SWSC News September 18th, 2026

Fall Festival: Thursday, September 24th

The Sullivan Elementary Fall Festival is next Thursday, September 24th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, and we still need community helpers! Would your church small group, sorority, fraternity, community organization, sports team, or group of parents like to host a carnival game booth? Gather your group, run a game, and help create lasting memories for our kids. Please reach out to the SES office if you are interested.

Boys Biddy Basketball Begins Thursday

Boys Biddy Basketball starts next Thursday, September 24th and continues every Thursday through October 22nd.

Girls Biddy Basketball: October 5th to 8th

Lady Arrows Biddy Basketball will take place Monday, October 5th through Thursday, October 8th in the Middle School Gym. Grades 1 through 3 meet from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, and grades 4 and 5 meet from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. The camp is FREE for students. Questions? Contact Coach Edmonson at 812-240-7039.

Trunk or Treat Volunteers Needed

We are looking for volunteers to help make Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 30th a fun and memorable event for our students! Decorating begins at 8:15 AM, and the event will wrap up by noon. If you would like to decorate a trunk and hand out treats, please sign up to volunteer here.

School Smiles: Friday, October 2nd

The dentist will be at SES on Friday, October 2nd, providing cleanings, fluoride, x-rays, sealants, restorative care, and free dental supplies. All students need to register, since it is the start of a new school year. Register at schoolsmiles.com/student-signup.

Homework Helps

Homework Helps takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 4:00 PM for students who need extra help with assigned homework. Contact your child's teacher to get them signed up. Students should be picked up at Door #1 (main entrance). If your student plans to stay, you must mark it in Pick-Up Patrol.

Dartettes

Dartettes practice every Wednesday after school until 4:00 PM in the SES gym.

Stay Connected

Check the SES Facebook page every Friday for our weekly Lost and Found post, and comment to claim your student's lost items. Please also like and share the new Sullivan Elementary School PTO Facebook page to stay up to date on all the fun things planned for our students, teachers, and staff. Complete breakfast and lunch menus with nutritional information are available in the Nutrislice app.

8th Grade River Raft Field Trip: Tuesday, September 22nd

Our 8th graders head out on their River Raft Field Trip on Tuesday, September 22nd. Have a great time, and be safe on the water!

Last Week for the Beta Club Fundraiser

The SMS Beta Club's Fannie May fundraiser wraps up Friday, September 25th. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Beta members!

Join the SMS PTO

Interested in joining the Sullivan Middle School PTO? Click here to sign up.

Arrow Homework Hub

Arrow Homework Hub meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the Library. Students can get extra help with homework and assignments from our high school student helpers, and free snacks are provided. Parents should plan to pick up students at 4:00 PM at the front of the building.

Clubs and Organizations

• FCA meets every Wednesday at 7:45 AM in the Multipurpose Room.

• Dartettes practice every Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the SES gym.

Fall Baseball Open Practice: Thursday, September 24th

Fall baseball open practice for students in grades 6 through 8 is Thursday, September 24th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the SHS Baseball Field.

Attendance, Phones, and Lunch Money

• Parents may call in or excuse up to 5 absences per semester. After the 5th absence, additional absences must have documentation in order to be excused.

• Southwest School Corporation maintains a bell-to-bell cell phone policy. The SMS school day runs from 8:05 AM to 2:55 PM.

• Please bring lunch money to the office between 7:45 and 8:15 AM. Money turned in after that time will be posted the following day.

Stay Connected

Follow SMS on Facebook for pictures, important updates, upcoming events, and all the great things happening at Sullivan Middle School. One Arrow. One Direction. One Team.

Both Sullivan Middle School soccer teams posted shutouts against White River Valley on 8th Grade Night, Monday, September 14th. The boys won 3 to 0 and handed WRV its first shutout of the season. On the girls' side, Madi Nicol, Ruthie Pennington, Maryann Unger, Taylor Bradford, Annelise Bradford, Charlotte Huff, and Caylee Roberson all scored, including a goal from each 8th grader.

Congratulations to our 8th graders who were honored before the games: Madi Nicol, Ruthie Pennington, and Caylee Roberson for the girls, and Evan Gillham, Rider Martin, Blaine Jacob, Brandon Debord, and Jack Huff for the boys.

Both teams kept rolling at Bloomfield on Thursday, September 17th. The girls won 6 to 2 behind a hat trick from Taylor, two goals from Charlotte, and one from Ruthie. The boys won 7 to 2, with two goals each from Brandon Debord and Blaine Jacob, penalty kicks from Rider Martin and Evan Gillham, and a goal from Jack Huff.

Sullivan Middle School cross country turned in a big night at its home meet against Clay City and Shakamak on Monday, September 14th. Ten of the team's 15 runners set personal records, and six girls finished in the top 15: Harper Howard, Scarlett Copeland, Rya Ridge, Afton Whitkanack, Valentina Valenzuela, and Brynlee Fagan.

Jacob Souders led the boys with a 4th place finish in 11:29. That time was a season PR by 30 seconds and a qualifying time for state. Congratulations, Jacob!

