Did you know bullying happens more in middle schools than high schools?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Studies show that both kids who are bullied and  those who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

Dr. Marshall, Saluda Trail’s Principal, said bullying is taken seriously.  He said there is serious consequences for bullying.  “It could result in a couple of days of suspension,” he said.

Studies show bullying can cause physical injury, social and emotional distress, self-harm, and even death. It also increases the risk for depression, anxiety ,and sleep difficulties. At Saluda Trail, there are consequences for bullying. Students can receive B.I.C. suspension and even expulsion for bullying.

Counselors say students being bullied should report it to an adult. Students who witness bullying should also report it to an adult.

Ms. Johnson the 6th grade counselor at Saluda Trail Middle said when students comet to her about bullying she tries to comfort them by “building them up and talking to them about bullying.” She said 5 sixth grade students have been written up so far this year for bullying.  Ms. Johnson also said a total of 18 sixth graders have reported being bullied.

Mrs. Hardy Holmes-Wilson, the 7th grade counselo, said she tries to help the situation by working with both sides.   “I let them know that it’s not okay either way,” she said.  “I tell them it’s not okay to be rude and to be mindful of their words.”

Ashiya McClure, a 7th grader, said bullying is never ok. “Hurting others won’t fix your problems,” McClure said.

For more info on bullying check out StopBullying.gov

A Career Vehicle Day event took place November 18th at The Trail.

The vehicles on campus were  truck from Winters Electric Company, a fire truck,  an Army truck and  a command truck. Salute Chew Food Truck,  a hearse from Robinson’s Funeral Home,  as well as a helicopter was also on hand.

“The goal at Saluda Trail Middle School is to sour students for the future, and nothing brings this reality home more than hosting a college and career week and vehicle day,” said Mrs. Massey-Blanding, Saluda Trail’s  Career Counselor.

The entire 6th grade got to explore the different vehicles. Students had a chance to get up close to the vehicles that they often see in our community and speak to people who operate them.

“It was super fun because of going inside the helicopter,” said Kate, a 6th grader.

“It was fun and I had a good time,” said Tristin, also a 6th grader.

“Reading about colleges and careers in a textbook or researching careers on the internet is very different from learning about a career straight from someone in the field,” added Mrs. Massey-“Vehicle day provides an interactive and dynamic learning experience, where students can ask questions directly to professionals and presenters can invite students to tackle real-world problems.”

The day also provided  beginning photography students in Mrs. Dantzler’s class an opportunity for some real world photography experience.

Below are photos from taken by the beginning 8th grade photography students.

Wildcats got to expreice a bit of farm life with when they visited Cherry Place Farm.  The Fall Field trip included 6th graders who are a part of a mentoring program, along with student amabassadors and members of the TV News Crew, Yearbook and Paw Print Staff.  For many of the students, this was their first visit to a farm.

Cherry Place Farm is located at 1922 Oakdale Road in Rock Hill, SC, not far from Saluda Trail.  The farm, owned  and operated by the Westbrook family,  has been around since 1940, according to Bailey Westbook who showed the group around the farm.

The students were broken into several groups and got to participate in various activities. Wildcats got to pet and feed several  animals including goats, chickens and sheep. Bailey showed them the best way to do so. 

They  got to go through a two-acre corn maze.  While there was a QR code of the map of the maze, several students and staff still managed to get lost.  Student got see a lot more of the farm when took a hay ride around the 145 acre farm. They snacked on popcorn  and recieved a baby pumpkin from the pumpkin patch as they were leaving. 

Wildcats got to expreice a bit of farm life with when they visited Cherry Place Farm.  The Fall Field trip included 6th graders who are a part of a mentoring program, along with student amabassadors and members of the TV News Crew, Yearbook and Paw Print Staff.  For many of the students, this was their first visit to a farm.

Cherry Place Farm is located at 1922 Oakdale Road in Rock Hill, SC, not far from Saluda Trail.  The farm, owned  and operated by the Westbrook family,  has been around since 1940, according to Bailey Westbook who showed the group around the farm.

The students were broken into several groups and got to participate in various activities. Wildcats got to pet and feed several  animals including goats, chickens and sheep. Bailey showed them the best way to do so. 

