Southwest Middle School

Students in grade 8 will participate in the NC Science Check-In on Wednesday, December 11th. The NC Check-Ins 2.0 are interim assessments administered online via the NCTest platform unless a paper format is required for students with a documented accessibility need. Each interim assessment is made up of twenty-five questions; question types include four-response-option multiple-choice and technology-enhanced item types presented as standalone items or as part of an item set. For items presented as part of an item set, students will be provided reference material associated with all questions in the item set.

We kindly ask that your student arrive at school well rested and on time for the assessment. The recommended time for testing is approximately 90 minutes.

For students with testing accommodations in their IEP, 504, or LEP plans, it’s essential that they receive the proper support, accommodations, and modifications during the NC Check-Ins, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

After the assessment, our science teachers will review the results to adapt their teaching strategies, providing additional support or enrichment as needed. We’re here to ensure your child’s success, and we’re grateful for your partnership in this journey. Parents will also have access to their child's score report through your PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Thank you for your support, and please feel free to reach out to Sandra Adams, SWMS Assistant Principal/Testing Coordinator, at Sandra.Adams@onslow.k12.nc.us or 910.455.1105 with any questions regarding the NC Check-Ins.

Parents still need to order pictures? Strawbridge's NEW Code Lookup Tool is now available! You can simply scan the QR code or click on the photo above and follow the directions to access your child's picture ordering gallery. There is no need to contact customer service for an access code!

*Student last name and Student ID number will be required for data security.*

This year, SWMS is excited to host a virtual Angel Tree, featuring all of our students. Currently, we have 15 students signed up for sponsorship. The virtual format will make it easier for staff, parents, and community members to access information, and you can access the Angel Tree link by clicking on the button below.

Please find the link and flyer to access the virtual tree included below. We encourage everyone to share our Angel Tree information within your community connections. Our goal is to sponsor as many students as possible!

All gifts must be wrapped and returned by December 16, 2024. Parents are required to pick up the gifts during the week before Christmas break.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Meghan Nowak, SWMS School Social Worker, at 910.455.1105 or Meghan.Nowak@onslow.k12.nc.us.

Thank you for your support in making this event a success!

Join the Fun at the NJHS 2nd Annual Powder Puff Game!

The National Junior Honor Society invites you to our second annual Powder Puff game!

• 🗓 When: Friday, December 13th
• ⏰ Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• 📍 Where: SWMS Soccer Field
• 🎟 Admission: $5 (pay at the gate)

**Participants Needed!**

• Players: Girls softball and soccer players, as well as cheerleaders, are welcome to join the action!

• Cheerleaders: Football players and wrestlers, show your spirit on the sidelines!

**If you are interested in participating, please see Ms. Byrd in room 308. A mandatory practice session will be held on Tuesday, December 10th, immediately after school.**

2024-25 Southwest Middle School Yearbooks are on sale! For a limited time, yearbooks pricing starts at $25.00. Make sure to order your yearbook early to lock in the limited time pricing. Use the QR code below or click on the image to order yours today! Use order number 25598.

As the winter season brings its cozy charm, the Southwest Middle music department invites you to warm your hearts with the sounds of our Winter Concert Series! Mark your calendars for three special evenings of music as our talented students showcase their hard work, creativity, and growth.

Event Schedule:

• Chorus Concert: Tuesday, December 10th, 6:00pm
• Orchestra Concert: Thursday, December 12th, 6:00pm
• Band Concert: Tuesday, December 17th, 6:00pm
  

All performances are free and will take place in the Southwest High School Auditorium.

These concerts are more than just entertainment—they are a testament to the dedication and progress of our student musicians. Each group has spent countless hours rehearsing, refining their skills, and learning to work together as an ensemble. This is your chance to witness their growth firsthand and experience the joy of music performed by our next generation of artists.

From harmonious vocals to the resonant strings of the orchestra and the dynamic sounds of the band, the Winter Concert Series promises something for everyone. The repertoire includes a variety of pieces that reflect the season's spirit and the diverse talents of our students. Whether you're a fan of classic melodies, modern compositions, or festive holiday tunes, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

Your presence is a meaningful way to support our young musicians and show appreciation for their efforts. Families, friends, and community members all play a vital role in encouraging students to pursue their passions and take pride in their achievements.

Don’t miss these evenings filled with music, joy, and the vibrant energy of our student performers. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate their talents and the magic of the season.

Date: Saturday, December 14th

Location: Jacksonville High School

Morning Agenda:

7:50am- Weigh-ins

9:00am- Tournament begins.

Parents:

• Doors will open at 8:00am for spectators, and the cost is $5.00 per person for anyone ages 5 and above.
• There will be concessions available throughout the tournament.

