Blog Entries - 2019

Help Preserve History Through "Pride Walls"
An important piece to our new schools (and renovated High School) is telling our story through our Pride Wall project. Connecting our rich history with the future is extremely powerful. Each building will have a Pride Wall installed near the entrance; a
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Introducing "Miami Whitewater Elementary"
Acting on a recommendation by the School Naming Committee, the Southwest Local School District Board of Education has officially named the new elementary school located on the central campus, "Miami Whitewater Elementary". The committee was led
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Annual Food & Clothing Drive Dec. 9-13
SLSD Service Project Benefits Those in Need This Holiday Season Again this year, the Southwest Local School District is proud to partner with the Harrison Mayor’s Fund, This City His City, Christ’s Loving Hands, and JTM Food Group to provide for
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Shop Special Holiday Hours at "The Den"
Check everyone off your holiday shopping list with Harrison Wildcats gear from "The Den" Spirit Shop! In addition to our normal operating hours, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM on school days, we are pleased to offer special evening hours leading up to
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Author Brings Anti-Bullying Message to SLSD
The Southwest Local School District is proud to present a visit by an author and guest speaker to focus on bullying. Michele Eich is a teacher, author, speaker, and encourager – and she is offering her message free of charge to parents from
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Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups
Below is the link for the November Conference Signups. If you have any questions, please call our office directly at
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Opt-In Text for Emergency Notifications
On Tuesday, October 29 after 3:00 PM, School Messenger (our mass notification platform) is supposed be sending a test text message to all high school and junior school STUDENT cell numbers who were newly registered or updated this fall. This would have
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"Peter Pan" Landing in Harrison Nov. 15 & 16
Harrison Drama is FLYING through the air! Bring the family to our Creative Arts Theater production of Disney’s Classic, Peter Pan, on November 15 & 16! Tickets are now on sale at southwestschools.org/tickets and from the cast members. Student and
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Annual Veterans' Day Ceremony Set for Nov. 8
Harrison High School and Harrison Junior School will again join forces to headline the Southwest Local School District's efforts to honor our Veterans and Active Duty military. Our annual Veteran’s Breakfast and Assembly will take place Friday,
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Visual Art Showcase at Harrison Library
Mark your calendars! The Visual Art departments of Harrison High School and Harrison Junior School will be having a showcase of their talented student artists this fall at the Harrison Public Library. The Opening Reception will be on Thursday, November 7
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7th & 8th Grade Open School Family Night
Dear Parents, We are incredibly excited about our Open School Family Night for 7th and 8th Grade families coming up this Thursday. This event will take place from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and run throughout Harrison Junior School. This is a great opportunity
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Construction Begins on New Schools!
Months of planning and preparation have lead up to the start of construction on our new school buildings! Early site work began in earnest in early October. This included removing current obstacles, earth moving, and site
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Chorus Kicks Off Season on Oct. 8
This Tuesday, October 8th, our Choral Department will present their first concert of the school year! At 6:00 PM in the Martin Marietta Theater you will experience outstanding music from our Junior School Choirs; the 6th Grade Chorus, Chorale, and Symphonic
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Early Dismissals Due to Heat Monday-Wednesday
Due to the extreme heat, Southwest Local Schools will dismiss elementary and junior school students two hours early on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - September 30, October 1, and October 2. In addition, there will be no PM Kindergarten, PM Pre School,
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Quality Profile Provides Comprehensive Look at SLSD
SLSD one of 85 districts across the State to release Quality Profile, used in conjunction with state report card In Southwest Local Schools, we take pride in the outstanding opportunities that we make available to our students. We live our mission of helping
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Parent-Teacher Conference Information
Dear Parents, We are excited about the start of the school year, and this week we will host our First Parent Teacher Conference Night of the year. This will take place on Thursday, September 26th. Our 6th Grade students are still place in
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Early Dismissal for Grades K-8 on Thursday and Friday
SLSD Parents / Guardians, The heat is not letting up. Throw in temps in the 70’s at night with 90% humidity to start the day and you’ve got sauna like conditions in our K – 8 classrooms, before the sun comes up. Temps are going jump
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Final Reminder - Meningococcal Vaccine Required
Parents of Harrison Junior School 7th grade Students, See the attached letter as a reminder that proof of the TDAP Booster and Meningitis vaccine was due August 31, 2019. We are extending the deadline to Friday, September 13, 2019.
