Summer break might be over, but we are excited to be back together for the 2026-2027 academic school year at Southwood! Our school newsletter is going to have a change in the frequency of its creation and publication this year. Rather than publishing a weekly newsletter, we are going to try a monthly newsletter to give you all the exciting information that happened during the month, plus provide any important upcoming information you need to know for the upcoming next month.

2026-2027 Welcome Back Convocation

The district office and board of trustees gave all district staff members a big start to the new school year with the annual "Welcome Back Convocation." Thank you to NewSpring Church for the generous use of their facilities, refreshments, and hospitality for allowing Anderson District Five to use their space for this important event. The Southwood High School Chorus, directed by Wilson Hatcher, and High School Strings students, directed by Alan Clark, performed during the program. This is the one time each academic year that all ASD5 staff members can gather at the same time in one place to celebrate the commitment and achievements of each employee, as well as begin the new academic year with positivity, excitement, and a strong sense of community.

Monday Morning Meetings

Something new this year at Southwood is having our Monday Morning Meeting in person together in the cafeteria. Monday Morning Meeting begins promptly at 8:10. All students, teachers, and administration are present each Monday to start the week off together as a family. We always do the Pledge of Allegiance and take a moment of silence during Morning Meetings, but we also use this time for important announcements and celebrations. One of our Monday Morning Meetings celebrated our students who made a perfect score on the SCREADY testing last Spring. Student and teacher attendance is celebrated from the previous week with a drawing for prizes. We have had discussions this quarter about who we are as a school, what our values and missions are, and how we can achieve those goals. Students were tasked to share what they feel Southwood is to them or what does it embody to them. Their answers were shared with everyone in an infographic.

Welcome to Southwood, 6th Graders!

Jasper Redding

Camden Lott

The SAA News Club interviewed two sixth grade students from Mrs. McCoy's mathematics class. We asked them a total of three questions. Our first question was, “How do you feel about your transition from elementary to middle school?”

Camden Lott - “It was nerve racking because there were so many new teachers and people. There is more freedom now though, like not having to walk to the bathroom as a class.”

Jasper Redding - “I was really excited because I was ready to get out of elementary school. It was hard keeping my desk organized rather than now in middle school; we get to just carry our things with us from class to class. I also enjoy being able to switch classes. Overall it's the best school I have attended.”

We then asked them, “What did you expect of Southwood before you came?”

Camden Lott - "I’ve had lots of people tell me that Southwood is such an amazing school. I’ve heard many nice things about Southwood. It is definitely a good school to set me up for college in the future.”

Jasper Redding - “I originally expected it to be a three story building. It took my breath away when I saw it for the first time. I feel so good about this school that I can’t even put into words how I feel about Southwood."

Lastly we asked, “What has been your favorite part of sixth grade so far?”

Camden Lott - "I’m really glad that I got to meet all my new friends. I love watching everyone here grow over the past few weeks. I do like learning about new things in all my new classes. Learning is like the best thing."

Jasper Redding - "My favorite part about sixth grade is definitely the library. There are so many amazing books. It's a comfort zone for me. I also can't wait to learn more about my academic classes. The gym is amazing. Overall this school is the best thing ever."

These sixth grade students are great examples of role models when it comes to who we are as Southwood students. On your own time, think about these questions and what you might have said.

Here are some 6th graders (below) getting instructions from Coach Cole during PE class in our school weight room.

CLICK HERE to Purchase Your Yearbook

Looking Ahead Into September

6th Grade Parent Night - Monday, September 14 5:00pm – 6:00pm

SAA 7th/8th Grade Orchestra Field Trip to All County Orchestra Auditions @ Wren - Thursday, Sept. 17 2:30pm - 8:00pm

International Trip (June 2028) Meeting: EF Educational Tours -Berlin, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, & Vienna - Monday, September 21 5:30pm - 6:30pm @ CBFAC

Student Fundraiser Kick-Off Day - Tuesday, September 22

School Picture Make-Up Day - Wednesday, September 23

MS Orchestra Concert - Tuesday, September 29 6:00pm – 7:00pm @ CBFAC

Interested In International Travel?

There is a wonderful opportunity for Southwood students in 7th and 8th grades, and any former Southwood students, to visit Western Europe in June 2028! Come hear more information about a group travel trip led through EF Educational Tours for SAA students and teachers. This trip will include stops in Berlin, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, and Vienna.

