Friday, September 25, 2020

SWGHS Principal's weekly message for September 28

Good evening Southwest!

I hope this message finds everyone doing well!

We start this week with a teacher workday on Monday. If you have any questions regarding grades or attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to them via their e-mail address that can be found on the school's website.  

This past Thursday, the board voted for High School students to return on January 20th. More details will be communicated as we start preparing for this date. Please make sure you stay in the loop of all GCS and SW communications. A great deal of information is available on our website.  www.gcsnc.com/reopening.

As we continue through remote, I urge parents and guardians to monitor your students grades and attendance through the parent portal. Please click here if you need guidance in setting up an account. if you have any difficultly with this process, please e-mail Mrs. Kristy Cline at clinek2@gcsnc.com. As a parent myself, I have an automated e-mail that comes to me every Monday that alerts me of their progress. It's a wonderful opportunity for parents to be involved with their student's progress. As it relates to NC Virtual, GTCC and APEX classes, you will need your student to show you how they are progressing through their accounts when taking classes on those platforms. 

Any questions related to your student being marked absent should be addressed with your student's individual teacher. Additionally, you can reach out to Mrs. O'Neal in attendance through her e-mail at onealw@gcsnc.com if you need additional guidance being pointed in the right direction. 

 

This video has been used district wide to provide information regarding pairing student and parent accounts in Canvas so parents can access what is due, what has been submitted, graded, etc. You’ll see in the video that one of the key pieces is a pairing code that can only originate from the student account holder. 

We will be giving the PSAT to all Southwest 10th and 11th grade students IF they complete online registration by October 9.  The online registration link can be found in the QUICK LINKS area of the GCS and the SWHS websites. Students or families who are not comfortable returning to the building to test on October 29, will have the option to take the PSAT on January 26.   The January 26 date is also a National Merit Scholarship qualifying test date for juniors.  Covid protocols will be followed for building entry, social distancing in halls and classrooms and masks that cover both nose and mouth will be required to be worn at all times by staff and students.  Remember you must complete the online registration process by October 9th in order to test at SWHS on October 29. 

The company that works with our yearly Graduation supplies, Herff Jones, will be coming to SW to hand out packets to Seniors that will give them information about ordering their supplies online. These supplies include their cap and gown, class rings, senior gear, etc. 

 This will take place Friday, October 2nd from 10am-2:30pm in the back student parking lot. 

*If students cannot make this time or date, instructions are on the flyer for them to follow.

We will also be using this event for Graduation name verification for the students' diplomas. Lifetouch will also be here for Senior Portrait information. If you are wanting your picture in the Senior section, you must get a picture done by LifeTouch. As it relates to Yearbook advertisements, you can use any pictures you would like. Please know we have some amazing photographers in our SW community!

Seniors, don’t forget that senior superlatives and senior quotes are due no later than Friday, November 6th. Any late quotes and votes will not be accepted! Senior Superlative voting is now open! You can find the link on our Instagram and Facebook page @southwestghsyearbook. Also, seniors don’t forget to send in your senior quotes! Email your quotes to the Yearbook staff at horizons.swghs@gmail.com.  

Remember that tasteless and vulgar quotes will not be published! Senior parents, if the school has your email address you should have received an email regarding other senior information. For more information about this school year’s yearbook follow us on Facebook or Instagram @southwestghsyearbook.

Parents, thank you for your patience as it relates to your laptop request.  At this time, we have over 300 requests and are working with the district to get laptops as soon as we can. Please be aware that this is not only a challenge that our district is facing, but that all school districts across the nation are facing. If you need further assistance with work, please take advantage of our learning labs or our work delivery service that we have set up to provide students. 

We continue to update our "how to" links to assist everyone during remote learning. Feel free to access this document ...  Remote Learning helpful links.docx

If a student says they can not do their work, I have guided teachers to use a flowchart that will allow every student to get their work during this time until all devices arrive... Feel free to review this flowchart. Did you know we are delivering work to homes?  Yes we are, just ask your teacher!

If you are looking for any basic needs:  food, school supplies, housing, mental health resources or if you have any other need to assist your students, please contacts our School Social Worker, Emily Wright. She can be reached at 336-709-9537 or via e-mail at Wrighte2@gcsnc.com .  


Seniors - you need to know what to do and what to expect for their senior year. Do not procrastinate! Here is a short video from the counselors made especially for our seniors. 

