Bobcat Bulletin
SWHS Newsletter May 2021
Welcome to the Bobcat Bulletin!
Message from the Principal
Dear SWHS Families,
Despite all the challenges that came with this unique school year, it is an honor to highlight many of the accomplishments and distinctions of our student body. To begin, on May 27 the Class of 2021's Top 10 was revealed during Senior Awards Night. The Top 10 students are listed below alphabetically--congratulations to each of them! A special congratulations to the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2021: Ella Manning and Keshav Ramesh.
This issue also contains all grade 9 - 12 students who earned Honor Roll recognition (see the below for the complete list of these students). Congratulations to all of the students who made this impressive list!
Congratulations to Ms. Ellen Festi, a member of the Career and Technology Education Department, who had this year's Yearbook dedicated to her by the Class of 2021. This is a long-standing SWHS tradition and is an extreme honor. Ms. Festi will serve as the Grand Marshall for the Class of 2021 graduation ceremony. Please see below for her message to the Class of 2021.
In next month's edition of the Bobcat Bulletin, additional honors and distinctions will be shared with SWHS families.
Thank you and be well.
Frank Rizzuto
This issue contains information on the following topics:
- Class of 2021 Top 10
- National Merit Scholarship Recipients
- Honor Roll Recognition (Grades 9 -12)
- Yearbook Dedication
- Family Survey
- A Message from the Transportation Department
- School Messenger & Translation Services
Ella Manning
Keshav Ramesh
Gautam Chasmawala
Guatam's intelligence, determination, and dedication to his studies are truly special. Guatam was a 4 year member of the Robotics team and was team captain this year. Skilled in computer science and Java, Gautam led and taught students at both the high school and elementary levels to increase skills in STEM fields as well as develop student interest. Gautam was also a 4 year member of the Model United Nations, as well as a poll worker during the election and a caller for Get Out the Vote, to increase voter participation.
Gautam’s strengths are in the areas of math and science and he has taken many classes in these areas to prepare him to enter a career in a STEM field. Gautam will continue his educational journey next year at Boston University.
Mokshitha Chimbili
Dynamic, caring, and motivated are perfect terms to describe Mokshitha. From her commitment to tutoring students and helping the impoverished, to teaching dance class and volunteering in the community, she is committed to the service and betterment of others. Mokshitha has helped out at school blood drives, she founded (and leads) the school Cancer Awareness Committee, and also volunteers at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Mokshitha enjoys the subjects of math and science and is interested in pursuing a career in medicine. She will continue her educational journey within the honors program at the University of Connecticut next year.
Lauren Cobb
Personable and kind, intrinsically motivated and well rounded, Lauren seems seems to excel in all disciplines. She is the President of the National Honors Society, a member of the Math Team, and works as a math tutor at a local business and as a tutor at Timothy Edwards Middle School. Lauren volunteers her time in the community with the Interact Club and is a teaching assistant at her dance studio for younger children.
Lauren plans to pursue a double major in business administration and fashion merchandising within the honors program at Marist College next year.
Ella Manning (Valedictorian)
A consummate scholar, Ella Manning has received a number of awards for her academic achievement, leadership, and superior athleticism. Ella was the recipient of the Yale Book Award and is a National Merit Scholarship winner who has received numerous accolades for her academic accomplishments; she is an exemplary representative of the SWHS student body. Ella is an accomplished athlete and leader on and off the field, having earned All-Conference honors as a junior and senior and was also elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team. She looks forward to continuing her soccer career in college. With a keen interest in technology and how it can shape the future, she serves as technology chair for the National Honor Society and assisted with research at the Sight MultiSpecialty Center in the Visual Rehab unit. A Connecticut High School Scholar winner who was recognized by the CT Association of Schools, she will have earned 30+ college credits from AP and ECE courses completed in high school. Ella was also an active participant in Interact, South Windsor For the Kids, and the Math Team.
Ella's academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service are an indication of the limitless potential for her academic and athletic future at Haverford College.
Erin Mutchek
Erin possesses wisdom that is beyond her years, particularly in terms of global matters such as social justice, equality, and inclusion. Although she has earned numerous accolades throughout her high school career, her proudest accomplishment thus far has been her leadership as choreographer, set designer and marketing chairperson for Unified Theatre. An extremely gifted musician, she dedicates much of her time to learning and perfecting her oboe playing.
Erin plans to major in computer science in college, followed by law school where she wishes to specialize in civil rights within the Internet. Her ultimate dream job would be as a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties union. She looks forward to attending Vassar College in the Fall.
