SWGHS Principal's weekly updates for April 27th...

Hey there Southwest,

I hope you have had a great week! I also hope this message continues to find everyone staying healthy and on top of all activities that your teachers are assigning. Everything you are provided by your teachers will have an impact next year, whether it be High School or College, regardless of grades. So, please make that effort to stay the course. 

Please help me in giving a shout out to our amazing Administrative Professional, Kristy Cline, Liz, French, Renee Harris, Linda Ognosky, Mina O'Neal, and Jessica White. As you are already aware, they absolutely rock!

On Friday, the Governor communicated that we will not return to school for face to face instruction, however, we will still engage all of our students through digital learning. The Guilford County School system will soon inform us how we will proceed based on the recommendations the state has provided. Please hang tight for this grading guidance from the School System. I am very proud of everyone who has continued to stay engaged with their teacher, regardless of the grading guidance we receive from the state. You will see the efforts you put forth now will give you that edge over others as you navigate through life.Great job!

Despite the pandemic, the yearbook is finished and will be shipped to the school in mid-May. We still have some books left, especially for those seniors who want some resemblance of normalcy to their senior year. To maintain social distancing, buy your yearbook online at www.yearbookforever.com and get your hands on something that will remind you of this unprecedented school year (and keep you busy while in quarantine!). 

We have a bunch of great things going on at SW to support our seniors. The school spirit store on the www.cowboysports.org website continues to add items to further support our seniors. Please check it out!  We also have wonderful parents such as Kelli Gowdy, Angie Thompson and Cheryl Fitzpatrick offering their photography skills for anyone that wants to look them up on social media and see what they have to offer. This Wednesday, Seniors who have paid in full can take advantage of the SWGHS Cap and Gown pick up drive-through at the front of the school from 10-1. I highly recommend a parent or guardian drive their senior through this drive through so they can enjoy their "pick up". Please remember you can NOT get out of oyur car.  If you are still needing to pay your remaining balance, please contact Herff Jones immediately. Their contact is on the flyer below.

We have done some other unique things to support our seniors. Some are surprises, some are out there at this time for all to see. I highly recommend everyone connect to social media as best possible, connecting to the SW, and SW Athletic social media pages to see what all is happening during this tough time.  We are also challenging families of seniors to decorate their front doors. The flyer below explains the process. 

A gentle reminder for seniors to report scholarships to the counselors. 

Seniors, all work must be turned in and completed by May 29th in order for us to properly prepare for graduation. Please know that GCS is still looking at all possibilities as it relates to Graduation, Hang tight for more information as we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters.

Below are links to six recordings focusing on areas of concern regarding financial aid and the FAFSA  for parents and students.  They are short, 3-5 minutes each, and recorded by NC financial aid administrators. There are two choices for accessing, YouTube Channel or the Mapping Your Future web site.  Please use whichever works best for you.  

Mapping Your Future

http://mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/WhatHappensAfterYourFileTheFAFSA.mp4

http://www.mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/StateGrantsandScholarships.mp4

http://mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/MakingChangestotheFAFSA.mp4

http://mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/WhatisProfessionalJudgment.mp4

http://mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/WhatIsVerificaiton.mp4

http://www.mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/StudentAidReport.mp4

YouTube Channel

1)           What Happens After the FAFSA is Filed? Link: https://youtu.be/3QOyZ1pAI30

2)           North Carolina State Grants: Link:  https://youtu.be/xXlMlpam21c

3)           Making Changes on the FAFSA; When to contact the financial aid office: Link: https://youtu.be/u53SbiHMkuo

4)           What to do when there is a change/loss of income: Link: https://youtu.be/6ZjJ7-sVDvw

5)           Verification: What to do if my FAFSA is chosen:  Link: https://youtu.be/1gNpa-Rs4HM

6)           Student Aid Report – How to Use it:  Link: https://youtu.be/Op5nKUVYTPI

As it relates to AP exams, I encourage you to review everything below. AP students should be checking their e-mail for information from College Board as well as be looking for contact from their AP teachers. 

Please encourage your students to take advantage of the different resources designed by the College Board to promote student success on these exams. Instruction and support will continue to be provided by our dedicated AP teachers who are also receiving additional instructional resources from the College Board. We strongly encourages students enrolled in an AP course to take their AP Exam(s). 

