The Pirate Post

Happy Sunday Pirate families! We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving break, and we are looking forward to focusing in on learning these next three weeks before the Christmas break. On Tuesday we will host Southwest Middle School for Wrestling and Girls' Soccer starting at 4pm. On Wednesday our Pirate Parents will meet in the Pirate's Den at 9:30 am. All parents are encouraged to attend. Thursday our Wrestling and Girls' Soccer teams will travel to Dixon. Friday our 7th grade will visit Swansboro High School for the performance of "A Christmas Carol." As a reminder, next week we will begin our penny wars. Students bring in spare change and compete to see which homeroom can bring in the most money. Pennies will be positive, and silver will be negative points, so you will want to jingle other homerooms with your silver change. This event is sponsored by our National Junior Honor Society and all money raised will go to support local families in need for the holidays.

Our Pirate Parents are sponsoring a semi-formal winter dance for students on December 13th. The dance committee is asking for donations to help make the 2024 Winter Semi-Formal - Into the Stars - a night to remember! If you are able, please check out the Sign Up Genius and Amazon Wishlist links. Items can be mailed to the school or brought to the front office. Thank you so much for your support!

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805044CAEAB22A1FF2-52654272-into

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2DMYIT3HJ07YW?ref_=wl_share. Tickets for the dance will be $10 and include admission, a slice of pizza and a drink. Tickets will be sold during lunch on Dec. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 11th. Students cannot be assigned ISS or OSS for two weeks prior to any school dance. Also, students must be present at school the day of the event in order to attend school events. Please keep in mind, this is a school dance and students should dress appropriately. Dresses should not be too revealing. Yes, the fist rule still applies, so check to make sure your dress is long enough. If in doubt don't wear it and jeopardize being sent home.

Families, please mark your calendar for Dec. 17th and Dec. 19th for our performing arts club Christmas Extravaganza: Eight Ways We Love the Holiday Season. These 8 short plays will be fun for the whole family and will showcase our students' talents.

Don't forget, we are raising the bar for our behavior incentive for the second grading period which is a school dance during the day. Students can earn this reward by having no ISS, OSS or bus suspension and no missing work or zeros during the second grading period. It is imperative that students stay on top of their assignments to be eligible for this reward.

As an incentive for making good grades, we also reward students that have Honor Roll (all grades 80 and above) all year with a trip to Mac Daddy's at the end of the year and students that have Principal's List (all grades 90 and above) all year with a trip to Busch Gardens. It pays to work hard and keep those grades up Pirates!

As a reminder, per OCS policy vehicles are not to arrive on campus until 30 minutes prior to pick up. This means not before 2:10 pm on regular days and 11:10 on early release days. To ensure student safety, everyone must be patient and courteous and follow the carpool procedures that are in place.

The state passed new athletic eligibility requirements, students must pass 70% of all classes and be present 85% of the semester. For SBMS students, this means students are only allowed to fail one class and remain eligible and based on the current school calendar they cannot miss more than 13 days this semester in order to be eligible to play sports this spring. The new policy does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences.

ATTENDANCE- Please make school attendance a priority. When students are not at school, they miss out on important opportunities for hands on learning and discussion and this can never be recreated through a makeup assignment. Students get frustrated because they are behind their peers, and this often leads to students shutting down and giving up. It is also important that students are at school on time in class by 7:30 am, ready to learn. Rushing in late sets students up to have a bad day. Signing students out before dismissal (2:40 pm) also creates gaps in learning and sends the message that school is not important. Please make sure that your child knows that you value their education by making attendance a priority. Good school attendance is also great for their mental health and creates good habits for future employment. In order to be eligible for sports at SBMS, a student must be present for at least 85% of the previous semester. It does not matter if the absence is considered an "excused" absence or not. North Carolina also has truancy laws. It you do not comply with this law, Social Services and Law Enforcement will become involved. Let's avoid that and get our students to school regularly! Absentee notes can be email directly to our data manager (lesley.whited@onslow.k12.nc.us). We follow the OCS Board Attendance policy: Policy Manual (boardpolicyonline.com)

