Bobcat Bulletin
SWHS Newsletter November 2022
Welcome to the Bobcat Bulletin!
Message from the Principal
Dear SWHS Families,
With over two months of school in the rearview mirror, it is clear that the school year is moving at a fast pace. There is however, plenty of the school year remaining and it is a perfect time for students to take the time to reflect on their performance during the first marking period. For students who had a successful first marking period, a great question to ask is "what worked?" For students who experienced challenges, a great question to ask is "what adjustments/improvements need to be made?" I also encourage parents/guardians to see additional tips in the "Message from SWHS Social Workers" located in this issue of the Bobcat Bulletin.
Speaking of reflection, November is a perfect time to reflect and identify areas to be grateful for. As we approach Veteran's Day, we should remember the efforts of our veterans to keep our nation safe. As we approach Thanksgiving, it is important to take the opportunity to remember the most precious people in our lives--our family and friends, those who are there during our successes and those who are there during challenging times.
I remain grateful to have the opportunity to serve SWHS and the SW community. Have a great month!
Sincerely,
Frank Rizzuto
This issue contains information on the following topics:
- Honoring Veteran's Day
- Midterm Exam Schedule
- School Counseling Information
- Fall Sports
- Message from SWHS Social Workers
- Important Dates/Events
Honoring Veteran's Day
On November 11th, in recognition of Veterans Day, Veterans from our community will visit all Social Studies classes at South Windsor High School. Additionally, all students will view a Veterans Day ceremony during the daily announcements. The 2022 Veterans Day Wreath Laying ceremony and remarks will also be posted online as part of our morning announcements. This opportunity is made possible due to an on-going partnership with the South Windsor Patriotic Commission and the American Legion Post 133. South Windsor High School and the Social Studies Department thank all of the Veterans in our community and beyond for their service and sacrifice!
Midterm Exam Schedule
For the convenience of families and our students, please CLICK HERE to view the midterm exam schedule for January, 2023.
School Counseling Information
Grade 12: For students in grade 12 who are planning to attend college next year, now is the time to start working on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application period officially began on October 1. The FAFSA is FREE to complete and is very helpful to see what students may or may not qualify for in terms of aid when making decisions about which schools to consider. Both parent and child are involved in this process, so it is good to set some time aside to work on it together.
If students are looking for some assistance with the process, there are often FAFSA workshops offered throughout the fall and winter. School Counseling will do our best to publicize any we learn about. In the meantime, the Financial Aid Office at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield is offering walk-in help Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. You do not need to be planning to attend Asnuntuck Community College to receive their help.
Grade 10: The Parent/Guardian School Counseling Night on November 15 at 6:30 pm in the SWHS Auditorium will focus on helpful ways to help your 10th grade student navigate the high school years and prepare for what comes next. After an overview presentation in the auditorium, SWHS school counselors will hold small group breakout sessions to cover a variety of topics, including how the School Counseling Department will support students in both academic and social/emotional areas, using Naviance, and starting to think about options for after high school. Throughout both portions of the program, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Grade 10 students will receive this same information via a classroom lesson later this year (in combination with PSAT score reports) and do not need to attend this event.
Fall Sports Update
The fall athletic regular-season has come to an end for several sports teams at South Windsor High School. Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer and Girls Swimming/Diving are all beginning post-season play.
Girls Cross Country: 11-3 (tied for 2nd in the CCC)
Boys Cross Country: 6-8
Both teams competed recently in the state competition held at Wickham Park.
Field Hockey: 3-13
Several one goal losses in the record.
Football: 1-6
This record reflects a couple of close losses. There are three regular-season games remaining: Home vs. Middletown this upcoming Saturday 11/5 at 11:00 am. At Windsor on Friday 11/11 at 7 pm & At Enfield on Wednesday 11/23 at 6 pm.
Sideline Cheer has been performing at all home and away football games this fall. The girls also cheered at the recent Boys & Girls Soccer double-header at Dillon Stadium.
