Bobcat Bulletin
SWHS Newsletter October 2023
Welcome to the Bobcat Bulletin!
Message from the Principal
Dear SWHS Families,
I hope this issue of the Bobcat Bulletin finds all our families well. I begin with an update for families regarding the SWHS administrative team. Associate Principal Tim Zeuschner has begun a medical leave of absence and is currently scheduled to return in January. We wish Mr. Zeuschner a quick and speedy recovery. In his absence, Mr. Paul Cavaliere will be serving as Interim Associate Principal. Mr. Cavaliere is a highly experienced administrator who's name may sound familiar to many South Windsor families as he previously completed two interim positions at Timothy Edwards Middle School. He will be assuming Mr. Zeuschner's ninth grade Associate Principal responsibilities and is excited to support our high school community for the next few months. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Cavaliere to Bobcat Nation!
We are a week into October, but the school year is still very young and there are many opportunities for students to become involved in extracurricular activities. There are a variety of different clubs and activities available for students and the winter sports season is around the corner. Please feel free to view our current club options by CLICKING HERE.
Sincerely,
Mr. Rizzuto
This issue contains information on the following topics:
- PSAT Day (Thursday, October 12)
- Capstone Information for the Class of 2024
- Early Dismissal Mondays (October 16 & 23)
- Spirit Week
- Midterm Exam Schedule
- School Counseling Information
- Fall Sports
- Club Spotlight: The Strategy Club
- Chromebook Insurance Deadline (October 13)
- Important Dates/Events
- SWHS Employment Opportunity
- "Screenagers" Viewing & Community Conversation
- Haunted Torch Walk
PSAT Day (Thursday, October 12)
On Thursday, October 12 South Windsor High School will administer the Connecticut PSAT School Day for 9th, 10th & 11th graders. The PSAT is designed to assess how students are performing in reading, writing & language, and math. Additionally, the PSAT experience is designed to prepare students for when they take the actual SAT. For 11th graders, the PSAT is also the qualifying assessment for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For all students, the test is administered at no cost to families. The schedule for October 12 is directly below. Additional information and details for ALL grade levels can be found here.
ALL 9th, 10th, & 11th graders should arrive to their testing room by 7:15 am.
Testing: 7:25 - 11:50 am
Dismissal: 11:55 am
Capstone Information for the Class of 2024
This year, we are offering the following opportunities for seniors to present their Capstone projects:
Thursday, October 12 (PSAT Day) from 7:30 - 11:30 am
Tuesday, November 14 from 2:15 - 3:15 pm
Tuesday, January 23 (Exam Week), time TBD
Wednesday, January 24 (Exam Week), time TBD
For additional information on Capstone presentations, please CLICK HERE.
Early Dismissal Mondays (October 16 & 23)
The first two Early Dismissal Mondays of the school year will take place on October 16 & October 23. School will begin at 7:25 and end at 11:25 am. The bell schedule for both days can be found here.
Due to professional development sessions, we ask that students who are in extracurricular activities on these days to arrange for transportation to return back to SWHS when those activities begin.
Spirit Week
Student Council is sponsoring Spirit Week beginning Monday, October 16th. The themes are:
Monday, October 16: Decades Day
- Seniors: 2000s
- Juniors: 90's
- Sophomores: 80's
- Freshman: 70's
- Faculty & Staff: Pick a decade
Tuesday, October 17: Pink Out Day
Wednesday, October 18: Unity Day (Wear Orange)
Thursday, October 19: Bobcat Spirit
Friday, October 20: Class Color Wars
- Seniors: Maroon
- Juniors: Gray
- Sophomores: Blue
- Freshman: Green
- Faculty & Staff: Bobcat Gear and/or Maroon & Gold
A Pep Rally for students will be held on Friday, October 20 toward the end of the school day, the Homecoming football game will kick off at 3:00 pm, and the Homecoming Dance will be held from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.
Midterm Exam Schedule
School Counseling Information
College/Career Representative Visits in the SWHS Career Center: College visits are typically held in the Career Center throughout the fall. Representatives from a wide variety of colleges, military branches, and other institutions meet with South Windsor High School students for approximately 45 minutes. These are great opportunities to hear about college programs and campus life, pick up informational materials, show interest in a school, and have individual questions addressed. While these visits are excused absences, students are expected to have discussed their absence from class with their teacher in advance. The list of scheduled visits with registration links can be found in Naviance. Visit lists are also displayed in various locations around SWHS.
