Hello Southwest families,

Exam registration season is upon us, and our amazing Southwest scholars have the opportunity to take any IB DP exam that they qualify for based on the class they are currently taking.  Students have access to the Google Form through every Google Classroom they are in, and they are the ones who need to register.  As a reminder, all IB exams are paid for by MPS!!  

Registration ends on Friday 11/1.  You and your student will receive confirmation emails about the IB exams they registered for no later than 10/28.

If you have any questions, please email Tim Leistikow- timothy.leistikow@mpls.k12.mn.us

SW IB Website

IB DP Exam registration Slideshow

IB May 2025 DP Exam registration Google Form

AP Physics, Art, and Lang/Comp registration- $60 per exam

Questions? Please contact timothy.leistikow@mpls.k12.mn.us

On Tuesday, October 22, the Southwest National Honor Society Chapter inducted 66 new members. We applaud these students and appreciate their commitment to the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character

In an effort to be clear about our expectations, we are re-introducing the guidelines surrounding  our “Open Campus” for lunch time.

Only juniors and seniors who are on track to graduate may leave the school grounds during lunch. When they return, they must sign in through Door One. It is their responsibility to be on time to class; failure to do so may result in consequences such as Detention after School.

Students are asked to respect the property of all who live and work in the neighborhood. Please do not trespass, litter or loiter on others’ property. Drive within the speed limit and keep music turned down. Open campus is a privilege, not a right. The administration has the authority to revoke this privilege if a student abuses it.

Announcements are going out to our students through our usual ways of communicating: during Laker Time, on our grade-level Google Classroom, and via Instagram. If you have any questions, please reach out to our administrative team.

Juniors and Seniors: if you leave for lunch, it is your responsibility to return so you are in class on time. We will start monitoring students who are repeatedly late and consequences will include Detention After School and/or loss of the privilege to leave for lunch.

Ninth and Tenth Graders: Remember that you are not allowed to leave the building during lunch. Consequences for leaving without permission include parent contact and Detention After School.

Southwest junior, Kate Payton, and senior, Matthew Ellis, were recently named to the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association’s (MSHSSCA) All-State team for the 2024 season. We're so proud of these outstanding Lakers!

On Friday, October 25, Southwest celebrated Unity Day! UNIFIED is a club that supports students with disabilities to collaborate, make friends with and do activities with mainstream peers.

On Thursday, October 24, worked with the Southwest Wind Ensemble on his latest works, the composing process, and how to improve as an ensemble. Thanks to Mr. Wixson for connecting with Mr. Day. What an incredible opportunity for our students!