From the Principal's Desk
Where We Find Ourselves
My wife, who is a teacher, and I have had an ongoing discussion about whether or not this has been an incredibly long semester, or an incredibly quick semester. It seems like it wasn’t that long ago we were working to plan and prepare for teaching and learning in a hybrid learning environment. The days and the weeks have been longer than usual for everyone. Students, teachers, and families have had to adapt to our modified format for delivering instruction in ways we never would have imagined last March. It has been a long and winding road to this point. Now, almost suddenly, we find ourselves with only three weeks remaining in the semester, preparing to complete the first half of the school year, just as we began it. In the end we settled on acknowledging that this has been the longest, fastest semester ever. Not sure that makes sense, but that’s where we landed.
As we look ahead at how we can make the most of the time we have left this term, our focus will continue to be on the things we can control and what we can do help each other finish out the term on a positive note. I believe that every obstacle is also an opportunity, and, despite its challenges, this experience has provided us with opportunities to learn and grow in meaningful ways that will help us emerge from this experience stronger as a school and as a community. This year has been an incredible test of resiliency and perseverance for everyone. It has also continually affirmed what I have always known to be true about the Lincoln Southwest community. At a time when empathy, patience, and collaboration have been critical to ensuring teaching and learning would continue to move forward, the Silver Hawk community has risen to the occasion.
We have come a long way, down a challenging road that many of us hoped we wouldn’t still be on. However, this is where we find ourselves, and there’s no other community I’d rather navigate this journey with than our Lincoln Southwest family. We can do this!
Finally, as you plan ahead for the end of the term, please remember that we will have a modified schedule for final exams. You can find the schedule for Dec 14th – 22nd on our school website HERE for your planning purposes.
Thanks for all you do for our Silver Hawks
Mike Gillotti – Principal
Upcoming Events
*All dates and events are subject to change due to current health directives
December
- 04: Theatre Performance, 7:00pm (shows livestreamed only www.showtix4u.com
- 05: Theatre Performance, 7:00pm
- 11: Theatre Performance, 7:00pm
- 12: Theatre Performance, 7:00pm
- 17: Finals (Group A and Z) see below for more information
- 18: Finals (Group B and C)
- 21: Finals (Group A and Z)
- 22: Finals (Group B and C)
- 12/23-1/4: Winter Break, No School
January
- 04: Teacher Work Day
- 05: Classes Resume, Term 3 Begins
- 13: Future Hawk Night (virtual)
- 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
December 14th-22nd Schedule
Parent Information
Pass/Fail Course Grade Requests
A mark of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) can be recorded on the transcript when specifically requested by the student with approval from the student’s parent/guardian and LSW school counselor. Students in all grades can opt to receive an S/U mark rather than a standard letter grade for any course. Requests must be made and approved in writing (or electronically) by December 22nd for term two courses classes at Southwest.
You can find the form to submit a request to take a course for an S/U grade HERE on the counseling center website.
Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions as there are considerations that should be taken into account prior to deciding to take a course Pass/Fail.
Student Picture Information
District Wide Picture Retake Day: LPS and Lifetouch have teamed up to offer a District Wide Picture Retake Day, Saturday, December 5th from 8:00am-11:00am and 12:00-3:00pm @ Riley Elementary School, in the gym. This event will only be for the students who missed their school picture opportunities. We ask students with last names starting with A-L come from 8:00-11:00, while students with last names M-Z come from 12:00- 3:00.
In order to sign your student up for this event, please fill out this registration form HERE. If you aren’t able to access the form or are having any troubles, please contact Tanisha Gray at 402-436-1668 or tgray2@lps.org.
Ordering Student Pictures: To order your student’s school pictures, you will need their Portrait ID and Access Code. These are specific to each student and are found on your student’s picture proofs. These will be handed out to student’s in their 1st block class the first week back after Thanksgiving break. If your students a remote learner, you can either pick up their proofs in the main office from 7:00-3:45 or call us at (402) 436-1306 and we can provide it to you.
Personal Computing Devices
This time of year often brings questions about whether students are allowed to use personal computing devices instead of the district issued Chromebook. Where completing school work is concerned, the answer to this question is “no.” There are a number of reasons for this, but you should be aware that the LPS Chromebook comes with limits on the web sites that can be visited and the applications that can be accessed. You can support teachers’ efforts in managing a consistent learning environment by encouraging your student to use the district issued Chromebook.
Instructional Technology Tools (ITTs) in LPS
LPS believes that high-quality curriculum and instruction can be enhanced with effective use of Instructional Technology Tools (ITTs). To that end, a district committee continually works to identify ITTs that are safe for student use, support district learning goals, and encourage innovative teaching and learning. The most frequently used, approved ITTs are made available to students and staff in the LPS Portal. Learn more about the LPS Portal here: https://home.lps.org/cs/2016/08/08/the-lps-portal/. Need a conversation starter with your student? Ask them for a tour of their LPS Portal and which ITTs they’re currently using in class.