They  got to go through a two-acre corn maze.  While there was a QR code of the map of the maze, several students and staff still managed to get lost.  Student got see a lot more of the farm when took a hay ride around the 145 acre farm. They snacked on popcorn  and recieved a baby pumpkin from the pumpkin patch as they were leaving. 

Contributing Writers: Savannah Cornwell, Rowan Sarver and Jamaya Taylor

Phogtographer: Naudia Chambers 

Can Teachers get a Woot Woot?  Yes, they can, thanks to STMS’ PTO. 

Mrs. Manning gathers items for the Woot Woot Cart as staff waits for a sweet treat.

The Whoot Whoot Cart, sponsored by the PTO (Parent-teacher organization), is out once a month. It has drinks and snacks on it, and it’s totally FREE for teachers to enjoy. 

Yummy Snacks Fill the Woot Woot Cart.

“The Woot Woot Cart is to help boost teacher morale,” said, Mrs. Manning, the STMS administrative assistant. “ It’s just a slight pick me up.”

Teachers get excited when they hear the cart is around. “I think it’s such a nice gesture and instead of interrupting classes they have it by the cafeteria and it allows me to go get things that make me feel appreciated,” said Mr. Rhodes, a photography, digital design, and animation-related arts teacher.

Mrs. Dantzler, another related art teacher, who teaches digital photography, creative writing, journalism, and digital media arts says she is a big fan of the Woot Woot Cart. “I love it,” said Mrs. Dantzler.  “Like who doesn’t love free food?” she added. 

Mrs. Dantzler shows off some of the snacks she’s received from the Woot Woot Cart.

Mrs. Dantzler said she usually gets two snacks from the cart. “I always get one for now and save one for later, ” Mrs. Dantzler said.   She said the goodies are especially appreciated since teachers have little access to snacks through long school days. 

Nadege Lockley, Co-President of STMS’ PTO said, “The Woot-Woot Cart is designed to be a monthly mini thank you to the teachers and staff from the PTO on behalf of STMS families, for all that they do for our kids.”  Lockley added, “It is our hope that when STMS teachers and staff see the cart roll out and enjoy a treat, that they are reminded of our appreciation of them. “

Dr. Marshall, STMS’ new principal, is making his mark.

Some might say being a Middle School Principal is a tough job, however, while just getting through his first semester,  Dr. Marek Marshall seems to be making it look easy. 

“He has brought structure to our school and he is focused more on the kids than anything,” said  Mrs. Byrd is a 7th-grade ELA teacher.

Dr. Marshall enjoys interacting with students.

Mrs. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 7th-grade counselor, agrees that Dr. Marshall has been doing a great job. “He’s putting the students’ learning before anything else,” the counselor said. “But at the same time, he is trying to find new ways for the school to have fun together, and he is an overall great part of the school.”

Before becoming the principal at Saluda Trail, Dr. Marshall  served as an assistant principal at South Pointe High School. Before South Pointe, he was an assistant principal  at Rawlinson Road Middle School. Dr. Marshall was also a former social studies teacher at Dutchman Creek Middle School. 

Dr. Marshall said he has enjoyed serving as principal of STMS so far. “I enjoy having a chance to talk to students about anything that is occurring within the school,” he said. “I want kids to learn and I believe that’s what school should be all about,” Dr. Marshall added.

Dr. Marshall is proud of student achievement at The Trail.

Mrs. Ellison, Saluda Trail’s Media specialist, said Doctor Marshall is very supportive of the needs of the library and that he has provided Saluda Trail with “clear and reliable administration.”

“He’s given us an  opportunity to try different things, and he is so encouraging about the library.”

The new principal, has served Rock Hill schools for over a decade. Before coming to Rock Hill, Dr. Marshall said he even worked in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. 

Did you know?

• Dr. Marshall was born in Rock Hill, SC.
• This is first year as a principal.
• He graduated from Northwestern High School.
• His favorite teacher was his 8th grade math teacher – Dr. Keith Wilks.
• He was a 3 sport athlete. He played foot ball, and baseball and ran track.
• His favorite subject was Social Studies.
• He also graduated from South Carolina State University.
• He has 3 kids.
• He knew he wanted to become an educator during his freshman year in college.
• He always enjoys having an opportunity to talk with kids.

Grade level counselors decorated each house for Red Ribbon Week.

