1. Welcome Rising 6th Grade Students & Parents
Southwest Middle School
“Open House”

2. Greetings from …….. Mr. Barry Blair Mrs. Kenitra Jordan
Principal
Mrs. Kenitra Jordan
Grade Level Administrator
Ms. Tania Sanders
Grade Level Counselor

3. SWMS Facts ALL ABOUT SWMS Opened in fall of 2003
School Mascot: Patriot
School Colors: Blue and Gold
School Hours: 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Agenda Fee: $unknown
School supplies needed…should be available over the summer via website and in the registrar’s office

4. Patriot Pride Pledge
I will focus on my academics; I will increase my efforts to become successful; I will have a positive attitude.

5. School Layout 4 Hallways “A” Hall…..8th Grade Wing
“B” Hall…..7th Grade Wing
“C” Hall…..6th Grade Wing
“D” Hall…..Elective Classes, Cafeteria, and Gymnasium (Other elective classes are located at the beginning of the A, B, and C Wings)

6. Dressing for Success the “Patriot Way”
Uniforms are required for all students enrolled at Southwest Middle School.
Fit properly, not to exceed one (1) size beyond the correct size
Shirts must be tucked in at all times
Not be modified in any way
Not allowed to be sagging, bagging, or dragging
Not to have visible logos other than a Southwest Middle School logo
Shoes should be a solid (blue, white, black or brown) color. However, if the shoe contains lines/stripes, the color of the lines/stripes must NOT be outside of the school’s color scheme (i.e. Neon colors with the shoes design are NOT acceptable).
P.E. uniforms are required, and must be worn during gym class. The cost of the uniforms are $15.

7. Lockers Students are charged a $2 locker rental fee.
Personal locks MAY be used; however, please be reminded that lockers are the property of the school. If deemed necessary to cut a lock off the locker it can and will be done, and the school will not be responsible for reimbursement.
Students are NOT allowed to share lockers

8. Core Class Information
Class Placement : LA and Math
Standard Course of Study and Honors
Language Arts: Novel Studies – Grammar - Writing– Short Stories - Various Non-Fiction - Summer Reading
Math: Standards-based curriculum and Activity- based learning (Connected Math)
Social Studies: Incorporation of Reading and Writing with the new Common Core Focus
Science: Info –Inquiry-Based – Layered Curriculum

9. Elective Class Information
Class Placement : Student Choice (#1 - #6)
Band & Orchestra: MUST be student’s #1 choice
Project Lead the Way (PLTW): Project based curriculum
Computer Skills I & II: I – typing skills, II – advance word processing skills
Dance: Basic body structure and how they relate to movement.
Journalism: Literacy based course designed to enhance students writing skills.
Exploring Spanish: Introduction to the Spanish language
Health/PE: ALL students take 6th – 8th grade

10. A NEW Elective Course PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) prepares students to be the most innovative and productive leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through an engaging, hands-on curriculum, PLTW encourages the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creative and innovative reasoning, and a love for learning.

11. Typical Sixth Grade Day
Three core classes per day.
One elective per day.
***This may change as we go to a different schedule.
Sample Schedule
1st Block
Language Arts (Core)
2nd Block
Math (Core)
3rd Block A/B
Social Studies/Science (Core)
4th Block
Comp Skills App I/PE (Elective)

12. SWMS
6th graders are not able to try out for sport teams. Those who are not active in sports are encouraged to attend games; showing school spirit is a great way to get involved and have fun!!!!!!
We have a partnership with SCAA to offer Lacrosse as a club sport.

13. CLUBS/ACTIVITIES Pep Band Yearbook (7th & 8th Grade) Mrs. Evilyn Reese
National Academic League
Mrs. Susan Jackson , Advisor
Mrs. Marilyn Bollinger
Musical Theatre
Ms. Susan Smith
Mrs. Corrinne Chiusano
Science Olympiad
TBD, Advisor
Math Counts
Mrs. Robin Henson
National Junior Honor Society (7th & 8th Grade) (6th Grade Buddy Program)
Ms. Vickie Johnson, Advisor
Yearbook (7th & 8th Grade)
Mr. John Sanders, Advisor
Art Club (6th, 7th & 8th Grades)
News Crew (6th, 7th & 8th Grades)
Mrs. Morris, Advisor
Sports (7th & 8th Grade Only)
Mr. Douglas Keelan, Softball
Mr. Fish Gupton, Volleyball
Mr. Geoffrey Reckerd, Athletic Director & Football
Mr. Carlos Thomas, Boys Basketball
Miss Amanda Martin, Girls Basketball
Mr. Barry Paradise, Baseball
Girls Track, Kim Geter
Boys Track, Dozier Murray
Student Council (6th, 7th & 8th)
Miss Amy Hayes, Advisor
Youth Commission International (YCI)
Mrs. Marilyn Bollinger, Advisor

14. Absences/Tardiness
Parents of absent students should call the main office on the day of absence, and have the student bring a note on the day that he/she returns to school.
All notes should be given to advisory teachers, and should include the student’s ID number, and date(s) of absence.
All tardy students should be escorted into the building by a parent/guardian.
SWMS:

15. Power School is OUR FRIEND!!!
Log on to
Click on the Parent tab on the top left side of the webpage.
Click on Parent Portal to get more information about setting up your Power School account.
The hyperlink is on the bottom of the page.

16. Parent/Teacher Communication
Contact your child’s school counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference:
6th Grade……Ms. T. Sanders
Conference schedule will be set at beginning of year
NOTE: Parents please do not “drop by” for a conference. You will be asked to make an appt. for a later date.
You may also communicate with your child’s teachers via (see school’s web-site) and agenda signing.
If you have any questions about your child’s academic/social development you may also contact your child’s Grade Level Administrator

17. Remarks from Principal Blair…
A word from our