Update for Winter Activities Registration
Registration Window Open for the following Activities
- 7th graders interested in grades 7-12 dance
- 7th grade girls interested in JV/Varsity Hockey
- 7th grade boys interested in grades 7-12 Swimming & Diving
- 7th grade girls basketball (practice starts Monday)
Other Tidbits
- 7 and 8th grade boys basketball and boys hockey will run through club/travel programs right now through winter break.
- 7th and 8th grade school boys basketball will start in January.
- We are still waiting on details about boys and girls wrestling. We will follow up once we have confirmed details on registration.
How to Register
We will be using an online platform called BOUND for:
-Registration
-Viewing event schedules
-Purchasing tickets to events
-Student and Staff passes
- Here is the link for the Albert Lea Schools BOUND page: https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/alle
Tiger Families,
Reminder that tonights community meeting is at SWMS at 5:30 in the auditorium.
Dr. Heil, Superintendent
Good Morning Southwest Families,
Monday is turn-in day for the fundraiser packets. Students should bring their order forms and money back to school in their packet. They can still earn prizes by selling things this weekend!
Please see the dates and times below for the Community Meetings occurring after Fall Break to update our community on the Restructure Update for our school district. Presented by Dr. Heil and a School Board Member. You can attend any of these meetings. No RSVP necessary.
October 20 @ 5:30 pm Halverson media center
October 21 @ 5:30 pm SWMS Auditorium
October 22 @ 5:30 pm High School Commons
October 27 @ 5:30 pm Sibley Cafeteria
October 28 @ 1:00 pm Brookside Boardroom
October 28 @ 5:30 pm Hawthorne Cafeteria
October 29 @ 10:00 am Brookside Boardroom
October 29 @ 5:30 pm Lakeview Cafeteria
Good Afternoon,
At Southwest, student safety is our top priority. To ensure our staff and students are prepared for any situation, we regularly practice the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
On Wednesday, September 30th, shortly before the start of the school day (around 7:55), we will be conducting a "Hold" drill. A Hold is used when the hallways need to be kept clear, but there is no immediate threat to the building. This is most commonly used for a medical emergency in a corridor or a maintenance issue (like a large spill) that requires students to stay in their rooms.
During a Hold:
* The Directive: "In your room or area. Clear the halls."
* The Action: Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas.
* Inside the Classroom: It is "business as usual." Teachers continue their lessons, and students move freely within the room.
* The Goal: We simply keep the hallways empty until the "All Clear" is announced.
Why are we practicing this?
While a Hold is one of our most common responses, practicing it ensures that students know to quickly clear the halls and that staff can account for everyone effectively.
What should you expect?
Because this drill is occurring shortly before the school day begins, you may notice a slight delay in hallway transitions if you are dropping your student off at that exact moment. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building during a Hold. Please do not be alarmed; this is a controlled, planned exercise to keep our school safe.
We encourage you to talk with your student about the drill and the importance of following instructions during any safety exercise. You can find more information about the SRP at iloveuguys.org. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our school community safe.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
At Southwest, student safety is our top priority. To ensure our staff and students are prepared for any situation, we regularly practice the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
On Wednesday, September 30th, shortly before the start of the school day (around 7:55), we will be conducting a "Hold" drill. A Hold is used when the hallways need to be kept clear, but there is no immediate threat to the building. This is most commonly used for a medical emergency in a corridor or a maintenance issue (like a large spill) that requires students to stay in their rooms.
During a Hold:
* The Directive: "In your room or area. Clear the halls."
* The Action: Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas.
* Inside the Classroom: It is "business as usual." Teachers continue their lessons, and students move freely within the room.
* The Goal: We simply keep the hallways empty until the "All Clear" is announced.
Why are we practicing this?
While a Hold is one of our most common responses, practicing it ensures that students know to quickly clear the halls and that staff can account for everyone effectively.
What should you expect?
Because this drill is occurring shortly before the school day begins, you may notice a slight delay in hallway transitions if you are dropping your student off at that exact moment. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building during a Hold. Please do not be alarmed; this is a controlled, planned exercise to keep our school safe.
