Southwest Middle School

It’s time for students to select their electives for the upcoming school year! Elective selection forms will be distributed in your child’s first elective class this week. All forms must be completed and returned by Friday, May 23rd.

Students will rank their elective preferences, and while we will do our best to honor these choices, final placements will depend on course availability and enrollment numbers. Please note that students who do not return a completed form by the deadline will be placed in courses with the lowest enrollment.

We encourage you to review the options with your child and help them make thoughtful selections.

Thank you for your support!

End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) testing is coming soon, and we want to make sure that all of the families have the accurate information.

What do you need to know about the EOG and EOC online tests that account for a minimum of 20% of your child's final grade?

Over the next few weeks, we will break down each assessment and provide helpful information.

How many questions are on the assessment?
The EOG Mathematics Test has 45 operational test items and 8 field test items for a total of 53 questions. The test will include both calculator inactive and calculator active sections. Both sections will consist of four-response-option multiple-choice, gridded response/numeric entry, and technology-enhanced item types. All operational items will be worth one point each.

How long does my student have on this assessment?
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) estimates it will take 2 hours (120 minutes) for most students to complete the EOG Mathematics Test. The NCDPI requires all students to be allowed ample opportunity to complete the test; therefore, the maximum amount of time allowed is 3 hours (180 minutes), except for students with documented special needs requiring accommodations, such as scheduled extended time.

What materials will my child receive during this assessment?
Students will receive graph paper, scratch paper, and a writing utensil prior to starting the test. After completing the calculator inactive section of the test, which is approximately 15 questions, students will have access to an online calculator. The online calculator available to students in grades 6–8 is a scientific four-function calculator with a square root function, y, x, ϖ (pi), and algebraic logic (see button below). Students in grade 8 will also have access to an online graphing calculator (see button below).

How many questions are on the assessment?
EOC NC Math 1 Test has 50 operational test items and 10 field test items for a total of 60 questions. The test will include both calculator inactive and calculator active sections. Both sections will consist of four-response-option multiple-choice, gridded response/numeric entry, and technology-enhanced item types. All operational items will be worth one point each.

How long does my student have on this assessment?
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) estimates it will take 3 hours (180 minutes) for most students to complete the EOG Mathematics Test. The NCDPI requires all students to be allowed ample opportunity to complete the test; therefore, the maximum amount of time allowed is 4 hours (240 minutes), except for students with documented special needs requiring accommodations, such as scheduled extended time.

What materials will my child receive during this assessment?
Students will receive graph paper, scratch paper, and a writing utensil prior to starting the test. After completing the calculator inactive section of the test, which is approximately 15 questions, students will have access to an online calculator. The online calculator available to students is a graphing calculator (see the button below).

The night before:

• Help your child get to bed on time. Research shows that being well-rested helps students do better.
• Help children resolve immediate arguments/peer conflict before going to bed.
• Keep your routine as normal as possible. Upsetting natural routines may make children feel insecure.
• Mention the test to show you’re interested, but don’t dwell on it.
• Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test.

The morning of the test:

• Get up early to avoid rushing. Be sure to have your child at school on time.
• Have your child eat a good breakfast but not a heavy one. Research shows that students do better if they have breakfast before they take tests.
• Be positive about the test. Acknowledge that tests can be hard and that they’re designed so that no one will know all of the answers. Explain that doing your best is what counts. The important thing is to make your child comfortable and confident about the test.

After the test:

• Talk to your child about his or her feelings about the test, making sure you acknowledge the effort such a task requires.
• Discuss what was easy and what was hard; discuss what your child learned from the test.
• Discuss what changes your child would make if he or she were to retake the test.
• Explain that performance on a test is not a condition for you to love your child. You love your child just for the person he or she is.

Attention all parents and students! Please note that there is an adjustment to our schedule for the upcoming End-of-Grade exam days. In anticipation of the rigorous examination schedule, OCS would like to inform you that all middle schools will be dismissed at 12:40pm on the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 28th
• Thursday, May 29th
• Wednesday, June 4th
• Thursday, June 5th

No adjustments have been made to any other school day schedule, and students will dismiss at their regular time. We apologize if this information causes any inconvenience and are hopeful this early notification gives families an opportunity to plan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the front office at 910.455.1105.

Interest forms for NC Math 1 and World History are being sent home as part of the process for identifying students eligible for high school-level courses in 8th grade. At Southwest Middle School, we strive to provide challenging and engaging instruction that supports each student’s academic growth.

Students may be considered for placement in NC Math 1 and/or World History based on the following criteria:

• Mostly As and high Bs on the 7th-grade final report card

• Minimum score in the 80th percentile on the 7th Grade Math EOG (for NC Math 1)

• Minimum score in the 80th percentile on the 7th Grade Reading EOG (for World History)

• At least two positive teacher recommendations — one from a core subject teacher related to the course and another of your choice.

• Strong classroom performance, academic readiness, and work ethic

Please carefully consider your child’s academic strengths and extracurricular commitments for the 2025–26 school year. Placement in the courses will be at the discretion of administration and based upon the rubric provided. Students accepted into these courses must sign a contract and commit to completing the full yearlong course. No schedule changes will be allowed after the 20th day of the school year.

This is a great opportunity for academically ready students to take on the challenge of high school coursework while still in middle school!

This is a friendly reminder that our school year ends on June 6, 2025! This means that ALL parent notes and/or medical documentation for all absences must be turned into the front office by 2:40pm on 6/6/25!

In accordance with the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law (G.S. 115C-378. Article 26) and State Board of Education Policies ATND-000, OCS Board Policy #4400 Attendance states students are not permitted to have more than 10 unexcused absences per semester. When the total absences (excused and unexcused) exceed 10 days per semester, or 20 total absences, further documentation will be required (doctor's statement, court documentation, etc.).

