Friday, May 29, 2020

SWGHS Principal's weekly updates for June 1

Hey there Southwest,

We are now entering our last week! Thank you all for your support during these past 11 weeks!
A gentle reminder that we are conducting two more drive throughs for pick up and drop off of items, including the pick up of yearbooks purchased. Everyone must stay in their cars at all times and wear masks. The dates and times are as followed: 
Tuesday, June 2 - 6PM to 8PM
Monday, June 8 - 6PM to 8PM

There is a QR code within the document that connects with a form allowing students to communicate where personal items are so that we may these items to them on these days. These multiple opportunities will also allow us to get as many report cards, diplomas etc out to all students who are current with their school responsibilities. 

Why should students come to one of these dates?

Underclassmen
-Drop off all textbook and supplies that belong to SW so that you can get my report card and not have to pay for missing materials.
-Drop off Onecard and borrowed lanyard that you may have received from SW.
-Get Yearbook that you purchased.
-Drop off Athletic Uniform so that you do not get charged for it. 

Seniors
-Drop off all textbook and supplies that belong to SW so that you can get your diploma and not have to pay for missing materials.
-Pay fees that you owe to the Media Center for missing books or the Cafeteria.
-Drop off Onecard and borrowed lanyard that you got from SW.
-Get Yearbook that you purchased.
-Drop off Athletic Uniform so that you do not get charged for it.
-Pick up Gold Tassel if you have a 4.0 or higher weighted GPA (Trade White Tassel for Gold Tassel is Free. Keep both White and Gold Tassel is $10 CASH ONLY!)
-Pick Up cords (NHS, BETA, Service Learning, NTHS, HOSA, Donor Cords, etc.) if you qualify for one to be able to wear it during your Graduation. 

These opportunities will be available every day with the exception of Band and dance which will only be available on the June 8th date and time. All other times will be ready for pick up or drop off on the dates listed within this blog


This week we get to celebrate our Class of 2020 graduates! The school system is also planning on holding traditional ceremonies later in the summer between the dates of July 22 - July 28 if the Governor's orders allow it. More specifics will be forthcoming as we approach those dates. As we near next week's graduation drive through dates, please know there will be law enforcement on site to be sure we are staying in compliance with the Governor's orders.  Please refrain from participating in anything anyone is planning that would violate this order. Please think ahead about anything you may plan and if it could disrespect other students and their time to shine within the times listed for those dates.  We must recognize the importance of keeping everyone's health and safety in mind.  As it relates to our drive through process for graduates on June 4th and June 5th, the schedule and expectations are found within this blog.  Link for Expectations (Finalized as of June 2) If there are any updates, we will continue to inform you and highlight any updates within each revised document. The most recent updates at this time is the May 28th document.



Despite the pandemic, the yearbook is finished and as mentioned earlier, will be distributed on the last two days designated for picking up and dropping off items. We still have some books left to purchase, 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!). 

Please take a moment to review the proposed calendar for next school so you can plan appropriately. Please refrain from scheduling any trips during the last week of school as well as the last week of the 2nd quarter due to testing. Calendar link
A gentle reminder for seniors to report scholarships to the counselors. 

Report cards for seniors will be distributed on the dates of the drive through graduation. Underclassmen will have their reports mailed no earlier than June 15th.
We are excited to announce Summer AP Boot Camp opportunities for high school students! Please check out the information within the blog if you believe you may have any interest for your student.

Who: First time AP students who want to get a head start on learning the skills required for successful AP participation.
What: AP Boot Camps in five categories – AP Math, AP English, AP Science, AP History, AP Social Science
When: Weekly Boot Camps from July 6-10 through August 3-7; two hours of online instruction per day
How: AP Boot Camps will be delivered through Canvas by successful AP teachers across the district. Students may register for up to two Camps using this link: Summer AP Boot Camp Student Registration

Here are more details:
  • Our target group is first time AP students and particularly students from underrepresented populations.
    • Students who are not new to AP may also register but space is limited and first time AP students will be given priority.
  • Boot Camps will focus on building skills such as analyzing dense text, note-taking, efficient study skills, annotation, developing strong arguments, and evaluating sources. The Camps will not teach specific content but will use appropriate content to teach skills.
    • AP Math – Calculus and Statistics
    • AP English – Language and Literature
    • AP Science – Biology and Environmental
    • AP History – European, US and World
    • AP Social Science – Psychology, Human Geography and Government
             
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
AP Math
10:00-12:00
AP History
10:00-12:00
AP Science
10:00-12:00
AP English
10:00-12:00
AP Social Science
10:00-12:00
AP History
12:00-2:00
AP English
2:00-4:00
AP Social Science
2:00-4:00
AP Math
2:00-4:00
AP History
2:00-4:00
AP Science
2:00-4:00






Have you completed the 2020 Census yet? If not today is a great day to do so!  The process should take less than 10 minutes, would you like me to help you complete it online, or can I provide you with the phone number to do so?
If families answer yes, they would like help in completing the Census, here are the two ways to do so:
                      Or 
  • By calling: 844-330-2020, 7am – 1am (EST -Eastern Standard Time)
 Families do not need to have their Census ID with them to complete the Census. If they do not have their Census ID with them, click here to start. Then click: “Start Questionnaire”. Follow the basic prompts provided on the screen.



