Southwest Middle School-Rapid City, SD

Southwest Middle School-Rapid City, SD Southwest Middle School Here at Southwest Middle School, we have approximately 700 students in grades 6-8.

We are currently on a “block” schedule, with each core class lasting 90 minutes. All students have five required classes (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and PE/Health) and a choice of two elective classes. As a staff, we have been working on developing Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) for the last year. In these PLC's, teachers are working together with a focus on four crit

ical questions:

· What do we want all students to learn?

· How will we know if they learn it?

· How do we respond when students experience difficulty learning?

· How do we respond when students do learn? Students at Southwest are challenged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We really try to focus on the positive things that students are doing here! We have great students and a fantastic staff who love what they do. Thank you for allowing us to have the pleasure of working with your children.

Our Lost and Found is full! Please take a look and stop by anytime between 7:30 am - 3:30 pm to view and collect items. ...
03/18/2026

Our Lost and Found is full! Please take a look and stop by anytime between 7:30 am - 3:30 pm to view and collect items. All unclaimed items will be donated over Spring Break.

Our All State Band students representing Southwest well today!
03/07/2026

Our All State Band students representing Southwest well today!

Our Chorus students are busy practicing for tonight’s United in Song. We hope to see you there!
03/05/2026

Our Chorus students are busy practicing for tonight’s United in Song. We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our 8th Grade B City CHAMPIONS and our 2nd place finishers! It was an excellent game of Hawks vs. Haw...
03/04/2026

Congratulations to our 8th Grade B City CHAMPIONS and our 2nd place finishers! It was an excellent game of Hawks vs. Hawks!

The SWMS MATHCOUNTS Team did very well this weekend taking home FIRST PLACE as a team! They also had EIGHT students who ...
02/23/2026

The SWMS MATHCOUNTS Team did very well this weekend taking home FIRST PLACE as a team! They also had EIGHT students who qualified to move onto the State competion that will take place on March 14th in Pierre. Way to go Hawks!

Congratulation, Ms. Lyons!
02/04/2026

Congratulation, Ms. Lyons!

Congratulations, Mr. Olson!
01/29/2026

Congratulations, Mr. Olson!

🎾🏆 2025 Girls’ Tennis Coach of the Year 🏆🎾

We are proud to announce that Jason K. Olson of Rapid City Stevens High School has been named the 2025 Girls’ Tennis Coach of the Year! 👏

Coach Olson has dedicated 29 years to coaching girls’ tennis at Rapid City Stevens and 32 years total to the sport, building one of the most successful and respected programs in South Dakota. During his tenure, the Raiders have compiled an incredible 689–64 team record, captured 8 State Championships, and finished State Runner-Up 12 times. The program has also earned 4 state titles in the past 5 seasons, with 70 girls winning individual state titles under his leadership.

This past season was nothing short of extraordinary. With 50 girls participating in the program, every level went undefeated—Varsity 22–0, JV 23–0, and Middle School 5–0—for a perfect 50–0 season. The varsity team secured its second consecutive state championship and fourth title in the last five years, while also claiming five individual state titles, one runner-up finish, two third-place finishes, and one fifth-place finish. To top it off, all six seniors earned Academic All-State honors, reflecting excellence both on and off the court.

Coach Olson notes that while competing for championships is always the goal, what stood out this season was the team chemistry and selflessness. Despite returning much of the lineup, he restructured the doubles teams, and the athletes fully bought in—playing for one another at a level he has rarely seen.

Beyond the court, Coach Olson serves as the Tennis Representative, has been a member of the Tennis Advisory Committee, mentors new tennis coaches, and is part of the USTA Northern Sportsmanship and Competition Committee. His long-term vision is rooted in growth and enjoyment of the game, striving to ensure every athlete has a positive experience, continues playing beyond high school if they choose, and ultimately becomes a happy, contributing member of society.

💬 Join us in congratulating Coach Jason K. Olson on this outstanding and well-deserved honor!
🎉 You’re invited to celebrate his achievement at the Awards Ceremony:
📍 Mitchell High School Performing Arts Center
📅 July 19
⏰ 1:00 PM

Congratulations to an exceptional coach whose impact on girls’ tennis extends far beyond the scoreboard! 🎾✨

12/19/2025

The building will be open today from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm for students to retrieve items.

We will open it again on Monday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm for students to gather items.

I

12/19/2025

Classes will start at 9:55. We look forward to seeing our Hawks tomorrow for one final day before the break!

Save the Date!
12/17/2025

Save the Date!

Last call for Reflections! Entries are due this Wednesday. We’d love to see your talents!
12/02/2025

Last call for Reflections! Entries are due this Wednesday. We’d love to see your talents!

Address

Rapid City, SD

Telephone

+16053946792

Website

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