Southwest Middle

Friday, October 23rd

• Girls’ soccer tryouts will continue on Monday, October 26th after school. Any student wishing to try out must meet eligibility criteria. For questions regarding eligibility, please email Coach Monk.

Thursday, October 22nd

• Don't forget to purchase your Halloween Dance tickets for $5 during enrichment in the cafeteria. Ticket sales end Thursday, October 29th, and the dance is Friday, October 30th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

• Afternoon update: Girls’ soccer tryouts are canceled for today and have been postponed until Monday. Any student who needs to call home should report to the office after receiving a pass from their teacher.

Wednesday, October 21st

• Today is Unity Day, and we are proud to stand together in kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Thank you to everyone who wore orange today to show your support and remind others that we are stronger when we stand together!

• Halloween Dance tickets are $5 and may be purchased during enrichment through Thursday, October 29th, or online through 12:00 p.m. on October 29th. The dance is Friday, October 30th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Students assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, from October 13th through the day of the dance are not eligible to attend. Remember to follow all school rules and dress code expectations. No refunds will be given once tickets are purchased. Costumes are encouraged. They must follow our dress code, and costumes cannot have full-face paint or masks or weapons or weapon facsimiles. We can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes!

Tuesday, October 20th

• Our Colts football team is back in action tonight as they travel to Jacksonville Commons to take on the Knights. The game begins at 5:00pm and will be held at Northside High School. Admission is $5 for school-aged children through adults, while children under 4 are free. We hope to see you there cheering on our team. Go Colts!
  

• Tomorrow is Unity Day! Let’s show our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and standing together by wearing orange and helping make SWMS a place where everyone feels included and valued.

Monday, October 19th

• All 7th- and 8th-grade students interested in trying out for wrestling or girls’ soccer should remain in their last-period class until the last bus has been dismissed. Once the last bus has been dismissed, report to the gym for tryouts

• The Halloween Dance is from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 30th. Remember, students assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, from Tuesday, October 13th, through the day of the dance will not be eligible to attend. Be sure to follow all school rules and expectations, including the dress code, so you can join us for the fun! Tickets go on sale this Wednesday during enrichment and will also be available online. Please remember that no refunds will be given if you become ineligible or are no longer able to attend.

Friday, October 16th

• Attention, students! SWMS is hosting our Halloween Dance on Friday, October 30th! Remember, students assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, from Tuesday, October 13th, through the day of the dance will not be eligible to attend. Be sure to follow all school rules and expectations, including the dress code, so you can join us for the fun! Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 21st, during enrichment. Please remember that no refunds will be given if you become ineligible or are no longer able to attend.

Thursday, October 15th

• Students, today we will practice the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:15am by practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” When the drill begins, listen carefully and follow your teacher’s directions immediately so we can practice responding safely and calmly in an emergency.

Wednesday, October 14th

• Our Colts football team is back in action tonight as they travel to New Bridge to take on the Bears. The game begins at 4:00pm and will be held at New Bridge Middle School. Admission is $5 for school-aged children through adults, while children under 4 are free. We hope to see you there cheering on our team. Go Colts!

Tuesday, October 13th

• Students interested in serving as a manager for wrestling or girls' soccer should see or email Coach Davis for wrestling or Coach Sanchez for soccer. Both sports begin on Monday, October 19th, so please contact the appropriate coach as soon as possible if you are interested.

• Students interested in trying out for wrestling or girls' soccer need to sign up in the front office, meet all eligibility criteria, and attend the pre-season meeting at 5:00pm this Thursday, October 15th, if you have not already attended a preseason meeting. For questions on eligibility, please email Coach Monk.

• Attention, students! SWMS is hosting our Halloween Dance Friday, October 30th! Beginning today, Tuesday, October 13th, any student assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, will be ineligible to attend the dance. Be sure to follow all school rules and expectations, including the dress code, so you can join us for the fun! Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 21st, during enrichment!

Monday, October 12th

• Teacher Workday- No school for students

Friday, October 9th

• Students, this is a friendly reminder that Monday is a teacher workday, so there will be no school for students. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday!

Thursday, October 8th

• This is a friendly reminder that eligible 7th- and 8th-grade students interested in trying out for wrestling or girls’ soccer may sign up in the front office during enrichment or lunch. Please make sure you have your teacher’s permission before coming to the office. Before tryouts, any student who has not already attended a preseason concussion meeting with a parent must attend the meeting on Thursday, October 15, at 5:00pm. Students will need to attend this meeting with a parent/guardian in order to participate in tryouts.

