Southwest Middle School thrives academically, artistically

By Betsy Bailey

LITTLE ROCK — Southwest Middle School in Searcy houses approximately 600 fifth- and sixth-graders. Florence LePore is principal; Steve Lercher serves as assistant principal. The school is fully accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education and the North Central Association.

Southwest consists of 12 two-person teaching teams that rotate on a block schedule. The school believes a smaller learning environment for middle-school students offers them a sense of security. Core academics as well as art, health and physical education classes make up the block scheduling. Technology is a major aspect of the school. Multi-media systems are present in every math/science room and a media center is available for literacy teacher use. Teachers communicate with parents by the Web-based program Edline and School Notes.

Southwest Middle School has consistently scored higher than the state average on all standardized tests.

LePore said, “We attribute this high achievement in part to the continual support we receive from parents, dedicated teachers and the community.”

The school’s Mission Statement provides an accurate description of the school.

The mission of Southwest Middle School believes all students can learn; therefore, we provide a research-driven, standards-based curriculum in a safe, nonthreatening environment. Students are monitored throughout the year to ensure they are maintaining high levels of achievement. To facilitate this endeavor, we will work collaboratively with colleagues, students, parents and community leaders.

Southwest was named a 2005 Best Practice School and was recognized atthe Arkansas Governor’s Mansion by Gov. Mike Beebe as one of the top 14 middle schools in Arkansas in 2007.

Not only does Southwest Middle School thrive academically, but students thrive artistically, also. Southwest provides many opportunities for students to participate in the musical arts by offering general music and selected choir to fifth-graders. Band, choir and the newly developed strings program allow interested sixth-graders to pursue their abilities in this area. Students perform for the community throughout the school year.

Additionally, Southwest strives to reinforce positive behavior. The school utilizes programs such as “Cub Cash” and “Student of the Week.” “Cub Cash” allows sixth-grade students to buy school supplies or “bank” their money. At the end of the year, under the condition that students have displayed good behavior, theyare eligible to bid for a special field trip or auction items.

Also, each week a student from each team is recognized for being an over-all good student. The “student of the week” receives a certificate, a pencil and his/her name printed in the monthly newsletter. Southwest is fortunate to partner with the Searcy Police Department through the “Be A Winner” program. Police officers meet with sixth-grade students every Tuesday morning to discuss the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

It is evident that Southwest Middle School provides students with a positive learning environment and works to ensure they are well-rounded individuals. The school motto seems to explain it all: Today’s students, Tomorrow’s leaders.

(Betsy Bailey is the school and community coordinator for the Searcy School District.)at a glance

Motto: Today’s students, tomorrow’s leaders.

Grades: Five and six

Enrollment: 580

Faculty: 50

Mascot: Cubs

Principal: Florence LePore

Asst. Principal: Steve Lercher

Address: 1000 W. Beebe-Capps Expressway, Searcy, AR 72143

Telephone: (501) 268-3125

Web site: www.sercyschools.org

Three Rivers, Pages 64 on 10/02/2008