 A Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally was one of many special activities that took place at The Trail October 24th through October 28th. While STMS has been celebrating Red Ribbon Week for a long time, this year was a little different because students were able to show their school spirit while recognizing the dangers of alcohol and drugs. 

Students were loud and proud.

“I thought we did awesome at the pep rally,” said STMS Principal Dr. Marshal.  Mr. Newton, the 8th grade assistant principal agreed.  “I thought they did great at the pep rally,” Mr. Newton said. “They listened well; they were quiet when they were supposed to, and it was just amazing,” Mr. Newton added. 

Ms. Massey-Blanding, STMS’ career counselor, kept the crowd hype.

The students’ chants were led by Ms. Massey-Blanding, STMS’ career counselor.  Students sat in the bleachers by grade level.  She asked each grade to scream as loud as they could. The crowd got hyped when she took to the microphone and led a chant to the tune of the song VIBEZ by DaBaby. The 6th graders yelled “NO!”  The 7th graders yelled “Say No!”  and the 8th graders yelled “To Drugs.” 

Wildcats enjoyed cheer routines, music from the Pep Band and exciting basketball games.  It was a great showing of Wildcat pride. 

  The Pep Rally ended with the recognition of the fall sports teams.  The 7th & 8th grade football teams were recognized for outstanding seasons, as well as the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams. Students who were members  of the high school swim, cross country, tennis and golf teams were also recognized.  

“I thought it was a very fun pep rally because I haven’t had one since Elementary School,” said Lucy Driggers, a 7th grader.

Other Red Ribbon Activities included students creating projects, games and dress up days.

The band played several upbeat selections throughout the pep rally.

Students enjoyed the beats from the pep band.

The pep rally was a fun way to get students involved in Red Ribbon Week activities.

STMS Cheerleaders show their Wildcat Spirit during the Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally.

Students were engaged in intense basketball games.

The basketball game an exciting part of the pep rally.

Students could participate in  fun activities throughout the week.

Schools celebrate student successes different way.  At STMS, one of those ways is the Wildcat card celebration.

Wildcat cards are given each 9 week grading period for A/B Honor Role and Principal’s Scholar Honor Role. There are 3 levels of the Wildcat Card – white, blue and gold. Each level has its own requirements and rewards.   In order for a student to receive a white card, they must have a GPA of 3.0-3.49,  no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions. Students receiving a blue card must have a GPA  of 3.4-3.74, no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions. For the highest card, a gold card, a student must  have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions.

While students seem to enjoy being recognize as thee cross the stage in the auditorium, it the snacks and social time they seem to enjoy the most. At each celebration student could be seen hanging out while enjoying snacks.

There were other benefits  and privileges for earning each card. Students got to participate in Dress Down Days. Student even received admission to STMS athletic events.

All 3 counselors said the students who worked hard deserved the treats and look forward to the celebrations next year.

“We have been having celebrations for 12 years,” said Mrs. Massey-Blanding, one of the counselors.

They are even open to ideas to make it better.

“Students can always share their ideas,” said Ms. Johnson, the 8th grade counselor.

Check out some of the photos from the 3rd nine weeks’ celebration.

Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 6th grade counselor, shows off her acrylic nails.

For some it’s the color.  For others it’s the style or length. No matter the preferred shape or color, nails at STMS has been a popular trend this school year.

Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 6th grade counselor, says that she likes acrylic, coral colored nails. She says that she like acrylic nails, because her nails are damaged, and they are a bit broken, so she like to put on acrylic nails, because her nails are kind of broken and they need some kind of restoration for them not to break off completely.

A close-up of Mr. Rhodes’ painted nails.

Mr. Rhodes, who teaches photography and digital design, says he likes his nails, because he had a student in the past who has been bullied for trying to paint his nails. After that, Mr. Rhodes stated he started to paint his nails, in case anyone wanted to do it, they weren’t alone in doing it.

Students love the many designs, shapes, colors and different, creative, and unique things  that can be done to nails.

Lacey Baker, a 6th grade student says that she likes both acrylic nails and nail polish. She says she likes fake nails, blue and any shape or size.

Mariya Lowery and  Azayah Adams, both 6th graders, she they like coffin nails.  Lowery added,
“I like blue, white and pink.”

“I like any shape, any color and acrylic nails,” Katelynn Reames,  a 6th grader.

