ACTIVITIES
SOUTHWEST LEARNING CENTERS
Southwest Primary Learning Center (SPLC) offers activities that augment the social and academic objectives of the school. All SPLC students have the opportunity to work in the Smart Lab, a computer lab where students collaborate with each other on technology-based projects including such activities as robotics programming and art programs. Numerous field trips are arranged during the school year including the Natural History Museum, symphony, plays, Albuquerque Art Museum, Explora, the zoo and the Isotopes. All field trips are paid for by the school. Students can participate in the Spelling Bee. Sixth grade students can participate in the English Expo, and Knowledge Masters.. SPLC students are exposed to additional knowledge and experiences through assemblies that demonstrate physical or academic skills from around the world. Students also participate in various community service projects such as food, school supplies, and clothing drives.
La Luz Del Monte Learning Center (LLDM) offers activities that augment the social and academic objectives of the school. All LLDM students participate in a Community-Based Activity (CBA) biweekly during which they incorporate their four core subject areas into real-world experiences. LLDM students are also welcomed and encouraged to participate in both yearbook activities and student council where students can develop independence, responsibility, and leadership skills. Spelling and geography bees allow students with those specific gifts to receive recognition. Students are also encouraged to participate in Knowledge Masters, which is a state-wide competition allowing students to develop their store of knowledge and their quick-thinking skills. Another opportunity for LLDM students is the English Expo. at which students can demonstrate their skills in the language arts, such as speaking, various types of writing, listening, in competition with others from around the state. In the area of science, an annual science fair is held allowing students to showcase their scientific knowledge and understanding. Additionally, LLDM students are exposed to knowledge and experiences through assemblies that demonstrate physical or academic skills from around the world. Finally, to help our students develop socially, two annual dances are provided under closely supervised circumstances.
Southwest Secondary Learning Center (SSLC) offers activities that augment the social and academic objectives of the school. SSLC students are encouraged to participate in both yearbook club and student council in which they can develop independence, responsibility, and leadership skills. Other clubs, such as the Bible club and a creative writing clubs, are also available for student participation. Students are encouraged to participate in Knowledge Masters, which is a state-wide competition allowing students to develop their store of knowledge and their quick-thinking skills. Another wonderful opportunity for LLDM students is the English Expo. where students can demonstrate their skills in language arts, such as speaking, various types of writing, and listening, in competition with others from around the state. Another academic competition which encourages students to excel is the Panasonic Academic Challenge held each summer in Florida. In the area of science, an annual science fair is held allowing seventh and eighth grade students to showcase their scientific knowledge and understanding. For students specifically gifted in mathematics, the opportunity to participate in the UNM-PNM Statewide Mathematics competition is offered. Additionally, students can take part in fight school through CNM and work towards receiving a pilot’s license. To further encourage students toward goals associated with future careers, a college day is offered where students are exposed to the various post-secondary opportunities available to them in and near New Mexico. Finally, to help our students develop socially; two annual dances are provided under closely supervised circumstances.
English Expo provides students with the opportunity to let their talents shine with competitions ranging from poetry writing, to photo essays, to storytelling. Some of the entries are prepared before the event and some competitions are held "on-the-spot." Southwest Learning Center participates in the Middle School and High School categories and has won many medals in a variety of categories including several “State Champs.” Students are selected for participation based on interest and teacher recommendation.
The Knowledge Master Open is a jeopardy-style competition where students answer academic questions as a team. Teams earn points for correct answers as well as extra points for how quickly they answer. Scores are sent to the national headquarters and teams are informed of their placement in the state and nation. Questions are cross-curriculur and include recent events and useless trivia. School results in the categories of Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, and Analysis are instantly reported and shared with the students, parents and staff.
Southwest Learning Centers competes in the Middle School and High School Divisions in December and April each year. Students are selected based on a tryout and teacher recommendation. Last year the Middle School Team placed first in the state with the highest score our school has ever achieved. This score ranked them 15th in the nation of competing schools with enrollment 200 and less. The High School Team placed second in New Mexico and was ranked 30th in the nation. The High School placed first in state in 2003 and has continued to place in the top three since then.
The Panasonic Academic Challenge is a prestigious academic competition held in Disney World each summer. One team from each state competes for scholarship money and prizes at the three-day competition sponsored by Panasonic, Disney, and other organizations. A team from SSLC has been selected to compete for the last six years. Teams are selected based on their performance in state competitions and the academic caliber of team members.
Southwest Secondary's Homeland Security is a program conducted every year in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories. The program is designed to assist students in developing their understanding of the basic principles of homeland security and emergency preparedness. This will be our third year participating in the program and we continue to be the only New Mexico school invited to participate in this innovative program. As part of the Homeland Security program SSLC students were invited to participate in the inaugural High School Homeland Security Conference held last spring in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This national conference was attended by several handpicked schools from around the country. And this past summer SSLC students traveled to the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico to represent our state at a the High School Homeland Security Leadership Development Camp and Curriculum Development Workshop.
Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee. We invite our 7th- and 8th-grade students to participate in our school-wide Geography Bee. This year it will be held in December. Geography Bee participants are asked a variety of questions about the world, designed to test their knowledge of physical, economic, political, and human geography. From our school-wide Geography Bee, one winner will be determined who will have the opportunity to compete in the state-wide Geography Bee held every year at UNM. Last year, Southwest Learning Centers had two students place in the top eight at the state bee. The winner at the State Geography Bee is invited to compete in the National Geographic Bee held in Washington, D.C.
Southwest Learning Centers holds a Spelling Bee each year for all three schools. The top two winners from each school go on to compete in the county cluster. Location, date, and time are posted on our calander.
Each year La Luz Del Monte holds a Science Fair. The Science Fair is a hands-on approach to allow students to practice what they have learned in the classroom. The science Fair is their opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of science and the scientific method. The students have the opportunity to select a project that demonstrates their understanding of the scientific principles that influence their everyday lives. The ultimate goal of the science fair is to encourage students to see how science works outside the classroom.
The Yearbook allows students from La Luz Del Monte and Southwest Secondary to put their creative talents to use. In the yearbook class, students act as photographers, designers, and editors. They capture memories from the school year and compile them into a fantastic book of memories. Students use their innovative abilities to create an everlasting memory for their fellow classmates to cherish.
All 7th and 8thgrade La Luz Del Monte students participate in a Biweekly Community-Based Activity (CBA) to explore New Mexico State History and interdisciplinary connections to curriculum within the community.
Southwest Secondary Learning Center’s Student Council exists to help create a more community-based environment taking pride in itself and its neighborhoods, to change preconceptions about student council, and to break out of the “normal” student council activities in an attempt to serve our school and community. Our student council is in charge of coordinating dances and assemblies as well as collections for charities. We believe in breaking out of the box. We hope to participate and be involved in community and charity activities. We want to develop team-skills as well as empower students to always try to achieve their best by not only being a part of the team but also giving students leadership opportunities.
Bible Club at Southwest Learning Center
Bible Club is a non-denominational student-led gathering of Southwest Secondary Learning Center and La Luz Del Monte students, and adults, who share an interest in religion and prayer. Attendance and active participation are completely by individual choice. Gatherings are informal and anyone is welcome regardless of your religious orientation. The only requirement is civility and tolerance of each others’ point of view. Meetings are held at lunch on Thursdays after the morning session. Weather permitting, the meetings will be held outside at the picnic tables north of the building and will move into the Smart Lab during inclement weather.