Senior Newsletter Link below!

Free College Application week which will be Oct. 19th - Oct 30th just fyi. Students should have cfnc.org accounts from last year and/or 9th grade. Any assistance needed should be directed to the student's counselor.

This will take place Friday, October 2nd from 10am-2:30pm in the back student parking lot.

 Virtual colleges: Elon University Admission Visit: October 9th @12pm. Register here:   https://elon.zoom.us/j/95327285959

 UNC Charlotte Virtual Visit: https://uncc.zoom.us/j/92662862963




Please visit the updated new counseling site for remind codes, scholarship information, etc. Counselors will begin individual senior meetings and freshman focus classroom sessions soon to discuss plans after high school and graduation checklist etc.
Counselors' caseloads are as followed: Ms.Graves A-D 10th-12th, Ms.Campbell E-L 10th - 12th, Ms. Graham M-R 10th - 12th, Mrs. Hudgens S-Z 10th - 12th, Ms.Compton 9th grade counselor
Remind Codes: Text 81010 with the messages
  
      Ms. Graves
10th grade Last Name: A-D @swghs2023
  • 11th grade Last name A-D @swghs2022

    12th grade Last Name A-D @swghs2021

    Ms. Campbell

    10th grade Last name E-L @cowgirl23

    11th grade Last Name E-L @cowgirl22

    12th grade Last Name E-L @cowgirl21

    Ms. Graham

    10th grade Last Name M-R @graham2023

    11th grade Last Name M-R @graham2022

    12th grade Last Name M-R @graham2021

    Mrs. Hudgens

    10th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen23

    11th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen22

    12th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen21

    Ms. Compton 9th grade 

    Class of 2024 STUDENTS

    Rmd.at/g7g87g

    Class of 2024 PARENTS

    Rmd.at/4g3d7b

* Pre-Covid 19 picture - social distancing/masks were not required

Documents to peruse as we continue to navigate.....

Student Symptom Screening 

Hygiene and Cleaning Protocols 

Within this blog is a link regarding the required immunizations for Kindergarten, 7th and 12th graders, Please reach out to our school nurse, Jennifer Conrad conradj@gcsnc.com if you have any questions pertaining to these immunizations. 

Just a friendly reminder that Lifetouch is still accepting scheduling appointments for seniors to be photographed. The link is embedded.   Lifetouch Scheduling 


Any seniors who are interested in purchasing Senior shirts, you can visit the Spirit Store at www.cowboysports.org


Have you left your mark at SWGHS? Buy a Legacy Brick to commemorate your time as a Southwest Cowboy, and make a contribution to your sport, band or chorus to help fund critical equipment and uniform purchases and fees! AND get a great deal RIGHT NOW! The first 21 seniors/senior families to purchase a Legacy Brick this year will get 21% off the price of the brick! That's $21 off the $100 brick! Click here to order your brick, and enter 212021 in the promo code field to take advantage of this deal! 

We have some good news!  XC and Volleyball will be allowed to start back on Sept. 28th


All Return to Play forms must be filled out correctly for students to practice.  Get your forms here: https://cowboysports.org/main/filesLinks/

Volleyball Workout Dates:  Tuesday/Thursday- Sept. 29, Oct. 1, Oct 6, Oct 8 Time:  Check-in 3:45 in front of main gym Practice/Conditioning: 3:45 to 5:15 pm (all practices are outside)

Cross Country Workout Dates:  Monday/Wednesday- Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Oct. 5 Oct. 7 Time:  Check-in 3:45 in front of main gym  Practice/Conditioning:  3:45 to 5:15 pm  (all practices are outside)

*Note: Starting week 3 (Oct. 12)- Teams can practice up to 4 days per week. Dates will be posted later.

First Official Start of Season:  November 4, 4 PM

Contact your coach if you have questions:

Volleyball- Meredith Antley         mantley12@gmail.com

XC- Chris Patrick                                mtbpatrick.cp@gmail.com

Based on the GCS High School Athletics calendar (included below) volleyball and cross country will be the first sports allowed to take part in voluntary workouts beginning on Sept. 28. Following volleyball and cross country, other sports will follow suit in the coming weeks.

