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:

• Online:  my2020census.gov

                      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 5^th.
• 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!