• Thank you to all of our students for your participation and hard work during our fundraiser. We truly appreciate your support of SWMS! The final tally will be completed later this week, and we will announce a reward for the winning homeroom as well as rewards for our top three sellers.

Wednesday, October 7th

• Colts, today is the LAST DAY of our fundraiser! All paper orders and payment collected at home must be turned in today. If you have a packet, please bring it to the office at this time. If you ordered and paid online, no further action is needed.

• Reminder, today is an Early Release Professional Development (ERPD) day. All students will dismiss at 11:40am and are required to leave campus at dismissal. Please remember that there are no extracurricular activities, clubs, or athletics on ERPD days.

Tuesday, October 6th

• Colts, tomorrow is the LAST DAY of our fundraiser! All paper orders and payment collected at home must be turned in by tomorrow, October 7th. If you ordered and paid online, no further action is needed. Let’s finish strong and reach our goal!

• Our SWMS football team takes on Brewster tonight at 6:00pm! Base access is required to attend the game, and we look forward to cheering on our Colts!

Monday, October 5th

• Colts, we are in the final stretch! We have just three days left to reach our fundraiser goal, and all orders are due Wednesday, October 7th! If you have paper orders and money collected at home, please bring them to school by Wednesday so your sales can be counted. Every order makes a difference, so keep spreading the word and helping your homeroom climb the leaderboard! Three days. One final push. Let’s finish strong, Colts!

• Today is Interim Report Day, and we encourage all students to check their grades and submit any eligible missing work. We are entering the final three weeks of the nine weeks, so now is the time to take action, stay focused, and finish strong!

• Eligible 7th and 8th graders interested in trying out for wrestling or girls’ soccer can sign up in the front office during enrichment or lunch. Please get your teacher’s permission before coming to the office

Friday, October 2nd

• The fundraiser competition was close, but Ms. Cemanes’ homeroom pulled ahead by a small margin to claim this week’s prize! The fundraiser is entering its final stretch, and we only have until next Wednesday, October 7th, to finalize all sales. The big question is… Which homeroom will take home the grand prize? Keep those sales coming, spread the word, and make every day count! The race is far from over, Colts. Let's finish strong!

Thursday, October 1st

• Today, our Lady Colts softball team takes on Trexler in their final game of the season! The game begins at 4:00 p.m. at home. Come out and cheer on our Lady Colts as they look to finish the season strong! We also want to recognize our 8th-grade players and thank them for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our team. We wish our 8th-grade players continued success on the softball field and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in high school next year!

• Colts, the leaderboard is changing daily, and every homeroom is inching closer to the top! Ms. Leo’s homeroom is still in the lead, but Ms. Cemanes and Ms. Sanchez are right on her heels, and Mr. Goans has moved into 3rd place! Tomorrow, a new winner will be crowned! With the standings shifting every day, it's anyone's game! Keep those donations coming, spread the word, and help your homeroom claim the prize. The race is on, Colts! Who will take the lead?

Wednesday, September 30th

• We're getting closer to 100% of our Impact Aid cards returned. Colts, we're almost there, but we still have a few outstanding cards. Do you want the freedom to sit wherever you'd like in the cafeteria? How about enjoying lunch outside at the picnic tables? The race is on! The first grade level to reach 100% will earn five days of free seating, the second will earn three days, and the last will earn one day. Let's get those remaining cards turned in and see which grade level comes out on top!

• Colts, the leaderboard is changing daily, and every homeroom is inching closer to the top! Ms. Leo’s homeroom is still in the lead, but Ms. Cemanes and Ms. Sanchez are right on her heels, and Mr. Goans has moved into 3rd place! Tomorrow, a new winner will be crowned! With the standings shifting every day, it's anyone's game! Keep those donations coming, spread the word, and help your homeroom claim the prize. The race is on, Colts! Who will take the lead?

Tuesday, September 29th

• The fundraiser competition is heating up! Colts, the excitement is building, and a new weekly challenge is underway! The leaderboard is up for grabs, and we will have a new winner this Friday! Who will rise to the top and claim this week’s exciting prize? Keep those donations coming, spread the word, and rally your friends and family! Every donation counts, and every homeroom has a chance to win! Who will be our next champions? Let’s go, Colts! Students, if you have any redemption coupons, bring them to the office at this time.

