Southwest recently had a change to the attendance phone line. The number 612-668-3088 is no longer in service for attendance. 

From this point forward, please choose one of the options below for reporting your student’s absences. 

1. Call the main number,  612-668-3030, then press #1.

Or

2. Fill out the Google Form

Or

3. Email:  Southwest.Attendance@mpls.k12.mn.us

For all reporting methods please include the following:

• Student's name

• Student ID number

• Date of absence

• Reason for absence

• Contact information for caregiver requesting the absence.

For all appointments, please send a doctor’s note or other verification form upon their return.

Questions? Contact Jody Newberg at Jody.Newberg@mpls,k12.mn.us

As a reminder, we're excited to offer "Meet Your Teacher Night" on Thursday, September 18th at Southwest from 4-6 p.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. The format is casual. Stop by and chat with your Laker's teachers. 

Welcome back, Southwest students and families! As the new school year begins, we’d like to re-introduce the Southwest Site Council.

The Site Council is made up of teachers, staff, caregivers, students, and community members who serve in an advisory role to support the Southwest High School administrative team. We work on behalf of the Southwest community and are committed to promoting equity across our school.

Our focus areas:

• Guidance: Provide input on budget priorities and support district and school initiatives.

• Communication: Share information with families and strengthen connections across the school community.

• Feedback: Gather and share community perspectives to help shape school priorities.

While the Site Council does not make independent policy decisions, we play an    

important role in ensuring that school priorities reflect the needs of our community.

First Meeting of the Year:
Monday, September 15 at 3:30 PM
Southwest Media Center, 2nd floor, fishbowl room
Also available on Google Meet:

Google Meet joining info

https://meet.google.com/uyh-yjde-mbb

Or dial: +​1​ ​4​1​7​-​7​3​0​-​9​4​6​5 PIN: 4​9​9​ ​0​0​4​ ​3​7​4​#

All members of the SWHS community are welcome!

Questions?
Dr. Ed Bennett, SWHS Principal · edward.bennett@mpls.k12.mn.us
Betsy Wagner, Site Council Co-Chair 2025–26 · elizabethwagner@gmail.com
Margo Farrell, Site Council Co-Chair 2025–26 · margo.farrell@gmail.com

Southwest Community Education is pleased to offer the state required 30-hr classroom instruction for students. The fall class is November 5-20, (Monday-Thursday) from 3:20-6:20pm at Southwest. Students must attend all sessions. Enrollment is now open, so click here to enroll. Paper forms are also available in the Community Education Office (room #101). Class is offered on a self-selecting sliding fee scale of $145/$159/$185/$95. Once completing and passing the course and getting enrolled with a Behind-the-Wheel provider of your choosing, students can take their permit test at 15 years of age. Driver Ed students must be 14 year of age at the time of class. Reach out to dave.premack@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-3100 for more information,.

Calling all Southwest students to come and support your men's and women's soccer teams at the biggest soccer event of the season!  Not only will it be a day of GREAT soccer but there will also be concessions, spirit wear, a raffle and MORE!!  Whether you are a soccer fan or just a fan of food and fun, this is your event!  Let's show our Laker pride and fill the stands with purple to support our teams!!  This is an all day event for one entry fee - what a deal!  Bring your family and friends for a great day at the SW Stadium.

Want to ski or learn to ski? Join the Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team (MAST)! Visit www.mplsalpineski.org and watch the ‘new family orientation' video to learn more! Now that school has started, ski season, and gearing up for it, will come fast!

MAST, the Minneapolis Alpine Ski Team, is an alpine ski racing team offered by Minneapolis Public School students. It is available as a Varsity and Junior Varsity sport for boys and girls in grades 7-12 who attend a Minneapolis Public School. MAST welcomes students of all ability levels, from beginner to expert. The coaching staff will work with students to help improve whatever skills they bring to the slopes – no experience required.

Attend the MAST Information Session - open to all!

September 29th at 7pm 

Lynnhurst Community Center

For more information fill out the New Athlete Inquiry Form and check out the MAST Fact Sheet

SKI FAST! 

Congratulations to Southwest senior Dahlia Karch for earning National Merit Semi-Finalist honors. She will now be considered for Finalist status. With Dahlia are Ms. Laurel Molin, guidance counselor, and Dr. Ed Bennett, principal. 

Way to go, Dahlia!