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"Acceptance Week" Seeks to Raise Awareness and Inclusivity
For the second consecutive year, Harrison High School junior Raileigh Legner has spear-headed a district-wide campaign called “Acceptance Week”, taking place September 16-20. A volunteer with Special Olympics since she was in the 6th grade,
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Second Annual "Day of Service" Set for Sep. 14
Students throughout the Southwest Local School District will unite to make a difference in our community at the second annual "Day of Service" on Saturday, September 14. Every athletic team, along with many service groups/clubs, churches, schools,
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Food Drive for "Not In Our Town" Mobile Food Pantry
We believe it’s our job to care for one another. That means stepping in to help our neighbor when they have a need. Our second annual Day of Service is coming up on Saturday, September 14. In advance of this community-wide event, we
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Ground Breakings Kick Off Next Phase of Facilities Project
On Friday, August 23, 2019 the Southwest Local School District broke ground on three new elementary schools and one new middle school that, when complete, will provide a modern learning environment for students in grades pre-K through
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Ground Breaking Set for New Schools
On Friday, August 23, the Southwest Local School District will break ground on three new elementary schools and one new middle school that, when complete, will provide a modern learning environment for students in grades pre-K through 8. Combined with
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Updated Bus Route Information
We are very excited to get started with the new school year! There have been HUNDREDS of adjustments to the routes, stops, and times since our mailing in early August due to all of the new students entering our district and requested
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State of the Schools Presentation
The Southwest Local School District held its annual "State of the Schools" night on August 7. The evening provided a wrap up of last school year and a preview of the year to come. Extensive updates were presented on curriculum, finances, district
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Vaccines Required for Incoming 7th Graders
A reminder to parents of incoming 7th graders - all students entering grades 7 and 12 are required to be vaccinated against the meningococcal disease. One dose of meningococcal vaccine is required prior to entry into the 7th grade. A second dose of
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Brains and Beauty Converge Over Breakfast
Harrison Jr/Sr High School’s 1st Annual Brains and Beauty Breakfast that was held July 31st from 9:00 – 11:00. Four graduates from the PLTW Engineering and/or BioMed programs, and one local biomedical engineer spoke to thirteen of our young
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Join Us for "State of the Schools" Wednesday Night
Get ready for the 2019-2020 school year by joining us for the State of the Schools Night on Wednesday, August 7. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:00 PM in the Martin Marietta Performing Arts Theater at the Activity
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Three Embark on New Leadership Roles in SLSD
Three veteran educators will be taking on new leadership roles in the Southwest Local School District this year.
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6th Grade "Camp Junior Wildcat" Information
Welcome to Harrison Junior School! Here you will come together with students from around the district and create the Class of 2026. The next three years will be the most exciting of your school career and we cannot wait to share the wonderful
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Cross Country Information
Cross Country Optional summer conditioning Start: July 1st Time: 8-9:00 a.m. When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Where: Miami Whitewater Park – Tanager Meadows Picnic Shelter Official practice starts August 1st, 8-10:00 a.m. in
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Football Information
Football Optional summer conditioning Start: July 22, 24, 29, 31 Time: 9-10:00 a.m. Where: Practice fields behind the school Official practice starts August 1st, 9-11:30 a.m. Please contact the coaches with any questions, or call the junior
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Town Hall Update on School Facilities
The Southwest Local School District is pleased to present our third Town Hall Meeting, designed to provide a comprehensive update on the design of our new schools! Our project includes three new elementary schools, one new middle school, and a renovated
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Summer Camp Central!
Opportunities abound in the Southwest Local School District this summer! From athletics to STEAM to robotics, there are camps available for your children to keep them active, engaged and off their
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STEAM Summer Camp Returns!
STEAM Summer Camp will take place from June 24-28. Two sessions will be held, with multiple course offerings available during each session. The morning session will run from 9:00-11:00 AM and the afternoon session will follow from 12:00-2:00
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Reds Baseball & Softball Camp Returns to Harrison This Summer
The Reds Baseball/Softball Camps presented by UnitedHealthcare are back for an eighth season in 2019. The camp will again be returning to Harrison High School from June 24-28. The camps are open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Each camp
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Community Town Hall on Athletic Facilities
Attention ALL Harrison residents, alumni and Wildcat fans: Please join the Harrison Athletic Boosters Community Information Night on Tuesday, May 28th at 7 PM in the Activity Center Theater. This night will outline the upcoming “Inspired by
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Summer School Information
Registration for Summer School is now open. Opportunities are available for both high school and junior school students. Click HERE for the booklet describing course offerings, policies, costs, and the registration process. Questions
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Brock Earns Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Honors
Congratulations to the Girls' Special Olympic Athlete of the Year, Gabby Brock. Gabby was recognized at the Cincinnati.com Sports Awards Ceremony this past weekend, where she got to meet Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton (pictured). The
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All School and Community Organizations Invited to GABP
This is an invitation for ALL Harrison groups and activities, K to 12, to take part in the pregame parade for Harrison night at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, April 23. If you have a group, club or organization that is interested, please contact
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VEX Robotics Club Applications Now Available
Applications for the HJS VEX Robotics Club are now available in the office, from Mrs. Elsasser, and by clicking HERE. If you are in 6th or 7th grade, and you want to be in robotics club next year, pick up and application and get it turned into Mrs.
