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

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 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!