Southwest Middle School

As we begin the new school year, we want to ensure that all students come to school ready to learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from unnecessary distractions. To support this goal, we are reminding students and families of our Dress Code Guidelines and expectations around personal items, including water bottles, gum, beverages, and personal care items.

Students are expected to dress appropriately each day. Clothing should fit properly and allow students to participate fully in all school activities. The dress code exists to promote safety, respect, and a focus on learning. Please note: this is not an all-inclusive list, and attire may be deemed inappropriate at the discretion of any administrator, teacher, or staff member.

Below are key dress code expectations:

• Clothing must not be excessively tight, loose, or baggy.

• Hats, bonnets, wave caps (do-rags), bandanas, hoodies with the hood up, and sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.

• Flip-flops, shower shoes, and slippers are not permitted. Crocs and bubble slides are allowed, but students should use caution on rainy days, as these shoes can be slippery.

• Pajamas, sleepwear, or loungewear are not permitted unless specifically allowed for a spirit day or event by the principal. Joggers and sweatpants are acceptable.

• Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be fingertip-length or no more than 2 inches above the knee—even when wearing leggings underneath. This also applies to slits in skirts.

• Leggings must be worn with a shirt or top that falls to fingertip length or within 2 inches of the knees.

• Crop tops, tank tops, racerbacks, or open-back tops, and low-cut shirts are not permitted. Sleeveless shirts must be at least 2 inches wide (about 3 fingers).

• Torn or ripped clothing that exposes skin or undergarments above fingertip length is not allowed.

• Clothing must not expose cleavage, back, chest, or undergarments.

• Pants must be worn at the natural waistline—“sagging” is not allowed.

• Clothing or backpacks must not display profanity, sexual images or innuendos, gang references, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or violence.

• Bandanas of any color are not to be worn or displayed on clothing, backpacks, or anywhere on campus—including buses and school events.

• Blankets are not to be brought to school or used as clothing substitutes.

To promote a clean, safe, and focused learning environment, the following guidelines are in place for food and drink during the school day:

• Only clear water bottles containing plain water are permitted in classrooms.
  This policy helps reduce the risk of spills, sticky surfaces, and insect infestations in learning spaces.

• Flavored water, juice, and soda are not allowed in classrooms. These beverages can cause distractions and lead to messes that disrupt instruction.

• Students may bring juice or soda from home to enjoy in the cafeteria during lunch only. These items should remain sealed and stored until lunchtime.

• If your child has a medical or dietary need that requires a beverage other than water during class time, proper documentation must be submitted to the school nurse in advance.

In addition, to help maintain order and safety:

• Students may not have commercial food delivered to the school at any time. This includes deliveries by:

  • Parents or guardians

  • Friends or family

  • Food delivery services (such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, etc.)

• Students may not buy, sell, or trade snacks, drinks, or meals with other students for any reason.

• Gum is not permitted on campus. It often ends up on the floor, under desks, or stuck in carpets, creating an unsanitary and hard-to-clean mess.

• Energy drinks are prohibited. These high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages are not recommended for students under 18 and can cause negative side effects such as anxiety, jitters, headaches, heart palpitations, and difficulty focusing.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting these guidelines. By working together, we can ensure a respectful, focused, and healthy school environment where all students can thrive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

To support the health and safety of all students and staff, especially those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, the following guidelines are in place:

• Aerosols and sprays are strictly prohibited on all school property, including:

  • Classrooms and hallways

  • School buses

  • After-school programs

  • School-sponsored events and athletic activities

• Why this policy is important:

  • Sprays and strong fragrances can trigger asthma attacks, headaches, migraines, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

  • Aerosol products often contain flammable and harmful chemicals that pose health and safety risks.

• Permitted personal care items:

  • Gel, stick, cream, and roll-on deodorants are allowed and encouraged for maintaining good hygiene.

  • Strongly scented deodorants, perfumes, colognes, lotions, and body sprays should be avoided.