BEHAVIOR- Everyone deserves a safe and distraction free environment for learning. School rules and procedures are in place to help us achieve this goal. Please be proactive by discussing school rules and expectations with your child. When students make mistakes and break the rules, encourage them to accept the consequences and learn from these mistakes. Failure to support school discipline policies will lead to increased behaviors. Please help us in teaching our students that you don't have to agree with a rule in order to follow it and you don't have to like someone to be respectful towards them. This will set your child up for success at school and in the real world. We hope to be able to work with families in order to help our students through these difficult middle school years with the least turbulence as possible. Always encourage your child to put forth their best effort; hard work pays off!

COMMUNICATION- Effective communication is critical for success.

1. The teacher is always the first point of contact. If you cannot resolve an issue after meeting with the teacher, please schedule an appointment to meet with administration. Administration does not take walk ins as we are in classrooms, meetings, and working directly with students & staff during the school day. You may leave a message, and we will do our best to return your call within 24 hours. If you do not hear back within 48 hours, please reach out again as it may have gotten lost in the shuffle. The best way to reach administration is via email which is listed below or can be accessed from our school's website.

2. Please sign up for Parent Portal (paperwork will be sent home on the first day of school). This gives you access to PowerSchool where you can see up to date information on student attendance and assignments. Please check Parent Portal weekly to stay on top of missing assignments.

3. Pay attention to the weekly ALL CALL and EMAIL that is sent out every Sunday evening. If you don't want to listen to the message, no worries, the email contains the transcript as well as important links and some pictures too! If you are not receiving the call and email, please let our data manager (lesley.whited@onslow.k12.nc.us) know so that we can make sure your info. is up to date. This is the method that we will use to communicate with parents in the event of an emergency, so you need to make sure that you are receiving these calls and emails. If you use your cell phone as your primary phone in PowerSchool, you can opt in to receive texts as well. If you block us, you will not receive emergency calls either.

4. Check out our school website: Home - Swansboro Middle School (onslow.k12.nc.us)

5. Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SwansboroMiddleSchool/

6. Remember, for safety reasons, we do not give out student information over the phone and all changes in transportation must be made in writing.

7. If there are custody issues, we must have a copy of the current custody paperwork on file with a judge's signature. If not, both parents have equal access to the student and their educational records.

If you have concerns regarding bus stops or drivers, please contact the Swansboro Transportation Department at 910-326-1436. Swansboro Middle School does not have direct access to buses. Communication directly with buses can only be done through the transportation department. If there are any emergency situations, we will send out an all call to parents; otherwise, please assume that everything is fine, buses are just running behind schedule. If you have an emergency, the best way to reach administrators is via email since we are often tied up in meetings and can't answer the phone.

page.highsmith@onslow.k12.nc.us

amanda.reopelle@onslow.k12.nc.us

michelle.napier@onslow.k12.nc.us

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. If your child does not follow the bus rules, they will be suspended from the bus. Disrespectable and unsafe behaviors will not be tolerated.

Check out the OCS Transportation website for more great information regarding buses: Home - Onslow County Schools

We are raising the bar for our behavior incentive for the second grading period is a school dance during the day. Students can earn this reward by having no ISS, OSS or a bus suspension and no missing work or zeros during the second grading period. Don't forget students that have Honor Roll (all grades 80 and above) all year will be eligible to attend a trip to Mac Daddy's at the end of the year and students that have Principal's List (all grades 90 and above) all year will be eligible to attend a trip to Busch Gardens.

