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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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)

Sports @ 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.

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

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: 980-343-5006

Power School is OUR FRIEND!!! Log on to www.cms.k12.nc.us 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. https://cms.powerschool.com/public/

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 e-mail (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

Remarks from Principal Blair… A word from our