• Today, our Lady Colts softball team travels to Jacksonville Commons Middle. The game starts at 4:00pm, and we hope to see you there to cheer them.

• A big congratulations to the following homerooms for being the first in each grade level to submit 100% of their accurate Impact Aid cards: Mr. Lopez in 8th grade, Ms. Petrock in 7th grade, and Ms. Sanchez with Ms. Smith in 6th grade. Each winning class will enjoy a sundae party as a reward for their hard work! But the challenge isn't over yet! We still have several outstanding cards, and students, the race is on! The first grade level to reach 100% submission will earn five days of free seating in the cafeteria or at the picnic tables during lunch. The second grade level to reach 100% will earn three days, and the final grade level will earn one day. Let's get those remaining cards turned in and see which grade level can cross the finish line first!

• We Have a Fundraiser Winner! The competition is heating up, and Ms. Leo’s class has won the prize for being the top-selling homeroom for week one! A sweet treat is being delivered to them this morning! Students, the fundraiser fun is just getting started! A new weekly challenge is underway, and the next prize is up for grabs! Keep those donations coming, spread the word, and help your homeroom climb the leaderboard. Who will be our next winner, Colts? Let's go!

Friday, September 25th

• Impact Aid cards are due today. Be sure to turn yours in to your homeroom teacher.

• Attention students who are staying for the dance. You will wait in your last period class until a call is made by hallway releasing you to the dance.

Thursday, September 24th

• Impact Aid cards are due to your homeroom teacher tomorrow. Be sure to get yours turned in. Remember, the first homeroom at each grade level receives a sundae party!

Wednesday, September 23rd

• Ms. Humiston's classes need to report to the Media Center today.

• Remember to return your completed Impact Aid card to your homeroom teacher as soon as possible. The first homeroom at each grade level to turn in 100% accurate cards wins an ice cream sundae party!

• There is only one day left to purchase your dance ticket! The dance is this Friday! Students may purchase a $5 ticket during enrichment in the cafeteria. Students who are assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, at any time from September 15th through the day of the dance will be ineligible to attend. Please remember that refunds will not be given once a ticket is purchased.

• We are just a few days into our school-wide fundraiser, and things are already getting competitive! Right now, Ms. Cemanes’ homeroom is holding on to the #1 spot, but they definitely aren’t safe yet. Hot on their heels are Ms. Petrock, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Goans, and Ms. Bailey, homerooms all looking to make a move! And here’s the exciting part: a sweet prize is coming to ONE of these homerooms Monday morning! So, the big question is: Will Ms. Cemanes’ homeroom defend their spot, will one of the homerooms right behind them take over, or will another homeroom come out of nowhere and steal first place? There are still a few days to make your move, so keep those donations coming and help your homeroom climb the leaderboard! Who wants that sweet prize? Let’s see what you’ve got, Colts!

Tuesday, September 22nd

• Congratulations to our Lady Colts softball team on another great victory! The Lady Colts traveled to Brewster Middle School yesterday and came home with an impressive 11–2 win! This victory brings the Lady Colts to their fourth win of the season! Way to keep working hard, playing together, and representing Southwest Middle School with pride. The Lady Colts are back in action this Thursday at 4:00pm as they take on New Bridge Middle School at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center. Come out and support our Lady Colts!

• Don't forget to return your completed Impact Aid card to your homeroom teacher! The first class in each grade level to return 100% accurate cards will win an ice cream sundae party! If you have your signed card, please give it to your homeroom teacher.

• There are only a few days left to purchase your dance ticket! The dance is this Friday! Students may purchase a $5 ticket during enrichment in the cafeteria, or parents may purchase them online. Students who are assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, at any time from September 15th through the day of the dance will be ineligible to attend. Please remember that refunds will not be given once a ticket is purchased.

• Our Colts football team is back in action tonight for their third game of the season as they take on the Northwoods Park Dolphins. The game begins at 6:00pm at Southwest High School. Admission is $5 for school-aged children through adults, while children under 4 are free. We hope to see Colt Nation in the stands supporting our team. Go Colts!

• Students who are interested in participating in Battle of the Books should report to the Media Center at this time.

Monday, September 21st

• Today, our Lady Colts softball team travels to Brewster. Base access is required for the game. Good luck, team!

