Ms. Campbell Named Middle Level Principal of the Year for S.C.

At 3:30 this afternoon, Ms. Campbell received an early Christmas present: She was named the S. C. Middle Level Principal of the Year at a surprise reception in the school’s media center. Molly Spearman, Executive Director of the S. C. Assn. of School Administrators and newly elected S. C. Superintendent of Schools, made the announcement. Brenda, who’s been the principal at Saluda Trail for 10 years, will now become the state’s nominee for the National Middle Level Principal of the Year. 

Congratulations Ms. Campbell!  

PSAT Scores/Junior Scholar

If your child took the PSAT, he/she should have received a packet. The packet included the following information: letter stating whether they qualified as a Junior Scholar, score report and a test booklet. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have after reviewing the information packet.

Baby Pictures

We need your help! Ms. Ulmer and Mrs. Pruett are working on a project for 8th grade celebration. We need a baby picture of your child to complete the project. You can either send in a copy to Mrs. Pruett (it will be returned after it's scanned) or you can email it to the following address: cpruett@rhmail.org Please submit your child's baby picture by this Friday, 12/19. Thank you to those students who have already submitted a picture.

Want to be an Ambassador?

Attention all students who want to become Ambassadors for Saluda Trail:

The deadline for applications is this Friday, December 12th.  Turn your application into Mrs. Pruett or Mrs. Schultz.

Good Luck!

York County Honor Band

Congratulations to Rachel Faulkenberry and Donnie Rockholt for being chosen to participate in York County's Honor Band.  Rachel made 2nd chair trumpet and Donnie made 4th chair percussion.  Way to go!

Winter Spirit Week

Full Dress Code is to be worn on Monday for Holiday Head Gear Day, Wednesday for Holiday Sock Day, and Thursday for Holiday Scarf/Tie Day. 

 

Tuesday, students must wear dress code bottoms with an "ugly" sweater. 

 

Friday is a full dress down day for students who have "no missing work". Holiday Themed outfits are encouraged. 

Team 8.1 Mock Interviews

8.1 Edible Car Contest Parent Invite

STMS at Christmasville!

Thanks to ALL who showed up to help display STMS STEAM talent at Christmasville today.

RoboRockers took 1st Place in the Project Category!

Girls on the Track Reindeer Romp

Ms. McAndrews and Ms. Carter, the coaches,  along with 11 girls from our Girl on Track team braved the Saturday morning and finished their 5k Reindeer Romp in downtown Rock Hill! The coaches are so proud of their achievement! They would like to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Stillman, an 8th grade teacher, and  Ms. Johnson, the 7th grade guidance counselor, for coming out and supporting them! 

STMS Receives National Recognition

ROCK HILL — Saluda Trail Middle School has been honored with an award from a national organization advocating for 21st century learning.

The school was one of 15 schools nationwide to be named a 2015 exemplar school by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, also known as P21.

At a meeting Monday afternoon, Principal Brenda Campbell, accompanied by several district administrators, surprised her staff with the news.

“We really want to recognize you as a shining star in our district,” said Assistant Superintendent Harriet Jaworowski.

But since P21 is a national designation, Assistant Superintendent Luanne Kokolis said it would be more accurate to call Saluda Trail a shining star in the country.

P21 schools are selected through a “rigorous application process” and are evaluated for “educational excellence and 21st century learning implementation,” according to a release from P21.

Since becoming a science, technology, engineering and math school – and more recently, adding the arts to become a STEAM school – Saluda Trail has been changing the way it educates students, Campbell said.

Instead of focusing on direct instruction and “teaching to the test,” classes at Saluda Trail emphasize collaboration, group work, projects and using skills to solve real-world problems, Campbell said.

“The kids are taking a lot more ownership of their learning,” said Lauren Yon, the theater teacher at Saluda Trail. “They’re thinking beyond this building.”

There was no doubt in sixth-grade science teacher Julia Millar’s mind that Saluda Trail would win the P21 designation.

“I knew we were already because we lead the way in innovative learning,” she said.

The methodology at Saluda Trail is different because the emphasis is on students taking charge of their own learning, while teachers are there as supporters and facilitators.