There will be an informational meeting Monday, September 21 at 5:30pm in the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center to learn all about this exciting opportunity. Please RSVP your spot at the meeting HERE.

Can't come to the meeting but are interested to know more? Contact Ms. Laura Paradis at lauraparadis@anderson5.net. There are a few spots left!

Congratulations August Students of the Month!

The SAA Student of the Month award is a highly honored recognition by teacher nominations for students on each grade level. Students who are chosen embody and demonstrate the leadership qualities that are valued as Southwood students.

What Does Southwood Mean to You?

Hattie York

Kimberleigh LeCroy

Ellie Wiles

Ivy Long

We interviewed a couple 7th graders, Hattie York and Kimberleigh LeCroy, asking them questions about how 7th grade is different from 6th grade, what their favorite part has been so far this year, and lastly what does Southwood mean to you?

Hattie York said that in 7th grade they just jumped right in and it was more fast paced than starting the year in 6th grade. When asked her favorite part about 7th grade, Hattie said that theatre shows are one of her favorite parts so far this year. Then we asked her what does Southwood mean to her? She said that the difference between this school and other middle schools is our diversity. There are different people to learn from and she believes that this is what Southwood means to her.

We then interviewed Kimberleigh LeCroy and asked her the same questions. She said that 7th grade was very different from 6th grade because our teachers know most of us were here last year and they expect more from us since we know Southwood's student expectations. Kimberleigh said that her favorite part of this year so far is attending Mr. Kay's social studies class. Then we asked her our school focus topic of what Southwood means to her and she said that being a student at Southwood means being a part of something bigger than what other schools are and how it felt more "big and important" to be here than another middle school.

Ellie Wiles, an 8th grade student in dance, said that, “Southwood is a place where students are accepted and celebrated for their strengths and differences.” Her favorite activity that she has participated in this year was learning about all of the bones and muscles in the human body during dance. When asked what she was most excited for she said, “The 8th grade dance.”

Ivy Long is an 8th grade student in chorus. She said that, “Southwood has made me be a better person, and that it has also helped her be better at singing.” Her favorite activity this year is learning about the Native American history and culture in Mr. Maeger’s social studies class. Ivy has a goal of looking forward to improving her academics this year.

What Learning Looks Like in 7th Grade

Ms. Paradis' ELA students created individual "quilt" squares (below) that reflect their personal interests and activities. All the squares and then "sewn" together as a quilt that hangs on the 7th grade hall for the school year.

8th Grade Chorus is Singing About Numbers

The 8th grade chorus has been practicing many songs and are currently working on rehearsing for a concert that has to deal with numbers as a theme. A few of the songs they’ve been practicing are "A Piece of Pi", "The Jackson 5", and "Double Trouble." The students already sound amazing and are anxiously awaiting to perform their first concert. The SAA chorus is such a fun and exciting major. Many students enjoy being in class and feel like it is the right arts major for them. The SAA chorus is taught and directed by Mr. Benitez.

SAA's Outdoor Classroom

SAA's outdoor classroom was completed at the end of the school year last year. This is the final project and it looks beautiful! Thank you to Mr. Laches, Dr. Kelley, and the ASD5 School Board for providing the funding for this worthy campus enhancement. Also, thank you to last year's SAA visual arts students who painted the mural on the side of the school. There are tables with seating inside a secured outdoor area so teachers can have their classes outside on good weather days. We are excited to have this alternative classroom that allows students to breath in fresh air, soak in some vitamin D, and experience a learning opportunity outside of the walls of a traditional indoor classroom!

Meet Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith

Two newsletter students asked our two new SAA middle school teachers, Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith three questions.

1. How has your time at Southwood been already?

2. What is one of the pros and cons of teaching at Southwood?

3. What has been your favorite thing so far?

Mr. Blalock, the new SAA Visual Art teacher said, “My time at Southwood has been good, the students are engaged." He says has a lot of time to spend with his students, but he is trying to figure out what day it is because there is a lot to learn when you are new. Mr. Blalock's favorite thing about Southwood so far is the students.