We encourage you to talk with your student about the drill and the importance of following instructions during any safety exercise. You can find more information about the SRP at iloveuguys.org. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our school community safe.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
The 2026-2027 School Year is right around the corner! Don't forget to schedule your student's physical if they plan on participating in sports this year. Mayo will be offering sports physicals on July 23rd.
Need a sports physical? Here is an opportunity through Mayo.
Our Southwest Math Masters Team had an Outstanding Day at their meet in Austin today.
Southwest Red team 1st place: Norah Sahr, Izzy Gaston, Everett Schon, Eleanor Martinez, and Ryker Barclay
Southwest Blue team 4th place: Zane Watt, Brooks Oakland, Abby Hovendick, Gabriel Dickerson, and David Bautista
Individual awards: Norah 1st place, Izzy 2nd Everett 5th and Abby 6th place out of 25
Fact drills- Everett 1st place, Gabriel Dickerson 3rd Eleanor 5 and Norah 6th place
Spring Sports Registration Opens Friday, February 20th!
Albert Lea Activities is excited to announce that Spring Sports Registration will officially open on Friday, February 20th.
To register, please visit albertleatigers.com. On the homepage, you will find the REGISTRATION link located on the top right-hand side of the page.
We encourage families to register early to ensure eligibility, communication, and participation are set before the season begins. Registration for each activity will close the Monday following the first week of practices.
Spring Start Dates:
Softball: March 9
Track & Field: March 9
Golf (Boys & Girls): March 16
Baseball: March 16
Boys Tennis: March 23
If you have any questions, please contact the Activities Office for assistance.
Let’s have a great spring season — Go Tigers!
Albert Lea Activities is excited to announce that Spring Sports Registration will officially open on Friday, February 20th.
To register, please visit albertleatigers.com. On the homepage, you will find the REGISTRATION link located on the top right-hand side of the page.
We encourage families to register early to ensure eligibility, communication, and participation are set before the season begins. Registration for each activity will close the Monday following the first week of practices.
Spring Start Dates:
Softball: March 9
Track & Field: March 9
Golf (Boys & Girls): March 16
Baseball: March 16
Boys Tennis: March 23
If you have any questions, please contact the Activities Office for assistance.
Let’s have a great spring season — Go Tigers!
Southwest Middle School Families,
It’s almost here! It’s our final week of the American Heart Challenge! We are having a blast learning how to keep our hearts and minds healthy and happy. I’m so proud of our students and families. Together, our efforts will help to save lives!
Here’s how you can help:
1) Sign Up: http://www2.heart.org/goto/SouthwestMiddleSchool and download the free “AHA Schools” app.
2) Raise funds to help kids with special hearts.
3) Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
Donations are due on February 20th!
Every step in your mission – from learning Hands-Only CPR, to recognizing the warning signs of a stroke, to making or receiving a donation – makes our community safer and helps kids with special hearts.
It’s almost here! It’s our final week of the American Heart Challenge! We are having a blast learning how to keep our hearts and minds healthy and happy. I’m so proud of our students and families. Together, our efforts will help to save lives!
Here’s how you can help:
1) Sign Up: http://www2.heart.org/goto/SouthwestMiddleSchool and download the free “AHA Schools” app.
2) Raise funds to help kids with special hearts.
3) Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
Donations are due on February 20th!
Every step in your mission – from learning Hands-Only CPR, to recognizing the warning signs of a stroke, to making or receiving a donation – makes our community safer and helps kids with special hearts.
Good Afternoon,
The monthly parent advisory committee meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled. We will meet again on Thursday, March 5th from 6pm-7pm in the Southwest Media Center. This is open to any parent or guardian to attend and not RSVP is required.
Thanks,
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
The monthly parent advisory committee meeting scheduled for tonight has been cancelled. We will meet again on Thursday, March 5th from 6pm-7pm in the Southwest Media Center. This is open to any parent or guardian to attend and not RSVP is required.
Thanks,
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
Dear Families,
At Southwest, student safety is our top priority. To ensure our staff and students are prepared for any situation, we regularly practice the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
On Thursday, January 8th, shortly before the start of the school day (around 8:15), we will be conducting a "Hold" drill. A Hold is used when the hallways need to be kept clear, but there is no immediate threat to the building. This is most commonly used for a medical emergency in a corridor or a maintenance issue (like a large spill) that requires students to stay in their rooms.
