The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
School operations closed for fall break

School operations closed for fall break

Gurleen Swaich
November 25, 2020

In observation of Fall Break, virtual classes will not be held from Nov. 25-27. We hope everyone has a wonderful Fall Break!

Quarter one was tough not just for teachers, but also students. Although things seemed quite frustrating, many of the technical dilemmas and Canvas issues have been navigated and students are beginning to somewhat admire the versatility of virtual education. Graphic Credit: Gurleen Swaich

A look into quarter two

Gurleen Swaich
November 24, 2020
Students are adapting the online environment and are continuing to work through the difficulties and lack of motivation.
Releasing seven new songs in his EP, one of them being an old hit, Peter Manos vividly portrays the anxiety of getting out of your comfort zone.  Rating: A-Photo Credit: Capitol

Endeavor into a parallel mindset with ‘Do You Turn Red?’

Gurleen Swaich
November 17, 2020
Utilizing his capabilities in guitar and piano, Peter Manos’ EP ‘Do You Turn Red?’ showcases this new artists’ admirable talent.
Creating individual sections that contain information regarding the three separate diseases, burns as well as the functions of the various elements in the integumentary system, junior Isabell Min made a simple, yet effective brochure. students have been given 15-20 minutes at the end of every class to finish. “Although this project took me quite some time, it helped me learn about many intriguing skin diseases I didn't even know existed,” junior Isabell Min said. Photo Credit: Isabell Min

Creating professional, informative integumentary system brochures in Anatomy & Physiology

Gurleen Swaich
November 5, 2020
Students are completing a creative integumentary system brochure project to better understand the functions, disorders, and treatments.
With the help of the National Honor Society’s tutoring system, students can easily ask for help online with any subject. Whether it be math or science, NHS members can assist students with academics to improve the online school experience. “With everyone learning from home, NHS wanted to make help from peers more accessible by bringing our annual tutoring service online,” junior NHS President-elect Kirsten Hofilena said. “Learning from a screen can present its challenges so we made sure to make navigating online an option for discussion with our tutors. We are also open to freshmen who seek advice with certain teacher’s methods or have general questions.” Art Credit: Gurleen Swaich

National Honor Society Starts Virtual Tutoring Program

Gurleen Swaich
September 30, 2020
Getting help with academics virtually can be difficult, but NHS members will be providing tutoring sessions for anyone in need with any subjects.
PODCAST: The one where they go to high school

PODCAST: The one where they go to high school

Gurleen Swaich, Juliana Borruso, and Kamryn Baldenebro
September 17, 2020
Transitioning from middle school to high school is already difficult, but having the added dynamic of trying to keep relationships with your previous friends can be one of the hardest aspects.
Practicing her speech on female harassment, junior Lizeth Ontiveros makes sure to include hand gestures at chest level. Students needed to include hand gestures, use an expressive voice, and keep a consistent pace, to earn a good grade. “Being in COM 101 while online is a little bit conflicting because we can’t physically be there to express ourselves for our speeches,” Ontiveros said. “However, I am excited to get into speeches and especially the first one because I am passionate about my topic on [female] harassment and I am looking forward to delivering it.”Photo Credit: Lizeth Ontiveros

Speeches for COM 101 conducted virtually

Gurleen Swaich and Juliana Borruso
September 16, 2020
Taking a different turn this year, teacher Henry Castillo works around internet issues and adjusts guidelines for delivering speeches at home.
Distance education has presented many challenges, including the uncertainty of how physical education courses will work. Students will still have to do physical activity through fitness logs, as well as complete modules to learn the importance of exercise. “I would say I was a bit bummed we wouldn’t be returning to school in person, but in times like we just keep moving forward,” senior Christina Chen said. “Lifetime Sports is a more laid back class and the daily question quiz, as well as weekly lessons, are pretty reasonable and easy.” Photo Credit: Rosalie Schmitt

PE Teachers find ways to transition course online

Julia Jauregui and Gurleen Swaich
September 11, 2020
With PE mainly consisting of outdoor activities with sports and teams, teachers and students slowly adjust to a virtual environment.
Chase Atlantic releases a new album ‘PHASES’ with twelve tracks revolving around love and bettering oneself with a sombre and alternative R&B beat. Rating: A Photo Credit: BMG Rights Management

Discover reality with ‘PHASES’

Gurleen Swaich
September 8, 2020
Chase Atlantic's sentimental, yet climactic beats, capture the many realities of teenagers today.
School operations closed for Labor Day

School operations closed for Labor Day

Gurleen Swaich
September 6, 2020

In observation of Labor Day, regular classes will not be held until Tuesday, Sept. 8.

During her class overview, Anatomy & Physiology teacher Mary Breslin includes a slide of websites she plans on using in first semester. More technology tools will be integrated into coursework to increase interactivity and to aid in learning as the year progresses. “When students work together and collaborate, they help one another learn more effectively; therefore, to encourage more student participation, interaction and collaboration, I am using these other programs,” Anatomy & Physiology teacher Mary Breslin said. “Nearpod allows a teacher to incorporate many different student response activities so that you can check for understanding in real-time during a lesson. With anything, practice makes perfect. So the more you interact with the information, the more familiar and comfortable you will become with it.” Photo Credit: Sigmund

New education tools introduced by teachers for virtual education sessions

Gurleen Swaich
September 2, 2020
Aside from using Canvas, teachers plan on using other platforms such as Nearpod to duplicate the in-person learning experience.
Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

Virtual education starts with minor bumps amidst Canvas, Infinite Campus outages

Julia Jauregui, Gurleen Swaich, Ahmed Ahmed, Juliana Borruso, and Naila Yazdani
August 26, 2020
After the technology complications were resolves, the remainder of the day continued without noticeable complications.
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