12/3/2024 Wrestling / Girls Soccer vs SWMS here @ 4pm

12/4/2024 Pirate Parents Meeting 9:30 in Pirate's Den

12/5/2024Wrestling / Girls Soccer at DMS @ 4pm

12/6/2024 7th grade to "A Christmas Carol" at Swansboro High

12/9-12/13/2024 SBMS Penny Wars

12/9/2024 Wrestling / Girls Soccer at NPMS @ 4pm

12/10/2024 Girls Soccer vs Brewster at 4pm

12/10/2024 Band Concert 6th Grade- 6pm, 7th, 8th, & Jazz- 7pm

12/11/2024 Cookie Drop sponsored by the Pirate Parents

12/11/2024 Preseason Sportsmanship Meeting (Required Once Per School-Year) @ 6:00pm

12/12/2024 Orchestra Concert 6th, 7th, 8th - 6pm

12/13/2024 Winter Semi-Formal Dance sponsored by Pirate Parents

12/14/2024 Wrestling Tournament- Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2024 (Time and Location TBD)

12/16-12/20/2024 SBMS Holiday Spirit Week

12/16/2024 Basketball Tryouts

12/16/2024 Interim Reports

12/17/2024 SBMS Performing Arts Club presents Christmas Extravaganza @ 6pm

12/18/2024 School Improvement Team Planning 3:15-4:15 Media Center

12/19/2024 SBMS Performing Arts Club presents Christmas Extravaganza @ 6pm

12/23/24-1/3/2025 Christmas Break- No School

1/1/2025-1/31/25 National Mentoring Month

1/8/2025 Reading MOY Diagnostic

1/9/2025Basketball at HCMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

1/9/2025Math MOY Diagnostic

1/16/2025Basketball vs JCMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

1/17/2025Grading Period Ends

1/20/2025-1/22/2025 Winter Break- No School for students

1/23/2025Basketball vs BMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

1/23/20258th Grade Science NC Check In (No Testing Schedule)

1/24/2025 Winter Dance Behavior Incentive

1/28/2025Basketball vs NBMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

1/29/2025Report Cards go home

1/29/2025School Improvement Team Planning 3:15-4:15 Media Center

1/30/2025Basketball at TMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

2/3/2025-2/7/25National School Counseling Week

2/4/2025Basketball vs SWMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

2/5/2025Pirate Parents Meeting 9:30 in Pirate's Den

2/6/2025Basketball at DMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

2/10/2025Preseason Sportsmanship Meeting (Required Once Per School-Year) @ 6:00pm

2/11/2025Basketball at NPMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

2/12/2025ERPD (release 3 hours early)

2/12/2025Teacher Supply Drop sponsored by the Pirate Parents

2/12/2025Interim Reports

2/14/2025Dance (Cheerleader) 2:40-4:30

2/15/2025National SRO Appreciation Day

2/15/2025Basketball Tournament- Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 (Top 4 Teams; Time and Location TBD)

2/17/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer Tryouts

2/17/2025Workday- No school for students

2/19/2025School Improvement Team Planning 3:15-4:15 Media Center

2/24/25-2/28/25ACCESS Testing

2/26/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer at HCMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

2/27/2025Pre-MPA Concert Orchestra- 6pm (Auditorium, Band, Choir, Orchestra)

2/27/2025Pre-MPA Concert Band- 6pm (Auditorium, Band Room)

3/2/2025-3/8/25School Social Worker Week

3/5/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer vs JCMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

3/5/2025Spring Pictures

3/5/2025Pirate Parents Meeting 9:30 in Pirate's Den

3/6/2025Interim Reports

3/7/2025Maintence Worker Appreciation Day

3/10/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer vs BMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

3/11/2025Fire Drill (Required every month)

3/12/2025ERPD (release 3 hours early)

3/13/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer vs NBMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

3/15/2025Tri-M Car Wash Fundraiser 8am-12pm

3/17/2025Workday- No school for students

3/18/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer at TMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

3/19/2025Preseason Sportsmanship Meeting (Required Once Per School-Year) @ 6:00pm

3/20/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer vs SWMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

3/20/2025Choir Concert- 7th & 8th Grade- 6pm (Auditorium & Choir Room)

3/21/2025Kona Ice (Hospitality) Tentative

3/24/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer at DMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

