Raider Reporter Staff Edition

Amazing Raider Families,

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” ~John Ortberg~

It has been a week since I arrived in the Philippines to where I had to make an emergency trip because my 84-year old mom was hospitalized with pneumonia. Being in my homeland, my city of birth, is always a humbling experience as it brings me back to the simplicity of what life can be. There is a sense of gratefulness regardless of their status. In the Philippines, it is easy to see those who have the means and those who have not as they live side by side with each other evidenced by big houses built from monies made abroad and right next to them exist squatter dwellings. There is a sense of happiness in them that is always accompanied with gratefulness. They are willing to lend a hand, always with a smile. It is never about them; rather, it is always about putting their neighbors first. It also about sharing what you have. There is not a sense of self-preoccupation. It is truly about experiencing life as a gift. As we start a new quarter, let's remember to have an attitude of gratitude. Let's not focus on the negative; instead, let's focus on being grateful every day.

Welcome Mr. Kracha to SOH

Please welcome Mr. Kracha to SOH as he will be subbing for me as principal. I have known Mr. Kracha for a long time and have enjoyed working with him as a fellow principal colleague. I know that you will support his role for the next few weeks.

Welcome our New Campus Assistant

Staff, please welcome Mr. Israel Becerra, our newest campus assistant. He completes our team of four who help to make our campus safe.

Honoring our Custodians

October 2, which always falls during break, is National School Custodian Appreciation Day. It is never too late to say thank you to our custodial team who ensures that our campus is clean. They continue to work hard when you are not here. This week, please make sure you let our custodians know that you are grateful for all they do. Thank you, SOH Custodians, for all you do.

Morning Tutoring Continues this Quarter

Raiders, if you need additional time to catch upon missing assignment. Please read the Tutoring Section below to find out what is available for each morning. Tutoring time begins at 7:20am and ends at 8:20am.

Homecoming Spirit Week is October 14-18, 2024

Raiders, let's make this homecoming the best ever by participating each day for spirit geat. Below are the spirit gear for each day.

• Monday, October 14: Wear black and white
• Tuesday, October 15: Wear any kind of hat
• Wednesday, October 16: Wear animal print
• Thursday, October 17: Dress like dynamic duo
• Friday, October 18: Wear Raider gear school colors

Homecoming Dance is October 19, 2024

Raiders, it is not too late to buy your homecoming dance tickets. There is a special limited price for tickets on October 8 and 9 only. After October 9, the price of tickets will increase. Don't wait to buy yours! Read the Homecomin Section below.

Let's have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Finley

Student safety is a priority at Southwest High, therefore we have implemented a digital hall pass school-wide for use to go to another teacher's class or the bathroom or the nurse. If the main office needs you, you will receive an actual paper pass.

You can now access Smartpass on your cell phone. To use, download the app by following the instructions below. Then follow these directions:

1. Open the app and get a pass.
2. Take your phone to the teacher who will approve the pass.
3. Leave your cell phone with the teacher.
4. Go to the nearest bathroom: downstairs 1100, 300, 500.
5. You have 8 minutes to go to the bathroom or classroom before your teacher will ask a campus assistant to find you.

Ninth graders, you have received the email with your password to create your account for smart pass. You will now be able to request hall passes from your teachers.

All other new students, please email Mr. Contreras to get your password. His email is juan.contreras@sweetwaterschools.org.

Instructions:

Watch video on how to create account an passes, click on link: SmartPass Overview for Student.

You can download the app at:

• Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/smartpass-mobile/id1387337686
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id=app.smartpass.smartpass_mobile&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

Log in using the following information:

• Username: school email
• Password: «Password»

If you have any questions, please email Mr. Contreras at juan.contreras@sweetwaterschools.org

Hello Raiders,
I hope everyone is adapting well to this school year. My name is Ms. Gonzalez and I will be the Scholarship Counselor for the 2024-2025 school year ! I look forward to a year full of opportunities for our students and families.

Applying for scholarships is free and it is a wonderful way to earn money for college! Even though the majority of the scholarships listed are for seniors, there’s many scholarship opportunities for all grade levels . I encourage all students to create profiles on the different Search Engines listed on page 2 of the bulletin . Our Live Scholarship Bulletin is electronic and it is updated regularly as new scholarships become available. Please visit our school website for the monthly scholarship bulletin list.

A few things to consider when you're looking through the Scholarship Bulletin:
1. Log into your Gmail Account. (A Gmail Account is required)
2. The Scholarship Bulletin link is available on our school Website and in our Google Classroom. The following is the Scholarship Bulletin Link:
docs.google.com/document/d/1POa_6o1cY0XYfXAjUjcQvb305pmfmxhs1ougFyQs-gE/edit?usp=sharing

3. Join Google Classroom:
Class of 2025 and Class of 2026: enmu7d4
Class of 2027 and Class of 2028: ysppvs7

4.Please make sure to check the scholarship list regularly. New scholarship opportunities are updated on a continuous basis. Check Announcements on Jupiter, and follow us on Instagram @soh_counselors to stay up to date with scholarship information
& deadlines.

All students are welcome to email me or stop by the Counseling Center any day of the week for scholarship questions & support.
Have a fantastic weekend!

Go Raiders !!

It is a pleasure to serve you as Scholarship Counselor,
Ms. Brenda Gonzalez
Brenda.Gonzalez@sweetwaterschools.org