Southwest Middle School
October 24, 2026
Every school day matters! Regular attendance is essential to student success, and North Carolina law requires school-age children to attend school regularly. We know that illness and other circumstances sometimes make absences unavoidable, and our goal is to partner with families to support consistent attendance.
A few important reminders:
Students should attend school every day and arrive on time whenever possible.
When a student is absent, a written note from a parent/guardian must be submitted within five school days of the student’s return. If a note is not received within five days, the absence will remain unexcused. When 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.).
Absences may be excused for specific reasons, including illness, medical or dental appointments, death in the immediate family, religious observances, court proceedings, and approved educational opportunities.
School-sponsored activities such as field trips, athletic events requiring early dismissal, job shadows, and other approved school activities do not count as absences.
Students must be present for at least half of the instructional day to be considered in attendance for the school day.
Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to instruction, keep up with assignments, and make meaningful progress. When students are at school, they have more opportunities to learn, participate, build relationships, and succeed. Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a priority!
Our AVID Elective classes are putting service into action with a goal of sponsoring 100 wreaths through Wreaths Across America.
Wreaths Across America works to Remember, Honor, and Teach by placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at cemeteries across the country. Volunteers say the names of the veterans and thank them for their service, helping ensure that the sacrifices of those who served are remembered by future generations.
For $16, you can sponsor a wreath in honor or in memory of someone special. This is not a fundraiser for SWMS. The school does not retain any of the money. Purchases and payments go directly toward the wreath sponsorship through Wreaths Across America.
Our students would love your help reaching our goal of 100 wreaths!
To sponsor a wreath:
- Wreaths are $16 each.
- You may purchase a wreath in honor or in memory of someone or choose to remain anonymous.
- Use the button to personalize your wreath and complete your purchase.
- Cash payments may also be made at SWMS, and we will assist with completing the purchase.
- All wreath sponsorships must be purchased by November 20th.
Every wreath represents someone remembered, someone honored, and a story that continues to be told. Let’s help our AVID students reach 100 wreaths!
Sponsor a wreath and help us reach our goal of 100!
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at the SWMS Halloween Dance on Friday, October 30th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Tickets
Tickets are $5 per student.
In-person tickets will be sold during enrichment through Thursday, October 29th.
Online ticket sales will remain open through Thursday, October 29th, at 12:00pm.
- Ticket sales end Thursday, October 29th, at 8:20am for cash purchases and at 12:00pm for online purchases. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door, so please purchase your ticket before the deadline.
Important Arrival Information
Students may not remain on campus after the regular school day to attend the dance. All students must leave campus at dismissal and return for the dance. Additionally, students must arrive by 5:20pm to be admitted to the dance. No late entry will be permitted.
Who May Attend?
- The dance is open only to current SWMS students. Students must remain in good standing with school expectations to attend.
- Students who receive In-School Suspension (ISS), including a partial-day ISS assignment, or Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) between Tuesday, October 13th, and Friday, October 30th, will not be eligible to attend.
Costumes
Costumes are encouraged! Please remember:
No full-face paint or full-face masks.
Costumes must follow all established school dress code guidelines.
Weapons or facsimiles of weapons are not permitted as part of costumes.
Concessions
- Concessions will be available for purchase during the dance.
- All concession sales are cash.
Come have fun, dance, and celebrate Halloween with your friends! We can’t wait to see your creative costumes!
Are you interested in earning an associate's degree while still in high school? Students currently enrolled in Math 1 have an opportunity to learn more about Onslow Early College High School (OECHS) and the unique educational opportunities it offers.
Student Information Session: October 28, 2026, during students' Math 1 classes
Parent Information Session: November 3, 2026, at 5:30pm in the SWMS Media Center
Onslow Early College High School is a partnership between Onslow County Schools and Coastal Carolina Community College that allows students to complete high school coursework while simultaneously earning college credits. Students benefit from a small school environment, personalized support, and the opportunity to obtain a head start on their college and career goals.
Some benefits of attending OECHS include:
- Earning transferable college credits while in high school
- Experiencing a college-focused learning environment
- Receiving individualized academic support
- Building skills that prepare students for future college and career success
We encourage all eligible students and their families to attend the information sessions to learn more about the program, application process, and expectations for participation. The parent meeting is an excellent opportunity for our 7th grade families to learn about the Onslow Early College High School as well!
For more information, visit the Onslow Early College High School website: https://oec.onslow.k12.nc.us/
We look forward to helping students and families explore this exciting opportunity!
The first nine-week grading period will conclude on Tuesday, October 27th, and report cards will be distributed to all students on Tuesday, November 3rd.
We encourage parents and guardians to review their child’s academic progress and maintain regular communication with teachers. Our staff is committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential and is available to meet with families for conferences as needed.
Academic Recognition
To celebrate academic achievement and encourage continued excellence, Southwest Middle will recognize students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance:
Principal’s List: A nine-week grade average of 90 or higher in every class, with no grade below 90.
Honor Roll: A nine-week grade average of 80–89 in every class, with no grade below 80.
We are excited to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work with a special treat on Friday, November 13th. We are proud of our students for their dedication, effort, and commitment to academic success!
- End of 1st Grading Period
- 8th Grade PBIS Shopping Day- Store closes at 9:00am
- Football vs. TMS- 6:00pm at Southwest High School
Wednesday, October 28th
- 6th Grade PBIS Shopping Day- Store closes at 9:00am
- Onslow Early College Math 1 Classroom Visit- 10:00am
Thursday, October 29th
- 7th Grade PBIS Shopping Day- Store closes at 9:00am
- Halloween Dance Ticket Sales End- 8:20am for cash sales and 12:00pm for online sales
Friday, October 30th
- Halloween Dance- 5:00pm-7:00pm SWMS Gym
- Girls' Soccer and Wrestling vs. DMS- 4:00pm at SWMS
Tuesday, November 3rd
- Report Card Day
- Onslow Early College Parent Session- 5:30pm SWMS Media Center
Thursday, November 5th
- Fall Makeup Picture Day- 7:30am
- Wrestling and Girls' Soccer Photos- After school
Saturday, November 7th
- OCMSAC Cheer Competition- 10:00am Swansboro High School