Raider Reporter Staff Edition
Once a Raider, Always a Raider
Amazing Raider Families,
“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~ James A. Michener
The last quarter of the school year is always the hardest. It is packed with state testing, AP testing, spring sports and playoffs, Prom, gradnite and graduation. It is also the time for jubilation for many seniors as they receive their acceptance letters from college. Others may feel defeat as they don't get into the college of their choice. It feels overwhelming, and we may want to give up because we are barely keeping our heads above water. However, this is also the time of the year when we show others just how strong we are mentally because it is in difficult times that the true nature of our characters takes over. As author, James Michener said, “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” People who succeed do not give up after one try. They continue to get up and try again. Raiders, I encourage you to not give up; rather, choose the positive aspects of your mental strength to propel you to the finish line. You can do this!
Assistant Principals' Appreciation Week is April 2-5, 2024
Raider families, this is Assistant Principals' Appreciation Week. Our APs work extremely hard to ensure that our school functions smoothly. Let's take time to honor them and give them the recognition they deserve. Assistant Principals, thank you for all you do.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is April 3, 2024
There are not enough words to express the gratitude we have for these amazing individuals who provide the additional support that students with disabilities require to be successful. In addition, they provide support for the teachers who instruct students with IEPs, whether they are in a self-contained class or mainstreamed in the general education classes. Without them, we cannot accomplish the education of our most at-risk students.
National School Librarian Appreciation Day is April 4, 2024
While we do not have a permanent librarian, Mr. Pedro Munoz, has willingly subbed as our librarian this year. His commitment to ensure that the library is open for use to students and teachers goes beyond the requirements of a substitute teacher. Mr. Munoz, thank you for all you have done for Southwest High School.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Every April we take time to honor individuals with autism, and to celebrate their beauty, intelligence, uniqueness, and individuality. The United Nations has designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day around the world. Let's take time to celebrate, support, champion them will full acceptance.
Final Progress Report is on April 19, 2024
Students, April 19 is the final progress report to determine if you are on track to pass all your classes. Seniors, this is important as failing a class can affect your ability to graduate at the end of the school year. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors, we will be using this report to determine if you need to attend summer school or not. Athletes, do not lose your athletic eligibility for your spring sports by getting bad grades. Let's finish strong and ensure you have good grades.
Final Coffee with the Principal Information
Parents, as requested, I will be hosting two Coffee with the Principal Meeting this quarter. I hope that many of you will be able to make at least one of these meeting times below. Both meetings will be held in the cafeteria.
- Thursday, April 18 @ 5:00pm
- Friday, April 19 @9:00am
Paid Summer Internship Opportunities
If you are over 16 years old or older, you may want to apply for this internship with the city of San Diego this summer. The application deadline is April 30, 2024. Don't wait until the last minute to apply. See flyer below for link and QR code to apply.
CAASPP Testing Begins April 15, 2024
Eleventh graders, our testing window for the CAASPP state test begins April 15. You will be taking a test in English, Math, and Science. Please review the schedule below and mark it on your calendars. Our goal is for 95% of all 11th graders to participate in the state test.
Advanced Placement Testing Begins May 6, 2024
All students taking AP classes, please review the AP testing schedule below and mark them on your calendar. We wish you the best in all subjects.
Student Checkout Protocol
Parents/Guardians, starting on Monday, March 11, 2024, SOH will comply with the district's safety policy regarding checking out your students during the school day. If you need to take your children out of school during the day, you will need to go to the main office physically and show your ID before we release your children to you. I know this will be inconvenient for you as you adjust; however, we want to ensure that we release them to the right person. Please watch the video below. Thank you for understanding.
Senior Highlights
Seniors, you are so close to the end of your high school career, and there are many events and activities that are just meant for you. Click on this LINK to access these activities. One of the most important activities is the Senior Survey. We want to know how your experience was at SOH. Also, scroll down to the Senior Highlight Section of the newsletter with more information regarding senior highlights.
Prom is Around the Corner
Please read information regarding prom below. Remember, that if you are bringing a non-SOH guest, you will need to complete a permission slip form plus AP approval from that student's school. Also, cost went up by $5, so don't delay buying your tickets before it increases to $80 per person.
ASB Bi-Weekly Information
Students, click on this LINK to access all information regarding activities in the next two weeks.
Monday & Wednesday
- English: room 210/211
- History: Library
Tuesday & Thursday
- Math: room 210/211
- Science: Library
Raider families, let's have a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Finley
Students and Parents, please join me in showing love and appreciation for our assistant principals this week. Their work contribute greatly to what we aim to accomplish here at Southwest High. Students, please let your APs know how much you appreciate them.
To our paraprofessionals, thank you for all you do to support our students with disabilities as well as supporting the teachers in the classroom. You are amazing individuals.
A big shout out to our substitute librarian, Mr. Munoz, for taking on the challenge of being our librarian. You have gone above and beyond the duties of a substitute librarian. We are grateful to have you at Southwest High School.
Scholarships are 100% FREE and can help you so much covering your college expenses.
Scholarships are available for all grade levels and it is never too early to start !
Due: April 1, 2024
Amount: Four Awards: Two (2) $1,000 awards, One (1) $650 award, One (1) $500 award. In total four (4) deserving Seniors to be used for college tuition, books or living expenses.
Criteria: Current Southwest High School Senior in good academic standing and attending a 4-year university/Community College/trade school in the fall of 2024. Minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply.
