Saluda Trail Gets First EVER Male Nurse

Nurse Daniel Painter is the First Ever Male School Nurse for STMS and the Rock Hill School District

Students and staff who walked into the Health Room this year were in for a bit of a surprise.  They not only found a new face, they discovered that the new school nurse was a male. 

Nurse Daniel Painter the first male nurse ever at STMS. In fact, he is the first and only male nurse employed by the Rock Hill School District. Each school has its own nurse in the district and all of the other nurses are female. 

Nurse painter isn’t new to nursing and said he’s experienced with middle schoolers “because he has worked with them before.”

Nurse Painter sees any where from 45 to 65 students a day. He said students visit him most often because of headaches or stomach aches.

Kyndall Collins, a 7th grade student, recently saw Nurse painter because of a stomach ache. She said the nurse offered for her to rest in the health room or go back to class.  Kyndall added, “he’s alright and seems cool.”

CJ McNeal, a 7th grade student, said he saw Nurse Painter when he got in an accident and scraped his elbow badly. “He put Neosporin on it and wrapped it up with medical tape,” the student said.   CJ add that he thinks that Nurse Painter is “really cool and caring.”   

Students say Nurse Painter is “Caring and Cool. “

Nurse Painter said he became a school nurse because he enjoys working with kids. 

Nurse Painter said he has enjoyed working at Saluda Trail so far. “The school is very welcoming and it’s very nice.”  When Painter isn’t working, he said he likes to hang out with his son and do Brazilian jitsu.

Dr. Marshall, Saluda Trail’s principal, said Nurse Painter brings lots of experience to The Trail.  “Nurse Painter is a very good fit for this school because his top priority was making sure everyone is safe,” Dr. Marshall said. 

                       

Wildcats Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer

Wildcats recently painted the halls pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  On Friday, Oct. 20th you could see staff and students wearing pink throughout the entire school.

Each year, October is a time to honor those who have fought the disease and to celebrate the strength of survivors of those like Mrs. Price, a 7th grade science teacher.  Mrs. Price  is a proud survivor and has been cancer free since 2018. 

Mrs. Price said her cancer was discovered at a yearly checkup. “I would advise everyone to get checked out because it can come out of nowhere,” she said.

Mrs. Price, who is married with two children, said the diagnosis was especially hard on her family. “My family was more scared than I,” she said. “I knew I was going to be ok.” 

The teacher had to undergo several surgeries and hormone treatments. “The hardest part was all the surgeries,” she said.

Mrs. Price said she loved Pink Out Day because it brings awareness because both men and women can get breast cancer.  The school counselors, who helped organize the day, said they wanted everyone to become more aware of the disease.

Mrs. McCoy, the 7th grade counselor,  lost someone to breast cancer.  “My mother lost her battle to it,” Mrs. McCoy said. “I was only 21 and in college when my  mom died. It was very hard for me.”

Mrs. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 8th grade counselor, said she had a great-aunt who had breast cancer.  “She was not a cancer survivor,”  Hardy-Holmes Wilson said. “Unfortunately, she lost the battle against cancer. I was very young and did not understand it, but now I want to bring awareness to it.”

Wildcats Give

Wildcats showed their giving spirit during the holiday season by holding a canned food drive for those in need and donating nearly $700 to two causes. 

The items collected will benefit the Catawba Nation Food Pantry.

The can food drive was also a contest  to see which grade level would collect the most food. 

According to M. Kenner, Saluda Trail’s Student Council Advisor, 372 cans were collected this year.

“Seventh grade won the competition with bringing in a total of 179 cans, 6th grade followed behind with 100 cans and 8th grade came in last with 93 cans,” Ms. Kenner said.

Kenner added, “It pleases my heart to see the love and support you all have shown.”

The drive was a joint effort between Student Council and Beta Club.

The Hydrocephalus Foundation-Team Ben and Keystone were presented with monetary donations to support their causes.  The Hydrocephalus Foundation-Team Ben received a check for $400.  Keystone received at check for $293.00.  According to Mrs. Johnson, the 7th grade counselor,  the money was collected during Red Ribbon Week when students participated in fundraising efforts.

  “We are so grateful for this donation to help students with substance disorder,” said Alison Hurayt, a prevention specialist with Keystone who came to receive the donation.  

