1. Welcome 7th Grade Students & Parents
Southwest Middle School
“Open House”

2. Greetings from …….. Suzan Stroud, Senior Administration
Front Office Information
Officer Gary Newcomb, School Resource Officer
School Safety Information

3. Meet The Staff Ms. C. Brown (A.P.) Mrs. T. Dunton-Forbes (Counselor)
Team A Team B
Ms. English (L.A.) Rm: MC Mrs. Jackson(L.A.) Rm:B10
Ms. Anderson (L.A.) Rm: MC 575 Miss Radomski (L.A.) Rm:B21
Mr. Blazer (Math) Rm: MC Mr. Ivy (Math) Rm:B20
Ms. Ritchey (Math) Rm: MC233 Miss Vanhorn (Math) Rm:B8
Vacancy (Science) Rm:B Ms. Boston (Science) Rm:B13
Mr. Murray (Soc. Stud.) Rm: MC664 Mr. Gilson (Social Studies) Rm:B12
Team C
Ms. Holmon (L.A.) Rm:B23
Miss Mayer (L.A.) Rm:B24
Mrs. Toussaint (Math) Rm:B22
Mrs. Douglas (Math) Rm:B25
Mrs. Morris (Science) Rm:B17
Mrs. Donato (Social Studies) Rm:B19
Ms. Cameron Young (L.A.) Rm:B7
Ms. Vickie Johnson (Math) Rm:B6
Ms. Lindsey Davis (SAC) Rm:B9

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. SWMS Facts ALL ABOUT SWMS School Mascot: Patriot
School Colors: Blue and Gold
School Hours: 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Agenda Fee: $3.00
School supplies needed…. Copies of list available at resource table
Teachers’ Wish List Bulletin Board is located on the B-Hall.

6. CLUBS/ACTIVITIES 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, Athletic Director & Softball Coach
Mr. Fish Gupton, Volleyball
Mr. Monte Murphy, Football Coach
Mr. Maurice Bush, Boys Basketball Coach
Miss Amanda Martin, Girls Basketball Coach
Mr. Barry Paradise, Baseball
Girls Track, TBD
Boys Track, TBD
Student Council (6th, 7th & 8th)
Miss Amy Hayes, Advisor
Youth Commission International (YCI)
Mrs. Marilyn Bollinger, Advisor
Pep Band
Mrs. Evilyn Reese
National Academic League
Mrs. Susan Jackson , Advisor
Mrs. Marilyn Bollinger
Musical Theatre
Ms. Susan Smith
Mrs. Corrinne Chiusano
Science Olympiad
Mrs. Lorelei Ross, Advisor
Math Counts
Mrs. Robin Henson
National Junior Honor Society
Ms. Vickie Johnson, Advisor

7. SWMS
7th graders must have a current physical 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!!!!!!
Students must go home by their normal mode of transportation and return with a parent in order to attend games.

8. 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)

9. 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.

10. Dressing for Success the “Patriot Way”…Cont’d.
Undergarments (i.e. t-shirts), long or short sleeves can be worn underneath the uniform shirt and can ONLY be white, gray or navy in color.
Bottom Wear must be khaki (tan in color) or navy in color.
Girls no more than 4 inches above the knees.
Boys, no more than 1 inch below the kneecap.
Cargo shorts will be allowed for both boys and girls.
NOTE: If there is a belt loop, a belt MUST be worn (black, brown, khaki, navy blue or clear).
SOLID black, gray navy, blue brown, tan or white sweaters or sweatshirts are permitted; however, collars of the uniform shirt must be visible.
NOTE: Sweatshirts that are hooded must not have a front pocket unless it is a SWMS sweatshirt.
No jackets/coats are allowed in the classroom or hallways, including denim jackets.
Socks must be solid black, white, navy blue khaki or brown ONLY. Tights and leggings must be white, navy blue or black solid colors. Textured/fishnet hosiery will not be permitted.
Skirts, dresses and shorts must adhere to the length requirements even if tights/leggings are worn underneath.
Extreme and/or mockingly distracting hair colors (yellow, pink, red, green, etc) are not permitted. Hair must be a natural color.
Hair accessories must be the color of the uniform. Scarves, clip in feathers, clip in hair pieces, caps, stocking caps, doo rags bandanas, etc are inappropriate and will be confiscated in most cases.
All book bags and purse will not be permitted in the classroom and must be kept in the locker.

11. Bus Riders
If you have moved after June 30th into another home school zone, please see our registrar or call Student Placement to confirm your school assignment.

