What are the school hours?
Our school runs on a daily 8 period day; 4 core classes, 2 elective classes, PE every other day opposite a Student Success class and then a class that will have an academic elective focus (classes TBA). The school day starts at 8:00 AM every day and ends at 3:06 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 1:35 PM on Wednesdays.
What is zero-hour?
Southwest offers 1 zero hour class, 7:00 AM - 7:50 AM, Bel Canto. This is an audition based singing class only offered to 7th and 8th grade students. Students will not be dismissed early.
3. Do you have any Advanced Classes?
Math is the only subject Southwest offers advanced classes in. As a 6th grader, parents have the option to enroll in Math 6 or Introduction to Pre-Algebra 6, 7th graders have the option to enroll in Math 7 or Pre-Algebra 7 and 8th graders have the option to enroll in Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra 1. It is not recommended to skip a math class (i.e. Math 6 to Pre-Algebra 7) without talking to the students current math teacher first. Most often they have additional course work to help the student advance over the summer, if that is the desire. Students can accelerate into a higher math class than what is offered at their grade level, but that will require an acceleration test or a transcript from the previous school saying the student has already taken the course. If you would like to set up an acceleration test, please reach out to either counselor. High school credit is not currently awarded for taking Algebra 1 in middle school, if a student takes a math class at the high school, high school credit is awarded.
4. Can my student transfer to advanced or on-grade level course during the semester?
Yes, please be sure to talk with the current math teacher to make an informed decision.
5. What foreign language do you offer?
6th graders have the opportunity to take World Languages to receive a foundational class of multiple different languages. Then 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to take either a year or a semester of Spanish, French and/or German. A student does not need to take World Languages to take Spanish, French or German. Please note that these classes are only offered based on numbers.
6. What is the enrollment timeline?
Current 6th/7th Graders - February
Current 5th Graders - Counselors will be visiting elementary schools in late February and will be enrolling your student.
7. How do I access the enrollment page in PowerSchool?
Directions HERE
8. Where can we find a course catalog?
Click on your students next year grade level tab at the top of this page.
9. We are new to the district or attended a private school, how do we enroll?
We are so glad you are here! Please visit this website and get the process started!
10. What is the best way to contact my student's counselor?
Email is the best way to connect with your student's counselor. Our counselors spend a lot of time outside of their offices supporting students and staff and are not always by their phones. Contact information is at the bottom of all pages on this site.
11. Can I contact my counselor during the summer?
School counselors are on a 10-month contract just like other teachers, so they have limited access during summer break. Do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor via email, counselors return to school at the beginning of August and can address concerns then.
12. How can I check my student's grades in PowerSchool?
This is the link to take you to PowerSchool Parent Portal information. We also recommend sitting down with your student and looking over grades from their PowerSchool side. This allows the opportunity to open conversations about grades and work.
13. How can I access final grades for my student?
We do provide paper copies of progress reports at the quarter for parent teacher conferences, but do not provide final report cards. Parents can request a copy from the main office at 785-832-5550.
14. How can a guardian get involved?
We have different ways parents can get involved. We have a Bulldog Parent Group and Site Council, we also regularly need parents to help with school dances. Please reach out to Dr. Miles or be sure to check out the Weekly Parent Newsletter.
15. How can I stay informed of things happening in the school?
We have different ways families can stay informed. Southwest send out a weekly newsletter, be sure that emails stay up to date in PowerSchool. We also have slides playing throughout the building with information, families can access that slideshow on the homepage of our school website. We also post information on the Southwest Facebook and Instagram page. This can be found on the 'Connect' tab above.
16. What do sports look like at the middle school level?
Only 7th and 8th grade students are allowed to participate on a sports team. Our sports are listed on 'Life of Southwest Student' page. Students must have an updated physical turned in before they can participate.
17. What clubs are offered at Southwest?
All students can participate in clubs. They generally meet after school with a couple meeting during lunch time. Students can come and go from clubs, there is no commitment. If a student would like to create a club, they just need to talk with administration and find an adult to sponsor the club.
18. Do you have Student Council?
Student council is only open to 7th and 8th grade students. This is an application based process. For current students, this will take place the spring before their 7th or 8th grade year. Any students new to Southwest can reach out to Ms. Beets about an application at the beginning of the fall semester.
19. What about Theatre?
Theatre is also open to all students. Students can apply to be on either cast or crew. There is usually one show open to any student who completes the application process and there is another show that does have cuts.
20. What happens if my student fails a class?
Lawrence Public Schools do not retain elementary or middle school students. Even if your student is struggling in classes, they will be promoted to the next grade.
21. What is the average student to teacher ratio in the classroom?
We work hard to keep classes under 30. Some grade levels have a smaller amount of students, so those classes are a little smaller.
22. How can I get my student on bussing?
Transportation is through a separate company, First Student, here is their contact information. If your student cannot receive bussing through First Student, Lawrence Transit offers free fare for 2024.