According to Mrs. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 8th grade counselor, student ambassadors also was involved in brainstorming ideas on how to support our school and local communities.             

 Aaliayh Chiles contributed to this article.

Chatting With Ms. Compton

Mrs. Compton is the English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher at Saluda Trail. She works with many of the students whose first language isn’t English so they can learn English and how to better communicate with others. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs. Compton for the STMS PawPrint to find out more about her and her duties.

Q: Why did you decide to be a language teacher?

A: I decided to become a language teacher because I like working with students in smaller groups; and I learned that I really enjoyed working with students from other cultures.

Q: What did you do before becoming an ESOL teacher.

A: Before teaching ESOL, I worked with students with disabilities. What I loved about that was getting to know students and their families and helping them make progress. This was also perfect for ESOL.

Q: What is your greatest professional achievement?

A: A few years ago I was chosen to be a district Honor Roll Teacher of the Year.

Q: What challenges do many students have when come here?

A: Communicating with teachers and understanding the lessons.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with students from other countries?

A: I enjoy learning about life in other countries including families, schools, language and culture such as dance and food.

Q: Do you think that students here from other countries are making improvements in their English?

A: Yes. I’m almost always surprised by how quickly students acquire language. Students who are language learners are almost always really motivated and excited to learn.

Q: What part of your classes do you enjoy the most?

A: I really like having conversations with students. I enjoy learning about their families, things they like to do, and getting to know them.  I also love working with students who are new to the country and need to work on basic English vocabulary.

Q: Do you feel students are adapting to their new culture?

A: I  think most students are doing very well.  Some students experience culture shock. Some students have a harder time with making friends, especially if they are the only ones who speak their language.

Q: What is one thing that you wanna to add to your class that you think make it better?

A: I wish I had more time with the class.  For example, I would like to have a whole class period rather than just the time in enrichment.

Q: I heard that last year you did a day just for students from other countries, do you plan to do it again?

A: Last year our school celebrated World Multicultural Day in May. The students with families from other countries did presentations in the Media Center and each social studies class came to the media center to see the presentations. We will be doing it again in the Spring.

7th grader’s Photo Places in State Fair Contest

“I’ve been taking photos since I was four years old,” said Cameron.  “I enjoy the thrill of maybe messing up a photo.”  At Saluda Trail, Cameron began talking classes last year. “I took it in 6th grade with Mrs. Dantzler.” 

Cameron’s award winning photo was taken at school.  It was on display from Oct. 11th – Oct. 22nd in the Cantey Building located on the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC.

Cameron described his photo as “a fruit covered with a lot of leaves.”  “I took it at Saluda Trail in first related arts.” he said. 

Photo of Cameron Bagley’s image that placed 3rd in the South Carolina State Fair Photography Contest

There were more than 2,600 contest entries in 3 categories. Cameron’s photo was the only ribbon winner in the middle school division from this area – including York, Chester and Lancaster Counties.

Cameron said he was shocked to learn that he placed in the contest.  

Students who won, along with their teachers and parents were invited to a reception. Cameron said he enjoyed it.  “It was good and there were a lot good photos and paintings,” he added.

When asked if he plans to continue with photography, he said, “Yes, because it is fun.” 

 

Native American Day At The Trail

Saluda Trail held Native American Day on Monday, November 20th, 2023.  Members of Catawba Indian Nation showcased their cultural heritage. There was some dancing and playing of musical instruments. The Catawba Indians also told the students about their rich culture and traditions. The presentation took place in the gym for all students and staff.   The day was apart of National American Indian Heritage Month which takes place each November.

Poet Conducts Workshop

As students sat in their seats in the auditorium, they quickly began writing, and counting out syllables.

Poet Angelo Geter Conducts Workshop with Wildcats

They wanted to make sure their lines added up to five, seven, and five. These students took part in a recent poetry workshop.

  Poet Angelo Geter visited Saluda Trail Middle School on October  23rd and conducted 2  sessions. During the workshop, about 30 students learned how to write Haiku poems and songs.

 “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had,”  said Casey Jones, a 7th grader. “It was pretty fun,”  she added. 

“It was the first poetry person I ever saw and it made me have a good day,” said Matthew Cuthbert, a 7th grader.  Amelia O’Sullivan, a 7th grader, said she enjoyed the experience. “I never experienced having somebody who makes poems come to a school,” she said. “I never thought it would be that fun.”
Geter currently serves as the Poet Laureate of Rock Hill, SC.  He is also the 2018 National Poetry Slam Champion. 