While there is no monetary prize associated with the award, Saluda Trail will be recognized on a national stage in Washington, D.C., in the spring, and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills will do a case study on Saluda Trail to showcase its successes.

Campbell said the real reward in all of this work comes from seeing the joy her teachers will feel in realizing their hard work has been recognized and the success of their students using these learning techniques.

“It’s so exciting for us to be able to do something that’s right for the kids,” she said.

This marks the second time a York County school has been named an exemplar school by P21. Last year, the Goddard School, with preschool campuses in Fort Mill and Rock Hill, made the list. 

Rachel Southmayd •  803-329-4072

Special Announcement to the Saluda Trail Family from Mrs. Campbell 12/3/14

STMS Cheerleades receive $500 Grant

Coach White and Mrs. Dantzler are proud to announce that the STMS Cheerleaders have been approved for a $500 grant from the Rock Hill Youth Council. The grant is for one of our community service projects:  Wildcats Creating Crafts & Memories with local seniors.

The cheerleaders have adopted the senior citizens in Willowbook Crossing Senior Residence. The residence there have a craft room that only consists of a few jigsaw puzzles. The $500 grant will be used to purchase crafts for the residence and the cheerleaders will be teaching them some new crafts!

STMS Cheer Captain Carly Spikes did an OUTSTANDING job presenting the grant proposal to the council.

We have received notification that a check will be made out to Saluda Trail Middle School for the cheerleaders from the Foundation for the Carolinas.

We look forward to creating crafts and wonderful memories.

Way to Go WILDCATS!

Support SouthPointe

Hairspray Jr. Cast Meeting

Attention Hairspray Jr. cast members!  Your first meeting will be on Monday, December 8th until 5:30 in the chorus room.  Please make plans now to attend.  Your ride should pick you up in front of the school promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Team 8.1 Parent Invitation

Looking For New Ambassadors

Hear Ye ! Hear Ye !

  

Calling all interested 6th, 7th, 8th graders

For STMS Ambassadors

 

If you enjoy leadership opportunities such as welcoming guests to our school, giving school tours to new students, and assisting with school programs then this organization is for you.

 

Ask your teacher or counselor for an application in December.

 

Leadership qualities such as good manners,communication skills and caring personalities are required.

 

Think about it ….you might be a future Ambassador for STMS!

Application Deadline: Dec. 12.2014 by 4:00

Turn in to Main Office or Counselor  

Photography Class in Nature Day

Mrs. Greene's Photography class spent today outside in nature and around the fire pit.  The students were taking pictures of letters they found in nature and Rule of Thirds.  

Ambassadors Dressed for Career Day

Our Ambassadors dressed up for career day!  

Romeo, You Idiot

8th Grade Drama students did a fantastic job performing “Romeo, You Idiot” last night.  Highlights from this parody included sword fights, death scenes, and a plot twist at the end.

Dress to Impress

Friday, November 21st will be Career Day at school.  Students are encouraged to DRESS TO IMPRESS this day.  All stipulations on dress have been addressed for ladies and gentlemen.  If you have any questions, please see Ms. Ulmer or Mrs. Pruett. 

Academic Challenge Team

Attention students who are interested in competing on the Academic Challenge team ( a competitive setting similar to a quiz team and is open to all students, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade):

There is a mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:00 pm.  The meeting will be in Mrs. Madden's classroom, A110.

. 

Math Counts Club

Are you good at working numbers and solving problems?  Then the Math Counts Club might be the club for you.  The first meeting will be held Tuesday, November 18th at 8 a.m. in Mr. Denio's room.  You will need to bring a pencil with you.

Coach Dwayne F. Mattison Scholarship Fund

This Saturday, November 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. we will have a Jazz Festival to support The Coach Dwayne F. Mattison Scholarship Fund.  This event will take place in the Saluda Trail gymnasium. There will be jazz music, a silent auction and light refreshments.  Tickets are on sale $15.00 for a single or $25.00 for a pair.  See Mr. Moton or Mr. Dunham for tickets.  If you are not able to attend this event, donations are welcome.  This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student athlete each year from the Rock Hill area.  Anyone that knew Coach Mattison knew that he was dedicated to the success of student athletes  and this scholarship is his legacy living on to continue to provide support of student athletes in the area.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Boy's Basketball Team

Congratulations to the following gentlemen for making the basketball team.  Good luck this season!