Tyler Nielsen
Tyler is a four year member of the competitive Science Olympiad team at SWHS and served as captain this school year. Teachers have described Tyler as analytical, intellectually curious, and intrinsically motivated. A lover of science and technology, he enjoys programming, problem solving, and learning Java and HTML/CSS programming languages. His faith is very important to him and he serves his faith community in several capacities. The most prominent being as Teachers Quorum President for the Church of Latter Day Saints. His proudest achievement is having earned his Eagle Scout Award, which was the culmination of seven years of hard work and perseverance. His project entailed designing and building tables for Food Share, a soup kitchen supplier.
His ideal job would be researching physics using computer simulations or data processing. He will be continuing his education at Brigham Young University as a member of the class of 2025.
Keshav Ramesh (Salutatorian)
Keshav Ramesh is a student who has made a substantial impact on both his school and community in the last several years. His peers and teachers would describe him as a polite, respectful, and driven young man who not only excels academically but has leadership roles in many of the school’s clubs and activities. Keshav is a member of the school’s National Honor Society as well as the National French Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Model United Nations, and Interact Club and has leadership roles in many SWHS clubs. He is a leader of the Math Team, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Student Economics Forum, and founder and President of the Economics team. Most recently, Keshav was named as a National AP Scholar, received the silver medal in the CT Student Writers Competition, and in February of his junior year, won the 2020 American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition. Keshav has played piano for 13 years and has been a member of the boys’ varsity tennis team since his freshman year.
Keshav will be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year and has been accepted into the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business program which prepares students for global leadership in career paths around the world in diverse areas such as consulting, finance, medicine, and several other fields.
Abigail Rich
Abby is an extremely conscientious and hard-working student who is articulate and well-spoken. She is the president of the Mock Trial club and is in charge of recruiting members, planning and running meetings, teaching the fundamentals of Mock Trial, coaching students as they prepare their materials, and organizing and attending the competition. Her involvement in the Mock Trial club at South Windsor High School is what inspired her to want to become a lawyer. Additionally, Abby is the President of the Blood Drive Committee at SWHS. One of her true passions lies in helping and impacting the lives of others. Abigail is the oldest of six siblings and has mastered the art of time management by finding a delicate balance between prioritizing her academics and family responsibilities. What stands out about Abigail is her extreme humility. She presents herself to staff and students as a mature, polite, and kind student who looks for the positive in any situation.
Abby will attend Georgetown University in the fall to study political science with the hopes of continuing her education in law school.
Emma Sansom
Throughout Emma's time at SWHS, she has been a very involved member of the school and overall South Windsor community. Emma did this with the genuine aim of making a difference in the lives of others. The same dispositions that served her well in the classroom, served her well outside of the classroom as well--she is friendly, polite, organized, earnest, and is able to develop strong relationships with all. Emma has served as Student Council president, co-president of South Windsor for the Kids, and co-president of the Bobcat Pride Organization. She also serves on the Principal's Advisory Board consisting of select group of students who demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. In addition to her leadership roles in SWHS clubs and organizations, Emma has been a member of the girls’ volleyball team for the past four years.
Emma is attending Northeastern University next year and will be majoring in political science with plans to go to law school. She has both positive peer and teacher relationships, and her ability to connect on a deeper level with others will serve her well in a career as a lawyer.
Alexander Viar
To describe Alex as intelligent is an understatement. Among his many accomplishments, two of his most notable include being a National Merit Scholar Recipient and member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, Alex is a scholar athlete, participating in soccer year-round, for over twelve years while maintaining academic excellence. He is also a certified soccer referee and has officiated over 75 games. Alex’s entrepreneurial spirit became apparent five years ago, when he aspired to use his skills to help others by beginning a tutoring business--this is no surprise considering his maturity and leadership skills.
Alex's ability to communicate in three languages will also pay dividends as he continues to build on his business skills in the fall, when he attends the University of Virginia where he will study economics and computer science.
Ella Manning
National Merit Scholarship Recipients
Alexander Viar
Of the nearly 1.5 million 11th grade students who took the College Board PSAT test in October 2019, the top 16,000 students were identified as semi-finalists. These 16,000 then applied for recipient status via an application process which included the student’s courses, grades, principal's endorsement and school counselor recommendation. Of these 16,000, 7,500 students become National Merit Scholarship Contest winners. These recipients represent the top 0.005%.
SWHS is proud to announce both of the this year’s National Merit Scholarship winners: Ella Manning and Alexander Viar. Congratulations on this fine accomplishment!