• The Battle of the Books Team will have our opening meeting tomorrow. Students who are interested in participating in Battle of the Books should attend. The meeting will be in the Media Center during Enrichment, starting at 7:45am.

• Today, all students will return to homeroom at the end of the day to receive their Impact Aid card and fundraiser materials. Please return your completed Impact Aid card to your homeroom teacher as soon as possible. The first homeroom at each grade level to return 100% accurate cards will earn an ice cream sundae party! We also need your help with our school-wide fundraiser. In addition to the prizes shared today, we are planning grade-level and homeroom incentives to make this a fun competition. Online sales begin Wednesday! Let’s work together to make both of these efforts a success!

February, September 18th

• The Battle of the Books Team will have our opening meeting next week on Tuesday, September 22nd. Students who are interested in participating in Battle of the Books should attend. The meeting will be in the Media Center during enrichment, starting at 7:45am.

• Dance tickets went on sale today! Students may purchase a ticket during enrichment in the cafeteria through next Thursday. Tickets are $5.00. Students who are assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, at any time from September 15th through the day of the dance will be ineligible to attend. Please remember that refunds will not be given once a ticket is purchased. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, September 17th

• Our Lady Colts softball team travels to Swansboro today! The game starts at 4:00pm, and admission is free. The Lady Colts are looking to keep their win streak alive and improve to 4–0 on the season. We hope to see you there supporting our team! Go Lady Colts!

• Back-to-School Dance tickets go on sale tomorrow during enrichment! Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased during enrichment only. Parents may also purchase tickets online. To be eligible to attend, students cannot receive ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS or OSS, from September 15th through the day of the dance. Please remember that no refunds will be given if a student becomes ineligible or is no longer able to attend the dance.

Wednesday, September 16th

• Our Colls football team is back in action for their second game of the season as they take on Hunters Creek Middle School. The game begins at 6:00pm at Southwest High School. Admission is $5.00 for school-aged children and adults, while children under 4 are free. Please come out to support our football team and cheerleaders. Go Colts!

• Students, today is Early Release Day. Students dismiss at 11:40am, and no students are permitted to stay on campus. All staff will be involved in professional development.

Tuesday, September 15th

• Congratulations to our Lady Colts Softball Team on earning their third win of the season yesterday with a hard-fought 7–6 victory over Northwoods Park! The Lady Colts battled until the very end and came away with another exciting win to add to their season record. We are proud of the determination and teamwork they continue to show on the field! The Lady Colts travel to Swansboro on Thursday to take on the Lady Pirates. Keep it going, Colts!

• Early Release Reminder: Students will be dismissed tomorrow at 11:40am and must leave campus at dismissal. Students are not permitted to remain on campus after dismissal for clubs, athletics, or other activities. All teachers will be in PD. If you are a car rider, ensure that your ride is here at11:40am.

Monday, September 14th

• Students, today is Interim Report Day! Take a moment to check your grades, celebrate your progress, and make a plan for any areas where you can improve before the end of the quarter.

• Today, our Lady Colts softball team takes on the Northwoods Park Lady Dolphins at 4:00pm. Come out and support our Lady Colts as they look to keep the win streak alive!

• Attention, students! SWMS is hosting our Back-to-School Dance next Friday, September 25th! Beginning tomorrow, any student assigned ISS or OSS, including partial-day ISS/OSS, will be ineligible to attend the dance. Be sure to follow all school rules and expectations, including the dress code, so you can join us for the fun! Tickets go on sale Friday during enrichment!

Friday, September 11th

• Congratulations to our Lady Colts softball team on another big win. In their second game of the season, the Lady Colts defeated Hunters Creek with a final score of 19–1! The girls came ready to play and delivered an outstanding performance on both offense and defense. With this victory, the Lady Colts are 2–0 to start the season! The girls hope to keep their win streak alive as they face the Northwoods Park Lady Dolphins on Monday. Great job, ladies!

• Special announcement and moment of silence at 8:46am: Students and staff, please pardon the interruption. At 8:46am, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, and today marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Each year, September 11th is observed as Patriot Day, a national day of remembrance honoring the victims of the attacks and recognizing the courage and service displayed in response. As a community with strong military ties, we also recognize the many service members, first responders, and public servants who have answered the call to serve our nation in the years since that day. Although none of our students were alive at the time, it is important that we remember those who were lost, honor the courage of first responders and everyday citizens, and reflect on the resilience and unity that followed. At this time, please join me in a moment of silence.

