Bobcat Bulletin
SWHS Newsletter October 2021
Welcome to the Bobcat Bulletin!
Message from the Principal
Dear SWHS Families,
I hope this issue of the Bobcat Bulletin finds you well. We are at the mid-point of the first marking period and we hope students have been able to find a good rhythm to start the school year. If your child needs any additional support or guidance, please encourage them to meet with their school counselor. Also, please know that the end of the first marking period is Tuesday, November 9.
I want to take a moment to focus on the traffic situation, specifically during the morning drop-off. Traffic volume is extremely high due to the large numbers of students being dropped off. As such, I encourage both families who are dropping off their children and student drivers to depart for the high school a few minutes earlier. This will allow the traffic to be spread more evenly, allow for a quicker drop-off, and limit the number of students who are tardy to their first period class. For students who are being dropped off in front of the high school, I encourage drivers to proceed as far as possible into the "drop zone" and students should exit vehicles from the passenger side directly onto the sidewalk for both safety and efficiency reasons. MOST IMPORTANTLY, we ask all drivers to be patient and to be as cautious as possible for their fellow drivers and for those using the crosswalk areas.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students and one another as safe as possible.
Sincerely,
Frank Rizzuto
This issue contains information on the following topics:
- Early Dismissal Mondays
- Spirit Week & Homecoming Activities
- School Counseling Information
- Fall Sports
- Library/Media Center Information
- "TikTok Challenges"
- SWPS Employment Opportunity
Early Dismissal Mondays
Parents/guardians of upperclassmen may recall a “Late Arrival Monday” structure at the high school. This HAS BEEN REPLACED with Early Dismissal Mondays. School will begin at 7:25 am and end at 11:25 am on select days throughout the school year--there are eight Mondays throughout the school year that these early dismissals will occur.
We ask that students who are in extracurricular activities on these days to arrange for transportation to return back to SWHS.
THE DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
October 18 & 25, December 6 & 13, February 28, March 7, May 16 & 23
Spirit Week & Homecoming Activities
Student Council is sponsoring a Spirit Week starting Monday, October 18th. The themes are:
Monday, October 18: Groutfit Day (wear gray clothing)
Tuesday, October 19: Hawaiian Day
Wednesday, October 20: Dress Up Day (look sharp)
Thursday, October 21: Twin Day
Friday, October 22: Bobcat Spirit Day (wear school colors)
The SWHS Homecoming Football Game will occur on Saturday, October 23rd which includes a family-friendly breakfast tailgate event. CLICK HERE for details. In addition, there is an outdoor Homecoming Dance for SWHS seniors and juniors on the evening of the 23rd. CLICK HERE for details.
School Counseling Information
GRADE 12:
On September 21, the School Counseling department held Grade 12 College/Career Night. If you were able to attend, please continue to collaborate with your child's school counselor so that they can support the student using up to date information. Many counselors talk with their students in informal settings such as the cafeteria, hallways and while walking in/out of the building. These informal meetings can be very helpful in guiding the student away from some of the obstacles that arise during the planning and application process. If you were unable to attend the event on 9/21, please consider setting up a formal family/counselor meeting in order to receive planning materials and create an individualized student plan. School counseling caseloads can be found here.
GRADES 9-11:
On Wednesday, October 13th, SWHS will be administering the CollegeBoard PSAT. The PSAT is a practice assessment to evaluate current academic progress towards college readiness. Ultimately, students are given the SAT during the spring of 11th grade. Students should arrive to school on time and locate their testing location which will be posted at various central locations around the building. Bringing a calculator and small snack/drink are recommended. After the test, students will attend classes/lunch until the school day ends at 2 pm. CLICK HERE for the communication sent home to families regarding PSAT Day.
Fall Sports Update
The fall athletic season is well underway at South Windsor High School. As of the time of this article, these are how our Bobcat teams are doing:
Boys Cross Country: 1-3
Girls Cross Country: 1-3
Football: 2-2
Sideline Cheer has also been performing at all home and away football games this fall
Field Hockey: 4-4
Boys Soccer: 3-3-2
Girls Soccer: 1-4-2
Girls Swimming & Diving: 3-2
Girls Volleyball: 7-4
Library Media Center Information
Looking for a good book? Check out the newest fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels available at the library media center. Need a book suggestion? Ask the librarian Mrs. McCool. Interested in using the 3D printer? Sign up with Mrs. Hilton.
"Tik Tok Challenges"
As some families may know, there is a social media trend (mainly via the "TikTok" app) across the nation encouraging "monthly challenges" in the school environment. In September, these included stealing or damaging school property. In the ensuing months, these "challenges" become even more disruptive to the school environment and, in most instances, are illegal.
To reinforce what is being taught at school about the importance of respect (for self and others), ethical behavior, and overall citizenship, we are asking for your partnership. Please speak with your child about their use of social media and the negative impact these fads/behaviors could have on our school community.
Thank you in advance for your support.
SWPS Employment Opportunity
South Windsor Public Schools is seeking paraprofessionals for the 2021-2022 school year! If you are someone who believes in the power of a high-quality education, who champions equity and inclusion, and who is ready to be part of an exceptional team working to prepare students to achieve their own personal excellence in a complex global society, then we hope you’ll consider joining South Windsor Public Schools. We invite applicants to join a team of exemplary teachers, administrators, and support staff working to shape an exciting time in the South Windsor community.
Please visit our website for more information about these positions.