Welcome 7 th & 8 th Grade Students & Parents

Welcome 7th & 8th Grade Students & Parents Southwest Middle School “Open House”

Greetings from …….. • Suzan Stroud, Senior Administration • Front Office Information • Officer Gary Newcomb, School Resource Officer • School Safety Information • Elizabeth Bates, NJHS President • NJHS Information – Peer Buddy

Meet the Staff – 7th GradeDr. M. Boger (Grade Level Administrator)Ms. K. Barber (Counselor) Team Eagles Ms. Murphy B24 LA Ms. Ritchey B25 Math Mr. Crespi B17 Science Ms. Baysinger B22 Soc. Studies Team Lions Ms. Holmon B23 LA Ms. Kohlhoff B21 Math Ms. Baird B16 Science Ms. Gilson B20 Soc. Studies Team Patriots Vacancy B19 LA Ms. Toussaint B18 Math Ms. Boston B13 Science Vacancy B12 Soc. Studies Team Cowboys Ms. Jackson B10 LA Ms. Lewis B8 Math Ms. Tate B11 Science Ms. Bryant B9 Soc. Studies Team Steelers Ms. Anderson MC575 LA/Soc. Studies Mr. Goodman MC752 Math/Sci Mr. Camara MC575 LA/Soc. Studies Mr. Mecca MC752 Math/Sci

Meet the Staff – 8th GradeMs. C. Brown (Grade Level Administrator)Mrs. T. Dunton-Forbes (Counselor) Team 49ers Ms. Cayea A20 LA Mr. Adams MC754 Math Ms. Morris A17 Science Ms. Lisk A24 Soc. Studies Team Wolfpack Mr. Moshe A22 LA Ms. Bollinger A21 Math Ms. Nahikian A13 Science Mr. Frank A12 Soc. Studies Team Tigers Ms. Apsega A19 LA Mr. Yelverton A18 Math Ms. Marcello A16 Science Mr. Murray MC233 Soc. Studies Team Lions Ms. Taylor A8 LA Mr. Burgess A9 Math Mr. Frank A11 Science Mr. Tabor A10 Soc. Studies Team Longhorns Ms. Carter-Dodson A25 LA/Soc. Studies Mr. Huether A23 Math/Sci Ms. Robey A25 LA/Soc. Studies Ms. Johnson A23 Math/Sci Mr. McKay A23 Math/Sci

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

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…class specific, teacher to provide list. • Teachers’ Wish List Bulletin Board is located on the A-Hall (8th) and B-Hall (7th).

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES • Yearbook (7th & 8th Grade) • Mr. John Sanders, Advisor • Art Club (6th, 7th & 8th Grade) • Mr. John Sanders, Advisor • News Crew (6th, 7th & 8th Grades) • Mrs. Morris, Advisor • Sports (7th & 8th Grade Only) • Mr. Keelan, Softball • Mr. Fish, Volleyball • Mr. Reckerd, Athletic Director & Football Coach • Boys Basketball, TBD • Mrs. Murphy, Girls Basketball • Mr. Barry Paradise, Baseball • Girls Track, TBD • Boys Track, TBD • Student Council (6th, 7th & 8th) • Ms. Kathleen Robey, Advisor • Youth Commission International (YCI) • Mrs. Marilyn Bollinger, Advisor • Pep Band • Mr. Holmes • National Academic League • Mrs. Susan Jackson , Advisor • Musical Theatre • Ms. Susan Smith • Mrs. Corrinne Chiusano • Science Olympiad • TBD, Advisor • Math Counts • TBD, Advisor • National Junior Honor Society • Ms. Vickie Johnson, Advisor • Male Mentoring Program • Ms. Dunton-Forbes, Liaison

Sports @ SWMS • 7th & 8th graders are encouraged to try out if eligible; all forms are located on the Southwest and CMS websites • Students MUST go home by their normal mode of transportation and return with a parent in order to attend games.

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 (cut-offs, patches, etc.) • Not allowed to be sagging, bagging, or dragging • Not to have visible logos other than a Southwest Middle School logo (unless able to be covered by a quarter) • Students can wear athletic shoes, boots (seasonal), or low cut hard (rubberized) sole shoes. Shoes with a heel of any kind are not permitted except by principal approval for designated special events (dressing up for concerts, games, inductions, etc.). Students must wear matching shoes. Pants must not be tucked into the shoe/boot. Shoes must be close-toed and close-backed. • P.E. uniforms are required, and must be worn during gym class. The cost of the uniforms are $15.

