Blog Entries - 2022

First Semester Wrap-Up
It’s hard to believe, but first semester is in the books! As we do at the end of each quarter, Superintendent John Hamstra provides an update to families detailing successes and challenges, along with some photo highlights. Please
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WHHHS Update
We have made it to the end of the first semester and to Winter Break! Thank you so much for a great first half of the school year, and we look forward to an exciting and impactful second semester. So far this year, we have seen 230 students earn
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Parents of Seniors: Graduation Plan Information
Parents of Seniors: The WHHHS Graduation Plan is a collaborative working document developed by the student, his or her teachers and guidance counselor, school administrators, and his/her parents or guardians. The purpose of the plan is to address the
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Holiday Food and 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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WHHHS Update
It’s hard to believe but there are only two weeks left in the second quarter! With this in mind, please continue to review your student’s grades in ProgressBook. You and your student can also set up alerts for low grades and missing
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Parent-Teacher Conferences Dec. 1
Our Winter Conferences will be held on Thursday, December 1st from 3:30 until 8:30 in the evening. Scheduled Conferences will be IN-PERSON. If you are unable to attend in-person, and would still like to conference with your child's teacher on
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WHHHS Update
We are now at the halfway point of the second quarter! This is always an exciting time of the school year as winter sports contests are starting soon, the Fall Musical is this weekend, and our band and chorus programs are preparing for their holiday
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Bus Drivers Needed
Southwest Local School District is looking for both full-time and substitute/field trip bus drivers. Full time positions include daily routes totaling 6 hours per day, roughly 5:45am-9:00am and 2:00-4:45pm, and also allows for drivers to pick up
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"The Addams Family" Takes the Stage Nov. 18 & 19
WHHHS Creative Arts Theatre’s Production of The Addams Family Musical is coming up on Friday and Saturday, November 18th and 19th! Each show will be held at the Martin Marietta Performing Arts Theater beginning at 7pm. Adult tickets are $12 and
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Mayor's Fund Holiday Assistance Sign-Ups Now Underway
The Harrison Mayor's Fund will be reviewing applications for holiday assistance during the month of November. Families that are in need and who reside in the Southwest Local School District may be eligible for assistance with food, toys, clothing and winter
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Last Call for Senior Portraits
Executive Studios / Ritchie Photography will be doing Senior Portrait sittings in the Maker's Space from 9:30-4:30 on November 29 (and 30th, if necessary). Seniors who did not get their portraits taken with Executive/Ritchie this summer will have to make an
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WHHHS Update
We are off to a great start to the 2nd Quarter, and winter sports and activities are officially underway! While we are still early in the quarter, please continue to review your student’s grades in ProgressBook. Please feel free to contact their
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Picture Re-Take Day is Monday
Picture Re-Take Day is Monday (October 24) in the Makerspace. Anyone who did not have their pictures taken on the original day in August, OR would like a picture re-take, should plan to stop by the Maker's Space between 8-11 AM. This
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First Quarter Wrap-Up
Hard to believe, but the first quarter of the 2022-2023 school year is in the books! It's been a very smooth start, and it's great to see the progress being made in and out of the classroom. We appreciate the partnership between our students,
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WHHHS Update
Next week will be the last week of the first quarter, so please be sure to review your student’s grades in ProgressBook. Please feel free to contact their teacher, guidance counselor, or an administrator with any questions. Our expectation
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"Coffee With the Superintendent" Set for Oct. 28
Each month, SLSD Superintendent John Hamstra holds informal “coffee chat” sessions, designed as a way for any parent, guardian or community member to get a better understanding of our school district and get answers to any questions they may
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Financial Aid Meeting for Parents
William Henry Harrison High School will be sponsoring its annual Financial Aid Meeting for Parents on Monday, October 3rd, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Harrison High School Makers Space. At this meeting, parents will receive an overview of the financial aid
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Homecoming 2022!
Student Council members have once again been working hard on creating a great week of events for Homecoming 2022. Listed below are events that will take place throughout the week. We look forward to having a very successful Homecoming week. THEME: Lights.
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Safety Drill at Secondary Schools
Earlier this morning, Harrison High School and Harrison Junior School conducted scheduled lockdown drills. During these drills, we partnered with the Harrison Police Department and multiple other law enforcement agencies throughout Hamilton County to
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Parent-Teacher Conferences Sep. 29
We are ready to launch the registration for our first conference night, Thursday 9/29 from 3:30 - 8:30 PM. Teachers will be in the building for conferences, and families can schedule an in-person conference, or may reach out to the teacher to set up a
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WHHHS Update
It's hard to believe that we are already halfway through the first quarter of the school year! This past week, our students in Algebra I, Geometry, English 9, and English 10 took their fall MAP assessments, which gives us baseline data to chart the 1.5
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SLSD Celebrates AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
At William Henry Harrison High School, 14 students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma.A total of 9 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificateduring the 2021-22 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical
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Thank You For a Great First Week!