The workshops were Paid for by the Arts in Basic Curriculum Institute who receives funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Below is a link to Poet Angelo Geter’s website. 

https://www.angelogeter.com/about

Book Fair Provides New Reads and Funds For Media Center

Mrs. Ellison shows off items at the book fair.

Typically Wildcats head to the media center to either check out books or for lessons. However, during the week of Oct. 23rd – Oct. 27th, they had an opportunity to purchase some good books.

According to Mrs. Ellison, Saluda Trail’s Media Specialist, there were lots of genres to choose from this time including Sci-fi, Fiction, Graphic Novels and Horror. There were other items for Wildcats to buy, there were School supplies, pens, pencils, calculators, erasers and posters.

Mrs. Hopper, an 8th grade Language arts teacher, made several purchases from the book fair.  The book lover bought several Graphic Novels for her classroom library.  She also said she bought copies of  Goosebumps,  The Diary of the Wimpy Kid, Bad Guy, and  The Last Kids on Earth. “I went to the book fair 3 times” she said.  Mrs. Hopper also bought some items that were not books. “I bought four things that weren’t books. I bought some magic ink pens to be given for prizes.”

Students were able to purchase good books and supplies from the book Fair.

Mrs. Hopper said she was very happy about her kids being appreciative about the books that she bought for their class library. “It also provides money for the library,” Mrs. Hopper stated.

The book fair serves as a yearly fundraiser.  According to Mrs. Ellison there was $3,259.99 in sales this year. The school will receive 40 percent of those funds – a total of $1,304.00 in Scholastic Dollars.

“All the money will be used towards getting new things for the library,” Mrs. Ellison said.

Each year the book fair offers good reads and funds for our media center.

Red Ribbon Week Raises Awareness of Drugs

This year’s Red Ribbon Week proved to be days filled with fun, as well as educational. Saluda Trail Middle School students and staff celebrated Red ribbon week October 23rd through Oct. 27th. This year’s national theme was “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” The focus was on students making positive choices to be happy and healthy.

Mrs. McCoy, the 6th grade counselor, said Red Ribbon Week was designed to raise awareness to students about the danger of drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances.  While she believes many students take the week to dress up and have fun, a portion of them do know the real meaning. “I want them to know the dangers of abusing drugs and using alcohol,” said Mrs. McCoy.

Mrs. Johnson, the 7th grade counselor, said she wanted students to not only learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but also know how to go about getting help if they or someone they knew ever got involved in drugs.

Mrs. Hardy Holmes Wilson, the 8th grade school counselor said while she believes many of the students look forward to dressing down, she really wants them to understand the seriousness of getting involved in illegal substances.  “I want them to know that drugs and alcohol use can significantly impact the trajectory of their lives,” she said.

Caylee Wilson and Bre Simpson, both 7th graders, know the importance of staying drug free.  “Drugs kill people, so don’t do them,” warned Wilson. “I don’t do drugs because I want to get somewhere in life and do something with my life and drugs would stop that,” Simpson said. “I want to make my life have meaning and you should too,” added Simpson.

Saluda Trail’s Counselors worked together to prepare numerous fun and educational activities for students and staff to enjoy throughout the week, including a pep rally, games and dress down days.

“I really liked watching the student and teacher volleyball games, plus the cheerleaders,” said Aubree Hutchison, a 7th grader.

         

 

Teacher Publishes First Book

Mrs. Durham, a 6th grade ELA teacher, recently published her first book  “Trade Places With Me.”

The book is based on the stories that her mother told her when she was a child. Mrs. Durham  said she wrote this book because she found  her mother’s childhood stories to be very interesting.  She named it Trade places with Me because she wished she had been able to experience some of the things her mother had experienced as a child. 

Mrs. Durham was excited to read her new book to her students in the media center. CN2 News was even on hand for the event.  

Mrs. Durham is interviewed by a reporter from CN2 News

Mrs. Durham said she hopes that this book will inspire her students to write or illustrate their own book. The whole process of writing, illustrating, and publishing the book took about three years, she said. 

Mrs. Durham said she was “overwhelmed with emotion” when she saw her mom’s reaction. “I started to cry and so did she,” said Mrs. Durham.  Mrs. Durham’s mother, Margaret Sawyer, who was present for the reading, said the book  makes her emotional as well. “It feels wonderful,” Mrs.  Sawyer said. 

