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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Students are expected to create an infographic that is both informative and creative. Most students have experience with making infographics, but even they are learning new things on how to make their infographic display their style and personality. “Creativity is an important skill in everyday life that we all need,” Marissa said, “It gets the point across in a way that will be remembered.” 
Art Credit: Madison Land

Using An Infographic to Present Information in Graphic Design II

Madison Land
December 7, 2020

Typically infographics are used to display information visually such as statistics, a process, or even a resume. Graphic Design II teacher Rosarita Olvina is teaching her students the creative aspect of...

Although it can be hard to leave a job, assistant principal Trish Taylor is taking her memories and amazing experiences at Southwest to start fresh and build a community of hardworking and diligent students as the principal of East a career and Technical Academy. Taylor spent seven hard years here, even being the subject of an award-winning photo in 2015. “The students have always been fantastic and so much fun to be around,” Taylor said. “The incredible group of professionals at Southwest I will miss terribly.”  Photo Credit: Jorge Carrera

Assistant principal Trish Taylor promoted to principal of East Career and Technical Academy

Juliana Borruso
December 7, 2020
Ms. Taylor takes the next step in her career, transferring schools and causing shifts in the administration's office.
Students work together to shine a new kind of light of learning for this project.This most recent assignment incorporates music and beats into a new way of learning. Students had the opportunity to create their own rap or a parody. Photo Credit: klar_rocks

Sophomores in Jennifer Conder’s Chemistry class create raps to better understand chemical bonding

Kamryn Baldenebro
December 3, 2020
Students had the option to create raps or parodies of their favorite songs to show understanding of content.
"I wasn’t too surprised [we were a finalist] because we have such dedicated, hard workers that work so well with one another," A&E editor Naila Yazdani said. "I’m so happy for all the new staff members to experience an accomplishment like this and for us editors who [have tried our best] to get all our deadlines in and help out any members we can. I’m genuinely excited to see what’s next for the Southwest Shadow."  Photo Credit: CSPA

Southwest Shadow earns finalist spot for CSPA crown

Julia Jauregui
December 2, 2020
The Southwest Shadow staff has been made finalist for the 2021 CSPA Crown.
Through the computers on their desks, students in Kelly's AP Human Geography class start a new unit about culture. Students, such as sophomore Gia Choong, are learning about all the different cultures of the world. “I’m definitely the most interested in learning about religion,” Choong said. “I’m not theistic at all, however, I’d love to learn more about the role it plays in different cultures and how that translates to the idea of secularism in different governments.”
Photo Credit: Kayla Thomas

Students Study Cultural Diffusion, Assimilation, Globalization in AP Human Geography

Kayla Thomas
December 1, 2020
Kelly’s AP HUG class learns about the various influences among human and cultural attributes.
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.
In order to ensure students know about circular motion, AP Physics I teacher Patrick Waddington had students choose groups and calculate circular motion on any planet. Circular motion is part of the third unit in AP Physics I. “I hope that students will use the project as a chance to study for their upcoming Circular Motion Test, talk through their misconceptions with group members, and be able to have an interesting bit of trivia info about something that not many are familiar with,” Waddington said.  Photo Credit: Juliana Borruso

Students calculate circular motions on different planets

Juliana Borruso
November 23, 2020
Studying circular motion, students in AP Physics I create presentations and calculate forces on a different planet.
Focusing on group work for the regional cuisine project, sophomore Crystal Knudson begins doing research on what dishes should be included in her group’s menu. Students are assigned group members for the regional cuisine so they can begin researching on a variety of different cuisines and start creating a menu. “I’m expecting to learn a lot about culture since America is full of immigrants,” Knudson said. “Even though American food may seem boring, there are lots of backstories depending on who colonized the area.” Photo Credit: Crystal Knudson

Exploring a World of Flavors in Culinary II

Aila Pasic
November 20, 2020
Beginning research of America’s most popular regional cuisines, Culinary II students are brainstorming their own delicious dishes to include with the research of their project.
After researching the traditions of Latin America, student Jusper Julius B. Aligaen submits a digital ofrenda. Through this project, students are developing a better understanding of the traditional holidays celebrated by Spanish-speaking countries. “The Day of the Dead is very important to me,” Aligaen said. “It is the time for me to remember those who made me who I am now, especially my uncle who passed away. I want to keep his memory alive.” Photo Credit: Ana Cristina Thomann

Students create ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ ofrendas to honor the dead

Truong Phan
November 18, 2020
Spanish IIH students make traditional ofrendas focusing on honoring and remembering their loved ones.
According to the Journal of Effective Teaching “Working collaboratively with others is extremely important in building problem solving and teamwork skills and is proven to help students retain information better.” However, because of virtual schooling, group work poses more of a challenge for teachers to incorporate into online lessons."Teamwork" by davis.steve32 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .

Teachers Explore New Options To Increase Student Interaction

Lily Gurdison
November 16, 2020
With schools being virtual, it is not only stressful for students to ask for help on assignments from their teachers, but also to connect with other students and collaborate.
The CCSD Board of Trustees began discussing the new hybrid operational plan. Guided by state recommendations, the plan was initially called to be implemented, but was delayed afterwards. "Make no mistake, we are suffering here in Clark County, and as we enter here in the winter months, our challenges will increase exponentially. But the future of our children is on the line," CCSD Superintendent Jesus Jara said. (Photo Credit: Rhamil Taguba)

School Board postpones vote on hybrid model

Ahmed Ahmed and Rhamil Taguba
November 15, 2020
The school board’s decision to postpone the vote may leave some confused.