Support for Students Learning Remotely
Remote Learning Supports: Stop by the LPS website and enter the word “remote” into the Search, Keyword field in the top-right.
The “Student Support” page on the Remote Learning site has links to valuable resources to support your student while learning from home. Make sure your students are familiar with the information about how to successfully connect with their teachers using StudentVue.
The “Parent and Guardian Support” page on the Remote Learning site is filled with valuable information designed to help you help your student. Be sure to look through the “10 Remote Learning Things to Know.”
LPS Help Desk is available: Is your student having trouble connecting to their classes? The LPS Help Desk is available to help! Call 402-436-1735 between 7:00am-4:30pm Mon-Fri.
Student Meals
Free Breakfast and Lunch for all LPS Students: Due to the pandemic, the USDA is federally funding breakfast and lunch for all students while the federal funding lasts. All LPS students in preschool – 12 grade and Independence Academy students will be offered breakfast and lunch at no charge.
To receive the school meal at no charge:
- The student must select a serving of fruit or vegetable plus at least two other components of the meal (meat, grain, milk, fruit, vegetable).
- Failing to take a fruit or vegetable plus two other food components will lead to the student being charged a la carte pricing.
- A student selecting pizza and milk would need to pay for these food items since there is no fruit or vegetable.
- A student may select all five components of the meal.
- A la carte food items including milk and second entrees will still be available to purchase with money in the meal account or cash.
LPS will communicate when the program is coming to an end for families to plan around breakfast and lunch purchases.
Just a reminder, families must continue to fill out applications for free or reduced priced meals for the 2020- 2021 school year. You can access a meal application at https://home.lps.org/ns/free-reduced/.
Food Distribution for 100% Remote Learners: LPS is offering all PreK-12 grade 100% Remote Learners meals for the week to be picked up on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at three locations- Lincoln High, North Star, and Southeast. Find more information about food distribution here.
Senior Information
Announcements/Caps & Gowns
Lincoln Graduation has a brand new website at signaturegraduation.com. All orders are now being encouraged to be done online. New this year: Your order will ship directly to you, instead of being handed out at the end of the school year.
If your student qualifies for Free and Reduced Meals, please have them visit with Abbey Traynowicz in the main office to submit their cap and gown order. You will also need to submit a Fee Waiver for your student’s graduation cap and gown. Fee Waiver form here. These items will be delivered to the school this spring.
Senior Ads
Senior ads for the yearbook are currently 30% off! The yearbook is running a senior sale through December 1. Information can be found on the senior ad link. Space is limited so reserve yours today to ensure your senior has a message in the yearbook.
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 (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 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
GOPO service-learning hours for all students who will take the course during the 20-21 school year are waived.
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, 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!
Library News
While we may not be going “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this winter break, we can still enjoy great books that carry our minds away.
Encourage your Hawk to spend some time reading while at home this break.
Southwest students are welcome to check out up to 5 print books to take home over school breaks! They can also borrow one of the thousands of ebooks or audiobooks we have in our Sora app. To access the Sora app:
- Go to portal.lps.org.
- Have your student log in with his/her LPS credentials.
- Select Sora from the alphabetical listing in the LPS portal.
- Browse and check out a book.
- You can also download the Sora App on your devices.
- If you run into any problems have your student stop by the Media Center.
Need a suggestion of what to read? Check out our librarian’s book blog she calls her Lifelong Reading List.
Theatre
Join us for our winter musical, Disney’s NEWSIES
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots).
Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
Tickets and Showtimes
December 4, 5, & 11, 12, 2020 at 7:00 PM
TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.showtix4u.com
LIVE STREAM Reserved Tickets on sale: November 2
- 1-4 Viewers – $15 each
- Family/Group Viewing – $65
Questions? Call the Silver Hawk Theatre Box Office at 402-436-1335
With the ongoing pandemic, please watch for updates and changes to scheduling.
Due to LPS Rules and Limits: ONLY pre-approved family members of cast/crew may purchase socially distant, in person tickets for a specific performance.
Winter Musical Performance Recordings
The Music Department is still doing wonderful work! Since we are unable to host a winter concert with a full audience in our gym, our bands, choirs and orchestras will be scheduling times to gather as a full ensemble to rehearse together. We will record the music they have been working on in class and then send a link to parents
to enjoy with friends and family at their convenience. Music students will receive information about when their group will perform for their recording session later this term. We are thrilled to share with LSW Families the Music that is ringing through the E-wing halls.
Note: there will be no audience present at these events. All rehearsing and recording will take place while physically distanced in the auditorium/gym. Masks may not be removed for any reason (except for Band students).