During a Hold:
* The Directive: "In your room or area. Clear the halls."
* The Action: Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas.
* Inside the Classroom: It is "business as usual." Teachers continue their lessons, and students move freely within the room.
* The Goal: We simply keep the hallways empty until the "All Clear" is announced.
Why are we practicing this?
While a Hold is one of our most common responses, practicing it ensures that students know to quickly clear the halls and that staff can account for everyone effectively.
What should you expect?
Because this drill is occurring shortly before the school day begins, you may notice a slight delay in hallway transitions if you are dropping your student off at that exact moment. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building during a Hold. Please do not be alarmed; this is a controlled, planned exercise to keep our school safe.
We encourage you to talk with your student about the drill and the importance of following instructions during any safety exercise. You can find more information about the SRP at iloveuguys.org.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our school community safe.
Tyler Johnson, Southwest Middle School
At Southwest, student safety is our top priority. To ensure our staff and students are prepared for any situation, we regularly practice the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
On Thursday, January 8th, shortly before the start of the school day (around 8:15), we will be conducting a "Hold" drill. A Hold is used when the hallways need to be kept clear, but there is no immediate threat to the building. This is most commonly used for a medical emergency in a corridor or a maintenance issue (like a large spill) that requires students to stay in their rooms.
During a Hold:
* The Directive: "In your room or area. Clear the halls."
* The Action: Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas.
* Inside the Classroom: It is "business as usual." Teachers continue their lessons, and students move freely within the room.
* The Goal: We simply keep the hallways empty until the "All Clear" is announced.
Why are we practicing this?
While a Hold is one of our most common responses, practicing it ensures that students know to quickly clear the halls and that staff can account for everyone effectively.
What should you expect?
Because this drill is occurring shortly before the school day begins, you may notice a slight delay in hallway transitions if you are dropping your student off at that exact moment. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building during a Hold. Please do not be alarmed; this is a controlled, planned exercise to keep our school safe.
We encourage you to talk with your student about the drill and the importance of following instructions during any safety exercise. You can find more information about the SRP at iloveuguys.org.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our school community safe.
Tyler Johnson, Southwest Middle School
Good Afternoon Southwest Families,
Tomorrow all 6th and 7th grade students will be taking their Fastbridge math winter screener. Please make sure to have your student(s) charge their Chromebooks tomorrow to make sure they are ready.
Thank you,
The Southwest Team
Tomorrow all 6th and 7th grade students will be taking their Fastbridge math winter screener. Please make sure to have your student(s) charge their Chromebooks tomorrow to make sure they are ready.
Thank you,
The Southwest Team
We will have an E-Learning day today, December 10th. Below are student expectations for today.
Classroom Work
● Students are expected to be online for E-learning days.
● Students are expected to check Google classroom for each class and their email throughout the day for assignments and directions by your teachers.
● Your teachers will be available for you during the school day if you have any questions.
Attendance
Your advisory teacher will be posting an attendance question by 8:35am. You need to answer this question before 3:15 in order to be counted present for the day.
Please have students reach out to their advisory teacher first if they have any general questions.
Classroom Work
● Students are expected to be online for E-learning days.
● Students are expected to check Google classroom for each class and their email throughout the day for assignments and directions by your teachers.
● Your teachers will be available for you during the school day if you have any questions.
Attendance
Your advisory teacher will be posting an attendance question by 8:35am. You need to answer this question before 3:15 in order to be counted present for the day.
Please have students reach out to their advisory teacher first if they have any general questions.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I'm writing to ask for your help with a quick but important daily habit. It is essential for students to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school every day to participate in their classes.
Lately, we've had a significant number of students arriving with uncharged Chromebooks. Many students have mentioned that they are plugging their devices in at night, but they are still uncharged in the morning. This often happens if the charger isn't fully connected to the wall outlet or to the Chromebook itself.
Here's the simple check that would help immensely: When your student plugs in their Chromebook at night, please remind them to look for the small charging light on the side of the device. If this light is on, it confirms they have a solid connection and the Chromebook is actively charging. I would also highly encourage you to have your students charge their Chromebooks in an area/room outside of their bedroom.
