![Looking at the board, former BSU secretary Christina Altaye begins to prepare for BSU’s second year of Club Feud. This year, “Are You Smarter Than a Ninth Grader?” will be replacing this event. “I think it’s a fun change [to Club Feud],” BSU Activities Director Hellen Beyene said. “[I think] it’s always fun to do something new and different.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-09-29-11.06.43.png)
![Displaying a QR code for students to scan, the flyer allows students to sign up and learn about their desired colleges as they visit throughout the school year. Many schools have had additional presentations for students to learn more about what they offer. “For me, I’m interested in criminal justice,” junior Zion Jefferson said. “I know that UNLV and Nevada State University have this major. But, [the college fair] is going to be beneficial, so I can see what other schools offer as well.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_2721-1200x900.jpg)
![Working in the Student Success Office, Attendance Secretary Lordis Depiazza inputs a student’s absence excuse note. Students are required to bring an excuse note to the attendance office within three days of any absence. “Reminding students that being in school is important because it reflects towards your grades and being able to do any activities with the school,” Depiazza said. “[It] seems to get the students' attention about wanting to be in school.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_8313-1200x800.jpg)
The rate reached 13.8% last year
Administration is pushing for less absences as part of the school’s improvement plan.
![Arranging the fabric on the floor for a new project, senior Sapphyre-Ann Leung plans out her attire for the next deadline. With the recent closures, students now had limited resources and less margin for error with the fabric and materials they had in stock while trying to reach strict deadlines. “Joann’s had a lot of high-end fabric for our fashion competitions,” Leung said. “We couldn’t just buy ten yards of fabric from Hobby Lobby or Walmart. Since [Joann Fabrics] is no longer open, we have to buy items online, which is way more expensive.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_0038-1200x800.jpg)
Shutdowns drive up costs and limit creative options
Major fabric shop discontinuations are leaving the fashion department with higher costs, fewer options and new challenges for student projects.
There are three different prize categories
Juniors taking the ACT will have the opportunity to win prizes if their composite score is 21 or above.
Student Council spreads gratitude during Week of Respect with handwritten notes to teachers
As part of a new initiative for the Week of Respect, the Student Council collected over 100 appreciation messages from students and turned them into handwritten notes posted on teachers’ doors, aiming to strengthen community and lift spirits during a stressful season.
![Practicing the basic skills of nursing, sophomore Natalia Yancey gets her heartbeat checked with a stethoscope. Sophomore nursing students reviewed skills from freshman year. “I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field; it’s been my dream forever,” Yancey said. “Doing [practice skills] so early on is not only an amazing opportunity, but it helps me to prepare for my future.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_9843-1200x800.jpg)
Administration currently hiring to fill in positions
Programs Culinary and Nursing, as well as special education, face openings
TSA, Crochet Club and Amnesty International meet this week
TSA prepares members for state competitions, Amnesty International plans a jeopardy game and Crochet Club will begin to teach members basic skills.
StuCo Plans to Have Culinary Make Food For The Dance
Tickets will be available from Sept. 29 through Oct. 10, or until they sell out.
NHS, Key Club and Psychology Club meet this week
Key Club prepares for RTC, NHS plans to debate hypotheticals and Psych Club learns about color therapy.
New Digital Board in Upper C Aims to Boost Student Planning
A new digital screen in Upper C is part of a district-wide partnership with NextGrad to support college and career readiness.
Implementing new opportunities for students
Dual enrollment Music 121 and several enterprise courses now offered.
Students and teachers adjust to the time change
Administration added extra minutes to periods three and four to give teachers more time to show the morning announcements.
The phone ban law was passed by the Nevada Legislature
CCSD will now require schools to follow updated phone regulations beginning in the fall of 2026.
The exam is a graduation requirement for seniors
On Sept. 4 and 5, seniors took the civics exam, which is modeled after the U.S. citizenship test, in their Political Science and American Government classes.
![During lunch, freshman Austin Nowak buys a snack from the vending machine. Since the re-adoption of the CCSD guidelines, the vending machines have been restocked with healthier food options. “[The guidelines don’t] really affect me but it could affect different people,” Nowak said. “It’s all about opinions.”](https://southwestshadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_7430-1200x800.jpg)
Restrictions will follow CCSD regulations
These guidelines have limited what clubs are allowed to sell for fundraising, as well as what can be sold in the vending machines and student store.
Requirements and reminders for students looking to attend
An informational meeting was held to discuss the annual senior trip to Disneyland.
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