A close up of Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson’s acrylic nails.

“I like square nails,” said Kenzley Barber, another 6th grade student.

Did you know? 

Acrylic nails were first developed in 1934 by a dentist named Maxwell Lappe.

It was made out of dental acrylic, made a platform to fix the nail,  and would soon be patented as the first nail form.

That’s how they were made.

The STMS News Crew comes on every morning to announce local events that are happening around the school. The work on  writing the scripts, creating graphics, and more.

Action! Carter Sessoms, a 6th grader, enjoys being a part of the crew.

The STMS news crew is made up of  group of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are interested in media production.  Each morning  the group works hard to present our students and staff with school announcements.  The team rotates responsibilities so students are able to have a wide  understanding of the ins and outs of media production.

“I like the morning news because of the people and I like to go somewhere in the morning. ” said Kaitlyn Sothers  who serves as one of the editors.

Grace Yearta, a 7th grader who has been a part of the crew since 6th grade, enjoys it.

“My 6th grade year was a Covid year,” said Yearta who is also an editor. “We didn’t start the morning news till February of that year. Mr. Nesbit sent out a form and I filled it out. A couple days later I found out  that I was a part of the morning news. ”

Julia Ashbaugh controls the prompter.

Only any given morning you might find the crew behind one of the four cameras that the crew has to film on. Someone might be working the  prompter that the speakers have to read off of.

Located in the studio on the related arts hallway is  a tv that they can look on to see if everything is in place. There’s a  green screen that’s used to put all the backgrounds on such as the weather and sports scores and etc. Also there is a huge news table in the corner of the news.

The crew often brings in special guest.  Principal Miles is a regular. She comes on almost daily to give any inspirational words that are on her mind.

There is an app on the computer that they edit on were they can edit the sound so the speakers can sound pure with their words.  The STMS news crew works hard each and everyday!

“The news crew worked hard everyday this year to give the student body the most up-to-date information in news, weather, and sports, said Mr. Nesbitt, the News Crew advisor. “They worked as a team and taught each other the different roles in a news studio. They were awesome!”

The crew thinks Mr. Newsbitt is pretty awesome too.  They describe him as a  “very fun guy”  who is always preparing them for the next chapter in their lives.

Mr. Nesbitt , news crew advisor, checks out the morning news. 

Members of the 2021-2022 News Crew: Kaitlyn Suthers, Caleb Walter, Julia Ashbaugh, Zeke Palma, Kristian Edwards, Presley Jackson, Grace Yearta, Carter Sessoms, Sydney Elkins, and Elizabeth Gabanyic (Not in picture).

Mrs. Copley, STMS’ Art Teacher enjoys being a creative.

As a young child, Mrs. Copley knew she loved art.  She was always around people who were making things, including her dad who was a shoemaker.  The STMS art teacher has been sharing her passion for art with students for 13 years.

Mrs. Copley’s  love for art has led her to pursue different types of mediums.  “I think that everyone has their own way of art,” said Mrs. Copley.  “I think that I’m a inspirational artist because I combine different types of art to make it mine.”

Mrs. Copley, who teaches Studio Art and Sculpture,  is very encouraging.  She never gives up on herself or her students.

“Every dream takes work, but the work is worth it and always be willing to ask questions, take advice. Also there’s always someone that knows more than you, and you should ask them so they can help you grow.”  She also tells her students, “Every artist has thrown away what they started so don’t give up.” 

Mrs. Copley has inspired her students to make original pieces of work in her classes.

Students Jaylah Mobley, a 7th grader, and Janiya Minton, a 6th grader, both said they both enjoy Mrs. Copley’s classes.  They said their favorite part of her classes is painting. Jaylah said  she likes, “The concept of creating the art and the 

drawings.” 

Mrs. Copley uses lots of different materials to create art.

 “I just like drawing and stuff because it’s cool and fun,”  said Janiyah.        

Mrs. Copley shows off a piece of art one of her students created this year.

In her spare time, Mrs. Copley enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and of course making art.  She also is very involved with church where she sings on the choir.

Mrs. Copley encourages creativity among her students.  Her favorite part of art is “The process and the fact that you can make something unique and different  from other art pieces.”

Mrs. Copley works with her students to help them create awesome pieces.