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 3 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. • No jackets/coats are allowed in the classroom or hallways, including denim jackets. • 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. • 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. • No book bags or purses will not be permitted in the classroom and must be kept in the locker. • Student ID badges are part of the school uniform and must be WORN and VISIBLE during school hours.

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.

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

Bus Riders Transportation Request: • Log on to www.cms.k12.nc.us • Click on the “Parents” tab at the top of the webpage. • Click on the hyperlink “Student Placement” along the left side of the page. • Click on the hyperlink “Transportation Eligibility” along the left side of the page to get more information about transportation request.

Who to Call?? • Often times buses are late b/c of traffic, having to run multiple routes, etc. • Buses may be very late the first couple of weeks in the morning AND afternoon. We encourage parents to be patient. • If you have any problems or questions regarding the bus service, contact the personnel at the Olympic Zone: 980-343-3807 Please refrain from calling the school, we have no way of knowing where the buses are.

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.

Early Dismissal • If your child needs to be picked up for early dismissal, you should send a note with your child detailing the time your child will be leaving school. • Your child MUST give the note to the attendance secretary, who will give your child a note to leave class at the designated time. • Parents will need to come by the Main Office with proper identification to sign their student out. • NOTE: Students will not be released after 3:30 p.m. Early dismissals after 4:00 p.m. will be released with Car Riders at 4:10 p.m.

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. • Announcements and car rider dismissal begins at 4:1o p.m. • Students are not to be dropped off or picked up at the Steele Creek Library!

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! • Create your PowerSchool account to help monitor.

Lockers • Students will not be required to purchase a lock from the school. 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. • Lockers will be assigned starting the week of Sept 8th .

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

Typical 7th Grade Day • Four core classes per day + 1 Enrichment • One elective per day

Typical 8th Grade Day • Four core classes per day + 1 Enrichment • One elective per day

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. Requests for a schedule change due to personal preference will not be considered!!

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 name, student ID number, and date(s) of absence. • All tardy students should be escorted into the building by a parent/guardian. SWMS: 980-343-5006

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.

Truancy Cont’d. • 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!!!!

Grading Period • Report cards are sent home with students 1st – 3rd quarters. Final report cards are mailed in June. • 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 website for report card schedule) • Progress Report dates: • Sept. 24th & 25th ; Dec. 4th & 5th ; Feb. 24th & 25th ; May 6th & 7th • Report Card dates: • Nov. 7th; Feb. 3th; April 22th; June 17th

Promotion Requirements • To be promoted to 8th or 9th 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. • Students must also earn a Level 3, 4 or 5 on the Reading and Math EOG.

Power School is BACK!!! • Log on to www.cms.k12.nc.us • Click on the Parent tab on the top left side of the webpage. • Click on hyperlink “Parent Portal”to get more information about setting up your Power School account. • To request your access ID and initial password please contact your child’s grade level admin or counselor.

Parent Portal Log-in!

Parent/Teacher Communication • Contact your child’s school counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference: • 7th Grade……Ms. K.Barber • 8th Grade……Mrs. T. Dunton-Forbes • Conferences can be scheduled on Mondays and Fridays during the teachers’ planning periods. • 7th Grade – 12:45 or 1:15 p.m. • 8th Grade – 11:15 or 11:45 a.m. 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

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

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

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.”

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

Important Upcoming Dates • Curriculum Night: Sept. 11th at 6:30p.m. • Fall Pictures: October 25th (No purchase necessary) • Make-Up Pictures: October 23rd (New students and absent students only) • Student IDs will be distributed: September 12th • 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.

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.

Field Trip Info • In order to be eligible for a field trip students must meet the following requirements.** • Have zero (0)days of Out of School Suspension (OSS) • No more than two (2) occurrences of In School Suspension (ISS) • No more that four (4) occurrences of being bounced from a classroom. • Not be failing (earning an F) any classes (including electives) • No more that 8 UNEXCUSED absences. • Owe NO Media or Cafeteria fines **Note: deposits and other fees are non-refundable once submitted. Student will forfeit monies by becoming ineligible.

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.** **Students will be REQUIRED to utilize their ID badges when purchasing breakfast/lunch and/or checking out a library book.

SWMS COMMUNITY A word from a member of our wonderful … • STUDENT COUNCIL • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM • PTSA

Remarks from Principal Blair… A Word from our

Welcome 7 th & 8 th Grade Students & Parents