Bobcat Bulletin
SWHS Newsletter January 2020
Welome to the Bobcat Bulletin!
Message from the Principal
Dear SWHS Families,
Welcome to the first issue of the Bobcat Bulletin. As SWHS families know, there are periodic announcements that are sent to families via School Messenger. This newsletter will not replace some of those communications, but I hope it provides families helpful information on a variety of topics which may range from messages by me as SWHS Principal, news from faculty, students, and/or important dates/announcements.
This issue contains information on the following topics:
- SWHS Expectations for Student Learning
- Course Selection Season & Dollars for Scholars
- Academic Support Center
- Winter Sports (progress on winter teams)
- Visitor Management System
- Important Dates/Upcoming Events
As we have reached the mid-point of the school year, I would like to take the time to once again express my gratitude to so many families who have welcomed me back to the district of South Windsor. Each day I am filled with pride to serve the students and staff of SWHS and the community...South Windsor is an amazing community!
I wish your child a tremendously successful second semester.
Sincerely,
Frank Rizzuto
SWHS EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING
As part of the SWHS culture, we strive to help develop the “whole child.” To this end, teachers at SWHS provide feedback to students in a variety of ways including on assignments, verbally, individually, or as part of whole class instruction. In addition, students also periodically receive feedback on SWHS’s Expectations for Student Learning (see image below).
The process for reporting out on the Expectations for Student Learning begins in the classroom. All academic departments assess students in each of the three categories as connected to the Expectations for Student Learning (Academic, Social, and Civic). This process includes both a student self-assessment and teacher assessment. The teacher’s assessment is provided in the “Teacher Comments” section of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter report cards (along with any other comment(s) a teacher may choose to include).
The four possible assessment ratings are “Exceeding,” “Meeting,” “Approaching,” and “Below Standard.” This has been a practice in place for several years now so if you are the parent/guardian of an upperclassman who has consistently received “Exceeding” and “Meeting” as ratings, this is commendable and I hope for continued success! If your child has received “Approaching” or “Below Standard”, it is our hope that he/she strive to improve. In all cases, we encourage students to meet and/or exceed these expectations across the board by the time they graduate from South Windsor High School.
Though there are no “traditional grades” associated with these ratings, it helps provide an additional form of feedback to support the development of our students. We encourage you to dialogue with your child about these ratings. If you should have any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, school counselor, or any member of the administrative team.
Course Selection Season & Dollars for Scholars
School Counseling will begin to meet with students in grades 9-11 with special emphasis on selecting courses for the 2020-2021 school year. These conversations and meetings will focus on balancing student interests/passions with their remaining SWHS Graduation Requirements. The scheduling process typically leads to rich conversations among school counselors, students, and families with natural ties to current student achievement and future planning.
The SWHS Course Catalog has recently changed format and is now available online via www.swhscourses.org. The Course Catalog provides detailed information about each class and level that SWHS offers. Teachers began meeting with students in late January about their recommendation for the level of courses students should register for in each department. Additionally, students and families will begin to hear school announcements and receive email communications outlining the step by step process for requesting their prospective courses. Any student and/or family that wants more detailed information, or has any questions or concerns should reach out to their school counselor. School counselor assignments and contact information can be found here.
With many grade 12 students engaged in the college scholarship process, students are encouraged to make a note of the South Windsor Dollars for Scholars deadlines. SWDFS is an outstanding local program funded by many local families, businesses and organizations whose mission is to further the educational opportunities of South Windsor students. The SWDFS portal opened on January 21st and closes on March 15th. Further details can be found at http://www.southwindsor.dollarsforscholars.org/.
Academic Support Center
South Windsor High School offers an Academic Support Center (ASC) for our students who may be struggling to complete their assignments. The Academic Support Center (ASC) is an after school program that allows students to tackle their school work in a structured environment facilitated by dedicated, certified teachers, as well as an experienced group of student tutors. It meets every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00-3:30 in Room 126. A snack will be provided for students and late buses are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The cost to attend the center is $20 for an 8 week session and starts the first day of each new quarter. ASC contracts are available in the School Counseling Office. Signed contracts and checks can be brought to the main office. Once the school has received the signed contract, a student may start the program. Attendance will be taken and students who have more than one absence may be removed from the program.
If you have any questions about either program, please feel free to call or email Associate Principal, Tera Harlow at (860) 648-5043 tharlow@swindsor.k12.ct.us.
Winter Sports
Winter athletic teams at South Windsor High School are at various stages of their regular seasons. As of this writing:
Boys’ Basketball presently has a record of 4-7 including exciting wins over Rocky Hill 51-48, Wolcott 60-55, and Hall 43-41. Girls’ Basketball is 3-9 and had a great team effort in a win recently over Hartford Public 62-58. Boys Swimming & Diving has had three meets thus far and some outstanding individual performances by Cooper Castellone, Charlie Keen, Daniel Savidge and Andrew Bell. Meanwhile Boys & Girls Indoor Track have had five meets and some solid performances by Gavin Daigle and Jack Parent in the shot put, Mercedes Rodriquez in the long jump and Sophia McCormick in the shot put. Both teams are preparing for their upcoming Conference Meet on 2/1.
Wrestling has had ten meets and some solid performances by Will Kasek, Gabe Hill, Jack Rood, Ben Waldo and Jacob Chaimovitch. The Boys Ice Hockey team has a record of 3-6 and recently had back to back wins over Cheshire high School in overtime who was 7-3 at the time and Northwest Catholic. The Co-Op Girls Ice Hockey team is off to a record of 8-3-1 and is represented by SWHS players Samantha Ostrowski, Caitlyn Caldon and Jessica Pollack. The Gymnastics team put forth a great effort in their meet vs. Southington and at the CCC Winter Invite and had some nice individual performances by Erin Dunn, Maddie Hawthorne and Audrey Manning. Finally both Cheerleading and the Dance Team have been working very hard in practice and have performed at basketball games as they prepare for their upcoming competitions.
Visitor Management System
For quite some time now, visitors who come to SWHS during the school day have checked into the welcome desk staffed by a safety officer. Visitors will be required to provide identification and our new Visitor Management System will generate a photo visitor pass to wear while in the building. Your patience and cooperation with this procedure is appreciated.
Important Dates/Upcoming Events
Dodgeball Marathon: Friday, January 31st @ 7:30 pm - 12:00 am
Parents Athletic Advisory Meeting: Tuesday, February 4th @ 6:30 pm in SWHS Seminar Room
High School Dance (sponsored by SW For the Kids): Friday, February 7th @ 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Principals Parents Advisory Council: Monday, February 10th @ 6:30 pm in SWHS Seminar Room
February Recess: NO SCHOOL on February 13th, 14th, & 17th
Late Arrival Mondays (classes begin at 8:25 am):
- Monday, February 10th
- Monday, February 24th