GCS High School Athletics Calendar

Sports/Activities

Conditioning Period

(Max 2 Days Per Week)

Skill Development

(Max 4 Days Per Week)

NCHSAA Start Date

Volleyball and Cross Country

September 28

October 12

November 4

Swimming & Diving and Marching Band

October 12

October 26

November 23

Basketball & Cheerleading

October 19

November 9

December 7

M Soccer, M Lacrosse, and W. Lacrosse

November 9

December 1

January 11

Football

November 30

January 4

February 8

M/W Golf, M Tennis, W Soccer, and Softball

January 4

February 1

March 1

Baseball, W Tennis, Track & Field, and Wrestling

January 20

March 15

April 12

From the desk of our Football Coach, Chuck Doak, 

COWBOY FOOTBALL: Building COWBOY STRONG individuals through FOOTBALL.

If you are interested in playing and have not talked with Coach Doak please click the link below and fill out the questionnaire.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H_vimqLeQ0yBlHYk_LuzDOdfFgYrfy1Kkese-QchOc1UNFFMTldHTU9MUzJZMUIyODhVV0EzODZDMy4u

Southwest, please continue to engage in your work. I am happy to see our engagement % increase, absences decrease, and grades climbing north. Thank you again for everything you all do to make this remote learning successful. If you have any concerns, never hesitate to reach out to your student's teachers, counselor, administration or any other support staff at Southwest.

UPCOMING DATES


Monday, September 28
Conditioning may start for Volleyball/Cross Country - 2x week
Teacher Workday

Friday, October 2
10:00 - 2:30pm   Senior graduation supplies ordering - Student parking lot

Monday, October 5
2nd Interim Report (1st quarter)

Friday, October 16
Grading Period ends (1st quarter)

Oct. 19th - Oct 30th
Free College Application week

Wednesday, October 28
Report Card to students

Remember, you are always able to access this message on our school website under School News and titled Principal's Weekly Message or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please follow Southwest High School at SouthwestGHS for TwitterFacebook, and Instagram! This is a great way for us to communicate and stay connected. 

We are in it it together. We got this. We are... Southwest!



Friday, September 18, 2020

SWGHS Principal's weekly message for September 21

Good evening Southwest!

I hope this message finds everyone doing well!

I want to remind everyone that grades and attendance are being posted. If you are receiving attendance calls, please immediately contact your student's teachers.  As a parent you have the opportunity to monitor your students grades and attendance through the parent portal. Please click here if you need guidance in setting up an account. if you have any difficultly with this process, please e-mail Mrs. Kristy Cline at clinek2@gcsnc.com.  As it relates to NC Virtual, GTCC and APEX classes, you will need your student to show you how they are progressing through their accounts when taking classes on those platforms. 

Please know we are still finding that students are often logging in and then stepping away from the computer.... I have told my teachers to mark students absent if this occurs. Please help us out by having a conversation with your student assisting us with our expectations.  We do not want you blindsided by any calls, reports, etc,. Any questions related to your student being marked absent should be addressed with your student's individual teacher. Their e-mail address can be found on the school's website. Additionally, you can reach out to Mrs. O'Neal in attendance through her e-mail at onealw@gcsnc.com if you need additional guidance being pointed in the right direction. 

The company that works with our yearly Graduation supplies, Herff Jones, will be coming to SW to hand out packets to Seniors that will give them information about ordering their supplies online. These supplies include their cap and gown, class rings, senior gear, etc. 

 This will take place Friday, September 25th from 10am-2:30pm in the back student parking lot. 

*If students cannot make this time or date, instructions are on the flyer for them to follow.

We will also be using this event for Graduation name verification for the students' diplomas. Lifetouch will also be here for Senior Portrait information. If you are wanting your picture in the Senior section, you must get a picture done by LifeTouch. As it relates to Yearbook advertisements, you can use any pictures you would like. Please know we have some amazing photographers in our SW community!

Seniors, don’t forget that senior superlatives and senior quotes are due no later than Friday, November 6th. Any late quotes and votes will not be accepted! Senior Superlative voting is now open! You can find the link on our Instagram and Facebook page @southwestghsyearbook. Also, seniors don’t forget to send in your senior quotes! Email your quotes to the Yearbook staff at horizons.swghs@gmail.com.  

Remember that tasteless and vulgar quotes will not be published! Senior parents, if the school has your email address you should have received an email regarding other senior information. For more information about this school year’s yearbook follow us on Facebook or Instagram @southwestghsyearbook.