Exam Window

Dates: May 11- 22, 2020    Make-ups: June 1-5. 2020*

The student exam date is based on the course. Visit here for specific exam dates. 

*The make-up exam window should be used for emergency situations only.

Exam Features

• The exam will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. 
• This year’s AP exams will be open book/open note.  Get tips for taking open book/open note exams at Tips for AP Open Note Exams
• Most exams will have one or two free-response questions, and each question is timed separately. For example, some tests will have portfolio submissions, some will have one question to answer, some will have two questions to answer. Carefully review your course expectations.
• Students will need to write and submit their responses within the allotted time for each question.
• For most subjects, the exams will be 45 minutes long and include an additional 5 minutes for uploading. Students will need to access the online testing system 30 minutes before the exam start time to logon.
• Teachers will receive copies of student responses to questions to affirm the validity of the answer and to confirm that it is indeed the student’s actual work.
• Students will be able to take exams on any device—computer, tablet, or smartphone. They may type and upload their responses or write responses by hand and submit a photo via their cell phone.  Students who do not have access to one of the devices mentioned above or do not have access to internet connectivity should notify their AP Coordinator or  reach out to us directly to College Board and let them know. 

Test Format and Additional Information

This link provides students with specific details about the format of their course exams. 

Courses with Portfolio Submissions or Alternate Submission

The following courses will use portfolio submissions and will not have a separate online exam. All deadlines for these submissions have been extended to May 26, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET:

• 2-D Art and Design
• Computer Science Principles (note: this portfolio submission is best done on a laptop)
• Research
• Seminar
• Students taking AP world language and culture exams will complete two spoken tasks consistent with free-response questions three and four on the current AP Exam. Written responses will not be required. We will provide more details in the coming weeks to help students prepare.

Exam Timing and Tasks

• Each subject’s exam will be taken on the same day at the same time, worldwide.
• Students may take the exam at home or in school if schools reopen. If schools reopen, then they will communicate the logistics to the students.
• These are the ONLY DATES AND TIMES that a student can take these exams. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Taking the Exam

• In late April, the College Board will provide AP students and educators with information on how to access the testing system on test day, along with video demonstrations so that students can familiarize themselves with the system.
• Students will receive an access link to sign into the system to take their test via the email address they provided when they signed up for their online AP account.
• Students WILL have the opportunity to practice on the system prior to testing day. Information regarding that will be sent soon.

Exam Preparation (AP Live & Review)  Full AP Exam Schedule

• Continue working toward college credit and placement with free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country.
• These mobile-friendly classes:
  • Are optional and designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools.
  • Are available on-demand after the original presentation so teachers and students can access them any time.
  • Are not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction. We know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible.
  • Enable AP students to complete the few remaining topics of each AP class and then, throughout April, focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course.
• To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP Live YouTube channel. College Board will be adding more courses soon.

Here are some other ways to get ready for your exam:

• Complete any assignments from your AP teachers in the AP Classroom. These may include Topic Questions, Personal Progress Checks, and free-response practice exam questions. Once you complete each assignment, you will see reports with feedback that can help you target additional practice.
• For more details about your exams, visit Taking AP Exams, and see our FAQ page for more questions.

As we continue to navigate these waters, I will continue to share information as I receive it. Thank you very much for all that you do. I miss you all and can't wait until we see each other again!  We are... Southwest!

SWGHS Principal's updates for the week of April 20th

Hello Southwest,

I hope this message finds everyone staying healthy and on top of all activities that your teachers are assigning. Everything you are provided will have an impact next year, whether it be High School or College, regardless of grades. So, please make that effort to stay the course. 

A gentle reminder for seniors to report scholarships to the counselors. 

Seniors, all work must be turned in and completed by May 29th in order for us to properly prepare for graduation. As it relates to graduation, we are holding off on cap and gown distribution until GCS fives us the green light. Also, please know that GCS is still looking at all possibilities as it relates to Graduation, Hang tight for more information as we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters.

As it relates to grading guidance for grades 9-11 as well as seniors, I have attached a link within this blog that will send you directly to those letters. all grades, including seniors who have passed as of March 13th should be engaged as this work will have an impact on their future studies. 

