Blog Entries - 2021

Second Semester Transportation Changes
Our district will lose two of our most veteran drivers effective December 31st, 2021. We want to wish Judy Schuster and Roxane Tenhundfeld the best in their retirement – they will be greatly missed. Our district has been able to fill these
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Food & Clothing Drive Now Underway!
Again this year, the Southwest Local School District is proud to partner with the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund, This City His City, Christ’s Loving Hands, and JTM Food Group to provide for those in need in our community this holiday
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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 Community Fund, This City His City, Christ’s Loving Hands, and JTM Food Group to provide for those in need in our community this holiday
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Safety and Health Update
Good evening SLSD parents / guardians, Over the weekend, a threat was made by an individual in a neighboring state towards another Wm. Henry Harrison High School (there are several throughout the country). This threat did pop up on the social media accounts
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Holiday Assistance Sign-Ups Now Underway
2021 HARRISON MAYOR’S COMMUNITY FUND / SOUTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE APPLICATION SCHEDULE The Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund will be accepting applications for holiday assistance during the month of November. Families
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Updated Quarantine and Testing Guidelines
Earlier this week, the Ohio Department of Health updated the quarantine and testing guidelines regarding students in Ohio schools who come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. The Hamilton County Department of Health has also approved this
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Report Cards Available for Viewing Nov. 5
Dear Southwest Families, First quarter report cards are scheduled to be posted in ProgressBook Parent Access on Friday, November 5, 2021. You can access ProgressBook by going to https://parentaccess.swoca.net/. (Please note this link has changed from
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Hoxworth Blood Drive Coming Up Oct. 28
The Harrison High School senior class is once again teaming up with Hoxworth Blood Center to sponsor two blood drives at the Activity Center this school year. The first drive will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 7:45 AM - 1:30 PM. The
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SLSD Health Update
This week's Health Update contains two important pieces of information. Click HERE for the weekly SLSD COVID-19 Dashboard. Click HERE for an update on the masking policy at Harrison High School and Harrison Junior
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First Quarter Wrap-Up
We have come to the end of the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year. Thanks to our students and families for partnering with us to achieve our mission of academic and social growth each and every day. Please enjoy Fall Break and take some
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Bus Drivers Needed
Southwest Local Schools is looking for school bus drivers. Positions will start full-time (with benefits) on January 1st, but will start earlier if training is needed or if there is an availability to sub on bus routes prior to that date. If you
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SLSD Health Update
Greetings SLSD Parents / Guardians; Please see the attached Health Alert synopsis from last week. Total new cases can be found near the bottom of the page. Our case numbers appear to be following the trend in the community and area. Our number one priority
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SLSD Health Update
When we see significant numbers of students and / or staff out due to COVID, we will shift to either universal masking or remote instruction. Like last year, we will do this by grade, then building to start. It is important that families are prepared for
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Job Fair Coming to Activity Center Sep. 30
20+ LOCAL COMPANIES RECRUITING AT HARRISON JOB FAIR WHEN Thursday, Sept. 30, 20213 to 6 p.m. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC / ADULTS Some employers will be on site throughout the day to meet with students before the job fair opens to the
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SLSD Health Update
When we see significant numbers of students and / or staff out due to COVID, we will shift to either universal masking or remote instruction. Like last year, we will do this by grade, then building to start. It is important that families are prepared for
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Universal Masking in Two Fourth Grade Classrooms
Dear Miami Whitewater Elementary Fourth Grade Parents & Guardians,
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SLSD Health Update
When we see significant numbers of students and / or staff out due to COVID, we will shift to either universal masking or remote instruction. Like last year, we will do this by building to start. It is important that families are prepared for either
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Important Information for Parents
Please take a moment to review this information as well as discuss it with your child. Over the past couple weeks, throughout the United States, school districts have noticed, some areas, specifically within the restrooms, are being
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SLSD Health Update
When we see significant numbers of students and / or staff out due to COVID, we will shift to either universal masking or remote instruction. Like last year, we will do this by building to start. It is important that families are prepared for either
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Substitute Teachers Needed!
