Southwest Middle School

Congratulations to our SWMS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Vicie Byrd!

We are proud to announce that Ms. Vicie Byrd, our exceptional 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher, has been named the 2025-2026 SWMS Teacher of the Year! Ms. Byrd’s impact on our school community extends far beyond her classroom, as she is deeply committed to supporting both students and fellow educators.

As a mentor for beginning teachers, Ms. Byrd provides guidance and encouragement to new educators, helping them build confidence and refine their teaching practices. She also leads professional development sessions, equipping teachers with innovative strategies to enhance student learning.

Ms. Byrd is an AVID elective teacher, preparing students with the skills they need for academic success, college readiness, and lifelong learning. She also serves as the sponsor of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), encouraging leadership, scholarship, service, and character among our students.

As the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) chairperson, Ms. Byrd plays a key role in fostering a positive school culture by promoting respect, responsibility, and student success. This year, she is launching a JS2S (Junior Student to Student) program, which will support students transitioning to our school, helping them feel welcomed and connected.

In addition to her many contributions, Ms. Byrd is finalizing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction through East Carolina University, further demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. Her dedication to students, staff, and the overall school community makes her truly deserving of this honor.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Byrd, our SWMS Teacher of the Year!

This is a friendly reminder that Wednesday, February 12th is an Early Release Professional Development Day. Students will dismiss at 11:40am, and all students should be picked up by 12:00pm. Additionally, there are no after-school activities on ERPD days. Please click on the button below to access the ERPD schedule for Southwest Middle.

As Valentine's Day approaches, we kindly remind parents that the school cannot accept flower or balloon deliveries for students. These items are not allowed on buses or in classrooms, and our office is unable to store them. Additionally, office staff will not be able to sign for deliveries. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Southwest Middle would like to share some important information about the upcoming North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) NC Check-Ins assessments that will take place this coming week. These assessments, developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, are designed to help teachers monitor students' progress in key areas and tailor instruction to their individual needs. The NC Check-Ins occur at intervals throughout the year and provide formative feedback, meaning they guide our instruction by highlighting areas where students are excelling or may need additional support.

SWMS NC Check-Ins Testing Schedule:

• Monday, February 10th: Science
• Tuesday, February 11th: Math and NC Math 1
  
• Thursday, February 13th: Reading

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; therefore, Southwest Middle will be on a modified bell schedule. To view the bell schedule for these testing dates, please click on the button below.

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.

Purpose of the NC Check-Ins: The main goal of these NC Check-Ins is to provide teachers with timely insights into your child's understanding of grade-level material. They help us identify areas where students need reinforcement and where they are ready for more advanced challenges. Unlike end-of-year tests, the NC Check-Ins are low-stakes and are not included in final grades, so students can approach them as an opportunity to show what they’ve learned so far.

Ways to Support Your Child at Home:

1. Encourage Daily Practice: Regular review of material covered in class helps solidify understanding and reduces test-day stress. Simple practices like discussing what they learned that day or going over any homework questions can be very beneficial.
2. Focus on Rest and Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and a balanced breakfast help children stay focused and perform their best.
3. Promote a Positive Attitude: Remind your child that these tests are tools for growth, not measures of their worth or intelligence. Approaching the test with a calm, positive mindset can greatly improve their experience.

After each assessment, 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.

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.

Tryouts for volleyball and boys' soccer will begin on Tuesday, February 18th. Any 7th or 8th grade students interested in trying out must have a current physical on file and meet all eligibility requirements. Additionally, students must have attended a preseason concussion meeting. Please see the information above regarding the next scheduled meeting. For any questions regarding eligibility, please contact SWMS Athletic Director, Coach Thompson.

Volleyball
Tryouts will be held from 3:15pm until 5:00pm beginning February 18th. For questions about volleyball, please contact Coach Thompson.

Boys Soccer
Tryouts will be held immediately after school until 5:00pm beginning February 18th. For questions about boys' soccer, please contact Coach Marshall.