Greyson B.

Dameyune B.

Walker C.

Adam F.

Ja’Marion H.

Justyce H.

Jared J.

Dorian J.

Jaylen M.

Peyton M.

Donovan M.

Isaac R.

Ian S.

Jhace S.

Thanksgiving Lunch

On Thursday Nov. 13 the cafeteria will be having their thanksgiving dinner which will be:

Turkey and gravy

rice and roll

greenbeans

yams

cobbler,  fresh fruit

milk

We will be having the dinner on all three lines along with the other entrees so anyone can go to any line to get the dinner. 

Team 8.1 Working on Thesis Statements

Team 8-1 students complete a National History Day workshop on developing a strong thesis statement with Queenie Hall, Rock Hill School District SS and ELA instructional specialist. 

District Honor's Band

Congratulations to the following students for making district honor's band:

Victoria G.

Caroline R.

Ashley D.

Ava R.

Hailey S.

McKenzie R.

Maya M.

Jaylen M.

Taylor M.

Liz H.

Rachel F.

Jimmy D.

Ryan W.

Delon C.

Jacob A.

8th Grade Girl's Basketball

Congratulations to the following ladies for making the basketball team.  Good Luck this season!

Messiah P.

Dynasty M.

Nizira B.

Kierra B.

Carron V.

Sophie D.

Karina P.

Isabella D.

Anna Caroline C.

Izzy B.

Scarlett G.

Taylor D.

Jamaiya R.

Hairspray Jr

Attention all STMS students! Do you want to make Saluda Trail history?  Do you want to sing, dance, and act your way into STARDOM?????  Well then, here's your chance!  Why not audition for Saluda Trail's SEVENTH musical, Hairspray Jr.? The audition workshop  (which helps prepare you for the auditions) will be Thursday, November 13th from 3:45-5:30 in the STMS auditorium.  We will teach you the audition song, the audition dance, and tell you which lines you will read at auditions.  Auditions will then be held on Monday, November 17th from 3:45-6:00 in the auditorium.  You do NOT have to attend the workshop to be eligible to audition for the musical, but it will help you prepare and be ahead when it comes time to try out.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Johnson or Mrs. Yon.  We hope to see YOU on the 13th and/or the 17th!!

Football Wrap-Up

8th Grade Coaches Final Thoughts of the Season:

Last season we had a 2-6 record with this same group of kids.  This season we finished up 7-1!!! We scored 280 points, and only gave up 112.  M. Whitlock, D. McClinton, A. Foxx, and I. Ross lead the way in terms of scoring on offense.  The true leaders on the field were our offensive lineman: J. Chappell, W. Coleman, C. Benson, D. Cooper, T. Russell, J. Stinson, and D. Jamison lead the charge up front!  On defense: B. Camps, M. Whitlock, D. Davis, S. White, D. McClinton, J. Heath, J. Mahoney, K. Currence, J. Stevenson, and T. Foster made big plays all season!  I have to mention our two lady kickers of course: C. Reeves and H. Benitez.

Girl's Basketball Try-outs

8th grade Girl's Basketball Try-outs will be Monday, November 3rd and Wednesday, November 5th from 4 until 5:30.  Please pick students up from the gym by 5:30.

Boy's Basketball Try-outs

8th Grade Boy's Basketball Try-out will be as follows: 

Monday November 3^rd and Wednesday November 5^th - 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm

Thursday November 6^th – 5:30 pm until 7:15 pm (First cut will be made here, students that make the first cut will need to report Friday)

Friday November 7^th – 5:30 pm until  6:45pm (Final cut made here)

Parent Meeting for Washington, D.C. Field Study

Washington, D.C. Parent Meeting – We will be having an informational parent meeting for our grade level trip to Washington, D.C. next Thursday, 10/30 at 6:00PM in the auditorium.

Cancellation of Fall Leadership Camp

Ambassador Fall Leadership Camp is being cancelled for Thursday, Oct. 23rd.  It will be re-scheduled for next month.  Watch Canvas and this blog for upcoming details.  Thank you.  

Red Ribbon Week

   RED RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITIES

                          October 27^th – October 31^st

Red Ribbon Week is to encourage students to live a drug free life.