3/25/2025Monthly BT Meeting 3:15-4:15 in Faasii's room

3/26/2025School Improvement Team Planning 3:15-4:15 Media Center

3/26/2025Volleyball / Boys Soccer at NPMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

3/27/2025Baseball Tryouts

3/27/2025Grading Period Ends

3/27/2025Math Benchmark

3/28/2025Reading NC Check In

4/1/20258th Grade Science NC Check In

4/2/2025Pirate Parents Meeting 9:30 in Pirate's Den

4/2/2025Bak/Hunt/Haigh/Goddard Team to Sturgeon City

4/3/2025Report Cards go home

4/4/2025Media Specialist Day

4/4/2025Dance 2:40-4:30

4/7/2025-4/11/25National Assistant Principal Week

4/7/2025Baseball at HCMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

4/9/2025ERPD (release 3 hours early)

4/10/2025Preseason Sportsmanship Meeting (Required Once Per School-Year) @ 6:00pm

4/10/2025Tri-M Dress Rehearsal – 2:45-4:00pm (in the Library)

4/11/2025Popping into Spring with Popsicles from the Pirate Parents

4/14/2025 to 4/21/2025Spring Break- Workday for staff Monday 4/21/25

4/21/2025-4/25/25Public School Volunteer Week & Administrative Professionals Week

4/23/2025Administrative Professionals Day

4/22/2025Track Tryouts

4/23/2025Baseball vs JCMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

4/23/2025School Improvement Team Planning 3:15-4:15 Media Center

4/24/2025Tri-M Recital- 6:00-7:00pm (in the Library)

4/25/2025Kona Ice (Hospitality) Tentative

4/25/2025Interim Reports

4/28/2025Baseball vs BMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

4/29/2025Dinner Theater- 6:00-8:00pm (in the PDC)

4/30/2025Baseball vs NBMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

5/1/2025School Principals Day

5/2/2025School Lunch Hero Day

5/2/20255th Graders Visit SBMS (Auditorium)

5/5/2025Baseball at TMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

5/5/2025-5/9/2025OCS Employee Appreciation Week, OCS Bus Driver Appreciation Week and Teacher & Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week- May 5-9, 2025

5/6/2024 Reading EOY Diagnostic

5/6/2025National Teacher Day

5/6/2025Mini Tri-Meet #1: Tuesday, 5/6 (Location TBD)

5/7/2025National School Nurse Day

5/7/2025Pirate Parents Meeting 9:30 in Pirate's Den

5/7/2025Baseball vs SWMS: (Home Game Starts at 4:00pm)

5/7/2025Teacher Luncheon sponsored by the Pirate Parents

5/7/2024Math EOY Diagnostic

5/9/2025Kona Ice sponsored by Pirate Parents

5/12/2025Baseball at DMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

5/13/2025Mini Tri-Meet #2: Tuesday, 5/13 (Location TBD)

5/13/2025Band & Orchestra Sign-Up Night 5:30-7:00pm (Auditorium, Choir, Orchestra, Band Room)

5/14/2025Baseball at NPMS: Away games- start time TBD by host site

5/15/2025Interim Reports

5/21/2025Conference Championship Meet: Wed., May 21 (Location and Time TBD)

5/26/2025Holiday- No School

5/20/2025Piano Concert- 6pm (Auditorium, Band)

5/22/2025Band Concert- 6th - 6pm, 7th, 8th, Jazz- 7pm (Auditorium & Band Room)

5/23/25-6/6/25NC Extend 1 Administration Window

5/27/2025Choir Concert- 6 TH, 7TH, & 8TH - 6pm (Auditorium & Choir Room)

5/28/2025Athletic Banquet

5/29/2025Orchestra Concert- 6th, 7th, & 8th - 6pm (Auditorium, Band, Orchestra, & Choir Room)

6/2/2025Science EOG

6/3/2025Math EOG

6/4/2025ELA EOG

6/6/2025Grading Period Ends

6/6/2025Llast day of school for the 2024-2025 school year for students