Yearbooks
2020-2021 Yearbook: Yearbooks for the year 20-21 may be purchased through MySchoolBucks.
Yearbook Prices by Term:
- Term 1: $60
- Term 2: $65
- Term 3: $70
- Term 4: $75
Last Year's Yearbook Sale
If you would still like to purchase LAST YEAR’s yearbook, they are now on sale for $30. This price will last until 19-20 yearbooks are gone and is only available for LAST YEAR’S yearbook. If you ordered a 2019-2020 yearbook last year and have not picked it up yet, please stop by room C110 or the bookkeeper to pick up your book.
Driver's Education Courses
Driver’s Education is NOT offered through Lincoln Public Schools. However, there are several organizations here in Lincoln that do offer courses at various times during the fall. They are:
- Nebraska Safety Center @ Innovation Campus
- Southeast Community College, (402) 437-2710
- Nebraska Safety Council, (402) 483-2511
- Road-Ready, (402) 477-5933
LSW Boosters
Silver Hawk Authentic Booster Store: Now Online!
Please visit lswsilverhawks.com for additional details and to place your order!
Silver Hawk Authentic Booster Store is part of the Lincoln Southwest Booster Club. All store personnel are volunteers and all profits go to the Lincoln Southwest Booster Club for support of LSW school programs, student activities, athletics, and performing arts. New volunteers are always welcome; please inquire at the store! Thank you for supporting your school!
LSW Booster Membership
Please visit our website for more information on joining LSW Booster Club.
Membership forms are also available in the main office. You can either pay online or print and mail the membership form to:
Silver Hawks Booster Club
Attn: Memberships
7001 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512
SCIP Nebraska November Newsletter
Exercise During the Pandemic
Everyone knows that regular exercise is important. Most people think of how it affects them physically. However, it also affects you mentally. During these trying times it is important to stay physically active for many reasons, like the obvious physical reasons such as fighting obesity, helping with chronic health conditions, boosting the immune system and helping with balance and flexibility, just to name a few. Let’s take a look at some ways exercise also helps our mind.
Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. It boosts mood by releasing a hormone called endorphins. Endorphins are known as the body’s natural feel-good hormone. This helps make problems we are encountering seem more manageable. This is also what causes feelings such as “runner’s high” and what makes you feel so good after a good workout. All of this adds up to helping individual reduce their stress levels and build emotional resilience.
Believe it or not, exercise helps to improve your sleep patterns as well. Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and even improves your sleep quality which, in turn, helps boost your immune system as well. It is not fully known or understood why exercise helps with sleep, but there are some theories. One is that it helps with stress reduction, allowing the body the ability to fall asleep faster and into a deeper state of sleep. This then helps rejuvenate the body for tomorrow.
Helping Youth Manage Disappointment
As communities across Nebraska continue to feel the weight of the pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the distress that our youth may be experiencing as their lives continue to be disrupted. Specifically, youth are having to learn to deal with a number of losses that are hitting them all at one time. Missed opportunities to participate in extracurricular events such as sports or music competitions, cancelled homecoming dances and winter formals, postponed family trips, being unable to gather to celebrate important milestones like birthdays, and changes in holiday traditions with families may lead youth to feel an increased sense of sadness, frustration and disappointment. Even missing out on regular activities like going to the movies with friends, sleepovers or going on a fieldtrip can be upsetting for many kids. Considering everything individuals and communities have lost as a result of the pandemic, missing out on events, milestones and activities may seem like a small sacrifice, however, this doesn’t make the feelings of disappointment less heavy or easier to process for youth. While many adults are dealing with some of the same let downs, they have more experience in processing challenges as well as a greater number of skills to cope with such difficulties. Parents and caring adults can help youth walk through their disappointments by offering compassion and empathy, while offering support to help kids manage their feelings and emotions.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a chemical imbalance brain disorder. A chemical imbalance in the brain occurs when there is either too little or too much of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin is considered the “happy drug”, while Dopamine is considered the “feel good drug” because of the way they control and regulate mood and emotions. Norepinephrine is a bit different as it helps regulate attentiveness, sleeping, dreaming, and learning. Furthermore, norepinephrine is also released as an actual hormone into the blood, where it causes blood vessels to contract and heart rate to increase.
2.9% of kids (about 3 out of 100 or approximately 1.7 million) have a Bipolar diagnosis. Bipolar Disorder causes intense mood swings, ranging from emotional highs to emotional lows. The mood swings tend to be episodic and sporadic and vary in how often and for how long they occur for each individual person. The mood swings often affect sleep, activity, behavior and the ability to do everyday tasks, such as school work and chores.
School Community Intervention and Prevention October 2020 SCIP is funded in part by: Lincoln Public Schools, United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County, Region V Systems, Nebraska DHHS: Division of Behavioral Health and Region 4 Behavioral Health System