Southwest Middle School

The i-Ready Math and Reading Diagnostics window opens this week! This adaptive assessment tailors questions to match your student’s needs, ensuring an individualized experience. For instance, correct answers lead to more challenging questions, while incorrect answers result in easier ones.

This mid-year diagnostic is especially important as it measures your student’s growth since the beginning of the year. The results provide teachers with valuable insights into how much progress has been made and guide strategies to further support and enhance your student’s learning.

To make the process manageable, students will complete the diagnostics in smaller segments during their Math and English/Language Arts classes. The schedule is as follows:

• Math Diagnostic: January 8th - January 9th
• Reading Diagnostic: January 13th - January 14th

Students who cannot finish their diagnostic during the designated times will be given additional opportunities. Thank you for encouraging your student to take their time and give their best effort!

Date: Saturday, January 11th
Location: White Oak High School

Morning Agenda:

• 6:15am- Cheerleaders arrive at SWMS. The bus will leave immediately to transport the students to the competition.
  
• 10:00am- Competition begins.

Parents:

• Doors will open at 9:15am for spectators, and the cost is $5.00 per person for anyone ages 5 and above.
• There will be concessions available throughout the tournament.

Competition Notes:

• The competition will follow the NFHS Spirit Rules.
• Each squad is permitted to have a routine.
• Spots were drawn for the order of performances, and SWMS will perform 6th.
• There will be four trophies awarded. Squads will be recognized for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. A final trophy will be given for the spirit award.
• It is imperative that our supporters show their spirit by yelling, cheering, and holding signs. Audience participation is vital!
• Parents and friends can show their support by purchasing shout-outs for $2 each by sending pictures and well wishes to Charlotte Mitchell by Thursday, January 9th.
  

As the end of the semester approaches on January 17th, we want to emphasize the importance of these final weeks. This period is especially significant, as the work completed now will account for half of your child’s final grades in core classes and will determine their final grades for elective courses. Parents, your involvement during this time can make a meaningful difference in ensuring your student’s success.

The weight of end-of-semester assignments and course grades cannot be overstated. These assignments play a critical role in shaping final grades, and they provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and progress. For students who may be struggling, the final weeks are a chance to address challenges and improve outcomes before grades are finalized. It is essential to approach this time with focus and determination.

One of the most effective ways to support your child is by staying informed and engaged. If your student is facing difficulties in any subject, now is the time to reach out to their teachers. Scheduling conferences to discuss concerns and strategies can provide valuable insight into how to best support your student’s academic efforts. Teachers can offer guidance, recommend resources, and work with families to develop a plan for improvement.

Additionally, parents can help by ensuring that students have a structured environment conducive to completing their work and studying effectively. A quiet, organized space at home, paired with a clear understanding of expectations and deadlines, can help reduce stress and keep students on track.

We know that this time of year can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to finish strong and set the stage for future success. By working together—parents, teachers, and students—we can help every child reach their potential and close the semester on a positive note.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make these final weeks count!

Athletic eligibility for the spring semester is determined based on a student’s academic performance and attendance during the preceding semester, which ends on January 17th.

To qualify, students must have passed at least 70% of the courses taken in the fall semester and be on track to advance to the next grade level within the following calendar year. Additionally, students must have attended at least 85% of the total instructional days in the fall semester, with no distinction made between excused and unexcused absences.

Students who are not academically eligible at the beginning of the spring semester will remain ineligible throughout the semester.

2024-25 Southwest Middle School Yearbooks are on sale! For a limited time, yearbook 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.

Monday, January 6th

• School resumes—return to regular schedule.

Tuesday, January 7th

• SLT Meeting- 3:10pm in Room 212
  

Wednesday, January 8th

• i-Ready mid-year math diagnostic
• Odyssey of the Mind Tryouts- 3:00pm Room 207

Thursday, January 9th

• i-Ready mid-year math diagnostic
  
• Basketball vs. JCMS- 4:00pm at Jacksonville Commons

Saturday, January 11th

• OCMSAC Cheer Competition- 10:00am White Oak High School
  

Monday, January 13th

• i-Ready mid-year reading diagnostic

Tuesday, January 14th

• i-Ready mid-year reading diagnostic
• Basketball vs. TMS- 4:00pm at SWMS

Thursday, January 16th

• Basketball vs. DMS- 4:00pm at SWMS

Thursday, January 17th

• End of second grading period