I just wanted to reach out and thank you and your students for a great first week of school! The energy in the building is fantastic and the staff and students are doing a great job getting back into the rhythm of teaching and learning. Our
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Traffic Pattern Update
Thank you for a wonderful first day with your students! Like your students, we are learning every day, and we looked at how we could improve the traffic flow at dismissal. Please click HERE to review the attached map. Starting with dismissal on
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Safety Drill Taking Place August 12
On Friday, August 12, Police and Fire personnel will be conducing a training exercise at Harrison Junior School. Expect to see an increased presence of first responders and emergency vehicles in the area.
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Traffic Pattern Update
Harrison High School Families— I wanted to send a reminder about our traffic pattern for arrival and dismissal and ask that you please take a moment to review it before we resume school next Tuesday. You can find the color-coded map and details
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Permission to Administer Medication
As we prepare to start the 2022-2023 school year, I wanted to invite you to contact our school nurse, Mrs. Tessa Freel, RN, with any medical concerns that your student may have. She may be reached at tessa.freel@southwestschools.org. For
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Welcome Back!
Greetings SLSD Families!
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WHHHS Update
William Henry Harrison High School hhs.southwestschools.org Southwest Local Schools southwestschools.org “Academic and Social Growth for ALL students, EVERYDAY!” Dear William Henry Harrison High School
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"Camp Wildcat" Welcomes Freshmen on Aug. 12
We are pleased to present the 2022 edition of Camp Wildcat, to be hosted at William Henry Harrison High School on Friday, August 12. Students whose last names begin with the letters A - L will attend the presentation from 9:00 - 11:00 and students whose
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Important Announcement Regarding School Meals for 2022-2023
For the past two years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has offered waivers to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program allowing these entities to offer ALL students breakfast and lunch at no charge. These waivers
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Class of 2023: Senior Portrait Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WHHHS SENIOR PORTRAITS (CLASS OF 2023) Executive Studios/ Ritchie Photography is our official school photographer. For your convenience, they will have photography sessions at Harrison High School. 9:30am –
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Pollitt Named Principal of Harrison High School
The Southwest Local School District is pleased to announce that Joseph W. Pollitt has been named Principal of William Henry Harrison High School. Pollitt’s appointment was approved by the Board of Education at their meeting on June 16, 2022. Joe
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Thanks for a Great Year!
As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close, we would like to express our appreciation to all SLSD parents and families for the tremendous amount of support you provide your students, our staff, and the school community as a whole. This partnership is
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Scholarship Recipients' Slideshow
William Henry Harrison High School congratulates the members of the Class of 2022 who have earned scholarships to further their education. Please click HERE to view the slideshow that was showcased at Senior Academic Awards Night. (Please note,
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Underclass Exam Schedule and Laptop Return
Please click HERE for the Underclass Final Exam schedule, Early Dismissals, and Laptop Return.
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Graduation Information
The Harrison High School Class of 2022 graduation is upon us. As we finish up finals and prepare for the celebration, we have a few reminders for parents and seniors. Below are a few items that need to be taken care of before students receive their diploma.
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Prom & After Prom Information
Good morning, Tonight, is the Harrison High School Prom. Our prom will be on the B&B riverboat taking off in downtown Cincinnati. The weather looks great for a boat ride. Below are a few reminders for this evening for students and parents. The doors
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Payne Appointed to School Board
The Southwest Local School District Board of Education has approved the appointment of Chris Payne as a Board member. Mr. Payne assumes the position vacated by Tricia Evanson, who resigned from the Board effective April 15, 2022. Chris Payne is a
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Prom Itinerary
Harrison 2022 Prom ItineraryFriday May 13th, 2022Email conor.thomas@southwestschools.org with any questions. Arrival at High School (5:30-6:45) Students can arrive at the high school gym at 5:30 at the earliest. If students are going
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WHHHS Update
We would like to thank our Parents and Guardians for their tireless support throughout this school year. Your communication, understanding and teamwork has been essential for our Staff and Administration, as we move closer to the end of another successful
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Fund Drive Supports Harrison's Sister City in Germany
In the wake of the crisis in Ukraine, the City of Harrison's German sister city, Meckesheim, donated an ambulance to help injured civilians. Unfortunately, after a terrible accident the ambulance was totaled. The City of Harrison is conducting a
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Evanson Steps Down from Board
Southwest Local School District Board of Education member Tricia Evanson has announced her resignation from the Board, effective April 15, 2022. Evanson has served on the Board since 2016, contributing to many of the district’s successes during that
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Harrison High School Earns Renewal of Purple Star Designation
Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens announced that William Henry Harrison High School has earned renewal of its designation as a Purple Star school. The award recognizes a school’s commitment to serving and
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3Q Report Cards Now Available / New ProgressBook App
Third Quarter Report Cards are now available for viewing in ProgressBook. An official ProgressBook Parent/Student mobile app is now available in the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store. With the ProgressBook Parent /Student mobile app, students and
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WHHHS Update
We have moved into the last quarter of the 2021-22 school year and spring is in full swing! The next few weeks will move fast, and our seniors will start preparing for graduation and their opportunity to walk across the stage and be recognized as a high
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"Radium Girls" Hits the Stage This Weekend
The Harrison High School Creative Arts Theatre is proud to present their spring production, "Radium Girls". In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted
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"Shower With Kindness" Drive Apr. 4-8
The "Shower with Kindness" Drive returns this year! Student Council and Student Leadership are once again having a collection of hygienic products to donate to local shelters. This year they will be donating to Haven House Emergency Shelter in Hamilton,
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HOSA Students Compete at State Healthcare Competition
Over Spring Break, a number of HOSA students attended and competed at the State Leadership Conference in Columbus. The senior team of Josie Farris, Julia Harmon, Jessica Guilfoyle, Terrin Jackson and Ethan White finished 2nd in the state in the Anatomage
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Southwest Update
As we wrap up the third quarter of the 2021-2022 school year, we celebrate many successes and look ahead to a strong finish in the fourth quarter. Please click HERE to view an update to families from Superintendent John Hamstra, as well as some
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Seniors: Pictures Due THURSDAY!