Thursday, September 10th

• Today, our Lady Colts softball team takes on the Hunter’s Creek Lady Panthers at home! The game begins at 4:00pm, and admission is free. Come out and support our team as they look to keep the win streak going! We hope to see our Colts family in the stands cheering them on.

Wednesday, September 9th

• Students, interim reports will be going home on Monday, so please take a moment to review your grades and missing assignments. Be sure to turn in all eligible work.

Tuesday, September 8th

• This is the last call for all missing paperwork. Students, if you have any paperwork to turn in, please give it to your teacher now.

• Attention band and orchestra students. Don't forget that tonight is Fuller's instrument fitting night from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the cafeteria. If you still need an instrument, you should attend with your parent.

Monday, September 7th

• Labor Day Holiday- No school for staff or students

Friday, September 4th

• Colts, this is a friendly reminder that Monday is Labor Day and there is no school. As you enjoy the long weekend, take a moment to pause and appreciate the meaning of Labor Day and recognize the hard work and contributions of workers who help make our communities strong.

Thursday, September 3rd

• Students, remember all paperwork needs to be returned as soon as possible. Be sure that you bring all completed paperwork back to the school. If you have any paperwork that needs to be turned in, give it your teacher at this time.

Wednesday, September 2nd

• Congratulations to our Lady Colts softball team on earning their first victory of the season with an exciting 16–12 win over Dixon! The Lady Colts battled throughout the game, showing outstanding effort, teamwork, and determination from start to finish. We are proud of the way our girls competed and represented our school!

Tuesday, September 1st

• It’s Game Day, Colts! Today, our Lady Colts Softball team travels to Dixon to officially open our athletic season! First pitch is at 4:00pm, and admission is free, so come out and cheer on our girls as they take the field for their season opener!

• Then, our Colts Football team kicks off their season with a home game against Dixon Middle School at Southwest High School at 6:00pm. Admission is $5 for school-aged children through adults, while children under 4 are free. It’s going to be an exciting day for Southwest Middle School athletics, and we can’t wait to see Colt Nation in the stands supporting our teams! Let’s go, Colts!

Monday, August 31st

• Students, remember all paperwork needs to be returned as soon as possible. Please ensure that you bring all completed paperwork back to the school. If you have any paperwork that needs to be turned in, submit it to your homeroom teacher at this time.

• Due to field conditions, today’s Lady Colts softball game against Dixon has been postponed. A new date will be announced at a later time. There will be practice until 5:00pm. Softball players that need to call home, please get a pass for the front office at your teacher's discretion.

Friday, August 28th

• This is a friendly reminder to return your 1:1 paperwork as soon as possible. Your laptop cannot go home until we have your signed form. Please remember the form is double-sided, and both sides must be signed. Any back-to-school paperwork that you have completed should be turned into your teacher at this time.

Thursday, August 27th

• Today, we will practice our shelter drill. This drill helps us prepare for hazards such as severe weather by practicing how to move to safe locations and use protective actions like Drop, Cover, and Hold.

• During enrichment tomorrow, we will watch the Protecting Our Students Act video. If your parent has completed an opt-out form, please turn it in to your teacher immediately. These forms were due yesterday, so if you still have one, make sure it is submitted now.

Wednesday, August 26th

• Students, this is a friendly reminder that all paperwork needs to be returned. Laptop distribution will take place by the end of the week, but we need your signed 1:1 forms before you can take your laptop home. Your laptop may not go home until we receive your completed paperwork. If you have any paperwork to turn in, please give it to your teacher today.

• Everyone did a great job during the fire drill yesterday! Today, we will practice a lockdown drill. Remember, during a lockdown, you must move away from the line of sight, remain quiet, and stay in your location until the drill is over.

Tuesday, August 25th

• Students, this is a friendly reminder that all paperwork needs to be returned. Soon we will begin laptop distribution, and your laptop MAY NOT go home until we receive your signed 1:1 form. The form is double-sided, and both of the sides need to be signed.

Monday, August 24th

• Welcome back, students! We are so excited to see you back in our halls and classrooms. This year, we want each of you to discover your strengths, challenge yourself, and unlock your full potential. Together, let’s make this a year of growth, success, and new possibilities!

I am a Colt

Courteous and kind

I stay Orderly, ready to learn

I Listen to teachers and peers

Thoughtful in my actions

I choose Self-discipline every day

Colts use the key to unlock their potential!