We are looking for Substitute Teachers in all SLSD buildings! If interested in being a preschool sub, please contact Christina Curcio at 513-887-5503 or curcioc@bcesc.org. If interested in being a sub in grades K-12, please review the
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SLSD Health Update
When we see significant numbers of students and / or staff out due to COVID, we will be forced to either universally mask or conduct remote instruction. Like last year, we will do this by building to start. It is important that families are prepared for
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Student Fee Information
Southwest Local Schools will be waiving all student academic fees for the 2021/2022 school year, thanks to CARES Act funding. Pay to play fees for sports and band are not included in the waived fees and should be paid HERE. Free
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SLSD Health Update
In addition to the weekly data update linked below for the period ending August 29, we had multiple additional positive student cases reported today (August 30) at Crosby Elementary and Harrison Junior School. These cases will be listed in next week's
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SLSD Health Update
Again this school year, the Southwest Local School District will provide weekly updates on the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases per building, along with the number of students required to quarantine. The report, released each Monday, will
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SLSD Seeking Half-Time Kindergarten Teacher
Miami Whitewater Elementary are looking to hire a ½ day AM Kindergarten teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. All interested applicants should apply online using the link
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Transportation Update
Our routing for the start of the 2021-2022 school year was finished this weekend. We processed nearly 1,000 changes over the past week resulting from new enrollees, parent requests, address changes, and a variety of other reasons. These changes
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Transportation Update
Our initial routing for the 2021-2022 school year was finished this weekend. Parents can now log into Final Forms to see their child’s bus information for the coming year. To view this information, please log in via the Online Forms portion
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SLSD COVID Mitigation Plan
Please click HERE to read the Southwest Local School District’s Back-to-School Plan for COVID Mitigation. Additionally, the State of Ohio’s guidance document for K-12 schools may be viewed by clicking HERE. Please know, the situation
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Facilities for the Future Open Aug. 1
On Sunday, August 1, the Southwest Local School District will cut the ribbon and officially open three new elementary schools and one new middle school. The new facilities will provide a modern learning environment for students in grades pre-K through
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Transportation Update
Our district recently received some updated guidance regarding transportation for the 2021-2022 school year. Like many of our parents, we have been eagerly awaiting information on this topic and we were able to discuss this at our most recent Board
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Drivers Needed!
Southwest Local Schools is looking for School Bus Drivers and Van Drivers for the 2021-2022 school year. School bus drivers are required to have a CDL with appropriate school bus and passenger endorsements, though paid training to get these is
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SLSD Year-End Wrap-Up / Health Update
Thank you to our parents, students and staff for your support of our COVID protocols throughout the school year. There is no doubt that these measures helped us keep our school doors open, and students in class face-to-face. Please
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SLSD Health Update
Remember, for those age 16 and older who received their first vaccination dose on April 29 – your second dose is coming up this Thursday, May 20, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon at the Activity Center. We are also working with Hamilton County Public
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Snack Donations Needed for "Grow to Know"
This summer, the Southwest Local School District will be offering a Summer Grow to Know intervention program at churches throughout the District. Students will receive intervention and enrichment at each session. During the two-hour period, students will be
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SLSD Health Update
Exciting news today, as the US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to include people ages 12 and older. For more information, click HERE to read the Fact Sheet from the FDA, and
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SLSD Health Update
The calendar has turned to May and the finish line is in sight. Stay the course, both academically and with our COVID protocols. They have proven to be effective throughout the school year as we worked to keep our school doors open and our
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SLSD Health Update
As April wraps up, we enter the home stretch of a school year unlike any other. Currently, we have no positive cases, district-wide. We will remain vigilant with mask wearing through the end of this school year, or as long as the Governor’s
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Hamilton County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Harrison Activity Center. This clinic will be providing the Pfizer vaccine, and is open to anyone age 16 and older who would like to be vaccinated. (Under 18
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Public COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Activity Center
Hamilton County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Harrison Activity Center. This clinic will be providing the Pfizer vaccine, and is open to anyone age 16 and older who would like to be vaccinated. (Under
Blog Entry Synopsis EndODE Special Education Survey
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) would like to invite you to participate in a short, 25 question survey about your involvement in your student’s education. Research suggests that parental involvement is a key predictor of positive
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Help us finish the year strong. Our expectations for masking, handwashing, etc. are consistent with what they have been throughout the school year. The battle is not over! Please click HERE for the latest SLSD Health
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The Free Food Truck is gearing up for its summer stops, and our friends at Church on Fire need your help! Please take a minute to answer a few questions by clicking HERE. This will help them determine where there is a food need, and how they can
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We trust that each of you had a fun and relaxing spring break, and are recharged and ready to tackle these last 8 weeks of school! While our COVID case numbers continue to look good, it is important to note that masking and handwashing are still the
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April "Super Chat" Podcast Now Posted
The April edition of the "Super Chat" podcast is now online at www.southwestschools.org/podcast. In this episode, Superintendent John Hamstra explains the fundraising campaign for the new schools' playgrounds. Basic playground equipment is
Blog Entry Synopsis EndNotice of 2021-2022 Instructional Plans
Greetings Southwest Local Families, This letter is to notify you of our instructional planning for the 2021-2022 school year. For the 2021-22 school year, we will be providing instruction to students in our traditional face-to-face model. There
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Help Make the New Elementary Playgrounds ADA Accessible
Do you remember what it was like as a child to hear your parents say that you were going to head to the local park or playground on a sunny afternoon to play? There was not a piece of playground equipment you could not enjoy and there were no long lines
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Preschool Registration Now Closed
Preschool Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now closed.