When we interviewed Mrs. Smith, our new 7th grade mathematics teacher, she said, “My time has been great! Everyone is super friendly and helpful; students are nice and respectful.” School feels like a family and kids are respectful; however, she lives 45 mins away and that makes for a long way to school and home. The Monday morning meetings with Mr. Laches, all SAA staff members, and the entire student body is something new for her and one of her favorite things.

The News Club Team for 2026-2027

Tysan G. - Band

Peyton B. - Chorus

Eladie G. - Chorus

Journey E. - Dance

Brooklyn C. - Dance

Zoey T. - Strings

Rachel H. - Strings

Elsie Rhae P. - Theatre

Tianna W. - Visual Art

SOUTHWOOD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Southwood Academy of the Arts is to provide a nurturing and challenging learning environment that empowers artist-scholars to reach their full artistic and academic potential.

SOUTHWOOD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of Southwood Academy of the Arts is to prepare students for lifelong involvement in artistic and academic pursuits.

At Southwood Academy of the Arts we believe students learn best when:

They feel like their classroom and school is safe and conducive to learning.
Their individual physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual needs are met and nurtured.
They are held accountable for high standards of behavior and learning.
They are taught in and through the arts, allowing them to showcase their creativity.
They are actively engaged in hands on or experiential learning.
They have ownership of their learning.
They feel accountable to and supported by their teachers.

SAA Administration and Front Office Personnel

Paul Laches, Principal

Email: PaulLaches@anderson5.net

Diamoneka Heyward, Assistant Principal

Email: DiamonekaHeyward@anderson5.net

Paula Lovelace, School Counselor/Guidance

Cheri Gilbert, Secretary

Mandy Glenn, Data Clerk

Robin Rosa, School Nurse

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Southwood Academy of the Arts

Location: 1110 Southwood Street, Anderson, SC, 29624 USA
Phone: 864.260.5250

Website: https://southwood.anderson5.net/
Facebook: facebook.com/southwood
Twitter: @SouthwoodAcad

The SAA August 2026 Newsletter

Welcome Back Students!

2026-2027 Welcome Back Convocation

Monday Morning Meetings

Welcome to Southwood, 6th Graders!

Jasper Redding

Camden Lott

CLICK HERE to Purchase Your Yearbook

Looking Ahead Into September

Interested In International Travel?

Congratulations August Students of the Month!

What Does Southwood Mean to You?

Hattie York

Kimberleigh LeCroy

Ellie Wiles

Ivy Long

What Learning Looks Like in 7th Grade

8th Grade Chorus is Singing About Numbers

SAA's Outdoor Classroom

Meet Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith

The News Club Team for 2026-2027

SAA Administration and Front Office Personnel

2026-2027 Welcome Back Convocation 2026-2027 Welcome Back Convocation

Monday Morning Meetings Monday Morning Meetings

Welcome to Southwood, 6th Graders! Welcome to Southwood, 6th Graders!

Jasper Redding

Camden Lott

CLICK HERE to Purchase Your Yearbook CLICK HERE to Purchase Your Yearbook

Looking Ahead Into September Looking Ahead Into September

Interested In International Travel? Interested In International Travel?

Congratulations August Students of the Month! Congratulations August Students of the Month!

What Does Southwood Mean to You? What Does Southwood Mean to You?

Hattie York

Kimberleigh LeCroy

Ellie Wiles

Ivy Long

What Learning Looks Like in 7th Grade What Learning Looks Like in 7th Grade

8th Grade Chorus is Singing About Numbers 8th Grade Chorus is Singing About Numbers

SAA's Outdoor Classroom SAA's Outdoor Classroom

Meet Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith Meet Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith

The News Club Team for 2026-2027 The News Club Team for 2026-2027

SAA Administration and Front Office Personnel SAA Administration and Front Office Personnel

2026-2027 Welcome Back Convocation

Monday Morning Meetings

Welcome to Southwood, 6th Graders!

CLICK HERE to Purchase Your Yearbook

Looking Ahead Into September

Interested In International Travel?

Congratulations August Students of the Month!

What Does Southwood Mean to You?

What Learning Looks Like in 7th Grade

8th Grade Chorus is Singing About Numbers

SAA's Outdoor Classroom

Meet Mr. Blalock and Mrs. Smith

The News Club Team for 2026-2027

SAA Administration and Front Office Personnel