Our basketball teams are having an incredible season, and it's time to celebrate their success! The boys' team remains undefeated at 7-0, officially claiming the conference championship and a spot in the conference tournament! Meanwhile, the girls' team is making waves with a 4-3 record, fighting hard for a spot in the conference tournament. They face their final opponent of the regular season this Tuesday, February 11th, at New Bridge Middle School. Their dedication, teamwork, and determination have made our school proud!

To recognize these achievements, SWMS will be holding a pep rally this Friday, February 14th, to cheer on our athletes before they head to the tournament. The school will follow a modified schedule that day, which you can view by clicking the button below.

The conference tournament will take place on Saturday, February 15th, at Jacksonville High School. Seeding for the tournament will be determined after the conclusion of the regular season on Tuesday, so stay tuned for updates on game times and match-ups.

Thank you for allowing us to show our school spirit, pack the stands, and support our teams as they continue their journey. Go Colts!

🎉 Get Ready for the Valentine’s Dance! ❤️

Love is in the air, and so is the excitement for our Valentine's Dance! Don’t miss the fun on Friday, February 14th, right after school until 5:00pm. This is your chance to celebrate with friends, show off your best dance moves, and enjoy a festive atmosphere!

🎫🎫 Ticket Information! 🎫🎫

Tickets will be sold during enrichment from February 10th through February 14th. No tickets will be sold after enrichment on Friday, February 14th, and they will not be available at the door.

🎶 Music, Fun, and Concessions! 🍿

We’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable time. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, so bring a few dollars and your energy to dance the afternoon away!

🚩Important Discipline Information🚩

Students with ISS or OSS assigned from Monday, January 27th through the day of the dance are not eligible to attend.

Don’t miss this special event—it’s the highlight of February! See you on the dance floor!

This year’s Onslow County Schools Magnet School Lottery portal will open Monday, February 24th, and close on Friday, March 14th.

Ahead of the magnet lottery, families are encouraged to attend the OCS Magnet & Educational Opportunity Expo on Monday, February 10th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. At this event, you can learn about and visit with representatives from all of our magnet schools, as well as explore opportunities beyond the magnet program, including the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center, Onslow Early College, and more.

April is Month of the Military Child, a time when we celebrate the 1.6 million military children who face challenges due to their loved one’s service. This year you can order a t-shirt to wear on Purple Up Day (April 19, 2025) to show your support. Since Purple Up Day is held during Spring Break, SWMS will celebrate this day on Friday, April 11th. T-shirts can be purchased at Home | Purple Up! Onslow.

Please be sure to put your child’s first and last name in the order details and select Southwest Middle as the school your child attends in the delivery section. You will also need to keep a copy of your receipt.

The t-shirt shop closes on February 19th and will NOT reopen for late orders. T-shirts will be delivered to Southwest Middle School the week of March 24th.

Please contact Danielle Merrell at danielle.merrell@onslow.k12.nc.us if you have any questions regarding the t-shirt orders.

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, February 10th

• NC Check-Ins Science
  
• Magnet & Educational Opportunity Expo- 4:30pm at the Eastern NC Regional Skills Center
• Spring Sports (Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Baseball & Track) Preseason Meeting- 5:00pm in the SWMS Cafeteria
  

Tuesday, February 11th

• NC Check-Ins Math and NC Math 1
  
• Basketball vs. NBMS- 4:00pm at New Bridge Middle
  

Wednesday, February 12th

• Interim Reports
  
• 8th Grade Field Trip to Southwest High School - 7:45am
  
• Early Release Professional Development Day- Students dismiss at 11:40am
  

Thursday, February 13th

• NC Check-Ins Reading
  

Friday, February 14th

• Pep Rally- 1:30pm
  
• Valentine's Dance- 3:15pm in the SWMS Gym
  

Saturday, February 15th

• OCMSAC Basketball Tournament- Jacksonville High School (seeding and times TBD)
  
• All-County Band- 3:30pm at Northside High School

Monday, February 17th

• Teacher Workday- No school for students
  

Tuesday, February 18th

• Tryouts for Volleyball and Boys Soccer begin- 3:15pm
  

Wednesday, February 19th

• NJHS Induction Ceremony- 6:00pm
  

Saturday, February 22nd

• All-County Chorus 3:30pm at Northside High School