*************************************************************

2014 Theme: Absolutely “PAWS”and think- Don’t Do Drugs!

__________________________________________________________

Test Your Brain  

Grade level counselors will email a drug fact daily.  The 1^st homebase to email their grade level counselor the correct answer will receive a special prize.

__________________________________________________________________

BINGO  

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in Drug and Alcohol Free Bingo. You will sign up for Bingo with your grade level counselor during lunch.

                                            Band Sale 

Guidance will be selling Red Ribbon Bands for $1.50 during each lunch on

Oct. 27^th -Oct 31^st. The grade level that purchases the most bands will be able to eat              lunch in the commons area.
__________________________________________________________________

                   “PAWS” and think- Don’t Do Drugs Video

Beginning Monday, October 27^th, each academy will create a video to encourage others to “PAWS” and think about not doing drugs. The video can include: poetry, song/rap, PSA, etc. The winning academy will receive a free play Academy day.   

__________________________________________________________________ Hats Off to Being Drug Free and Sock it to Drugs

Students will be given the opportunity to show their spirit by wearing “wacky” socks and “crazy” hats on Monday, Oct. 27^th. Regular STMS dress code applies on Monday. We will complete Red Ribbon Week by allowing students and faculty to wear a red shirt with dress code bottom on Friday, Oct. 31^st. 

Veteran's Day Commemoration

Our annual Veteran's Day Commemoration will be held Monday November 10 from 8:30-2:30. Parents are welcomed to come!!

Ambassador Fall Leadership Camp

Fall Leadership Camp is this Thursday, Oct. 23rd after school in Mrs. East's room from 3:45 - 8:00.  We will have a speaker, Dr. Winslow, to talk about leadership, information about Oakdale OutReach, former Ambassadors who are attending South Pointe, fun team - building activities in the gym, Mrs. East's delicious, hot spaghetti dinner, and a fireside session outside at the pit complete with s'mores and Mr. Davis! Mark your calendars and don't miss this one.  Hope to see everyone there!

STEAM Jackets

STEAM and STMS Athletes jackets are in now.  We have Youth and Adult sizes available at $28 each.  We have a good selection at this point, but will have to take orders when a size runs out of stock. 

If paying with a check, please make the check payable to STMS and include your driver's license number and a working phone number.  

TCBY Spirit Day

Please come out to TCBY on Tuesday, November 11 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. and support your Wildcats!

TCBY
1969 Canterbury Glen Lane
Rock Hill, SC 29730

Reading T-Shirt Design

English Department T-Shirt Contest

T-Shirt Purpose and Parameters

The English Department is looking to promote reading and writing awareness at the Trail. We want to design a shirt that is designated to wear certain days of the year that brings national awareness to reading and writing content. It is our hope that from the money we raise the English Department can purchase a book through Destiny Quest for a school wide read; if we have any remaining funds, we will donate to a local literacy program in the community. It is our desire to bring fun and unity to the Trail through reading and writing awareness.

Designated National days are:

*National Writing Day October 20th

*National Read Day January 23rd

*Read Across America Day March 2nd

*DEAR Day April 12th

*Poem in Pocket Day April 24th

T-Shirt Design Parameters:

*all designs turned in by Oct. 27th

*use no more than 3 colors

*design should be on the front side of the shirt

*symbolize reading and writing

Wildcat Award:

*Winner gets a free shirt.

*Students that purchase the shirt will be able to wear

the shirt with uniform pants on the days listed

above.

Pink Out

Wildcat Day

Personal Record

Isaiah Reid broke his personal record in P.E. this week.  He had 100 and completed 106.  Congratulations Isaiah!

Wildcats Cheer for a Cure

Basketball Meeting for Boys

A basketball meeting will be held Wednesday, October 15th in the cafeteria at 8:15.

GEMS

Are you a girl who is interested in Engineering, Math, or Science?  Then our GEMS club is just right for you.

District's Honor Choir

Congratulations to the following students who auditioned and were chosen to participate in the District's Honor Choir.  

STMS Sopranos

Grace Caroline B.

Kierra B.

Rayna C.

Scarlett G.

Emily R.

STMS Altos

Lexi M.