• Students are encouraged to:

  • Shower regularly and wear clean clothes to school.

  • Apply deodorant before arriving at school.

  • Use unscented or lightly scented hygiene products.

• Need assistance?
  Students in need of hygiene products may visit the Student Services Department for confidential support.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive school environment for everyone.

Southwest Middle School will hold the following fall sports tryouts:

Mandatory Concussion/MRSA Meeting

• When: Thursday, July 30th or Tuesday, August 4th
• Time: 5:30pm
• Location: SWMS Cafeteria

• Important: All parents must attend this mandatory meeting before their child can participate in any athletic activities at SWMS.

Football Tryouts

• When: August 10th – 12th
• Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Location: Field beside the gym

• Important: Students should wear athletic clothing and cleats and bring a water bottle.

Softball Tryouts

• When: August 17th – 19th
• Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
• Location: Softball field behind the school

• Important: Participants should bring their glove, cleats, and a water bottle. If any athlete wishes to use their own bat and/or helmet, please contact the school to receive a Personal Equipment Waiver to complete prior to use.

Eligibility Reminder:
Only athletes who meet the athletic eligibility criteria and have the required documentation on file, including an updated Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (medical form) and Athletic Participation Parental Permission Form, are eligible to participate. Please refer to the SWMS Tryout Checklist above for more details.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to a fantastic fall sports season!

Do you need help with fitness training to be ready for the 2026 Southwest Middle School football season? Are you seeking opportunities to get in shape over the summer?

If you answered yes to these questions, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Southwest Middle will host summer workouts for students interested in learning key skills and fundamentals while conditioning for the upcoming football season.

The goal of this summer program is to teach student athletes proper exercises and forms that are proven to increase speed, power, and flexibility. Athletes will be taught running form, quickness drills, and stability drills to help develop quickness, speed, and agility and hopefully decrease injuries during the football season. The coaches will also focus on culture, continuity, and hard work that drives the championship expectations of the Southwest football community. The coaches request student athletes come with a desire to learn and grow.

As a reminder, students must be academically eligible to participate in athletics. For a complete list of eligibility guidelines, review the SWMS Tryout Checklist above.

• The program begins August 3rd at 8:00am.
• The program is voluntary.
• Participation in summer workouts or non-participation will have NO effect on if a student athlete makes the football team during tryouts.
• Students must meet eligibility criteria to participate in summer workouts (see checklist above).
  
• Approved SWMS football coaches will be leading the workouts on the assigned day.

• The student must be entering grade 7 or grade 8. For clarification, State Board policy (HRS-D-001) allows each LEA or charter school to determine whether or not sixth-graders may participate in interscholastic athletics, with the exception of football. At this time, the policy of Onslow County Schools is that sixth-grade students are NOT eligible to participate in middle school interscholastic athletics.

• A current (within a year) Onslow County Schools Sports Physical Evaluation Form signed by a doctor/medical provider must be submitted.
• An Athletic Participation Parental Permission Form must be submitted with all sections completed, including the insurance section.
• Please contact SWMS Head Football Coach Adam Lawson with any questions or concerns.

Wednesday, July 30th

• Mandatory Concussion/MRSA Preseason Athletic Meeting Session 1- 5:30pm SWMS Cafeteria

Monday, August 3rd

• Voluntary Football Workouts begin- 8:00am SWMS Athletic Field
  

Tuesday, August 4th

• Mandatory Concussion/MRSA Preseason Athletic Meeting Session 2- 5:30pm SWMS Cafeteria

Tuesday, August 12th

• Football Tryouts Begin- 3:30pm SWMS Athletic Field
  

Friday, August 14th

• First Teacher Workday
  

Monday, August 17th

• Softball Tryouts Begin- 3:00pm SWMS Softball Field
  

Thursday, August 20th

• SWMS Open House- 1:00pm - 2:30pm OR 5:00pm - 6:30pm
  

Monday, August 24th

• First Student Day!