GCS launched the student and parent surveys which are intended to learn about families’ remote learning experiences, communications with schools and to help inform re-entry in the fall.

  • Surveys should be completed by June 5th.
  • Only middle and high school students are asked to participate in the survey.
  • Middle and high school students will receive notification of the survey when they log onto Canvas.
  • Parent surveys should be completed by every GCS parent.
  • Links to the surveys are also included on the GCS website.
  • A Connect Ed message has already been sent out by the district.
The more information we get from these surveys the better we can improve our communications, remote learning strategies, and plan for the new year.

·         Parent Survey – English: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_73xTYSkR11nsOwJ

·         Parent Survey – Spanish: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Gd5rH9TXacrPSt

·         Middle and High School Student Survey: https://survey.k12insight.com/survey.aspx?k=SsSRPWsQTQYsPsPsP&lang=0&data=


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!



Friday, May 22, 2020

SWGHS Principal's weekly updates for May 25

Hey there Southwest,

I hope you have had a great long weekend!

A gentle reminder that we are conducting a drive through for pick up and drop off of items, including the pick up of yearbooks purchased. Everyone must stay in their cars at all times and wear masks. The dates and times are as followed: 

Tuesday, May 26 - Noon to 2PM
Wednesday, May 27 - 6PM to 8PM
Monday, June 8 - 6PM to 8PM

There is a QR code within the document that connects with a form allowing students to communicate where personal items are so that we may these items to them on these days. These multiple opportunities will also allow us to get as many report cards, diplomas etc out to all students who are current with their school responsibilities. 

Why should students come to one of these dates?

Underclassmen
-Drop off all textbook and supplies that belong to SW so that you can get my report card and not have to pay for missing materials.
-Drop off Onecard and borrowed lanyard that you may have received from SW.
-Get Yearbook that you purchased.
-Drop off Athletic Uniform so that you do not get charged for it. 

Seniors
-Drop off all textbook and supplies that belong to SW so that you can get your diploma and not have to pay for missing materials.
-Pay fees that you owe to the Media Center for missing books or the Cafeteria.
-Drop off Onecard and borrowed lanyard that you got from SW.
-Get Yearbook that you purchased.
-Drop off Athletic Uniform so that you do not get charged for it.
-Pick up Gold Tassel if you have a 4.0 or higher weighted GPA (Trade White Tassel for Gold Tassel is Free. Keep both White and Gold Tassel is $10 CASH ONLY!)
-Pick Up cords (NHS, BETA, Service Learning, NTHS, HOSA, Donor Cords, etc.) if you qualify for one to be able to wear it during your Graduation. 

These opportunities will be available every day with the exception of Band and dance which will only be available on the June 8th date and time. All other times will be ready for pick up or drop off on the dates listed within this blog



Thank you to all senior parents who understand the why behind Guilford County's decisions on the drive through graduation.  I am pleased to know that we will be able to recognize ALL students right away in the most equitable manner as close to a traditional ceremony as possible while staying within the Governor's orders. Please understand we have students who are moving, leaving early for college, going overseas, families moving, and more. The school system is also planning on holding traditional ceremonies later in the summer if the Governor lowers the restrictions to the level in which we can hold these ceremonies. Please refrain from passing information based on rumors, false information, and ceremonies that would not fall within the governor's orders. As you read what other social media sites and the mainstream media puts out to the public, please research thoroughly. Please call me before you put anything out there that is going to misrepresent the truth, yourself, and this school community. It is very important that we must keep everyone's health and safety in mind.  As it relates to our drive through process for graduates on June 4th and June 5th, the schedule and expectations are found within this blog.  Link for Expectations
Families with students enrolled in GCS who qualify for free and reduced meals may be eligible for additional benefits through the Electronic Bank Transfer, or EBT program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to qualify for free and reduced meals please make sure you have applied for meal benefits through lunchapplication.com. Completing an application now will also ensure your meal benefits are established for the start of the next school year. You can apply or reapply for meal benefits at any time during a school year, particularly when your financial circumstances change. If you have any questions, please contact School Nutrition Services at (336) 370-3266.

Despite the pandemic, the yearbook is finished and as mentioned earlier, will be distributed on the days designated for picking up and dropping off items. We still have some books left to purchase, 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!). 


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


We are excited to announce Summer AP Boot Camp opportunities for high school students! Please check out the information within the blog if you believe you may have any interest for your student.

