(L to R) Bentley Harris, JJ Phillips, Sully Smith, Aubree Barker, Elsie-Mae Clayton, Emma Ameh and (not pictured Frank Carrasco Fernandez)

Weekly Act of Kindness – We’re On the Same Team!
At Swain Middle School, we’re more than students and staff — we’re a family. We might agree or disagree, but at the end of the day, we are all Maroon Devils!
This week’s challenge is simple: Look out for each other!
✅ Invite someone sitting alone to join you.
✅ Help a classmate pick up dropped books.
✅ Offer a kind word to someone having a tough day.
✅ When disagreements happen, choose respect and kindness.
Being on the same team means we support, lift up, and care for one another. Maroon Devils look out for each other. Always!

Reminder!!!
8th Grade Families High school is just around the corner! Please check your email to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting. If you didn’t receive an email please call Swain High at 828-488-2152 ext. 5223 to schedule an appointment.
🍎 Big Moves are Coming: 5th Grade Family Night! 🍕
Attention future Swain Middle School families! Transitioning to middle school is a huge milestone, and we want to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running. Join us for an evening of info, community, and pizza!
📅 The Details:
-When: Thursday, March 12th
-Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
-Where: Swain Middle School Cafeteria
✨ What’s on the Agenda?
-Meet the Teachers: Get to know the faces you'll see in the halls next year.
-Hear the Opportunities: Learn about all the exciting clubs, sports, and electives waiting for you.
-Learn the Expectations: Get guidance on how to succeed at SMS.
Pizza Dinner: Enjoy a slice while you soak in the info!
Don't miss out on the start of your Swain Middle School journey. We can't wait to see our future 6th graders there!

This critical investment will support sewer and water infrastructure, helping ensure a safe, reliable foundation for our future students and staff.
We deeply appreciate the time, effort, and commitment shown to our school and the Swain County community. Support like this makes a lasting difference for generations to come.

Weekly Act of Kindness: Be Present
This week, our Act of Kindness is all about reducing distractions and living in the moment—especially at school.
Put the phone away. Close extra tabs. Quiet the noise.
When you give your full attention, you’re showing respect and kindness to the people around you.
👉 Your challenge this week:
Give your full attention in class—eyes up, mind engaged
Listen without interrupting
Be present during discussions and group work
Enjoy moments without rushing or multitasking
Being focused in class is a kindness to your teacher, your classmates, and yourself. Learning happens best when we are truly here. Let’s choose to be present this week and make every moment count. 💫


🍎 Big Moves are Coming: 5th Grade Family Night! 🍕
Attention future Swain Middle School families! Transitioning to middle school is a huge milestone, and we want to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running. Join us for an evening of info, community, and pizza!
📅 The Details:
-When: Thursday, March 12th
-Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
-Where: Swain Middle School Cafeteria
✨ What’s on the Agenda?
-Meet the Teachers: Get to know the faces you'll see in the halls next year.
-Hear the Opportunities: Learn about all the exciting clubs, sports, and electives waiting for you.
-Learn the Expectations: Get guidance on how to succeed at SMS.
Pizza Dinner: Enjoy a slice while you soak in the info!
Don't miss out on the start of your Swain Middle School journey. We can't wait to see our future 6th graders there!

🔥 Weekly Act of Kindness: Keep Pushing 🔥
This week, let’s be the reason someone doesn’t give up. Dreams don’t happen overnight. Progress isn’t always loud or easy. Some days, just showing up is a victory — but it still matters. Speak positiveley to others. Encourage effort.
Remind people that setbacks don’t define them and slow days don’t mean failure. If the path feels hard, keep pushing. If doubt creeps in, keep going. If the goal feels far away, remember why you started.
Your dreams are worth the work! Your future is worth the fight! And you are capable of more than you think!
Keep going! Keep pushing! Don’t stop now!💪🔥

This week, we are proud to celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Our transportation team navigates more than just roads; they navigate the responsibility of student safety and well-being with incredible grace.
Please join us in thanking these essential members of our educational workforce for their commitment and hard work. 🏫🚛

Huge congratulations to our Swain Middle School historians! 🏆
Yesterday, the library was buzzing with incredible projects for History Day. From every single 8th grader to our ambitious 6th and 7th graders, the hard work and dedication on display were truly impressive. Many of our students are even aiming for the National competition!
🎊 Moving on to Regionals:
Individual Exhibits ✅ Jozie Smith ✅ Zooey Roughton ✅ Madison Weston ✅ Elsie-Mae Clayton ✅ Ophelia Lambert ✅ Cadence Williamson ✅ Marissa Hammons
Group Exhibits ✅ Zaida Roughton & Kathy Jenkins ✅ Mellayna Schenck & Rae Bradley ✅ Axel Wilmot, Tata McGaha, & Frank Carrasco-Fernandez ✅ Charlie Clapsaddle, Preston Bennett, & Nico Houston ✅ Jess Powers & Hannah Millsaps ✅ Aubree Barker, Emma Nations, & Emma Pegg
Individual Documentary ✅ Owen Outlaw
Group Documentary ✅ Xander Litzau & Riley Gallups
We are so proud of everyone who participated. These students will begin to get ready represent Swain Middle at the Regional Competition in Hendersonville on March 14th! 🎒📖


Swain County Schools is looking for substitute teachers! Whether you're a retiree, a stay-at-home parent, or looking for a career change, subbing offers:
Ultimate Flexibility: Set your own schedule; work as much or as little as you want.
Career Exploration: Test different grade levels and subjects to find your fit.
Skill-Building: Sharpen skills in leadership, public speaking, and adaptability.
No "Home Work": Your day ends when the bell rings—no grading or lesson planning.
Community Impact: Be the reason our students keep learning.
Join us!
Kelly Education Hiring Event
February 26th
10:00 to 2:00 PM
Front Lobby
Board of Education

This Valentine’s Week, let’s lead with compassion. You never truly know what someone else is carrying, and a small act of empathy—a smile in the hallway, an encouraging note, standing up for someone, or simply being patient—can change someone’s entire day… or even their life.
Challenge yourself to pause, notice, and respond with care. Show grace. Offer understanding. Choose kindness, even when it’s hard.
💞 Compassion is caring in action—and our school is better when we show we care.
Let’s be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and valued this week.

WE’RE BACK!
Snow may slow us down, but it doesn’t stop us at SMS! Today, our building was filled with smiles, energy, and a readiness to learn! It was incredible to see our students and staff back together, showing up focused and strong.
We are on a mission to be our best. Every day, in every classroom, for every student. This is who we are. This is commitment. WE are going to keep pushing forward together!

Here is the updated calendar for Swain County Schools.

Pictured (L-R): Lindsay Altizer (Swain East Elementary), Anna Roland (Swain High School), Neil Holden (Swain West Elementary), Katie Aldridge (Swain Middle), Ian Roper (Swain High School), and Ciera Wiggins (Swain Middle).



