Southwest Middle School

The i-Ready Diagnostics window for Math and Reading is underway! 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.

The Math Diagnostic took place earlier this week, and students who need additional time to complete it will be provided with opportunities to do so. Next up is the Reading Diagnostic, scheduled for next week.

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 English/Language Arts classes. The updated schedule is as follows:

• Reading Diagnostic: January 13th - January 14th

Thank you for encouraging your student to take their time and give their best effort!

Southwest Middle is thrilled to announce our First Semester Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 24, 2025, in the gymnasium. This special event is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating our students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, embodying the true spirit of being a COLT, as well as those who have shown commitment to their personal and academic growth.

Schedule of Awards Presentations:

• 8th Grade Awards: 8:30am
• 7th Grade Awards: 11:15am
• 6th Grade Awards: 1:15pm

List of Awards:

• Commendable Colt
• Most Improved
• Highest Growth (BOY to MOY diagnostic)
• Highest Average (Elective teachers only)
  

Parking and Check-Out Details:

• Please park at the rear of the school near the gymnasium.
• If you wish to check your student out after the ceremony, you will need to drive around to the front office and present a valid ID for the early check-out process.

Invitations:

• Teachers will personally contact the parents and guardians of students being recognized.

We look forward to celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students and sharing this special moment with you. Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Save the Date – End of Year Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th
Later this year, we will host an evening awards ceremony to honor students on the Principal’s List, Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance for the year, along with several other awards. Stay tuned for more details about this exciting end-of-year event!

Our middle school cheer squad truly embodied the meaning of teamwork and resilience at this weekend’s competition. Despite a last-minute schedule change and being one stunter down due to weather-related postponements, the team brought their A-game, dazzling the crowd with their energy and determination. Their performance wasn’t just about the stunts and cheers—it was a testament to their unwavering school spirit, adaptability, and heart. We are so proud of these students for showing what it means to rise to the challenge and support one another, no matter the circumstances. Though they didn't place, their school spirit is impressive. Congratulations, SWMS Cheerios!

We are excited to invite you to our orientation on Monday, January 22nd, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. This special event is a great opportunity for families to connect with our school and gain a closer look at your child's daily learning experience.

What to Expect:

• Families should attend the entire session and follow their child's core and elective class schedule.
• Students should bring their laptops for this engaging and interactive session.
• Teachers will host 12-minute informational sessions in each class. During these sessions, students will guide you through their daily schedules and routines.
• Families will have the chance to log in to the platforms students use daily, explore tools for staying informed, and learn how to support their child in completing and submitting assignments on time.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how we can work together to support student success!

Exciting Opportunity for Students and Families: Controlled Enrollment Fair

Mark your calendars! On Thursday, January 23rd, Jacksonville High School (JHS) will host a Controlled Enrollment Fair to showcase the exceptional programs available at Onslow County Schools (OCS) high schools. This event is an invaluable opportunity for students and parents to learn about specialized offerings and find the perfect fit for their educational journey.

The fair will take place from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the Jacksonville High School cafeteria. Representatives from Northside, White Oak, Richlands, Swansboro, Dixon, and Jacksonville High Schools will be present to provide detailed information about their Controlled Enrollment programs. These programs offer unique learning experiences tailored to a variety of interests and career goals.

At the fair, you can:

• Speak directly with school representatives to gain in-depth knowledge about their programs.

• Discover academic and extracurricular opportunities designed to foster student growth and success.

• Explore specialized pathways such as career and technical education, advanced placement courses, and innovative learning environments.

• Get answers to your questions about enrollment processes, program requirements, and more.

Whether you're exploring options for academic enrichment, career-focused pathways, or innovative learning environments, this event will provide the insights you need to make informed decisions. It’s an excellent way for families to gather information and ensure students are set up for success in high school and beyond.

Who should attend? This event is ideal for rising freshmen, transfer students, and any families interested in exploring the diverse opportunities available at OCS high schools.

Why attend? Choosing the right high school program can have a profound impact on a student’s future. Attending the Controlled Enrollment Fair empowers families to make educated decisions by learning about the various programs tailored to meet different needs and interests.

Don’t miss this chance to discover what’s possible for your student’s future! We look forward to seeing you there!

SWMS Student Services is currently accepting donations, and we need your help to support our students in need. If your family has gently used, clean clothing that no longer fits or you’re planning a post-holiday closet cleanout, please consider donating!

Clothing Needs:

• Clean and gently used clothing for male and female students (sizes Youth 10-12 to Adult XL)
• Gently used shoes

Hygiene Products:
We are also in need of hygiene essentials to assist students who may not have access to these items at home. Requested items include:

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Feminine Products
• Lotion, and more

Donated items will go directly to students who need them, ensuring they have proper clothing and hygiene products to feel confident and cared for.

For added convenience, you can also contribute through our Amazon Wish List.

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of our students. Your generosity allows SWMS Student Services to better support our school community!

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.

Questions regarding athletic eligibility should be directed to Lesleigh Thompson, SWMS Athletic Director.

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 13th

• i-Ready mid-year reading diagnostic

Tuesday, January 14th

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

Wednesday, January 15th

• i-Ready mid-year reading diagnostic

Thursday, January 16th

• Basketball vs. DMS- 4:00pm at SWMS

Friday, January 17th

• End of second grading period

Saturday, January 18th

• Honor Band Auditions- E.B. Aycock Middle School
  

Monday, January 20th

• MLK Holiday- No school for staff or students

Tuesday, January 21st

• Teacher Workday- No school for students
  

Wednesday, January 22nd

• Teacher Workday- No school for students
• Orientation- 5:00pm- 6:30pm
  

Thursday, January 23rd

• Basketball sports photos- Afterschool
• Controlled Enrollment Fair- 4:00pm Jacksonville High School
  

Friday, January 24th

• Awards Ceremonies- During electives (8:30am- 8th Grade, 11:15am- 7th grade, 1:15pm- 6th Grade)