12. Bus Riders Child Safety at the Stop:
-Parents can access bus safety information at via the CMS Homepage but clicking departments and choosing transportation.
Requests:
-You can make an alternate stop, unsafe stop, or general transportation request in the same place

13. Bus Riders Transportation Request Key Dates:
Requests made between 8/2 and 8/23 will have transportation by the afternoon of 8/28
Requests made between 8/24 and 8/30 will have transportation by 9/4
Requests made after 9/1 will be processed as quickly as possible.

14. Who to Call??
If you have any problems or questions regarding the bus service, contact the personnel at the Olympic Zone:

15. Important Information
Parents due to the seating capacity on the school buses, students are not permitted to ride any bus other than the one assigned by transportation. No notes will be accepted. You must make other arrangements for your child if they will not be riding their assigned bus.

16. Important Information
If your child needs to be picked up for an early dismissal, you can send a note with your child detailing the time your child should leave the classroom to meet you in the office.
Your child MUST give the note to the attendance secretary, who will give your child a note to leave class at the designated time. NOTE: Students will not be allowed to remain in the office waiting beyond 10 minutes.
NOTE: Students will not be released after 3:45 p.m.

17. Car Riders Car riders-Drop off/pick-up in front of school.
Students are not allowed in the building until 8:45 a.m., unless they have a tutoring/detention pass.
Car Riders will be dismissed at 4:15 pm.
Students are not to be dropped off or picked up at the Steele Creek Library!

18. The Agenda
Each teacher will write down the day’s homework on the board for students to copy.
Parents should check to see what students have for homework each night to help ensure that it gets done.
Agendas are on sale tonight!
Agendas are used as a student pass and are required to leave the classroom. ALL students must have an agenda.

19. Lockers
Students will not be required to purchase a lock from the school. Locks will be on sale at the school store for $5. However, there is 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 will be provided with time to practice using their lock in the classroom.
Lockers will be assigned starting the week of
Sept. 16.

20. Core Class Information
Class Placement : LA and Math
Standard Course of Study and Honors
Language Arts: Novel Studies-Grammar-Writing– 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

21. Typical Seventh Grade Day
Three core classes per day.
One elective per day.
Sample Schedule
1st Block
Language Arts (Core)
2nd Block
Dance/Chorus (Elective)
3rd Block
Social Studies/Science (Core)
4th Block
Math (Core)

22. Schedule Changes
Schedule Changes will be made under the following conditions:
The student NEEDS to move to a different level of Math or English class due to EOG scores.
The student “should or should not” be in Band, Orchestra or Spanish; and/or the student “should or should not” be in Reach Math.
Request for a schedule change due to
personal preference will not be considered!!

23. 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.

24. A NEW Elective Course PLTW (Cont’d)
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Design & Modeling
Automation Robotics
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Two additional courses will be added

25. Course Descriptions 2013-14 Design & Modeling Automation & Robotics
Introduction to the engineering design process and tools used, including engineering notebooks and Autodesk Inventor.
Automation & Robotics
Model mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems.

26. Course Descriptions 2014-15 Flight & Space Science of Technology
Explore the history of and science behind aeronautics and space flight.
Science of Technology
Explore the science and relevance of chemistry, physics and nanotechnology.
Magic of Electrons
Acquire knowledge and skills in the behavior and parts of atoms, basic circuitry design and sensing devices.
Energy & the Environment
Investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact that using energy has on the environment.

27. 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:

28. Truancy
Every parent/guardian in this State having charge or control of a child between the ages of 7 and 16 years shall cause the child to attend school continuously for a period equal to the time which the public school to which the child is assigned shall be is session.
The parent/custodian of a child shall notify the school of the reason for each known absence of the child, in accordance with local school board policy.
The school shall notify the parent/guardian of their child’s excessive absences after the child has accumulated 3, 6 and 10 unexcused absences in a school year.
Subsequent to sending the 6 day notification, an appointed school representative will contact the parent/guardian to schedule a conference. If deemed necessary, a home visit will also be conducted with or without a law enforcement officer.

29. Truancy Cont’d. COMMUNICATION IS KEY!!!!
After 10 accumulated unexcused absences in a school year, the principal or the principal’s designee shall review any report or investigation prepared and confer with the student and the parent/guardian, if possible to determine if the parent made a “good faith effort” to comply with the law.
If it is determined that a “good faith effort” was not made, the principal shall notify the district attorney and the director of social services of the county where the child resides.
If it is determined that a “good faith effort” was made the principal may file a complaint with the juvenile court counselor indicating that the child is habitually absent from school without a valid excuse.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY!!!!