Honor Roll Recognition (Grades 9 - 12)
Please CLICK HERE to view the list of students who have earned this recognition and congratulations to all of the recipients!
HONOR ROLL CRITERIA: In order to be on the Honor Roll at South Windsor High School, students must:
- Carry a course load of at least 5 graded courses in the current marking period; and
- Maintain a quarterly GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade below a C-.
- To be eligible for High Honors, students must maintain a quarterly GPA of at least 3.7 with no grade below a B-.
HONOR ROLL CERTIFICATES: Students may pick up their honor roll certificates in the Media Center from 7:00 am - 2:30 pm from Tuesday, June 1 - Friday, June 11. Certificates that are not picked up by June 11 will be mailed home during the summer.
Yearbook Dedication
To the Class of 2021:
Throughout this strange and surreal school year, I have often wondered what the close of your senior year would look like. I am extremely thankful that we will be able to celebrate your graduation together, live and in-person and that our final few weeks together have allowed for the enjoyment of traditional senior activities! I am honored to be the recipient of your yearbook dedication, and I look forward to reading your names as you receive your diplomas at graduation!
This past year has presented various challenges and opportunities for each of us as individuals. We have witnessed great tragedy, experienced isolation and loss, and often, a sense of fear and uncertainty. Through this shared experience, we have discovered that from our solitude, a sense of solidarity has been created. We have worked together to do our part as individuals in the fight against a global pandemic. We have shown support for each other in our demand for social reform. Despite our physical separation, we have united to become a stronger, more compassionate community that demonstrates acceptance, care, concern, and kindness. Your ability to navigate the challenges of the past year is beyond commendable!
“Shark Tank’s” Daymond John has said, “Life is like business, 20% of what happens to you is 80% of how you react.” I believe this statement is reflective of the past year. Instead of facing senior year with disappointment and complacency, you met the challenge of hybrid and distance learning head on. You forgave us when we experienced “technical difficulties” and helped us to gain confidence in our ability to teach in a dual-instruction environment. You allowed yourselves to find unity despite isolation in the promotion of various activities, sports seasons, and service projects. You have reacted to the challenges of the past year with grace, dignity, integrity, positivity, and resiliency.
Although your senior year has not been a traditional experience, it has certainly been memorable! I hope that when you think back upon this time in your life, that you remember the strength and flexibility you have demonstrated, and that you experience a sense of great pride in your accomplishments. Thank you for making this year the best you could. Thank you for modeling what it means to be #BobcatStrong. Thank you for dedicating your yearbook to me.
All the best to you, always,
Ellen Festi
Family Survey
Earlier this week, families were sent a survey from Central Office. Below is the beginning portion of the letter--please consider completing the survey to provide valuable feedback. SWPS 2021 Family Survey
As part of South Windsor’s System for Educator Evaluation and Development, each year parents are asked to complete a survey to measure how families view school and district practices related to school climate. Your responses to the survey will help teachers and administrators measure individual and school-wide goals for maintaining and enhancing a positive school climate. To help set a course for the future of South Windsor, we want to know what you think!
We understand that you are very busy, but would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete a short survey by Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Directions for Parents/Guardians:
• To submit the survey online, please click on the link below. You may use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to access the online survey.
To access the full letter, please CLICK HERE.
A Message from the Transportation Department
For the 2021-22 school year, South Windsor will have a new “Transportation Information Form” (TIF) that replaces the “Special Transportation Request.” We are requiring this form to be completed annually for every SWPS student. This will improve the accuracy of our bus routes and provide information about how each child will be coming to and from school. Parents and/or guardians will need to complete this form in their PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Please CLICK HERE for more information about this form and how to submit it. This form is NOW OPEN for parents to begin completing. Please note that there are moratorium dates of August 25 - September 9, where no updates or changes can be made. Thank you in advance for submitting this form to improve the transportation process for South Windsor Public Schools.
School Messenger & Translation Services
As we continue to improve upon our efforts to serve our families, we are happy to announce that you will now have the option to have email messages translated in many different languages. At present this will mean that communications through School Messenger can be delivered in the language that you choose (as long as that language is available in the School Messenger system). At this time, the translation option will only be able to translate the body of the email; any attachments, links or phone calls will not be translated through School Messenger.
Please follow the steps below, to select your preferred communication language:
Step 1: Sign into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account: https://powerschool.southwindsorschools.org/public/home.html
Step 2: In the left hand column, click on "Forms"
Step 3: Select the form called “Preferred Communication Language”