            There were more than a hundred girls there and all the girls had a blast. They participated in many activities, including rock painting, skin care, volleyball and minute games. They roasted marshmallows at the  fire pit,   designed water bottles, and more. At Girls On the Move or girls night, they also ate yummy food; Spaghetti with sauce and salad. Also for dessert they had cookies and cupcakes to eat.

On one of the highlights was a message they received from Taylor Dee. The motivational speaker gave a speech of empowerment.  

 Gemiyah Heyward said, “I really enjoyed myself.”  She added that there was also “good food.”

Tatiana Perez agreed. “It was very fun, a lot of freedom and lemonade was really yummy, ” Perez said. 

 Ms. Todaro, a 6th grade social studies teacher, not only helped with serving but hosted a session on  “ I thought it went well and all the girls had fun, ” said Ms. Todaro. “I liked that they got to experience all these new things.”   

 Miss Remus, a 6th grade ELA teacher said, she also thought the program went great. 

“I thought it was great, and great to see kids out of the school setting,” said Miss Remus. “And I think it would be good to have girls night at the beginning of the school year to grow a relationship with them. I had lot’s of fun,  enjoyed it.”

Check out some of the amazing photos from Girls on The Move 2022.

On the weekends, you can most likely find STMS’ 7th grade guidance counselor and her family at Rock Hill’s newest park.

“I go to Miracle park also most every weekend with my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son,” said Mrs. McCoy. ” Their favorite thing is the mini zipline but they jump around and love every part of Miracle Park.”

The Zipline is one of the activities Mrs. McCoy’s kids enjoy the most.

Miracle Park, located on Eden Terrace, is an all-inclusive playground. Jonathan Shea, Terry Hagen, and Elaine Norman came up with the idea for the state-of-the-art park. 

‘’I think it is good that people can go to Miracle Park and have a park for them to play around and have fun in,’’ said Davis Capel, a STMS 7th grader.

Mrs. McCoy’s son Kyle loves to hang around on the monkey bars.

Terry Hagen, creator and founder of Miracle Park said,  ‘’The idea to build Miracle Park came about hen a community volunteer, David Williams, watched his nephew play baseball on a Miracle Field in Greenville.  Since Rock Hill is known for sports tourism, he brought the idea back to Rock Hill and people loved it.”

Miracle Park  provides people of all abilities and ages the opportunity to enjoy the park’s amenities and programming year-round.  At the park you  can find people exploring  the sensory wall,  playing on Miracle Field and enjoying other activities.

Ms. Remus, a 6th-grade ELA teacher at STMS  stated ‘’I think Miracle Park is an amazing place and should be celebrated and replicated across the United States.  It’s a park that supports inclusivity and meets the needs of most kids should not be a new or rare concept.’’

Hagen said, “The City was already going to rebuild the old Winthrop ball field and playground, so when plans began for Miracle Park, the executive team looked into making that field a part of Miracle Park.  Winthrop University donated the land for the fields, so that location made perfect sense, and now we have a partnership with Winthrop University.’’

The City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Department operates, maintain and come up with programs for the park.

Since it’s opening in September of 2021 , people from all over have enjoyed the park.

‘’In October 2021, we had approximately 11, 600 people attend.,” said Hagen. “In November 2021, we had approximately 10,275 people attend.’’

Hagen said it took 4 years to raise enough money to complete phase one of the park.  Phase one  includes the playground, office area, concession area, restrooms, picnic areas, and Miracle Field.   “We are in the process of raising money for Phase 2 and Phase 3,” she said. “Hopefully, we can complete those in the next 2/3 years.’’

Jack Neal, a 7th-grade student said he looks forward to Phase 2 of the park. ‘’I think it will help because the addition of new fields and more activities to do will help it a lot,” said Neal. 

Mrs. McCoy and her 8 year old daughter Hayden and her 6 year old son Kyle enjoy going to Miracle Park on the weekends.

 Hagen said funds from several sponsors helped to make Miracle Park what it is today.

A few of the sponsors that donated more than $100,000 were Coca-Cola, the Carolina Panthers, and Winthrop University. More sponsors that paid more than $10,000 were Family Trust, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, and The Burns. There were in total 482 sponsors who helped out with Miracle Park. The sponsors that helped out Miracle Park could be a huge business or a personal business but every donation counts. Even a few churches and schools helped out with all the common goals in mind.