From our Athletic Trainer, Liam Buckley.. Posture, when working remote, is so important! Little adjustments will make you feel better when sitting and working on your computer.

We continue to update our "how to" links to assist everyone during remote learning. Feel free to access this document ...  Remote Learning helpful links.docx

If a student says they can not do their work, I have guided teachers to use a flowchart that will allow every student to get their work during this time until all devices arrive... Feel free to review this flowchart.

If you are looking for any basic needs:  food, school supplies, housing, mental health resources or if you have any other need to assist your students, please contacts our School Social Worker, Emily Wright. She can be reached at 336-709-9537 or via e-mail at Wrighte2@gcsnc.com .  


Seniors - you need to know what to do and what to expect for their senior year. Do not procrastinate! Here is a short video from the counselors made especially for our seniors. 

Virtual colleges: Elon University Admission Visit: September 25th @12pm. Register here:  https://elon.zoom.us/j/95327285959
  • Fayetteville State University's Fall Preview Live! on September 26, 2020 from 9 am - 12:30 pm. Fall Preview Live! will be completely virtual, giving your students the chance to explore campus, hear from professors, learn how to apply, and ask questions about financial aid... all from home! The website to register for Fall Preview Live! is www.uncfsu.edu/fallpreview

Please visit the updated new counseling site for remind codes, scholarship information, etc. Counselors will begin individual senior meetings and freshman focus classroom sessions soon to discuss plans after high school and graduation checklist etc.

Counselors' caseloads are as followed: Ms.Graves A-D 10th-12th, Ms.Campbell E-L 10th - 12th, Ms. Graham M-R 10th - 12th, Mrs. Hudgens S-Z 10th - 12th, Ms.Compton 9th grade counselor
Remind Codes: Text 81010 with the messages
  
      Ms. Graves
10th grade Last Name: A-D @swghs2023
  • 11th grade Last name A-D @swghs2022

    12th grade Last Name A-D @swghs2021

    Ms. Campbell

    10th grade Last name E-L @cowgirl23

    11th grade Last Name E-L @cowgirl22

    12th grade Last Name E-L @cowgirl21

    Ms. Graham

    10th grade Last Name M-R @graham2023

    11th grade Last Name M-R @graham2022

    12th grade Last Name M-R @graham2021

    Mrs. Hudgens

    10th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen23

    11th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen22

    12th grade Last Name S-Z @hudgen21

    Ms. Compton 9th grade 

    Class of 2024 STUDENTS

    Rmd.at/g7g87g

    Class of 2024 PARENTS

    Rmd.at/4g3d7b

* Pre-Covid 19 picture - social distancing/masks were not required

Documents to peruse as we continue to navigate.....

Student Symptom Screening 

Hygiene and Cleaning Protocols 

Within this blog is a link regarding the required immunizations for Kindergarten, 7th and 12th graders, Please reach out to our school nurse, Jennifer Conrad conradj@gcsnc.com if you have any questions pertaining to these immunizations. 

Just a friendly reminder that Lifetouch is still accepting scheduling appointments for seniors to be photographed. The link is embedded.   Lifetouch Scheduling 


Any seniors who are interested in purchasing Senior shirts, you can visit the Spirit Store at www.cowboysports.org


Have you left your mark at SWGHS? Buy a Legacy Brick to commemorate your time as a Southwest Cowboy, and make a contribution to your sport, band or chorus to help fund critical equipment and uniform purchases and fees! AND get a great deal RIGHT NOW! The first 21 seniors/senior families to purchase a Legacy Brick this year will get 21% off the price of the brick! That's $21 off the $100 brick! Click here to order your brick, and enter 212021 in the promo code field to take advantage of this deal! 

We have some good news!  XC and Volleyball will be allowed to start back on Sept. 28th

All Return to Play forms must be filled out correctly for students to practice.  Get your forms here: https://cowboysports.org/main/filesLinks/

Volleyball Workout Dates:  Tuesday/Thursday- Sept. 29, Oct. 1, Oct 6, Oct 8 Time:  Check-in 3:45 in front of main gym Practice/Conditioning: 3:45 to 5:15 pm (all practices are outside)

Cross Country Workout Dates:  Monday/Wednesday- Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Oct. 5 Oct. 7 Time:  Check-in 3:45 in front of main gym  Practice/Conditioning:  3:45 to 5:15 pm  (all practices are outside)

*Note: Starting week 3 (Oct. 12)- Teams can practice up to 4 days per week. Dates will be posted later.