Parent Letter for Seniors
Parent Letter for students in Grades 9-11

Congratulations to the 9 students who have currently signed to play athletics at a college or university next year. The virtual signing occurred this past week. They are:Rodney Scott - Football, Miles Taylor - Basketball, Tate Abbott - Swimming, Noah Bankston- XC/Track, Nick Otremba - Lacrosse, Kandyce Condrey - Softball, Haley Hmiel - Softball, Hannah Chu - Soccer - Logan Parry - Soccer, and Matthew Jones - Football. Congratulations! 

As it relates to AP exams, there is plenty of information within this blog that I encourage you to review. AP students should be checking their e-mail for information from College Board as well as be looking for contact from their AP teachers. 

Please encourage your students to take advantage of the different resources designed by the College Board to promote student success on these exams. Instruction and support will continue to be provided by our dedicated AP teachers who are also receiving additional instructional resources from the College Board. We strongly encourages students enrolled in an AP course to take their AP Exam(s). 

Exam Window

Dates: May 11- 22, 2020    Make-ups: June 1-5. 2020*

The student exam date is based on the course. Visit here for specific exam dates. 

*The make-up exam window should be used for emergency situations only.

Exam Features

• The exam will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. 
• This year’s AP exams will be open book/open note.  Get tips for taking open book/open note exams at Tips for AP Open Note Exams
• Most exams will have one or two free-response questions, and each question is timed separately. For example, some tests will have portfolio submissions, some will have one question to answer, some will have two questions to answer. Carefully review your course expectations.
• Students will need to write and submit their responses within the allotted time for each question.
• For most subjects, the exams will be 45 minutes long and include an additional 5 minutes for uploading. Students will need to access the online testing system 30 minutes before the exam start time to logon.
• Teachers will receive copies of student responses to questions to affirm the validity of the answer and to confirm that it is indeed the student’s actual work.
• Students will be able to take exams on any device—computer, tablet, or smartphone. They may type and upload their responses or write responses by hand and submit a photo via their cell phone.  Students who do not have access to one of the devices mentioned above or do not have access to internet connectivity should notify their AP Coordinator or  reach out to us directly to College Board and let them know. 

Test Format and Additional Information

This link provides students with specific details about the format of their course exams. 

Courses with Portfolio Submissions or Alternate Submission

The following courses will use portfolio submissions and will not have a separate online exam. All deadlines for these submissions have been extended to May 26, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET:

• 2-D Art and Design
• Computer Science Principles (note: this portfolio submission is best done on a laptop)
• Research
• Seminar
• Students taking AP world language and culture exams will complete two spoken tasks consistent with free-response questions three and four on the current AP Exam. Written responses will not be required. We will provide more details in the coming weeks to help students prepare.

Exam Timing and Tasks

• Each subject’s exam will be taken on the same day at the same time, worldwide.
• Students may take the exam at home or in school if schools reopen. If schools reopen, then they will communicate the logistics to the students.
• These are the ONLY DATES AND TIMES that a student can take these exams. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Taking the Exam

• In late April, the College Board will provide AP students and educators with information on how to access the testing system on test day, along with video demonstrations so that students can familiarize themselves with the system.
• Students will receive an access link to sign into the system to take their test via the email address they provided when they signed up for their online AP account.
• Students WILL have the opportunity to practice on the system prior to testing day. Information regarding that will be sent soon.

Exam Preparation (AP Live & Review)  Full AP Exam Schedule

• Continue working toward college credit and placement with free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country.
• These mobile-friendly classes:
  • Are optional and designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools.
  • Are available on-demand after the original presentation so teachers and students can access them any time.
  • Are not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction. We know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible.
  • Enable AP students to complete the few remaining topics of each AP class and then, throughout April, focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course.
• To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP Live YouTube channel. College Board will be adding more courses soon.

Here are some other ways to get ready for your exam:

• Complete any assignments from your AP teachers in the AP Classroom. These may include Topic Questions, Personal Progress Checks, and free-response practice exam questions. Once you complete each assignment, you will see reports with feedback that can help you target additional practice.
• For more details about your exams, visit Taking AP Exams, and see our FAQ page for more questions.

As we continue to navigate these waters, I will continue to share information as I receive it. I caution everyone to be careful listening to what others say. GCS has every bit of information on their website, and we do our part of sharing it as well.  Thank you very much for all that you do. I miss you all and cant wait until we see each other again!  Have a great night and remember, we are, Southwest!