In mid-February, all seniors received information in the mail regarding the Baby Picture / Senior Picture section in both the Yearbook and the Senior Video. This is a very popular feature in both, and we want to make sure everyone received the
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A Cappella Choirs Qualify for Semi-Finals
Our High School A Cappella Groups, DYNAMIX and Take Note, both competed in Quarterfinals for The International Competition of High School A Cappella. DYNAMIX placed third, and Take Note won a Wild Card Submission for the competition, so both groups will now
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Athletic Boosters Secure New Scoreboard for Wildcat Stadium, No Tax Dollars Used
In 2019, the Harrison Athletic Boosters embarked on a campaign to build two turf fields. The goal was to provide Harrison student-athletes, as well as the community, with a first-class, dynamic playing surface that could be used by football, soccer,
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Strategic Plan Feedback Wanted
Every five years, we embark on a new Strategic Plan to shape what our schools and education will look here in SLSD for the near future. Our last plan spoke heavily to new schools (air conditioning) and technology. Our mission, “Academic and Social
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WHHHS Update
WHHHS PARENT NEWSLETTER 2/17/2022 Parent-Teacher Conferences High School Parent Teacher Conferences will be February 24th, from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Conferences will be virtual using Microsoft Teams video meetings. Click HERE for
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Full Steam Ahead!
Southwest Local Schools WILL be open today, and we will start on time. The parking lots and sidewalks have been treated, but due to the amount of ice we received and the cold temperatures, there are still slick spots. Please allow extra time and
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$31,576
We are thrilled to announce our grand total of $31,576 which will be donated to the Sam Hubbard Foundation. Thank you to everyone in Harrison Wildcat Nation who helped us reach this milestone, more than tripling our original goal of $9,400. Thanks to your
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SLSD Closed February 4
Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED on Friday, February 4.
All activities, practices, and games are also canceled for Friday, February 4.
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SLSD Closed February 3
Southwest Local Schools are CLOSED on Thursday, February 3.
All activities, practices, and games are also canceled for Thursday, February 3.
After school and evening activities on Wednesday, February 2 will continue as scheduled.
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It Is Us!
The Cincinnati Bengals’ historic season has unified our community and the entire tri-state. None of our students (and many of our staff members) were alive for the last Bengals’ Super Bowl appearance in 1989. The memories made these
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WHHHS Update
Covid Update Our current Covid situation is extremely fluid, and our nurses / administration are doing everything possible to keep students in school and face to face. Thank you again for your trust and support as we make it through another evolving chapter
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Final Semester Senior Planner
Parents and Seniors in the Class of 2022, It’s hard to believe, but seniors have embarked upon the last semester of their high school career! The next few months will fly by, and they will be sporting their cap and gown in no time! On Friday,
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Building Substitute Teachers and Aides Needed
Southwest Local Schools is seeking community members who enjoy working with students to be substitute teachers and substitute teaching assistants (aides). School substitutes have choice of assignments and which days they work. Ohio has passed a
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Diamond Oaks Open Houses Scheduled
Area parents and high school freshmen and sophomores will have the chance to virtually learn more about career programs and then get a first-hand in-person look at more than 30 career programs available for high school juniors and seniors during
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SLSD Health Update
Please click HERE for an important Health Update from the Southwest Local School District.
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January "Super Chat" Podcast Now Posted
The January edition of the "Super Chat" podcast is now online at www.southwestschools.org/podcast. In this episode, SLSD Director of Facilities & Communication Mike Morris recaps the annual Food & Clothing Drive, a partnership between the
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SLSD Health Update
Greetings, SLSD Parents / Guardians; Last week’s COVID cases in our schools, stemming from Christmas break, spiked far above any of the trends we have seen throughout this pandemic. Please click HERE to view the weekly data graphic for the period
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Cook Needed!
Harrison Junior School is in need of a 3 hour cook. Job description is attached HERE. If interested please contact Sue Toelke, Food Service Director, at susan.toelke@southwestschools.org.
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Second Semester Update
Happy New Year, SLSD Families! We trust that your holiday break was enjoyable, and that you had time to relax and build into family and friends. We have a couple items of note as we prepare to kick off second semester tomorrow morning: - Please click
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