Dear Southwest Middle School Parents and Students:
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to opening the 2013-2014 school year. Southwest Middle School is committed to providing students a rigorous, standards-based instructional program that will prepare them for successful high school and college experiences. The Southwest Middle School staff affirms that students learn best in a safe and supportive environment. I invite you to come in during the summer break so I can introduce myself personally. I look forward to listening to your ideas, questions, concerns, and suggestions for making SOM the best middle school in the district.
The first day of school next school year will be Wednesday, July 24th, at 8:00 a.m. Students must get here by 7:50. Please make sure plans are made to get ready for school with this date in mind.
We offer a full complement of regular and accelerated courses for students, including the opportunity to take college prep (A-G), high school-credit Algebra, Geometry, Spanish 1-2, and Spanish 3-4. Our instructional program includes electives in Band, Mariachi, Steel Drums, AVID, ASB, Journalism, Yearbook, Foreign Language, and Introduction to Medical Pathways. To meet the needs of our English learners, we offer ELD classes, bilingual classes and Structured English Immersion (SEI) classes in the core content areas, and SDAIE instructional strategies in our regular and accelerated programs. In addition, we also service the needs of our RSP and SDC students in the Special Education program. Combined with our Before and After School Program consisting of academic enrichment, homework centers, tutoring, and recreational activities, students can benefit from an integrated, safe, and nourishing middle school environment.
Southwest Middle School is the recipient of a state grant (Quality Education Investment Act) that enables us to reduce class sizes in the four content areas- English, Math, Social Science, and Science. We have an average of 21 students per class, while other local middle schools and elementary schools are growing beyond 35 per class! With smaller class sizes, teachers can more effectively meet the learning needs of all students and give the individualized attention that your child deserves.
Two more unique programs that set us apart from other middle schools are our Dual Language Program and our Golden Bell award-winning AVID Program (National Demonstration School). Students in the Dual Language Program develop proficiency in both English and Spanish. Three of their classes are taught in English, and three classes are taught in Spanish. The goal of the program is to fully develop students’ literacy skills in both languages. Students enrolled in AVID learn important skills (note-taking, writing strategies, study skills, and time management) which will help ensure their future academic success. Both the Dual Language Program and the AVID program have been proven successful in preparing students for meeting the requirements for middle school promotion, high school graduation, and college entrance.
Sincerely,
Bill Walsh