Girls Soccer: 3-9-4
This record reflects several close losses. The girls had a recent exciting 2-1 win against previously undefeated Tolland High School while playing at Dillon Stadium under the lights.
Boys Soccer: 12-2-2
The team was seeded #2 in the CCC tournament making it to the semi-finals before losing to #3 Middletown. They will await the state pairings this Friday to see who they draw in the state tournament.
Girls Swimming & Diving: 8-2
During the recent CCC Diving Meet at Glastonbury High School, Lindsey Turgeon finished 2nd and broke the SWHS school record in the six dives. State tournament action will take place next week; date/time TBD.
Girls Volleyball: 9-11 record
Post-season date/time TBD during the Friday, November 4 pairings.
We would like to congratulate our SWHS Head Hockey Coach, Neil Rodman, who was recently selected as Coach of the Year Class of 2022 by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA). Neil will be honored at a banquet that will take place on Tuesday, November 22nd, at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and dinner will start at 6:30 pm. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $65. on the CHSCA Website. There will be NO tickets sold at the door.
Message from SWHS Social Workers
Welcome to November! There is so much happening! It is such a busy time and sets the stage for so many upcoming events. In light of this, we would like to share a few helpful tips and reminders with you.
We turn the clocks back an hour this weekend. One more hour of sleep, a change in sunrise in the morning, sunset earlier in the afternoon and sometimes an increased struggle getting out of bed or staying awake. Please know that it can take a full week or two to have your teenager’s body adjust to the changes. See the attached article for tips on how to help everyone adjust, no matter their age. Ways to Help Adjust to Time Changes .
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends teenagers ages 13-18 receive 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately, the majority of teens are not getting nearly enough sleep; it is not uncommon to hear them say that they went to bed after midnight when they have a wake-up time of 5:30 am. Lack of sleep can impact many areas of a teen’s life; it can lead to irritability, attention problems, a weakened immune system and headaches. Encouraging your teen to implement healthy sleep habits such as having a consistent sleep schedule and turning off electronic devices at least thirty minutes before bedtime can have a positive impact. Click here for additional sleep tips.
Monday, November 7th is the end of Quarter 1. Grades will close and report cards will come out soon. The end of the quarter can be a great time for you and your teenager to reflect on how this year has started. Remember to look at PowerSchool, checking each individual class for the grades, comments and last time the teacher updated. Conversations with your teenager regarding their study and student behaviors are important - Should they continue what they are doing? Should they work on their time management? Should they be staying after school to meet with teachers? Please feel free to contact us for more suggestions.
We are also now in the holiday season; and it has been two years since we have had a “normal” holiday season due to the pandemic. The holidays typically mean gatherings with family and friends, days off from school, and a change in our regular routines. Some enjoy all the holiday season has to offer, while others struggle with a variety of topics such as missing loved ones who have passed away, time, financial or travel constraints, etc. The holidays can bring with them mixed feelings and emotions. If your teen is struggling with their mental health this season or any season, please reach out to us. You can also receive support from Youth & Family Services.
Please fill out the attached short feedback form. We appreciate your comments and suggestions. Feedback Form
Mrs. Brindisi (hbrindisi@swindsor.k12.ct.us)
Ms. Mwangi (smwangi@swindsor.k12.ct.us)
SWHS Social Workers
Free Meals to Paid Meals
Important Dates/Events
8th Grade Family Night: Thursday, November 3 @ 6:30 pm
Professional Development Day: Tuesday, November 8 (No school for students)
Ninth Grade Parent Night: Thursday, November 10 @ 6:30 pm
Veteran's Day: Friday, November 11 (School is IN SESSION)
Tenth Grade Parent Night: Tuesday, November 15 @ 6:30 pm
Parent Advisory Council Meeting: November 21 @ 6:30 pm
Early Dismissal: November 23 (School dismisses at 11:25 am)
Thanksgiving Recess: No school on November 24 & 25
National Honors Society Induction: Tuesday, November 29 @ 6:30 pm