College/Career Fair: On Thursday, October 19th SWHS will be hosting our annual College/Career Fair. Over 125 college admissions, vocational programs and military representatives will be available to all SWHS students in grades 10-12 during Period 1 in the SWHS gymnasium. During a homeroom period a few days prior to the fair, students will receive a guide on how to make the most of the fair, including which institutions will attend.
Fall Sports Update
Fall sports contests are underway at South Windsor High School and several teams are off to a great start. All standings below are as of Wednesday, October 4:
Girls Cross Country: 4-2
Boys Cross Country: 2-4
Both teams will be participate in the Wickham Invitational on Saturday, October 7th.
Field Hockey: 3-4-1
Football: 2-1 & travels to Farmington High School Friday, October 6th for a 6:00 pm kick-off. Sideline Cheerleading has been supporting the football team by cheering at both home and away games.
Girls Soccer: 6-1
Boys Soccer: 2-1-4
A soccer double-headers will take place on Thursday, October 19 at Trinity Health Stadium with the boys leading off at 6:00 pm and the girls taking the field at 8:00 pm.
Girls Swimming/Diving: 4-1
Girls Volleyball: 6-4
Club Spotlight: The Strategy Club
The Strategy Club offers a wide range of unplugged recreational activities including Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and board games. No prior experience playing these games is needed, since game rules are regularly taught at our meetings. Games offer a structured and safe space where students can enjoy being together. The Strategy Club promotes a culture of inclusion and acceptance for all students regardless of identity or ability level. Strategy Club is a warm and welcoming group and who would love to see new members at our next meeting!
About the Club Advisor: Mr. Hoffman has been running the Strategy Club for over a decade and has spent much of that time curating a collection of board games that have been enjoyed by his students over the years. Mr. Hoffman is dual certified as an English and Special Education teacher and the Strategy Club brings those specializations together into one place. He helps his D&D players develop their narrative skills as storytellers, while also developing their leadership skills as facilitators. He also supports students of all ability levels who want to learn to play board games, breaking down the rules and offering supported play at meetings.
For more information on the Strategy Club, please CLICK HERE.
For more information on all SWHS Clubs & Activities, please CLICK HERE.
Chromebook Insurance Deadline (October 13)
The last day to purchase Chromebook insurance for the 23-24 school year is Friday, October 13, 2023. Please CLICK HERE for payment information.
Important Dates/Events
PSAT Day: Thursday, October 12
Spirit Week: October 16 - 20
Early Dismissal: Monday, October 16 (dismissal @ 11:25 am)
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting: October 16 @ 6:30 pm
College Fair: Thursday, October 19
Doubleheader Soccer Game @ Trinity Health Stadium: Thursday, October 19 (boys soccer begins at 6:00 pm & girls soccer @ 8:00 pm)
Homecoming Football Game: Friday, October 20 @ 3:00 pm
Homecoming Dance: Friday, October 20 @ 7:00 pm
Early Dismissal: Monday, October 23 (Dismissal @ 11:25 am)
SWHS Employment Opportunity
South Windsor High School is looking for an energetic and student-centered individual to work as a full-time media center technician. Some responsibilities include website and social media management, technology inventory, assisting with Chromebooks and student supervision. For full details about this opportunity including hours, salary, and a detailed list of responsibilities please apply online. Interviews will be scheduled within the next week.
Apply online at www.southwindsorschools.org under the District Information link. Please be sure you have provided all materials (cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts) that are required for the application process. Written references must match those listed on the application.
"Screenagers" Viewing & Community Conversation
Youth & Family Services, in collaboration with S.W. Public Schools, the S.W. Police Dept. and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, will be hosting a showing of “Screenagers – Under the Influence” on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 6:30-8pm at Timothy Edwards Middle School. We would like to invite all parents and caregivers to join us as we watch this informative documentary together and then have a short community conversation afterwards. The event is free and attendees will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Amazon gift card.
Haunted Torch Walk
Trail Guides are needed for the Haunted Torch Walk on October 21, 2023. Join in on this spooky event as we guide guests through the “haunted” trails of Nevers Park. The Torch Walk trail length is just under one mile on crushed stone, a flashlight will be provided. Trail Guide shifts are between the times of 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Costumes are strongly encouraged but not required. Please email shauna.damon@southwindsor-ct.gov for more information and to sign up.