Application: SOH Class of 1992 Scholarship.docx
Due: April 3, 2024 at 2:00PM to Ms. Gonzalez in the Counseling Center
Amount: Four Awards: Two (2) $1,000 awards, One (1) $650 award, One (1) $500 award. In total four (4) deserving Seniors to be used for college tuition, books or living expenses.
Criteria: Current Southwest High School Senior in good academic standing and attending a 4-year university/Community College/trade school in the fall of 2024. Minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply.
Application: SOH Class of 1992 Scholarship.docx
Due: April 5, 2024
Amount:$1,000
Criteria: Open to seniors from Sweetwater Union High school. One Southwest High School student will be awarded this scholarship. Must be Bilingual/Multilingual (speak, read and write in a language other than English - Seal of Biliteracy preferred, but not required), overall G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher, expressed financial need and accepted by and committed to attending two-year or four-year college in the fall of 2024. If awarded the Scholarship, recipients must attend the Scholarship Fund Reception on May 4th
Application: www.cabe65.org/high-school-scholarship
Due: April 5,2024
Amount:$5,000-10 awards available
Criteria: Open to current San Diego county seniors in good academic standing who are on track to graduate by the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year and demonstrate a financial need are eligible to apply for the CAASFEP scholarship. Please fill out the application packet and include all required materials
Application: apply through live link
Due: April 10,2024
Amount:$1,000
Criteria: Open to current Southwest High School Senior in good academic standing and attending a 4-year university in the Fall 2023. Minimum GPA of 2.0 to apply. Preference will be given to a UCLA admitted student but it is not a requirement.
Application: apply through live link
Due: April 12, 2024 to Ms. Gonzalez in the Counseling Center by 2:00PM
Amount:$1,500 ( 1 student from SoH will be selected)
Criteria: Ech year the Sweetwater Woman's Club awards a scholarship to one graduating senior from each of the 12 high schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District.. The SWC seeks to award scholarships to deserving students as they move on to a college, university or trade school. Please see the link below for scholarship instructions and make sure to fill out the scholarship application.
Application: apply through live link
Due: April 15, 2024 to Ms. Gonzalez by 2:00PM
Amount: up to $1,500
Criteria: Open to college bound graduating high school seniors in the Sweetwater Union High School District. Three letters of recommendation (two must be from educators), a biographical one-page essay, proof of community service and official transcript required
Online Application: bonitaoptimist.org/scholastic-awa
Due: April 18, 2024 to Ms. Gonzalez at 2:00PM in the Counseling Center
Amount: 2 awards for $691.67
Criteria: Open to Southwest High School seniors meeting the following requirements 1. Must be Navy, Coast Guard or Marine dependent and attach a valid copy of Dependent I.D. card 2. Attend either Mar Vista, Montgomery, or Southwest High School3. Attach a copy of high school transcript.4. Write a brief autobiographical essay.
5. The name of the college or university you will attend and the degree you wish to
pursue. (The check will be made out to the college or university. If this information
is unavailable now, please inform our Treasurer at the above address as soon as you
know.)
Application: apply through live link
Due: April 19, 2024 (must be delivered by 2:00PM, no exceptions )
Amount: $500 (1 winner from Southwest High School will be selected!)
Criteria: High school senior w/min. 2.5 GPA. Must write a 500 word essay on the following prompt: “Reflecting over the past four years, how have you used your talents and abilities to positively impact others? How have your experiences in high school impacted the way you view your future life goals? As you graduate high school, how do you plan on continuing to make a positive impact in your community?”
Application: apply though live link
Due: May 1, 2024 at 2:00PM to Ms. Gonzalez in the Counseling Center
Amount: 2 awards for $691.67
Criteria: Open to Southwest High School seniors planning to attend college for the 2024-2025 school year. Preference will be given to students who have been involved in school, done community service and have leadership qualities.
Application: apply though live link
Due: May 1, 2024
Amount: up to $1,000 in awards
Criteria: Current Southwest High School Senior(s) in good academic standing and attending a Community College or 4-year university in the fall of 2024. Minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply. Preference will be given to a student(s) who has been a cancer survivor or has had anyone in their family battle cancer.
Application: forms.gle/8CvosXvGjjKoibwe9
Scholarship Counselor
Brenda.Gonzalez@sweetwaterschools.org
24-25 Registration Information
Families, every year students must be registered to attend school. Here are some important information regarding registration
- Transfer Request are open January 29th – March 1st: Parent MUST have their student enrolled at Home School and create an OLR Parent Portal Account. Request must be completed online through the Parent Portal. Any questions regarding their requests need to be emailed to Student.services@sweetwaterschools.org,
- Returning students from SOH: Everyone is required to complete online registration. Proof of residency is ONLY required if they have moved. If a parent has forgotten their username or password, you can reset it in the “Guardian Account Password Reset” tab.
- Incoming 9th grader from SOM, MVA etc. you will need to make sure you are in the 2024-2025 school calendar to access the username or reset the password.
- New students out of the district (Nestor, Hawking charter, out of state, country etc.) All need to fill out the registration packet and provide proof of residency dated within 60 days and be cleared by the nurse prior to enrollment.
- Any incoming 12th grader must meet with an AP to have their credits reviewed prior to enrollment.
For support, please attend one of the registration dates below:
- 02/06/2024 8 am- 11:30 am & 2:30pm – 3:30 pm
- 02/7/2024 8am to 11:30 am (Registrar office will close at noon for the day for a district meeting.
- 02/08/2024 8 am- 11:30 am & 2:30pm – 3:30 pm
- 02/09/2024 8 am- 11:30 am & 2:30pm – 3:30 pm