Thank you so much for your partnership in reinforcing this small but crucial step. It will make a big difference in helping your student start their day prepared and ready to learn.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
I'm writing to ask for your help with a quick but important daily habit. It is essential for students to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school every day to participate in their classes.
Lately, we've had a significant number of students arriving with uncharged Chromebooks. Many students have mentioned that they are plugging their devices in at night, but they are still uncharged in the morning. This often happens if the charger isn't fully connected to the wall outlet or to the Chromebook itself.
Here's the simple check that would help immensely: When your student plugs in their Chromebook at night, please remind them to look for the small charging light on the side of the device. If this light is on, it confirms they have a solid connection and the Chromebook is actively charging. I would also highly encourage you to have your students charge their Chromebooks in an area/room outside of their bedroom.
Thank you so much for your partnership in reinforcing this small but crucial step. It will make a big difference in helping your student start their day prepared and ready to learn.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
Southwest is gathering feedback on our middle school student Chromebook program. Your voice is essential in helping us understand what is working well and where we can make improvements. Please take a moment to complete the Southwest Chromebook Usage - Adult Form by clicking on this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelouttvibMZJMeJ7meXkRGUJzs7hw-KM6vyLGVSexR79Zz7w/viewform?usp=header
This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will be used to guide our district's technology planning and support student learning.
Thank you for your valuable time and input.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelouttvibMZJMeJ7meXkRGUJzs7hw-KM6vyLGVSexR79Zz7w/viewform?usp=header
This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will be used to guide our district's technology planning and support student learning.
Thank you for your valuable time and input.
Some great learning taking place at Southwest Middle School today!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This message is to inform you that our school-wide fundraiser officially ended today, Monday, October 6th.
If your student did not bring their fundraiser packet and collections to school today, please make sure they bring everything with them tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7th. We want to ensure every student's hard work is included in our final count.
We want to extend a huge thank you for all of your support throughout this fundraiser. We are always so grateful for the partnership we have with our families and community.
Our team will now begin the process of counting all the orders and funds. We are excited to reveal our grand totals to the students and community as soon as we have everything tallied.
Thank you once again for your incredible support of our school.
Sincerely,
The Southwest Team
This message is to inform you that our school-wide fundraiser officially ended today, Monday, October 6th.
If your student did not bring their fundraiser packet and collections to school today, please make sure they bring everything with them tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7th. We want to ensure every student's hard work is included in our final count.
We want to extend a huge thank you for all of your support throughout this fundraiser. We are always so grateful for the partnership we have with our families and community.
Our team will now begin the process of counting all the orders and funds. We are excited to reveal our grand totals to the students and community as soon as we have everything tallied.
Thank you once again for your incredible support of our school.
Sincerely,
The Southwest Team
Good Afternoon Southwest Families,
Just a reminder we will have our first parent advisory committee meeting tonight in the Southwest Middle School Media Center from 6:00-7:00pm. This is intended for parents/guardians only and any parent/guardian is welcome to attend. I hope to see you there.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
Just a reminder we will have our first parent advisory committee meeting tonight in the Southwest Middle School Media Center from 6:00-7:00pm. This is intended for parents/guardians only and any parent/guardian is welcome to attend. I hope to see you there.
Tyler Johnson
Southwest Middle School Principal
It has been a great first two weeks at Southwest Middle School! Students selected our core values for the year, learned about our systems, and had fun catching up with old friends and started making new friends. We are looking forward to a great school year!
We look forward to seeing our Southwest students and their families today during our open house from 11:00-7:00pm.
The Open House times will be based on teams. Please see below for the windows of time for each team to visit:
* Red or Siberian Team: 11:00-1:00 OR 3:00-5:00
* Blue or Bengal Team: 1:00-3:00 OR 5:00-7:00
* Success Team students can attend at any time
We look forward to seeing you!
The Open House times will be based on teams. Please see below for the windows of time for each team to visit:
* Red or Siberian Team: 11:00-1:00 OR 3:00-5:00
* Blue or Bengal Team: 1:00-3:00 OR 5:00-7:00
* Success Team students can attend at any time
We look forward to seeing you!