Carron V.

Light The Night Walk

Attention Ambassadors 

Come join us to walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at Cherry Park on Thursday, Oct. 9th.  Sydney’s team color will be purple.  So wear a purple shirt if you have.  We will meet at CiCi's Pizza at 6:00 to eat supper before joining Ambassador Sydney Westphal and her team at Cherry Park.  Bring $7 for your pizza and drink.  Also, please bring a donation to support the research and cure for cancer.  LLS funds treatments to save the lives of patients.  All proceeds will go to LLS and will be given to Sydney's team for donation Thursday night.  Come out and walk to have fun with friends and support a worthy cause.  Hope to see you all there.  Friends and family are welcome.  Have your rides pick you up at CiCi's at 8:15.

http://www.lightthenight.org/  

Team 8.1 Parent Invite

Student Council Meeting

Student Council will meet Tuesday, October 7th at 7:50am in Mrs. White's Room C104. Please bring ideas from your homebase. 

Picture Day

Picture day is scheduled for October 14th.  These are the pictures that will be used for the yearbook and PowerSchool. More information will come later.  

8.1 Financial Literacy Lessons

Tim Hutchinson has graciously volunteered to teach a personal finance class to Team 8-1.  Mr. Hutchinson is a local investor and entrepreneur in Rock Hill.  Increasing financial literacy for our students has been made possible by Junior Achievement.  A financial institution designed to help students understand how to manage money before they become adults.

Student Council Meeting

The next Student Council Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2014 in Mrs. White's Room (C104) at 7:50am. All officers and representatives must attend. Please come with ideas from your Homebase class. 

Job Shadowing

8th grade students will be given the opportunity to Job Shadow on Monday, February 2nd. Due to all 5 middle schools job shadowing on the same date, students should go ahead and contact someone they are interested in job shadowing. I will provide paperwork closer to the date that students will need to have completed. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at 803-981-1882.

Mrs. Pruett

PSAT

If your child is registered for the PSAT, I will adminster the test on Wednesday, October 15th in the Auditorium. Students will be given a study guide within the next week to start working on sample test questions and study tips. We will provide a workshop the week before the test to learn study tips and strategies for the test. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.I can be reached at 803-981-1882 or cpruett@rhmail.org 

Mrs. Pruett

Ambassador Meeting for September

The next Ambassador Meeting will be held Thursday, September 18th at 7:45 a.m. in Mrs. East's classroom

Girls on Track FINAL CALL

Girls on Track is still taking registrations at this time.  The last day to register is September 22nd.  This club is not just about running.  It also helps build self-esteem and character.  The club will register to participate in a 5k in December. 

Student Council Speeches

Click on the following links to view the student council speeches.

D. Jackson for Secretary-  

H. Morgan for Treasurer-  

Meredith- 

Homework Huddle

Begins Tuesday, September 2nd

Who:  Any STMS student who needs extra time to complete work

What:  Complete homework, work on projects, study for tests, etc

When:  Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:45 - 8:25. 

Where:  Computer Lab 1 (beside the Media Center)

How:  Ask an administrator before school to allow you to come to Homework Huddle.  Bring all materials you need.  No Lockers!

Why:  So you can be the most successful person you can be!

Renaissance Field Study

All monies and forms for the Renaissance Field Study are due by 3:45 on Friday, September 5th.  The forms were sent home on Tuesday, August 26th.  If you need another form, please ask your related arts teacher for one.

Rubik's Cube Club

The Rubik's Cube Club is ready for another fun, engaged year.  Interested students in grades 6-8 are welcome. Please join Mrs. Graves and Mr. Nesbitt on Friday mornings before school , beginning September 5th  in the IT lab to see how "It's Hip to be Square." 

Robotics Club

Robotics Club will hold its first meetings for interested students grades 6 - 8 on Thursday, September 4th and Tuesday, September 9th to select teams for the 2014 FLL challenge.  Time:  4:00 til 5:30 - please pick up your child at the bus loop by 5:30.  Attendance is a must if you want to be on the team.  We will select 20 members to move forward to prepare for competition the first Friday in December.  Come and see what it is all about!  We hope you will join Mrs. Graves and Mr. Charles for the hardest FUN you will ever have!