome (You should be in the Portal now.)
Search for the STUHELP App
Click on your device under ‘Quick Tickets’
Select the category that describes your issue and enter a description.
Scroll down and click ‘Submit’. (You do not need to fill in the room number, location, or Student ID.)
Another way to get assistance is to contact our Help Desk Monday through Friday between the hours of 7am and 4pm.
Call (402) 436-1735 and be ready with your student identification number, or go to help.lps.org and enter your student login information.
Upcoming Events
April
(All events are postponed/cancelled- watch for more communication)
02: Spring Theatre Performance, 7 pm
03: Spring Theatre Performance, 7 pm
04: Spring Theatre Performance, 7 pm; ACT
07: ACT Juniors Only, No School: Grades 9,10,12
08: NHS Induction, 8:15 am
09: Spring Theatre Performance, 7 pm
10: No School ; Spring Theatre Performance, 7 pm
11: Spring Theatre Performance, 2 pm & 7
15: Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-7 pm
16: Blood Drive ; Forensic/Speech Banquet 6 pm
22: Flight Night Dress Rehearsal, 3:30- 7 pm
24: Flight Night, 7 pm
25: Speech/Debate Garage Sale, 8 – 4 pm
29: Theatre ITS Induction
May
(Dates subject to change- watch for more communication)
01: Swing Night
04: Music Banquet, 6 pm
05: Band/Orchestra Concert, 6:30 pm; Senior Meeting, 2:15
11: Choir Concert, 6:30 pm
14: Theatre Banquet
20: Senior Breakfast; Senior Honors, 1 pm; Finals
21: Finals; Last Day of School
24: Graduation, Bob Devaney Center, 1:30 pm
Senior Information
Graduation
2020 Graduation will be scheduled for a later date. Please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Please note that we are required to follow the Nebraska Athletics’ clear bag policy.
Graduation Speakers
Seniors interested in speaking at commencement, please email Mr. Heimes at mheimes@lps.org. Deadline to submit an application is Monday, April 15.
Cap/Gown/Announcements Distribution
Announcements are currently available at Lincoln Graduation. Please contact them at (402) 937-0812 for their current hours or to set up a private appointment for pick up. More information on caps and gowns will be availble at a later date.
Immunization Records
Immunization records for graduating students will be placed in their graduation packets. Please keep them in a safe place for future reference. It is also recommended that senior parents and seniors go into ParentVue or StudentVue and print several copies of their immunizations before graduation as seniors will need this for future use…college admission, employment, etc. Once seniors graduate they will not be able to print their immunizations.
Diploma Facts
Students attending the LSW graduation ceremony will receive a blank diploma cover when walking across the stage. Providing all requirements have been met, the diploma itself will be given to them in a white packet AFTER the ceremony in the area where they waited prior to entering the ceremony. Students attending summer school will receive their diploma upon successful completion of summer school.
PLEASE DO NOT DISGARD THIS PACKET!! Not only does it contain the diploma, we have included the following:
Diploma
Immunization record (please keep for future reference)
Counseling folder
Honor awards previously not picked up
Final Transcript Request form
Graduation ceremony program
Only one diploma is given to the graduate and cannot be duplicated. If the diploma is lost, the grad can request a Final Transcript which will have the graduation date listed.
All LPS 2020 graduate’s diplomas will list May 21, 2020, the last day of school, as the graduation date.
Final Transcript Facts
A Final Transcript is a transcript that has a student’s date of graduation listed. The student must request a Final Transcript be sent to the institution they will be attending. Sending a transcript to a college during a student’s final year that does not have a grad date does not fulfill the college’s requirement of a Final Transcript. Many colleges will put a hold on future registration and/or financial aid if they do not receive a Final Transcript. Athletes are also reminded to request a Final Transcript for NCAA or NAIA—they, too, require a Final Transcript.
Senior Academic Reminders
It is YOUR responsibility, if you are transferring from outside LPS, to provide documentation regarding Honor Roll from another school in order to be eligible for LSW 7 Semester Honor Roll. Do NOT wait until the last minute to address this issue.
If you are graduating early as a JUNIOR, please let Brianne Wright, bwright2@lps.org (main office) know if you would rather be honored at the LSW Honors Convocation with the junior class, or if you would rather be honored at the Senior Honors Program.
Any academic achievement awarded at the senior honors convocation and/or at graduation are based on a student’s GPA through their seventh semester. Academic achievements, such as Top 3%, are subject to change after the final semester grades are included in the overall GPA. It is important to remember that taking a lighter course load in your final semester could affect your GPA and academic standing.
Government and Politics
Due to the unique circumstances surrounding Covid-19, GOPO Hours will waived for 2019-2020 seniors, along with the corresponding reflection assignment.