Come out and support our runners at 8th Grade Night on Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:30 PM, when SMS hosts Owen Valley.

The SMS 8th grade volleyball team has not lost a regular season match this fall, with its only loss coming in tournament play. The Arrows took that record into a tough home match against St. Patrick's on Thursday, September 17th. Mark your calendars for 8th Grade Night on Tuesday, September 29th against Bloomfield, the team's last home match of the season.

The Sullivan Middle School football team beat Owen Valley 44 to 14 at home on Thursday, September 17th, stretching its winning streak to four games and improving to 5 and 2 on the season.

Mason Metheny threw five touchdown passes on the night. Kollin Bostic and Jack Phegley each hauled in two, and Blake Kelley caught one. Liam Fifer rounded out the scoring with a rushing touchdown. On defense, Canton Allen, Ashton Hale, and Kade Summers each made big plays, and Hoytt Eslinger helped the Arrows win the turnover battle by forcing and recovering a fumble. Sullivan plays next Tuesday at Linton.

If you have been to a middle school football game this fall, you have seen our Gold Dusters out on the field. The dance team performs at home games, and the routines you see on game night come straight from the work they put in at practice every Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in the SES gym. The Arrows' last home football game of the season is Wednesday, October 7th against North Clay, so come out, cheer on the team, and give the Gold Dusters a hand.

Parent/Teacher Conferences Today

Carlisle Elementary is holding Parent/Teacher Conferences today, Friday, September 18th. Thank you for taking the time to meet with your child's teacher.

CMS River Rafting Trip: Wednesday, September 23rd

Carlisle Middle School students head out on their River Rafting trip next Wednesday, September 23rd. Have a great time, and be safe on the water!

WOW Is Back: Word of the Week

This week's word: Photosynthesis, the process plants use to turn light, water, and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen. We are bringing back WOW this year! Students just need to scan one of the QR codes located around the school and use the Word of the Week correctly in a sentence for a chance to win a prize.

Indians Volleyball: Two Home Games Next Week

Come cheer on the Indians! Our 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams open the week at South Knox on Monday, September 21st, then host West Vigo on Tuesday, September 22nd and Linton on Thursday, September 24th. All games start at 6:00 PM. The final home date is October 6th against Rivet.

Grandparents Breakfast: Friday, September 25th

Grandparents are invited to breakfast on Friday, September 25th from 7:00 to 8:00 AM in the CEMS Cafe. We would love to see you!

School Smiles: Thursday, October 1st

School Smiles will be at Carlisle on Thursday, October 1st. Your child will come home with a QR code to sign up online if you would like for them to see the dentist on site.

8th Grade Parents: Join SportsYou

Parents, please make sure you have joined the SportsYou app for important reminders. If you need help, contact Melissa Ridgway at mridgway@swest.k12.in.us.

Drama Club, Rock Band, and a Guitar Raffle

If your child in grades 5 through 8 is interested in Drama Club or Rock Band, please have them see Ms. Wheelock. The band is also raffling off an electric guitar along with one week of free lessons. Tickets are $5 each or 4 for $20 from any band member or Ms. Wheelock.

Contact Info and Birthday Grams

Get your Birthday Grams! Choose a $5 Gram (balloon, card, and a full-size candy bar, selection varies based on availability) or a $20 Party (Hostess cakes and juice boxes for the class, plus a birthday gram, balloon, and full-size candy for the birthday student). For Birthday Gram requests or other questions, please contact Debra McCray at 812-398-3851 ext. 2402 or dmccrary@swest.k12.in.us.

Both Indians volleyball teams picked up wins over Dugger last week. The Indians had just one game this week, at Clay City on Thursday, but next week is a busy one: Monday at South Knox, Tuesday at home against West Vigo, and Thursday at home against Linton for 8th Grade Night. All games start at 6:00 PM. Come out on Thursday, September 24th to celebrate our 8th graders! The final home date of the season is October 6th against Rivet.

Friday Night Lights: Arrows Host South Putnam

There is no school today, but the Golden Arrows are home tonight against South Putnam at 7:00 PM. Pack the stands and show your Southwest pride! The Arrows are home again next Friday, September 25th against Owen Valley to close out Homecoming Week.

Homecoming Week Dress-Up Days: September 21st to 25th

"Wish Upon a Win" Homecoming Week is here! The Homecoming court and the 9th grade float and skit crew met this week to get ready. Show your Arrow spirit all week long with these dress-up days:

• Monday: PJ Day

• Tuesday: Disney Day: dress as your favorite Disney character

• Wednesday: College Day: wear your favorite college shirt

• Thursday: Class Shirt or Color Day: 9th grade red, 10th grade blue, 11th grade pink, 12th grade black, and staff in SHS shirts

• Friday: Homecoming shirt or purple and gold

See You at the Pole: Wednesday, September 23rd

Students are invited to See You at the Pole, the Global Day of Student Prayer, on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:20 AM at the SHS front circle. This year's theme is "Come to Me" from Matthew 11:28. Learn more at syatp.com.

