Southwest Middle School

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our incredible school community. This season invites us to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and I am truly honored to serve as principal of such a remarkable school.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for your steadfast support and partnership. Your involvement in your children’s education is essential to their success, and the foundation you provide helps them thrive in and out of the classroom.

To our outstanding teachers, I deeply appreciate your dedication to creating a positive, engaging learning environment for our students. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to their success make a lasting impact.

To our devoted staff members, thank you for the many ways you ensure that our school runs smoothly every day. Your behind-the-scenes work is vital and helps foster a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

And to our incredible students, thank you for your curiosity, resilience, and passion for learning. You inspire us daily, and I look forward to all the wonderful accomplishments ahead for each of you.

I wish you all a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and time spent with loved ones. Let’s take a moment to extend kindness and gratitude to those around us, especially those who may be facing challenges.

Respectfully,

Amanda West

Principal

Are you ready to challenge your mind and make new friends? The Chess Club is seeking enthusiastic members for the upcoming season! Join us for an informational meeting on Tuesday, November 26th, right after school until 4:00pm.

The Chess Club welcomes students of all skill levels! If you’re new to chess, this is your chance to learn the game and develop your skills. In January, we will select our chess team from 7th and 8th grade members before tournaments begin, giving you the opportunity to showcase your talent and strategy.

Attention 6th graders! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and prepare for joining the team in 7th grade.

Don’t miss out! Sign up in the office if you’re interested in joining. For those who can’t attend the meeting, please see Ms. Herdering, SWMS Band Teacher, for more details. Become a part of the Chess Club and discover the excitement of this timeless game!

Join us for a festive evening filled with family fun, holiday cheer, and exciting activities! Winter Family Fun Night will take place on Friday, December 6, from 5:00pm-6:30pm and is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Event Highlights:

🧁 Cupcake Decorating— Unleash your creativity and design your own festive treat.
☕ Hot Chocolate Bar – Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa with all your favorite toppings.
🎄 Ornament Decorating— Create a special keepsake to remember the evening.

🎯 Minute to Win ItGames— Challenge your family and friends with exciting games.

In addition to the minute-to-win-it games, information on the SWMS Title I program will be available. The Southwest Middle AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students will be showcasing their leadership skills by overseeing the games, which include Cookie Face Race, Winter Scattergories, Holiday Charades, Merry Fishmas, Snowman Bowling, Marshmallow Stacking, Holiday M&M’s, and Snowball Fight.

AVID is an international program for students that cultivates the development of academic skills such as note-taking, goal-setting, and tools for academic success with a focus on the technological and interpersonal skills that create optimistic and determined students. This event is free and family friendly. Please come out and enjoy an early holiday celebration hosted by the fabulous AVID students and supported by NJHS students of Southwest Middle School.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Don't miss this heart-warming opportunity to see our very own Southwest Middle students in action selling the amazing items in their freshies through the SWMS Colt Spice store they have created as a part of the Onslow County School's School-Based Enterprise initiative. Car freshies work by releasing fragrance into the air, masking and neutralizing unwanted odors. The fragrance is slowly released into the surrounding air, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere inside the car.

Some other high-quality items that will be sold include:

dog treats, soup bowl coozies, drinkware, wood signs/decor, bags, sugar scrubs, custom printed shirts, candles, soaps, coasters, jewelry, greeting cards, sensory fidgets, pet toys/gear, plant stands, hydro-dipping canvases and gear, and enjoy a specialized coffee, tea, beverage, or snack while you shop. Cash only for most vendors, and a few also have School Cash online. Thank you for your support!

Eighth-grade students recently explored the world of oil pastels, learning various techniques to work with this dynamic and expressive medium. After mastering foundational skills, they took on the challenge of creating bright and vibrant macro-style light bulb designs. Through this project, students discovered that "macro" refers to detailed, close-up perspectives often associated with photography. Their creativity and use of bold colors have resulted in truly eye-catching artwork.

Seventh-grade students have been diving into the art of ceramics, focusing on designing and crafting ceramic cylinder vessels. Each vessel includes a sturdy base, a removable lid, and two unique embellishments, encouraging students to think critically about form and function. It's been incredibly rewarding to watch them apply their knowledge of ceramic techniques, tools, and terminology to bring their ideas to life.

Sixth-grade students have been continuing their exploration of the "Elements of Art," with a recent focus on shape and texture. They applied these concepts by creating textured owl designs using chalk pastels. While this project has proven to be delightfully messy, students have embraced the challenges of working with this medium, producing whimsical and engaging pieces that showcase their growth and creativity.

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 after Thanksgiving Break.**

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.

Monday, November 25th

• Wrestling and Girls Soccer vs. NWPMS- 4:00pm at SWMS

Wednesday, November 27th

• Teacher Workday- No school for students
  

Thursday, November 28th - Friday, November 29th

• Thanksgiving Holiday- No school for staff and students

Tuesday, December 3rd

• SLT Meeting- 3:10pm in Room 212 at Southwest Middle School
• Wrestling and Girls Soccer vs. SBMS- 4:00pm at Swansboro Middle
  

Thursday, December 5th

• Wrestling and Girls Soccer vs. BMS- 4:00pm at Brewster Middle

Friday, December 6th

• School-Based Enterprise Fair- 10:00am-12:00pm at White Oak High School
• Winter Family Game Night- 5:00pm at SWMS