SWHS Principal's Updates and reminders for the week of August 13

Good evening, this is Mike Hettenbach, Principal of Southwest Guilford High School with some updates and reminders...

Let the countdown begin, only 2 weeks before school begins! I hope that each and every one of you are still enjoying your summer. As a reminder, for those of you new to my communications, you will receive a weekly phone message on Sunday evenings around 6:30PM. This message will be posted on the school's website, posted to Facebook and Twitter and I am still working to get future postings on Instagram as well. This will be a great way to review my messages and keep you connected to what's happening on the ranch. 

All schedules being delivered to the home has now been moved up to August 15th, however, if you would like to pick up your schedule early, seniors and juniors can stop by Monday between noon and 4, while freshmen and sophomores can stop by the school on Tuesday between noon and 4. While all remaining schedules will be delivered to the post office on the 15th, please allow the postal service a few days to get them to your mailbox. Additionally, counselors will not be taking any schedule change requests until the first 5 days of school. More directions will follow. At that time, if you need more guidance with your schedule, feel free to contact the assigned counselor. Counseling responsibilities are now alphabetically assigned in grades 10-12.

9th grade will all have Ms. Compton

A-D  - Ms. Graves

E-L - Mr.  Hawkins

M-R - Mrs. Richards

S-Z - Mrs. Hudgens 

Open House is Monday August 20th from 5:30-7:00. This schedule was set by GCS in order to reduce any conflicts between all schools, specifically, elementary and middle. This will be an opportunity for students and parents to locate classrooms and have conversation with the teachers. This will also be an opportunity to sign up for the PTSA, order the jean day incentive bracelet, pay for the student parking lot pass, and more. It is important to become well versed with the student dress code before you go shopping for clothes. You can find that dress code on the SWHS website. Last, GCS recently increased the student parking lot passes to $30 for the year so we feel it is important you are aware of this information prior to the start of the school year. Part of this fee will return to the school for safety and security purchases. You will have the opportunity to pay for your child's parking pass at open house.

Freshman Orientation is on Thursday, August 23rd with only students reporting from 8:30AM -12:30 and parents reporting that evening from 6:30PM to 8:00. This orientation has proven to be extremely successful in providing a very successful transition for both the students and parents who attend this event. 

The first day for all students is Monday, August 27th. All students should have already started their summer reading. Students will be tested in the first couple weeks of school. If a student has English in their 2nd semester, they can still get their test out of the way during the beginning of the first semester. Summer reading lists for all grade levels can be found under the students tab on the SWHS website. https://www.gcsnc.com/southwest_guilford_high

In regards to Safety and security, one of our two main entrances have now been installed with magnetic door locks with surveillance. We are anticipating the other install before the school year starts. We are also expecting a pilot program for a student identification card system as well as a visitor monitoring system. We will keep everyone updated as we receive these programs in place. Thank you for working with these changes and understanding that these measures are being put in place to increase the level of safety and security at SWHS.

As it relates to athletic schedules, please visit the SWHS Athletics page at www.cowboysports.org and contact Coach Christman with any athletics concerns. 

Monday, August 13 
4:30 PM Womens Varsity Tennis Ragsdale High School Home 
Noon - 4:00PM      Seniors and Juniors Schedule pick up

Tuesday, August 14 
4:30 PM Womens Varsity Tennis Southeast Guilford High School Away 
5:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Volleyball East Forsyth High School Away 
5:30 PM Mens Junior Varsity Soccer Ragsdale High School Away 
6:30 PM Womens Varsity Volleyball East Forsyth High School Away 
7:00 PM Mens Varsity Soccer Ragsdale High School Away 
Noon - 4:00PM      Sophomores and Freshmen Schedule pick up

Wednesday, August 15 
4:30 PM Womens Varsity Tennis Trinity High School Home 

Thursday, August 16 
4:30 PM Womens Varsity Tennis High Point Central High School Away 
5:00 PM Womens Junior Varsity Volleyball Glenn Away 
5:30 PM Mens Junior Varsity Soccer Southern Alamance HS Home 
6:30 PM Womens Varsity Volleyball Glenn Away 
7:00 PM Mens Varsity Soccer Southern Alamance HS Home 

Friday, August 17 
7:30 PM Mens Varsity Football R J Reynolds High School Endowment Game Away
No workday for 10 and 12 month GCS employees

Coming up...

Monday, August 20
5:30 - 7:00 PM Open House

Thursday, August 23
8:30AM - 12:30PM   Freshmen Orientation (Students)
6:30PM - 8:00PM     Parent Orientation for Freshmen

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

We are... Southwest!