King of the Court and the Senior Bonfire: Thursday, September 24th

King of the Court, a fundraiser for Riley Children's Hospital, starts at 6:00 PM Thursday night. Come support the Lady Arrows and a good cause! The senior bonfire follows King of the Court that evening. Food and drinks will be available beginning at 8:00 PM, and the bonfire will be lit at approximately 9:00 PM. All students are welcome.

FFA T-Shirt Orders Due September 25th

FFA members can pick up t-shirt order forms from Ms. Goeppner's room. Money and orders are due Friday, September 25th.

Beta Club Reminders

Beta members, check the Beta SportsYou page for convention sign-ups, candidate election information, service hour details, Founders Day merchandise orders, and dues and convention payments. Dues and the first convention payment were due this week, so please turn them in right away if you have not already.

Field Trip: Clayshire Castle's Medieval Faire

The Social Studies Department is sponsoring a field trip to Clayshire Castle's Medieval Faire on Saturday, September 26th. The cost is $20, which covers transportation and admission. See Mr. Simmons in Room 221 to sign up or for more information.

Softball Interest

Any girl interested in softball should stop by Coach Edmondson's room.

Free After-School Tutoring

Free after-school tutoring is available every week: Tuesdays in Room 101 with Mr. Obryan, Wednesdays in Room 221 with Mr. Simmons, and Thursdays in the CRC room with Mrs. Couch.

The Sullivan girls' soccer team followed its 3 to 0 shutout of Barr-Reeve on September 5th with another 3 to 0 win at Northview on September 9th. Over that five-game stretch, the Lady Arrows gave up just one goal, and they have now won four games this season by three goals or more. The team plays at West Vigo on Saturday and hosts North Knox on Wednesday, September 23rd.

The Sullivan cross country teams came home with ribbons from the Washington Invitational on Saturday, September 12th. The boys placed 4th as a team, led by Jordan in 6th place (18:36) and Jace in 10th (19:23). Nick Brooks (21:33), Grayson Butkiewicz (21:47), Cooper McKinney (22:06), Ranger Short (25:49), Logan Chastain (26:48), and Ben Davis (27:39) also ran for the Arrows.

For the girls, Jillian Page placed 11th (23:43) and Leilyn Kern placed 14th (24:27), followed by Jocelyn Buchanan (25:58) and Emmarie Earley (28:26).

On Wednesday, the team celebrated its seniors, including Jace Camden, Nick Brooks, and Emmarie Earley, at its last home race of the season, the Chad Smith Invitational. The Arrows run next at the Greencastle Invitational on Saturday and the Shakamak Invitational on September 26th.

The Sullivan boys' tennis team won three matches in four days to improve to 13 and 3 overall and 5 and 1 in conference play. The Arrows swept Bloomfield 5 to 0 at home on Friday, September 11th, highlighted by Hunter Pinkston's three-set comeback win at #1 singles (5-7, 6-4, 10-6). On Monday they swept Edgewood 5 to 0 on the road without dropping more than two games in any set, and Connor Samm earned his varsity letter with a win at #3 singles. On Tuesday, Sullivan beat North Daviess 4 to 1 behind straight-set singles wins from Pinkston, Jaxon Zollman, and Blake DeSanto, plus a three-set win at #1 doubles from Zane Abbott and Tanner Boyll after they dropped a first-set tiebreaker. The junior varsity won all three days as well.

Coach Wes Kirk said the Edgewood win started a new conference streak after the Arrows' run of 26 straight conference wins ended against Vincennes Lincoln earlier this season. He also noted that North Daviess joins Sullivan's sectional at Linton this year, and praised his #1 doubles team: "When Zane and Tanner are playing smart aggressive, they are fun to watch and a very tough team to beat." The Arrows host Linton-Stockton on Monday, September 21st and Loogootee on Saturday, September 26th.

Congratulations to Rachel Eslinger, who broke the Sullivan High School record for assists on Tuesday night at Edgewood! Rachel now has 2,675 assists, and her season is not over yet. We are so proud of you, Rachel!

The Arrows fell to Edgewood 3 to 1 in that match (22-25, 25-13, 22-25, 20-25), even though Sullivan outscored the Mustangs 89 to 88 in total points. The loss moved Sullivan to 9 and 5 heading into Thursday's home match against Vincennes Rivet.

The Golden Arrows bounced back from their loss at Northview in a big way on Friday, September 11th, beating Linton-Stockton 46 to 7 on the road. It was Sullivan's third win of the season by 34 points or more, and it moved the Arrows to 3 and 1. Sullivan hosts South Putnam tonight at 7:00 PM and Owen Valley next Friday.

Congratulations to the members of the 2026 Sullivan High School Homecoming Court! Homecoming is Friday, September 25th, when the Golden Arrows host Owen Valley at 7:00 PM.

• Front row (left to right): Senior Jayleigh Arroyo, Junior Hallie Howard, Seniors Brady Baker and Kinley Mason, Sophomore Braelyn Kendall, and Freshman Brielle Hamilton.
• Back row: Senior Isaac Bedwell, Junior Cale Thomas, Senior Paul Ridgeway, Sophomore Rhylan Stewart, and Freshman Blake DeSanto.
• Not pictured: Senior Hunter Kluesner.