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COVID numbers district-wide remain solid. It is imperative that we avoid letting up with the masking / distancing - we are getting super close to finishing this year off on a high note! Spring Break is next week, March 29 – April 2.
Blog Entry Synopsis EndKief Appointed to Board of Education
The Southwest Local School District welcomes the newest member of the Board of Education. Robert Kief was sworn in on March 18, 2021. Kief grew up on the west side of Cincinnati, the son of a fireman and a teacher. He currently lives in
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The Southwest Local School District is offering summer intervention opportunities for students entering grades 1-6 for the 2021-2022 school year. "Grow to Know" will run from June 14-July 30. Please click HERE and complete the survey to help our team plan the
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For the first time this school year, we have ZERO cases of COVID-19 district-wide. We thank our students and families for continuing to push the protocols we have had in place all year – namely masking up, washing/sanitizing hands, and staying
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A reminder that students will have a Remote Learning Day on Thursday, March 11 in order for our staff members to receive their second / final COVID-19 vaccination. Also, there is no school for students on Friday, March 12. This is the End of Third
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Hoxworth Blood Drive Coming Up Mar. 15
The Harrison High School senior class is once again teaming up with Hoxworth Blood Center to sponsor two blood drives at the Activity Center this school year. The second and final drive will take place on Monday, March 15 from 7:45 AM - 1:30 PM.
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WVE Arrival & Dismissal Update
Safety is our #1 priority at Whitewater Valley Elementary. In collaboration with our SRO, Officer Lutterbie, we have adjusted student drop-off and pick-up locations in the front parking lot. The changes will ensure that students are supervised and
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SLSD Health Update
A reminder that students will have a Remote Learning Day on Thursday, March 11 in order for SLSD staff members to receive their second / final COVID-19 vaccination. Also, there is no school for students on Friday, March 12. This is the End of
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Youth Track & Field Information
We are pleased to present information for the 2021 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. Participants will
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Annual Acceptance Week Set for March 1-5
For the third consecutive year, Harrison High School senior Raileigh Legner has spear-headed a district-wide campaign called “Acceptance Week”, taking place March 1-5. A volunteer with Special Olympics since she was in the 6th grade,
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Peak Steps Down from Board, Leaves Legacy of Service
A lifelong friend of education has stepped down from the School Board. Linda Peak, a 13-year member of the Southwest Local School District Board of Education, submitted her resignation, effective February 18, 2021. Prior to her service on the Board,
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SLSD Health Update
A reminder that students will have a Remote Learning Day on Thursday, March 11 in order for our staff members to receive their second / final COVID-19 vaccination. Also, there is no school for students on Friday, March 12. This is the End of Third
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Special Olympians Bring Polar Plunge Home
Traditionally, the Polar Plunge consists of dozens of teams jumping into a pool of cold water in Newport, KY. Like so many things in the past year, “traditional” went out the window thanks to the pandemic. The Harrison Special Olympics
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CLOSED
Thursday, February 18: Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED.
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SLSD Health Update
Thursday, March 11 will be a Remote Learning Day, to allow over 350 staff members to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination and the accompanying side effects of this phase of the process. Additionally, students will not have classes on
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CLOSED
Tuesday, February 16: Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED.
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Early Dismissal
Whitewater Valley, Harrison Elementary and St. John's families, Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, we will be dismissing students early - as the buses arrive at the buildings. We will not be waiting until the normal dismissal time.
