Announcing the 2024-2025 SWMS Core Values! We are excited to share the Four Core Values selected by our Southwest Middle School students for the upcoming school year: Responsibility Determination Show Ownership Be a Positive Leader This journey began with each of our 28 advisory classes selecting three to four values they believed were essential. The next day, one representative from each advisory class gathered in the media center, working within their teams to narrow down the choices. Finally, a representative from each team came together to select our school’s core values for the year. These values will guide us every day here at Southwest, and we encourage you to talk with your student(s) about how they are demonstrating these values in their daily lives. Let’s work together to make this a fantastic year!

Southwest Robotics is accepting applications for the 2024/25 competitive robotics season.  There is NO COST to join this after-school club, and you do NOT need any previous robotics experience to join. If you are interested in participating all you need to do is complete the online application found on the Southwest Robotics website linked below.  The club meets immediately after school on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:10pm to 5:00pm. https://sites.google.com/alschools.org/alrobotics/home You can check out this years game HIGH STAKES and sign up by navigating to the Join Now page.  Applications are being accepted until Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Southwest families who drop-off and pick up students before and/or after school, please take a moment to watch our video: https://youtu.be/Szj3qPnenf0?feature=shared

Our Southwest students came together and have selected Southwest's core values for the year. The students did a FANTASTIC job working together to select them. They will be revealed on our 1st Tiger Talk of the year next Monday!

The 2024-2025 school year is off to a fantastic start! The weather was gorgeous, and the energy was high as we welcomed our amazing students back to campus. From excited smiles to new friendships, today was filled with joy, learning, and the promise of a great year ahead. Thank you to our dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, bus drivers, and supportive families for making the first day unforgettable. A special thank you to the School Board members who were also present at the buildings to welcome back students! Here's to a year of growth, discovery, and success!

It's almost time to kick off the 2024-2025 school year with the start of classes, and we’re excited to welcome our students back! We had great turnouts at last week’s open houses, and our teachers and staff are eagerly preparing for this week's open houses. Monday: Halverson, Hawthorne, Lakeview, and Sibley Elementary Schools: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Southwest Middle School: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Early Learning (Brookside Education Center): 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday: Area Learning Center (Brookside Education Center): 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Be sure to follow Albert Lea Area School District on our new Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/AlbertLeaAreaSchoolDistrict

Our staff is learning how to use the Tigers Unite app! We look forward to using this with our families this year!

This morning, we kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with our All-District 241 Welcome Back event at the ALHS Auditorium! It was a fantastic gathering with all staff in attendance, coming together to celebrate the start of a new academic year. We're excited for the year ahead and looking forward to all the great things we'll achieve together!

Exciting News! Our school district is making communication easier and more connected than ever. We’re moving to a new Facebook page to sync with our brand-new Albert Lea Tigers Unite app! Families can anticipate receiving an invite text and/or email this week that is unique to their student(s) with classroom and school information. Follow us at Albert Lea Area School District to stay updated on all the latest news, events, and announcements. Let’s stay connected—together! https://www.facebook.com/AlbertLeaAreaSchoolDistrict

Thank you to the Southwest custodians and summer helpers for all of their work! The school looks FANTASTIC, and we are ready for the 2024-2025 school year!

District 241 Facilities Services recently hosted a cookout to thank our custodians, maintenance staff, and summer maintenance workers for their hard work in preparing our schools for the upcoming year. We truly appreciate their dedication and effort in ensuring our schools are ready for a successful start!

Welcome Southwest Students to the 2024-2025 School Year! Please plan on attending our open house on Monday, August 19th. Information on the open house is provided here. Welcome Back - ENGLISH - https://5il.co/2tbm3 Welcome Back - SPANISH - https://5il.co/2tbm2

Here are a few important updates this year for our Southwest Families & Students:

Here is the Southwest Middle School daily bell schedule.