The family and consumer sciences classes at Southwest Middle School have been studying life skills in the areas of nutrition, food safety and consumerism. The unit on fruits and vegetables included selection, cost and preparation. Classes are comparing unit prices with the goal of being a wise consumer. Using math skills, classes determine the price and evaluate the products. Advertising and the importance of shopping wisely were also discussed.

English classes make journal entry

Seventh-grade reading and English classes at Southwest Middle School often have a journal entry as one of their daily assignments. One of the recent entries was: “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” The students talk about the quote as a class and then write a paragraph on the topic.

Some classes require a topic sentence, three details and a closing sentence. Another class adds the expectation of at least 30 words. Other topics have been: “How was your weekend?” or “List nice things people have done for you.” — Submitted by Aimee, Annelisa, Tyler and Magaly, table 7 in 4a lunch

Options students visit St. John’s

Options students and staff from Southwest Middle School are visiting St. John’s Lutheran Home every Friday afternoon for an hour, visiting with residents, playing card games, and getting to know one another. The first time one of the men residents said, “Who are these hooligans?” By the time the students were getting ready to leave, he said, “These aren’t hooligans, they are nice young men.”

Southwest elects student council

Southwest Middle School held its student council elections. These students are the 2008-09 student representatives:

Seventh-graders: Logan Callahan, Stephie Falk, Grace Gjersvik, Sydney Overgaard, Corde Purdie, Sarah Savelkoul and Bryn Woodside.

Eighth-graders: Mckenzie Besco, Lani Hanson, Karli Kriewall, Chrissy Monson, Ella Otten, Megan Pulley and Darik Weigel.

Mentoring program starts

The AmeriCorps mentoring program at Southwest held its first week of mentors and students meeting Sept. 22-26. The first meeting of G’s Crew Hispanic Boys’ Club was held the same week. G’s Crew is held once a week on Tuesdays during fourth period. The group has goals of no unexcused absences/tardies, all homework turned in on time, no behavior issues, passing all classes and community service. Because of the overwhelming interest, there were 15 members on the first day. All were in attendance for the first two weeks. During the year G’s Crew will work on good behavior, positive leadership development, life/job skills and several service learning projects. They will also continue hosting a guest speaker series throughout the year. If you would like to be a part of the things happening in the AmeriCorps Mentoring Program, contact Stephanie at 379-5314.

Marsha Langseth and Stephanie Pirsig attended the AmeriCorps Promise Fellow and Supervisor Kickoff Celebration: Celebrating & Strengthening Partnerships, hosted by the Minnesota Alliance with Youth, on Sept. 24 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. Both attended round table discussions with Statewide Partner Network sites: University of Minnesota Center for Youth Development, Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Education, National Youth Leadership Council, Search Institute and Youth Community Connections. They also learned about strengthening the supervisor-fellow partnership and building community partnerships.

Southwest holds Exploratory Day

Oct. 8 was Exploratory Day at Southwest Middle School. Students were given the opportunity to choose from a variety of options to explore their interest in academic and recreational activities. Students were asked what selections they made and why they made them. A number of them chose “Risk.” They described it as a “take over the world strategic war game.” They chose it because their friends are in it. One student chose “Discover E” offered by science teacher David Ware. Students do many hands-on activities to learn more about science principles. One student chose “Fun with Clay” because his brother had done it and really liked it. That session was offered by art teacher Talia Bloedel. Others went ice skating for their exploratory session. Students said Olympic skaters make it look so easy, but it’s not. There was music and students could skate dance and sing. Another chose the session titled “Make a Senior Smile.” This group went to Thorne Crest to interact with the residents. They played Wii and had residents frost sugar cookies.

Lakeview students’ art on display

Lakeview students have their artwork displayed in the district office for the month of October.

What players like about football

Jorge, Jesse, Juan, Chris, Josh R., Jake and Abraham are seated at table 5 in 4a lunch at Southwest Middle School. Many are involved in seventh- and eighth-grade football. When asked about what they liked about football, they talked about the hard work that happens at practices to prepare them for their games. Exercises include running, jogging in place, ladders and scrimmages.

Big turnout for volleyball

The Albert Lea seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball season had a big turnout with more than 40 girls out this year. Both teams improved and had a successful season. They worked on different rotations, serving styles and attack skills. Many of the girls went to camp over the summer either outside of Albert Lea or through Community Ed with the Albert Lea varsity coaches.

For practice one day, the varsity players and coach Lisa Deyak came to Southwest to give some tips on different skills and show their own skills. The girls also took a trip to the high school to watch the upper level teams play. The volleyball boosters set this trip up and treated the girls to pizza and free admission to the games.

Many of the players are looking forward to trying out for a winter/spring league, which started up last year in the Albert Lea area. The seventh and eighth-grade players and coaches are grateful to Jamie Cameron for volunteering so much time and energy to both teams this season, as well as parents, friends and relatives for supporting teams.