As a reminder, students must attend 85% of the previous semester to be eligible for athletics. No distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences. Eligibility for the fall semester of the 2025-2026 school year is based upon attendance from January 23, 2025, through June 6, 2025.

Our 7th and 8th grade piano students have been hard at work, sharpening their skills and exploring new songs as the semester draws to a close. Their dedication is paying off—two standout students have achieved a remarkable milestone by completing both the first and second piano books, successfully mastering 66 songs! They are the first at Southwest Middle School to reach this goal, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Check out the photos below of students in action and our two musical trailblazers! We’re excited to finish the semester strong and celebrate all the progress made.

The 6th-grade general music class has had a busy and creative semester! Students have explored music reading and the history of rap in America and are now wrapping up a fun and imaginative unit on parodies. Each student chose a song and rewrote the lyrics to create a unique parody.

Below are two student-created parodies—one based on “London Bridge” and the other on “Baby Shark." To close out the semester, students will dive into a new unit on musical instruments. Stay tuned!

Our choir students are putting in an incredible amount of effort as they prepare for the upcoming Spring Concert! From learning piano accompaniments and blending harmonies to performing as soloists and in small ensembles, these students are truly shining.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, at 6:00pm in the Southwest High School Auditorium. Come celebrate our talented vocalists and enjoy a lineup of popular songs performed by our amazing students. We can't wait to see you there!

Eighth Grade Semi-Formal ticket sales end Friday, May 9th. Each ticket will cost $20.00 and is non-refundable. Students may bring their money to the front office during enrichment, or parents may elect to purchase their child's ticket online. A permission slip must accompany payment. If students misplaced their permission slip, they can get an additional copy from the front office.

The dance is open to currently enrolled 8th grade students at Southwest Middle School. To be eligible for the dance, students may not be assigned ISS or OSS from Tuesday, April 21st, up to and including the day of the dance.

Please note that the dress for this event is semi-formal. Since the dance is a school function, students are expected to take pride in their appearance and to represent themselves and the school with pride. Students who do not comply with the dress code will not be admitted to the dance.

To ensure a respectful and appropriate environment for all students, please adhere to the following guidelines when selecting attire for the semi-formal event:

Dresses and Skirts

• Dresses must have straps or sleeves that are part of the dress design. Straps from undergarments do not qualify.

• Strapless, backless, and tube-top styles are not permitted.

• Dresses and skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length and should not be excessively short or tight. Bodycon-style dresses are not allowed.

• Low-cut or sheer (see-through) dresses are prohibited.

• Clothing with cut-outs on the front, sides, or back is not permitted.

• Exposed or bare midriffs are not allowed.

Tops and Dress Shirts

• All dress shirts must have sleeves.

• Dress shirts and tops must not expose the chest or undergarments.

• Sheer or see-through tops are not permitted.

• Hoodies are not permitted.
  

Pants and Bottoms

• Shorts, jeans, joggers, and cargo pants are not allowed.

• Pants with holes or rips are prohibited.

• Khakis or dress pants are appropriate choices.

Accessories and Footwear

• Sports apparel and hats of any kind are not permitted. This includes bandanas, scarves, and hoods, unless worn for verifiable religious reasons.

• Headwear may be worn outside for photos, but it is not allowed indoors.

• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. Those wearing heels may consider bringing a replacement pair of shoes.

We appreciate your support in helping us create a positive and respectful atmosphere for all students. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please feel free to contact the school administration.

Parents interested in donating for the dance should complete the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/c3sbdGkuvn

To help make this dance a memorable and special experience for all students, parent chaperones will not be utilized. This allows students the space to enjoy the evening with their friends, feel a sense of independence, and create lasting memories. We truly appreciate your understanding and support.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, this semester's food drive has been a tremendous success! Your donations have made a meaningful difference for families in need, and we are so grateful for your support. As we head into the final day, let’s finish strong—our last collection day is Monday! Every item counts, so let’s come together one more time to make an even bigger impact. The winning homeroom at each grade level will receive an Italian ice party on Friday. Thank you for showing the true spirit of giving!

✅ What to bring:
Non-perishable food items like breakfast foods, pre-made lunch options, snacks, and canned goods.

❌ No glass containers allowed.

Monday, May 5th

• Elective course forms distributed to current 6th and 7th grade students
  
• Baseball vs. NWPMS- 4:00pm at Southwest Middle School

Tuesday, May 6th

• SLT Meeting- 3:15 in Room 212
• Track Mini-Meet- 4:00pm at Jacksonville High School
  

Wednesday, May 7th

• Baseball vs. SBMS- 4:00pm at Swansboro Middle School

Friday, May 9th

• Last day to purchase 8th Grade Semi-Formal Tickets
• Rising 6th Grade Orientation- 9:00am
• Rising 6th Grade Parent Night- 5:30pm
  

Saturday, May 10th

• 2025 NCBA Solo and Ensemble MPA- 10:00am New Bern High School
  

Monday, May 12th

• PBIS Movie Trip permission slips distributed
• Middle School Chess Tournament- 9:30am Jacksonville Recreation Center
• Baseball vs. BMS- 4:00pm at Brewster Middle School

Wednesday, May 14th

• Track Mini-Meet- 4:00pm at Swansboro High School
  
• Baseball vs. NBMS- 4:00pm at New Bridge Middle School

Thursday, May 15th

• Interim Reports
  
• Spring Orchestra Concert- 6:00pm at Southwest High School
  

Friday, May 16th

• 8th Grade Semi-Formal- 5:00pm at Southwest Middle Schools