MPS has now finalized 2026 commencement dates, times, and locations. 

Southwest Commencement: 

• June 6 

• 7:00 p.m. 

• Royalston Square

For a complete list click here: MPS Commencement Dates 2026

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.

Southwest will hold school picture make up day on October 23.

Congratulations to Southwest High School's eight students who earned National Merit Commended Student honors. 

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

Southwest's commended students are: Quinlan Brown, Kiera Dahlquist, Milin Danek, Max Rosielle, Annabel Schendel, Madeline Thompson, Ruby Thousand, and Tate Tritbaugh

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! 

Exploring Consent: Strategies for Caregivers – This free virtual webinar on October 10th will help parents and caregivers learn how to talk with young people about consent—the practice of giving and respecting permission in relationships. The session will share practical communication strategies that go beyond “yes means yes” and “no means no,” equipping adults to guide students toward healthier, safer interactions. Register here.

Looking for Southwest's official brand guidelines and Lakers logos? Click [this link] for high-res images, color palettes, typography tips, and more. We’ve permanently added the link to our weekly newsletter footer so it’s always easy to find. 

Why it matters: Consistent use of our logos and colors makes Southwest instantly recognizable, strengthens our school identity, and proudly showcases our Lakers pride. Go Lakers!

To learn more about boys' basketball for 9th graders click: Freshmen Boys Basketball Info

Right to Be has empowered thousands across the country to build safer, more inclusive communities. Join us in learning how to stand up for one another with courage and compassion. Together, we can make our city a safe place for everyone. 

The training is free, facilitated by Right to Be and co-hosted by the Fulton, Linden Hills, South Uptown, and Tangletown neighborhood organizations. 

Training description and registration at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bystander-intervention-in-public-spaces-training-webinar-registration-1596154574299?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday, September 27th is the Homecoming Dance at Southwest. PTSA is looking for parent volunteers to help. If interested, click here: https://signup.com/go/otpwgpT

(Couldn't resist using this throwback pic. No, this is not me. Enjoy! Dr. B.)

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.  As a reminder, all IB exams are paid for by MPS!!  Please complete registration before 11/1- the sooner the better!

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

SW IB Website

IB DP Exam registration Slideshow

IB DP Exam registration Google Form for May 2026- your student has to access the form from their MPS account

AP Physics 1 and 2 and Lang/Comp registration- $70 per exam

IB/AP Exam Calendar- please mark those dates down for this spring