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SLSD Health Update
Remember that we will be having Remote Learning Days, for all grades, TOMORROW (Thursday, February 11) and Thursday, March 11 in order to allow our staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. We are grateful to Mercy Health and the Harrison Fire and
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CLOSED
Tuesday, February 9, 2021: Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED. Stay safe and enjoy the day!
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WVE Update
Time is surely flying by. As we say goodbye to January 2021, we need to realize that the remainder of third and fourth quarter are going require some heavy focus! We're going to blink and the school year will be coming to a close. How we
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SLSD Health Update
As previously communicated, we will be having Remote Learning Days, for all grades, on Thursday, February 11 and Thursday, March 11 in order to allow our staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. We are grateful to Mercy Health and the Harrison Fire
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SLSD Health Update
We are excited to learn that we have confirmed dates for our staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination! Shot 1 will take place on Thursday, February 11 and shot 2 will take place on Thursday, March 11. We will be having Remote Learning Days, for
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Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Kindergarten registration is now open. Click Kindergarten Registration for more information, including a kindergarten packet with required documents, instructions for completing online forms, the link to Online Registration Forms. When your online form
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Monday, February 1: TWO-HOUR DELAY
Monday, February 1: Southwest Local Schools are on a TWO-HOUR DELAY, with no morning kindergarten, pre-school, or head start. We will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions throughout the district. Our district covers 68 square miles
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SLSD Health Update
We appreciate the support we have received, and continue to receive, from families during what can only be described as a school year full of facing the unknown. With the number of positive student cases currently on the decline, clearing stations that
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Thursday, January 28: TWO-HOUR DELAY
Thursday, January 28: Southwest Local Schools are on a TWO-HOUR DELAY, with no morning kindergarten, pre-school, or head start.
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Building Farewell Open House Information
The Southwest Local School District is anxiously preparing for the grand opening of three new elementary schools and a new junior school in August of 2021. The new buildings will shape the face of education in our community for the next 50+ years and we
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SLSD Health Update
SLSD Families, We will be keeping a close eye on the weather overnight, and will be checking back roads, parking lots, and sidewalks early tomorrow morning. Please stay tuned tomorrow morning in the event a weather announcement becomes necessary.
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Harrison Junior School Shifts to Remote Learning, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
As we have mentioned from the start of this school year, our goal is to educate students face to face (F2F), and with the remote option for those that choose that route, for as long as possible. We have also spoken to the criteria that would put a
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SLSD Health Update
We are currently seeing a spike in cases at Harrison Junior School, particularly among staff members. Parents should be prepared for the possibility of going remote temporarily if the current trend continues. We are keeping a close eye on the
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Full-Day Kindergarten Registration Update
Full-Day Kindergarten Registration will open at the same time as ½ day registration: February 1st, 2021. The optional full-day program is tuition based and will be filled on a first come first served basis. Enrollment paperwork will be completed online
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SLSD Health Update
Please click HERE for the bi-weekly health update.
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SLSD Health Update
Please click HERE for the bi-weekly health update.
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SLSD Health Update
Vaccine distribution for school personnel is now expected to begin in early February, with the exact timing a bit up in the air. The timing could necessitate us having to utilize remote learning day(s) in order complete staff vaccinations. Time will
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SLSD Health Update
Vaccine distribution for school personnel is now expected to begin in early February, with the exact timing a bit up in the air. The timing could necessitate us having to utilize remote learning day(s) in order complete staff vaccinations. Time
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SLSD Health Update
Vaccine distribution for school personnel is expected to begin in mid-January. We will more than likely utilize two remote learning days in order for staff who choose to be vaccinated to receive their shots. (One remote learning day for the first
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Second Semester Update
As we wrap up the winter holiday break, it is our hope that each of you found time to rest, rejuvenate, and build into family. Thank you to those families who have kept us informed over the break if their child tested positive for COVID-19. As of
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Statement Regarding Situation at Harrison High School
Please click HERE for an important message from the Southwest Local School District, regarding a situation at Harrison High School on December 2, 2021.
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Farewell to WVE!
Watch as students and staff bid a fond farewell to Whitewater Valley Elementary, which served as an elementary school from 1990-2021. The building takes on new life as the Southwest Early Learning Center and District Office beginning with the 2021-2022 school
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SLSD Auctioning Surplus Equipment
The Southwest Local School District in Harrison, OH has selected GovDeals, a leading online auction marketplace for government agencies and educational institutions to offer their surplus equipment for sale. The district joins more than 14,000
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