30. Grading Period Report cards are sent home with students every quarter.
Mid-quarter progress reports are sent home 4-5 weeks after the quarter begins.
If you do not receive progress reports or report cards from your child, please contact your child’s advisory teacher. (See web-site for report card schedule)
Progress Report dates:
Sept. 24th & 25th ; Dec. 4th & 5th ; Feb. 24th & 25th ; May 6th & 7th
Report Card dates:
Nov. 15th; Feb. 5th; April 11th; June 20th

31. Promotion Requirements
To be promoted to 8th grade, a student must earn a grade of 70 (‘D’) or above in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, P.E. and at least one other elective.

32. Power School is HERE!!! Please BE PATIENT!
It is replacing Parent Assist
Log on to
Click on the RED Power School tab on the bottom left side of the webpage.
Click on the hyperlink “here” to get more information about setting up your Power School account.

33. Power School is HERE!!!

34. Parent/Teacher Communication
Contact your child’s school counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference:
7th Grade……Mrs. T. Dunton-Forbes
Conferences can be scheduled on Mondays and Fridays during the teachers’ planning periods.
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 Assistant Principal.

35. School Counselors Provide
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Classroom guidance
Academic, college, and career counseling
Assisting students in developing an academic plan
Interpreting standardized test results
Grief and crisis counseling
Responding to and assisting with crises
Developing confidential relationships with students
Advocating for students
Promoting and monitoring student success in a collaborative manner
Helping students overcome barriers to learning
Providing preventive and intervention strategies for student success
Facilitating parent/teacher conferences
Serving as a resource to students of available community opportunities
Serving as a resource for school staff and parents
Serving as a resource for community referrals
Providing parent and community outreach
Fostering a positive school environment by embracing and promoting diversity

36. Character Education
Helps promote a safe and healthy environment. Character traits include:
Caring
Citizenship
Justice and Fairness
Respect
Responsibility
Trustworthiness

37. Anti-Bullying
“Bullying is a conscious, repeated, hostile, aggressive behavior of an individual or a group abusing their position with the intention to harm others or gain real or perceived power.”

38. What Bullying IS and IS NOT
Any of the following aggressive behaviors are not bullying if the actions occur once (i.e., no pattern) or done with no intentions of gaining power.
Physical Behaviors such as:
Accidently bumping into someone
Making others play things a certain way (natural behavior-everyone likes things done their way)
Any of the behaviors listed to the right (pushing shoving, tripping, hitting, etc.) which occurs ONCE (i.e., is not a repeated or pattern of behavior)
Verbal Behaviors such as:
A statement of dislike toward or about someone
A single act of telling a joke about someone
Arguments or heated disagreements between two
or more people/groups (the pattern of which is not
repeated to gain power)
Expressions of unpleasant thoughts or feelings
regarding others
Non-Verbal Behaviors
Being excluded
Not playing with someone
Choosing different people or groups to play with from time to time
Any of the following aggressive behaviors are bullying if the actions are repeated and done with intentions of gaining power.
Physical Attack such as:
Bumping into someone
Pumping, Shoving, Tripping
Hitting (directly or with something else)
Punching, Kicking
Fighting
Verbal Attack –for any kind of difference, such as:
Racial, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Physical (height, weight, glasses, etc.)
Skills Ability/Disability (too smart, stupid, spaz, etc.)
Physical Appearances, Economic Status, Stealing
Non-Verbal Attack such as:
Staring and glaring
Pretending to whisper’ while looking at someone
Shunning

39. Important Upcoming Dates
Curriculum Night: Sept. 10th at 6:30p.m.
Fall Pictures: October 24th (No purchase necessary)
Make-Up Pictures: November 21st (New students and absent students only)
Student IDs will be distributed: December 10th
IDs will be used for breakfast/lunch purchases, and to check out books from the media center.
Until the ID cards arrive, students are expected to memorize their lunch number or carry the lunch card around with them.

40. Important Upcoming Dates
Field trips and other activities will be scheduled throughout the year. Attendance of field trips and activities may be denied due to behavior or academic concerns as applicable.
Dates and details will be distributed as they become available.

41. Your Child’s Nutrition
Breakfast begins at 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast will be FREE for all students; Lunch is $2.25
New lunch forms must be completed if your child received free or reduced meals last year.
Reduced lunch is $.40.

42. SWMS PTSA
A word from a member of our wonderful PTSA…….

43. Remarks from Principal Blair…
The DATA Matters: Where are we, and where we are going……