Tournament Notes:

• Coaches have been provided detailed information.
• Seeding will be determined after the final match on Monday, December 9th.
• Pig tail and first round bouts will be single elimination. Wrestlers that lose in the first round will not wrestle the rest of the day.
• If a wrestler is overweight, they will not be able to wrestle.
• Grapplers will be called by bout number, weight class, name, and school. Both wrestlers will go to the head table, get their bout card, and report to the assigned mat. The winner of each bout must sign the bout card and return it to the head table.
• Wrestlers will have the responsibility for listening for their name to be called. They need to be listening and ready to wrestle at all times.
• Championship and consolation matches will be wrestled at the same time.
• Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. First place will also be awarded the wall chart for their weight class.

Southwest Middle School Music Programs Shine This Winter!

Ms. Humphrey's music programs at Southwest Middle School have been busy and are achieving remarkable progress this school year. Students have been diligently preparing for the winter concert, exceeding expectations and cultivating a strong sense of musicianship. It's an exhilarating time for our music department as we witness incredible growth and commitment across all programs!

Our choir program is making impressive strides as they approach their winter concert. Students have been collaborating with our accompanist, refining their solos, and building confidence as they prepare to take the stage! Mark your calendars for our Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 10th, at 6:00 PM in the Southwest High School Auditorium. The choir has poured their hearts into this performance and would be thrilled to celebrate their hard work with you. Join us for an enchanting evening filled with winter favorites and stunning harmonies. We can't wait to see you there!

Our piano students have been diligently progressing through their piano books, showcasing remarkable dedication. Fourteen students have advanced to their second piano book, an achievement that speaks volumes about their commitment. This year alone, they have successfully passed off over forty songs, many of which are from students who have never played piano before. These talented musicians are setting a high standard for future piano students and enhancing the reputation of the piano program at Southwest Middle School.

General music students have been engaging with an array of musical concepts since the start of the school year. Topics covered include music notation, note values, instrument families, and the history of rap in America, among others! Recently, students have delved into music-related careers, conducting research and creating "help wanted" posters as if they were hiring for those positions. The creativity in our general music classroom is truly contagious!

Join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of our music students as they continue to thrive and shine this winter!

Onslow County EMS Community Paramedic Program invites you to the "Sweater Weather" Resource Fair on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church parking lot (126 Center Street, Jacksonville, NC).

This event brings together organizations offering a wide range of resources for youth, adults, and families, including:

• Education
• Mental health support
• Employment opportunities
• Substance use resources, and more

They are also accepting donations to help those in need, such as:

• Cold-weather clothing (clean items, jackets, new undergarments, socks)
• Non-perishable food items
• Unwrapped toys

Enjoy music, hot chocolate, and a special visit from Santa while connecting with community resources and supporting local families. Together, we can create meaningful change and set the stage for a brighter new year.

We hope to see you there!

Girls and boys basketball tryouts begin Monday, December 16th.

Tryout Dates & Times

• Monday, December 16th & Wednesday, December 18th
• Boys' tryouts will be from 3:15pm-4:40pm
• Girls' tryouts will be from 4:40pm-6:00pm
• Tuesday, December 17th
• Girls' tryouts will be from 3:15pm-5:00pm
• Please note that there will be NO boys' tryouts this day.

• Final cuts will take place on December 18th.

Practice Dates & Times

• Girls' practices will be from 3:15pm-4:40pm
• Boys' practices will be from 4:40pm-6:00pm

A sign-up sheet will be located in the front office. Any 7th or 8th grade students interested in trying out must have a current physical on file and meet all eligibility guidelines. Information regarding athletic eligibility can be found here. For questions regarding eligibility, please speak with Lesleigh Thompson, SWMS's athletic director.

For questions regarding girls' basketball, please contact Coach Monk at Brandon.Monk@onslow.k12.nc.us or Coach Thompson at Lesleigh.Thompson@onslow.k12.nc.us.

For questions regarding boys' basketball, please contact Coach Allison at William.Allison@onslow.k12.nc.us or Coach Monk at Brandon.Monk@onslow.k12.nc.us.

Monday, December 9th

• Wrestling and Girls Soccer vs. NBMS- 4:00pm at New Bridge Middle

Tuesday, December 10th

• Power Puff Practice Session- 3:15pm SWMS
• Winter Choir Concert- 6:00pm in the SWHS Auditorium
  

Wednesday, December 11th

• NC Science Check-In- 7:40am Grade 8 Science Students Only
  

Thursday, December 12th

• Winter Orchestra Concert- 6:00pm in the SWHS Auditorium

Friday, December 13th

• Power Puff Football Game- 3:30pm SWMS Soccer Field
  

Saturday, December 14th

• OCMSAC Wrestling Tournament- 9:00am Jacksonville High School

Monday, December 16th

• Interim Reports
• Basketball Tryouts Begin- After school SWMS Gym
  

Tuesday, December 17th

• Holiday Band Concert- 6:00pm in the SWHS Auditorium