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).
This week, we proudly celebrate National School Counseling Week and want to give a huge shout-out to our two incredible guidance counselors—Mrs. Aldridge and Mrs. Wiggins!
They work tirelessly each and every day to support our students AND our staff, always leading with compassion, care, and dedication. Their impact reaches far beyond their offices and into every part of our building.
Mrs. Aldridge & Mrs. Wiggins—thank you for all that you do to make Swain Middle School a place where students feel supported, understood, and encouraged. We are so grateful for you and hope you both have an amazing week!
As a very early Teacher Appreciation Week surprise, we are celebrating ALL of our Swain Middle School employees by turning them into what they truly are—SUPERHEROES! 💥 Every staff member was featured as an actual superhero and gifted a poster of themselves, because it takes everyone to make SMS the special place it is.
From classrooms to hallways, offices to cafeterias, buses to support services—our staff go above and beyond for our students and for each other every single day. Their dedication, care, and teamwork make a real difference in the lives of our kids.
We are incredibly proud of our entire SMS family and grateful for all they do to make Swain Middle School strong, supportive, and successful. Thank you for being our everyday heroes!
The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority. We apologize for the late notice and any inconvenience this change may cause. Please stay safe and off the roads if possible.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but every moment gives us a choice. This week, challenge yourself to look for the good, even when situations feel tough or frustrating.
Finding the positive doesn’t mean ignoring challenges—it means choosing hope, gratitude, and resilience. A kind word, an encouraging smile, or a helping hand can completely change someone’s day.
This week, let’s lift each other up by choosing optimism, showing grace, and remembering that good can be found—even in the smallest moments!
February Webinar: Helping Kids Build Healthy Relationships with Food
Conversations about food and body image can come up in many ways at school and at home. From student stress to peer dynamics, these topics can feel hard to navigate without the right tools.
Join Cartwheel and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, Dana Sedlak, LCSW, CEDS-C, for a free, live webinar on helping kids build healthy relationships with food and their bodies on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12–1 pm ET.
Parents and caregivers will leave with tools they can use right away at home and as kids head back to school.
Stay tuned to our Facebook pages, school website, and automated alert system for the latest updates.
Stay Safe and Warm!
Weekly Act of Kindness – Character Matters
Character is what you do when no one is watching. This week, challenge yourself to do the right thing—not for attention, not for praise, and not because it’s required, but because it’s simply the right thing to do.
Hold the door. Include someone who feels left out. Be honest. Be respectful. Stand up for others. Those small choices, made consistently, shape who you are and the kind of school we become together.
This week’s challenge: Do one kind thing each day that no one told you to do—and don’t expect credit for it. Let your character speak for you.
However, because temperatures are forecasted to drop Sunday night, we may need to re-evaluate based on conditions Monday morning.
In the unlikely event of a significant weather emergency resulting in widespread power outages, we will utilize every available resource to keep you informed.
Please stay tuned to our Facebook pages, school website, and automated alert system for the latest updates.
Thank you for your patience, and stay safe.