SWGHS Principal's updates for the week of April 13

Hello Southwest,

I'd like to welcome everyone back from what I am hoping was a relaxing week from distance learning. I hope each and everyone of you are healthy and ready to get back in the groove of working on your academics. 

We only have 7 weeks until the end of school. This is an opportunity for those of you who are failing classes to start applying yourself so you can pass these classes and earn credits.  This is also an opportunity for those of you who are currently passing your classes to stay on track. I do hope that all of you understand that staying on top of your academics is an investment towards the next semester, whether it be in High School or college. All students grades 9-12 should be engaged with their teacher. We are reviewing daily reports of those who are and are not engaged in canvas. At this time, we see only 10% of our student body disengaged. Thank you to the 90% who are continuing their studies as expected. If there is an issue such as needing a device, you should e-mail Dr. Monell immediately. Now, while we are still waiting on additional clarifications on the state’s Pass/Fail for seniors, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for all seniors to be continuing their work as their studies will impact their future. Seniors who were failing as of March 16 need to work with their teachers to continue working and get that grade up or else they are in jeopardy of graduating on June 5.  For underclassmen, there has yet to be a decision on whether a numerical grade will be assigned, so please know it is vital for all students to be involved in their studies as their grades, if numerical, may end up being applied to their GPA, and cumulative credits towards graduation.

The state has yet to waive the NCFEs so this is yet another reason for all students regardless of their grade stay top of their studies. I am sure we will find out more on this in the near future. AP exams are now finalized and are being communicated to you via your counselor and teacher. The format in how they are delivered will be different but will occur. A gentle reminder that there are instructions within this blog for parents who wish to monitor their student's canvas activity. 

Canvas Parent Guide https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4653994/download?download_frd=1 Canvas Parent Pairing Instructions https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4633305/download?download_frd=1

As it relates to Career College Promise classes, if dually enrolled students are unable to complete a currently enrolled college course, they can follow the guidance within this blog.

If a high school SENIOR is unable to complete a college course for any reason (Access to a Wi-Fi connected device or broadband in order to complete courses offered online may not be available; ● Community college course content may not be able to be completed in an online format; ● Community colleges may not have the capacity to offer remote learning; IL/ME:SSC/KG.3.27.20 ● High schools may be closed resulting in no access to community college course; or ● Students/family may have health or other personal reasons to not be able to complete the course due to the pandemic.)

1. NCDPI and NCCCS recommends that the Community College withdraw the student from the community college course issues occurred for below: 
2. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass based on progress as of March 13. If the community college course is not needed to satisfy a graduation requirement, give the student a grade of Withdraw.

If a high school student is a JUNIOR and is unable to complete a community college course, NCDPI and NCCCS recommend:

1. Community College: Withdraw the student from the community college course; or Assign an Incomplete for the community college course with the understanding that the student may be able to complete the course during the summer term or the next academic year at no additional future cost. 
2. NCDPI and NCCCS recommend a clear statement on the transcript that this Incomplete is due to COVID-19.
3. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass using based on progress as of March 13.
4. Withdraw from courses have been extended until April 24th (per Ms. Whitlow, Liaison CCP/Dual enrollment, lswhitlow@gtcc.edu)

EOGs, EOCs, and related Alternate Assessments will not be administered this Spring 2020 per the approved State Testing Waiver submitted to the USDOE.

NCFEs at this time are still undecided upon by the state. Once more information is provided by the General Assembly, an update on NCFEs will be communicated. 

Please continue to stay healthy, exercise, sanitize not only your hands, but items you touch. Social distancing is absolutely key to slowing this pandemic down.

Please make sure you all are signed up for your teachers' and counselors'  reminds to stay in touch, as well as checking their websites for any necessary instructions to access online learning opportunities.

A gentle reminder that we have amazing staff on site who can support you during these times. Please make sure you reference this attachment in case you need anything. 

Please continue to stay healthy Southwest. Our staff continue to work extremely hard behind the scenes transforming their delivery of education to best serve your student at this time. Their efforts are aimed at making sure you continue to get the education you deserve. Please do not sit back and take this as a free pass, as this mindset will hurt you once wwe return to normal, or move towards college. Feel free to e-mail your teachers if you need assistance with your student's work, or call any of our support staff if you need additional support outside of your academics.  I  am hoping I receive more information related to grading, graduation and more over the next few weeks. I can assure you that as soon as I receive information, I will share it with you all. I miss each and every one of you and can not wait to see you real soon!  Thank you very much, have a great night, practice social distancing please, and remember we are... Southwest!