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Youth Track & Field Registration This Week
We are pleased to present information for the 2019 season of Harrison's Youth Track & Field program that is available to the entire community. The design of this program is to introduce the sport of track & field to kids in our area.
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"The Wedding Singer" Prepares to Take the Stage
The year is 1985. The place is New Jersey. A wannabe rockstar (Wedding Singer) is left at the altar and finally changes his tune. The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, music was loud and a wedding singer might
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Track & Field Picture Info
Picture Day for JS Track is Friday, April 5. Order your picture packages at this
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SLSD Raises Over $25K for LLS
The Southwest Local School District teamed up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for our third district-wide fundraiser of the year, following the Day of Service in the fall and the Food and Clothing Drive at holiday time. Students were encouraged to
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Junior School Students Excel at STEM Challenge
The 2019 Southwest Ohio Thermo Fisher Scientific STEM Design Challenge was held at the Activity Center on Friday, February 22nd. For the second consecutive year, Harrison Junior School had four teams out of 28 total competing in the challenge. In addition to
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Help Design "Pride Walls" in New Schools
The Southwest Local School District invites you to leave your mark on the design of the new school facilities by joining the Pride Wall committee. Each of the three new elementary schools will have a Pride Wall, along with the new middle school and the
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Lockdown Drill at Harrison Junior School
On February 27, Harrison High School and Harrison Junior School were placed on a soft lockdown to bring multiple K-9 units in to do a sweep of our secondary campus. A “soft lockdown” means that all exterior doors are double-checked for
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Two-Hour Delay 02/20/19
Wednesday, February 20: Southwest Local Schools are on a Two-Hour Delay, with no morning kindergarten, preschool, or head start.
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HJS Raising Money to Battle Blood Cancer
Harrison Junior School is in the midst of our fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our school is joining over 28,000 other schools across the nation to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We are encouraging students to bring in
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PTA Needs Box Tops!
Hello Junior High School parents! It is time again for a Box Top collection! Any student who turns in the attached Valentine Box Top Collection Sheet (does not have to be full just as many as you can!) or a baggie with their name on it by
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CLOSED 02/01/19
Friday, February 1: Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED.
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Community Provided with Update on Progress of New Schools
On Thursday, January 24 the Southwest Local School District presented the second Town Hall meeting, updating the community on the design process of the new school facilities. The presentations were led by our architecture firm, SHP Leading Design, and our
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"The Belairs" Return to the Martin Marietta Theater
The Harrison High School Creative Arts Theatre is proud to present the 50's and 60's rock and roll band, "The Belairs" in concert on Saturday, January 26. Formerly known as "Hot Wax", The Belairs Show is dedicated to those who can appreciate the memorable
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TONIGHT: Town Hall Meeting to Update School Design Progress
The Southwest Local School District is pleased to present our second Town Hall Meeting, designed to provide a comprehensive update on the design of our new schools! Our project includes three new elementary schools, one new middle school, and a
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Important 5th Grade Parent Meeting Regarding Junior School Transition
Dear Incoming 6th Grade Parents, It is hard to believe, just a few years ago your students were starting their first day of Kindergarten. Nervous children and nervous parents were watching their children walk into our great Elementary Schools, stomachs
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Registration Information for Upcoming 7th & 8th Graders
Dear Parents and Guardians of Upcoming 7th & 8th Graders, The Harrison Junior School Counseling Office would like to introduce you to the scheduling process for the 2019-2020 year! We are looking forward to making the transition to the next grade level
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8th Grade Parent Meeting Regarding High School Transition
Dear 8th Grade Parents, It seems like just yesterday you’re standing at the bus stop, biting your nails and looking down at your baby. You’re thinking “I can’t believe they are old enough to go to
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SLSD Partners with Mercy Health for School-Based Health Center
Mercy Health has a long history of partnering with area schools to help students, teachers and staff be well. Today, Mercy Health announces that it has partnered with the Southwest Local School District to promote the health and wellness of the school’s
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Scam Targets Business Owners, Hurts Student Athletes
Harrison Wildcats Athletics is warning business owners about a scam where a company calling themselves "Sports Media" purports to be soliciting advertising dollars on behalf of the school. To verify the legitimacy of any fundraising
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