First Official Start of Season:  November 4, 4 PM

Contact your coach if you have questions:

Volleyball- Meredith Antley         mantley12@gmail.com

XC- Chris Patrick                                mtbpatrick.cp@gmail.com

Practices for VOLLEYBALL & XC will start the week of Sept. 28th.  Schedules will be posted on all social media outlets and at www.cowboysport.org

First two weeks- Conditioning only, 90 minutes and all practices will be outside

We will release practice dates, times, locations on Friday, September 18th.

Official GCS release is below:

Guilford County Schools to Begin Limited Athletic Workouts

On Thursday, Guilford County Schools (GCS) announced voluntary workouts for athletics can begin on Monday, Sept. 28, for select sports.

This announcement aligns with the district’s proposed plan to gradually bring students back beginning the week of Sept. 28. Propelled by encouraging local health data, GCS decided to move forward with starting athletic workouts. GCS will continue to monitor local COVID-19 data and adjust or stop activities as needed.

In addition, new guidance was issued Sept. 8 by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) to move to phase II guidelines. On Sept. 14, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) followed up with additional guidance regarding youth and amateur sports.

“We are pleased that we can begin phasing back in our athletics program,” said Leigh Hebbard, GCS director of athletics. “We know how important these activities are for our students and their well-being.”

During the conditioning period, voluntary workouts will follow GCS’ health and safety protocols and procedures for conditioning activities with an emphasis on screening, avoiding physical contact and social distancing. Face coverings must be worn except during rigorous physical exercise. Once the skill development period begins, GCS will follow NCHSAA guidance.

Based on the GCS High School Athletics calendar (included below) volleyball and cross country will be the first sports allowed to take part in voluntary workouts beginning on Sept. 28. Following volleyball and cross country, other sports will follow suit in the coming weeks.

GCS High School Athletics Calendar

Sports/Activities

Conditioning Period

(Max 2 Days Per Week)

Skill Development

(Max 4 Days Per Week)

NCHSAA Start Date

Volleyball and Cross Country

September 28

October 12

November 4

Swimming & Diving and Marching Band

October 12

October 26

November 23

Basketball & Cheerleading

October 19

November 9

December 7

M Soccer, M Lacrosse, and W. Lacrosse

November 9

December 1

January 11

Football

November 30

January 4

February 8

M/W Golf, M Tennis, W Soccer, and Softball

January 4

February 1

March 1

Baseball, W Tennis, Track & Field, and Wrestling

January 20

March 15

April 12

From the desk of our Football Coach, Chuck Doak, 

COWBOY FOOTBALL: Building COWBOY STRONG individuals through FOOTBALL.

If you are interested in playing and have not talked with Coach Doak please click the link below and fill out the questionnaire.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H_vimqLeQ0yBlHYk_LuzDOdfFgYrfy1Kkese-QchOc1UNFFMTldHTU9MUzJZMUIyODhVV0EzODZDMy4u

Southwest, please continue to engage in your work. I am happy to see our engagement % increase, absences decrease, and grades climbing north. Thank you again for everything you all do to make this remote learning successful. If you have any concerns, never hesitate to reach out to your student's teachers, counselor, administration or any other support staff at Southwest.

UPCOMING DATES

September 21-25
Be on the lookout for a electronic delivery of your student's progress report this coming week. If you do not receive it by end of business Friday, please reach out to your teacher. 

Friday, September 25
Elon University Virtual Admission Visit: 12pm
                            Register here:  https://elon.zoom.us/j/95327285959
Seniors! - Graduation packet pick up, Lifetouch senior picture information, Graduation name verification

Saturday, September 26
9 am - 12:30 pm Fayetteville State University's Fall Preview Live (Virtual) 

Monday, September 28
Conditioning may start for Volleyball/Cross Country - 2x week
Teacher Workday

Remember, you are always able to access this message on our school website under School News and titled Principal's Weekly Message or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please follow Southwest High School at SouthwestGHS for TwitterFacebook, and Instagram! This is a great way for us to communicate and stay connected. 

We are in it it together. We got this. We are... Southwest!