SWGHS Principal's weekly message for Spring Break

Hello Southwest,

I hope this message finds you all staying healthy, practicing social distance, getting exercise, and staying on top of what your teachers are providing. 

Spring break is upon us. For those of you who have stayed on top of your studies, I highly suggest you take a mental break from this new form of learning. I suggest you read an interesting book, get some exercise and practice those random acts of kindness. For those of you that have been disengaged from the distance learning, I suggest you take this time to catch up with your peers. 

To reiterate, ALL students should be engaged with their teachers’ instruction. We have the ability to see your student's’ activity, and at this time, we see only 10% of our student body disengaged. So, thank you to the 90% who are continuing their studies as expected.  While we are still waiting on additional clarifications on the state’s Pass/Fail for seniors, it is still important for all seniors to be continuing their work as their studies will impact their future. Seniors who were failing as of March 16 need to work with their teachers to continue working and get that grade up or else they are in jeopardy of graduating on June 5.  For underclassmen, there has yet to be a decision on whether a numerical grade will be assigned, so please know it is vital for all students to be involved in their studies as their grades, if numerical, may end up being applied to their GPA, and cumulative credits towards graduation.

The state has yet to waive the NCFEs so this is yet another reason for all students regardless of their grade stay top of their studies. I am sure we will find out more on this in the near future. AP exams are now finalized and are being communicated to you via your counselor and teacher. The format in how they are delivered will be different but will occur. A gentle reminder that there are instructions within this blog for parents who wish to monitor their student's canvas activity.

Canvas Parent Guide https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4653994/download?download_frd=1 Canvas Parent Pairing Instructions https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4633305/download?download_frd=1

CCP Guidelines:

If dually enrolled students are unable to complete a currently enrolled college course, the following guidance is provided:

If a high school SENIOR is unable to complete a college course for any reason (Access to a Wi-Fi connected device or broadband in order to complete courses offered online may not be available; ● Community college course content may not be able to be completed in an online format; ● Community colleges may not have the capacity to offer remote learning; IL/ME:SSC/KG.3.27.20 ● High schools may be closed resulting in no access to community college course; or ● Students/family may have health or other personal reasons to not be able to complete the course due to the pandemic.)

1. NCDPI and NCCCS recommends that the Community College withdraw the student from the community college course issues occurred for below: 
2. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass based on progress as of March 13. If the community college course is not needed to satisfy a graduation requirement, give the student a grade of Withdraw.

If a high school student is a JUNIOR and is unable to complete a community college course, NCDPI and NCCCS recommend:

1. Community College: Withdraw the student from the community college course; or Assign an Incomplete for the community college course with the understanding that the student may be able to complete the course during the summer term or the next academic year at no additional future cost. 
2. NCDPI and NCCCS recommend a clear statement on the transcript that this Incomplete is due to COVID-19.
3. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass using based on progress as of March 13.
4. Withdraw from courses have been extended until April 24th (per Ms. Whitlow, Liaison CCP/Dual enrollment, lswhitlow@gtcc.edu)

EOGs, EOCs, and related Alternate Assessments will not be administered this Spring 2020 per the approved State Testing Waiver submitted to the USDOE.

NCFEs at this time are still undecided upon by the state. Once more information is provided by the General Assembly, an update on NCFEs will be communicated. 

Please continue to stay healthy, exercise, sanitize not only your hands, but items you touch. Social distancing is absolutely key to slowing this pandemic down.

Please make sure you all are signed up for your teachers' and counselors'  reminds to stay in touch as well as checking their websites for any necessary instructions to access online learning opportunities.

Be on the lookout on our social media platforms as well as on our website under students services for the SEL activity for the week. Thank you to Ms. Farmer for leading the charge on this! 

A gentle reminder that we have amazing staff on site who can support you during these times. Please make sure you reference this attachment in case you need anything. 

Please continue to stay healthy Southwest. Our staff continue to work extremely hard behind the scenes transforming their delivery of education to best serve your student at this time. We also know your lives have been turned upside down as well. Feel free to e-mail your students' teachers if you need assistance with your student's work, or call any of our support staff if your student needs extra support. I miss each and every one of you and can not wait to see you real soon!  Thank you very much, have a great night, practice social distancing please, and remember we are... Southwest!