Excellence in Action: Our Middle Schoolers Rise to the Challenge 🎓✨
We are thrilled to share the recent performance data for our students enrolled in Computer Science. Despite being measured against high school students and peers from 23 other middle schools statewide, our students are truly holding their own! 📈💪
Regional Leaders: SMS students surpassed high school performance in 15 of 21 assessed standards in the Western Region. 📍🏆
Statewide Standouts: SMS students outperformed high schoolers in 9 of 21 standards across the entire state. 🥇🌍
Being one of the few middle schools in the state to offer this advanced curriculum is a privilege; seeing our students succeed at this level speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work happening in our classrooms every day. 💻🧠
Congratulations to our students on these remarkable results! 🎊🙌
🍎 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!
Support Our Students & Shop Local at the Swain Middle School Farmers Market!
Get ready to celebrate spring with our Swain County community! We are thrilled to announce the 1st Annual Swain Middle School Farmer’s Market on April 25th.
This event is more than just a market; it’s an opportunity to invest in our local students while enjoying the very best our community has to offer. Whether you're looking for fresh local produce, a unique handmade gift, or just a fun morning out with the family, there’s something for everyone!
📅 Event Details:
When: April 25th | Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Swain Middle School (135 Arlington Ave, Bryson City, NC)
What to Expect: Live music, local vendors, games, and plenty of Swain pride!
🌽 Calling All Local Vendors!
Are you a baker, maker, farmer, or hobbyist? We want YOU to be part of our success! We are currently looking for:
-Fresh produce & farm vendors
-Cottage food creators & bakers
-Handmade craft & artisan vendors
-Small businesses and makers
By participating, you aren't just selling your goods—you’re helping fund vital school programs and bringing our community closer together!
Interested in a booth? Apply today by reaching out to Angela Barnes at abarnes@swainmail.org or calling 828-488-3480. Setup begins at 9:00 AM on the day of the event.
Let’s grow together, Swain County! Mark your calendars, spread the word, and we’ll see you at the market! 🎒🎶🍎
Pictured (L to R)
Hannah Clemmer, School Social Worker at East Elementary School
Leah Pacey, Clinical Social Worker, East & West Elementary School
Ashley Walker, School Social Worker at SCHS and Swain Academy
Not Pictured: Cenda Dickey, School Social Worker, West Elementary School
(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.