Who: First time AP students who want to get a head start on learning the skills required for successful AP participation.
What: AP Boot Camps in five categories – AP Math, AP English, AP Science, AP History, AP Social Science
When: Weekly Boot Camps from July 6-10 through August 3-7; two hours of online instruction per day
How: AP Boot Camps will be delivered through Canvas by successful AP teachers across the district. Students may register for up to two Camps using this link: Summer AP Boot Camp Student Registration

Here are more details:
  • Our target group is first time AP students and particularly students from underrepresented populations.
    • Students who are not new to AP may also register but space is limited and first time AP students will be given priority.
  • Boot Camps will focus on building skills such as analyzing dense text, note-taking, efficient study skills, annotation, developing strong arguments, and evaluating sources. The Camps will not teach specific content but will use appropriate content to teach skills.
    • AP Math – Calculus and Statistics
    • AP English – Language and Literature
    • AP Science – Biology and Environmental
    • AP History – European, US and World
    • AP Social Science – Psychology, Human Geography and Government
             
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
AP Math
10:00-12:00
AP History
10:00-12:00
AP Science
10:00-12:00
AP English
10:00-12:00
AP Social Science
10:00-12:00
AP History
12:00-2:00
AP English
2:00-4:00
AP Social Science
2:00-4:00
AP Math
2:00-4:00
AP History
2:00-4:00
AP Science
2:00-4:00






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


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 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!



Friday, May 15, 2020

SWGHS Principal's weekly updates for May 18

Hey there Southwest,

I hope you have had a great week and I truly appreciate everyone who reached out to teachers to express their appreciation!I 


We will be conducting a drive through for pick up and drop off of items, including the pick up of yearbooks purchased. Everyone must stay in their cars at all times and wear masks. The dates and times are as followed. There is a QR code within the document that connects with a form allowing students to communicate where personal items are so that we may get them to them on these days. These multiple opportunities will allow us to get as many report cards, diplomas etc out to all students who are current with their school responsibilities. 

Tuesday, May 26 - Noon to 2PM
Wednesday, May 27 - 6PM to 8PM
Monday, June 8 - 6PM to 8PM

See you then!
A big shout out to the community, alumni, SWGHS staff, friends and relatives of SWGHS... the Adopt-A Cowboys program has now secured every single senior. This makes me a very proud Principal to know that we did not leave out one student. You exemplify what being a Cowboy and Cowgirl is all about! The committee played an amazing job expediting all 400+ requests and facilitating a confidential process for all when necessary. Thank you to Pam Whitestone, Mina O'Neal, Linda Ognosky, Lisa Whitestone, Jen Black, Deidra Rainey-Farmer, Allison Spillman, Debra Harrison and Gina Chapman, Cyndi Raznik for starting the site!  Great job!!!
I am also very proud of the students and parents who are taking advantage of the GCS grading system. Please stay the course as we only have but a few more weeks until the last day for underclassmen being June 5th

Also, just a quick reminder that the policies from the classroom still apply to the distance learning classroom. For example, violating the plagiarism copying policy can result in a (0/incomplete). Please make sure that you do your own work, you do not copy, and or/share assignments. There are no final exams this year so please work on completing all assignments to assist you with your final grade and GPA.

Thank you to all senior parents who understand the why behind Guilford County's decisions on the drive through graduation. I am pleased to know that we will be able to recognize ALL students right away. Please understand we have students who are moving, leaving early for college, going overseas, families moving, and more. The school system is also planning on holding traditional ceremonies later in the summer if the Governor lowers the restrictions to the level in which we can hold these ceremonies. Please refrain from passing information based on rumors, false information, and ceremonies that would not fall within the governor's orders. Please call me before you put anything out there that is going to misrepresent the truth, yourself, and this school community. 
Families with students enrolled in GCS who qualify for free and reduced meals may be eligible for additional benefits through the Electronic Bank Transfer, or EBT program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to qualify for free and reduced meals please make sure you have applied for meal benefits through lunchapplication.com. Completing an application now will also ensure your meal benefits are established for the start of the next school year. You can apply or reapply for meal benefits at any time during a school year, particularly when your financial circumstances change. If you have any questions, please contact School Nutrition Services at (336) 370-3266.

Despite the pandemic, the yearbook is finished and we will soon be distributing them on the days designated for picking up and dropping off items. You need to know that I took a sneak peek, and I hope Mrs. Bratton does not get mad at me, but I have to say, they are amazing! We still have some books left to purchase, 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!). Please read through thsi blog for the times in which you can pick up your book.

Another reminder to visit the the school spirit store on the www.cowboysports.org website as additional items have been added. A big thank you to Bob Danser and Action Engravers for making and donating the enormous banner supporting seniors. It can be located on the first fence line when turning onto Southwest School Road. All Seniors are highly encouraged to sign this banner. On Wednesday, May 6th, we will remove the banner and place it on the school grounds for all to see. Thank you again! 

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

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


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



The College Board Advanced Placement exam schedule has been modified for a world wide synchronized administration schedule from May 11 – 22, 2020.  The exams are now 2 hours long and only one course will be tested per time slot.  There are three time slots per day;  a noon – 2PM; a 2PM – 4PM; and a 4PM – 6PM administration time.  Students outside of the EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE must adjust their testing time to coordinate with the EASTERN STANDARD TIME schedule.  Make sure not to overlook this critical detail if your student has or will be relocating to another time zone.  Also, be aware that students must check in to their exam a half hour BEFORE the exam start time, so students will need to be ready and set up before the start time. For example, students taking a 4:00 exam will need to start check-in at 3:30 pm.

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!