“Our Bulldog community is more than just a school; it’s a family where each member plays a crucial role in creating a positive and enriching environment.“
Dear Bulldog Family,
Welcome to Swanton Middle School! As your principal, I am excited to kick off a new academic year filled with growth, achievement, and unity. Our Bulldog community is more than just a school; it’s a family where each member plays a crucial role in creating a positive and enriching environment.
This year, we will continue to put an emphasis on our Swanton 7 Initiative that adds an extra layer of unity and camaraderie to our school community. At Swanton Middle School, we believe in the importance of building a positive and supportive community. To ensure that every Bulldog, from staff to students, thrives in this environment, we have outlined some key expectations that we encourage everyone to exemplify:
1. Exhibit effective listening skills; Maintain eye contact and focus on the speaker, Face the speaker to demonstrate active engagement.
2. Utilize excellent conversation skills: Respond in complete sentences, Show genuine interest by asking questions, Address adults as Mr. or Mrs., Extend a courteous greeting through handshakes, Be polite in written communication.
3. Use your manners; Practice common courtesies such as saying please, thank you, and excuse me.
4. Choose to work hard; Focus on homework, set goals, and study for tests, Actively participate in class activities.
5. Support, respect, and encourage; Avoid put-downs and speak out against bullying, Compliment and support your peers, Watch out for each other and lend a helping hand.
6. Be honest and take responsibility; Be truthful and accountable for your actions, Avoid making excuses and learn from challenges.
7. Take pride in our school and yourself; Keep our school, homes, and Swanton clean, Maintain good personal hygiene, Show your school spirit by wearing our colors on Fridays.
Our unique house system sets our standards high. Our Bulldog Family is comprised of four exceptional houses, each with its own identity and values.
- Dignitas – House of Honorable Achievers (Black); Symbol: Trophy, Qualities: Discipline, grit, and generosity.
- Obduro – House of Persistent Scholars (White): Symbols; Books and graduation cap, Qualities: Knowledge, accountability, and determination.
- Gratus – House of Grateful Leaders (Gray); Symbol: Skeleton key, Qualities: Optimism, trustworthiness, and self-confidence.
- Sapientia – House of Wise Citizens (Purple); Symbol: Scales of justice, Qualities: Loyalty, empathy, and reliability.
It’s noteworthy that the initial letters of Dignitas, Obduro, Gratus, and Sapientia spell “DOGS.” Our Bulldog Family is the sum of all houses together! Go DOGS!
As we delve into the school year, these houses will not only promote unity from grade level to grade level but also build mentoring skills, encourage healthy competition, and foster pride and enthusiasm in being Bulldogs. Each house has its unique color, symbol, and set of values that contribute to our rich Bulldog culture. Through spirited house events, collaborative efforts, and shared achievements, we will build lasting connections that contribute to the vibrancy of our school community.
Together, let’s make Swanton Middle School a place where each student can excel academically, grow personally, and contribute positively to our community. If you have any questions, ideas, or simply want to share your enthusiasm, feel free to reach out. Here’s to a year filled with house pride, unity, and success!
Go DOGS!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Pancoast
Middle School Principal