Mrs. Durham said her granddaughter is the book’s illustrator.  Her granddaughter was just 9 years old when she drew the illustrations for the book.  “The books illustrations are beautiful,” said Matthew Ditterhoefer one of Mrs. Durham’s students. 

Mrs. Durham, who has been self-promoting her book, said she is excited that everything she and her granddaughter did paid off, and that the work is now out in the world for everyone to read and buy. 

“The book, the wording, and the illustrations look great,” said Angy Chitty, one of Mrs. Durham’s language arts students.  

Hayden Jordan, another student said,” It’s cool having a teacher who has written a book.”   Hayden said it has inspired her to maybe write a book of her own one day.  Jackson Melzer, another student, said he also likes the book. Jackson Mrs. Durham has inspired him to write his own book one day, and thinks that a teacher writing a book is a cool idea.  Mrs. Durham said she sees herself writing more books in the future.

Mrs. Durham places a copy of her new book on a shelf in the media center.

Mrs. Durham places her book on a shelf in the media center. –     

  Iyanna Tisdale contributed to this article.

Mrs. Durham proudly shows off her book with some of her students.

      

No Tolerance For Bullying At The Trail

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

VROOM, VROOM 6TH GRADERS GET TO CHECK OUT VEHICLES


December 21st, 2022 Bryce Collins
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 Jay Goss, a 6th grader.

“It was fun and I had a good time,” said Ja’Cadon Johnson-Neal, 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.


Vroom, Vroom 6th Graders Get to Check out Vehicles

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.

Photo by Armon Jones
Photo by Jasmine Cousar
Photo by Ethan Howze
Photo by Sebastian Boyd
Photo by Ethan Howze
Photo by Kaliah Johnson
Photo by Madden Humphries
Photo by Madden Humphries
Photo by Jake Foxx
Photo by Zimere Smith
Photo by Ty’Saun Phillips
Photo by Thomas Hollinger
Photo by Thomas Hollinger
Photo by Kameron Belton
Photo by Jasmine Cousar
Photo by Madden Humphries

Trends at the Trail💙💛.!

Since students at The Trail are all limited to what they can wear, many wildcats express their style and personality through their shoes and cool accessories. While everyone has their own tastes, here are some of the top trends that are showing up around The Trail. 

When it comes to jewelry, Wildcats can be seen wearing chokers, necklaces and colorful bracelets all the way up the arms. As for shoes, Yeezy Foam Runners and Crocs seem to be among the most popular choices.  Yes! Crocs are still very popular among students and teachers too. Iyanna Tisdale, a 6th grader, pointed out that many students even wear mix-match Crocs.

Wildcats even wear accessories in their hair.  “I see most students around Saluda Trail wearing either headbands or colorful silly string in their hair,” said Mrs. Jones, Saluda Trail’s Instructional Coach.  Saluda Trail’s guidance counselor,  Mrs. Hardy-Holmes Wilson said, “I students wearing rubber bracelets  and long socks over their pants.” 

Sixth-grader Abi Criminger said she likes wearing her socks over her pants because it feels “more comfortable” that way.

Breonna Simpson-Gilliam, a sixth-grader said her favorite brand of shoes are  Crocs.  She said she also likes wearing fuzzy socks, bracelets and hair accessories. 

Kelsey Murchison, a 7th grader says  she notices a lot of students wearing Babe brand hoodies.  “My favorite brand of shoes are Crocs and Jordan 1’s,” Murchison added.

Diamond Wright, an 7th grader, said her among her favorite accessories to wear are bracelets and hair scrunchies on her wrist.

Jurnee Cook and Elijah Barber, 6th Graders show off their bracelets.

Crocs remain a popular shoe at The Trail.

6th graders Abi Criminger and Skye Baxter,  not only enjoy wearing crocs, they like pulling their socks up over their pants too.

Farm Field Trip Offers Up Fun

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 

                                 
                                        

                                          

Bailey  Westbrook with Cherry Place Farm shows the students how to go about feeding the animals.

STMS Football Program Continues to Impress

The 7th Grade football team celebrates after their championship win.

Saluda Trail is known for having one of the best football programs in the area, bringing home titles almost every year. This year was no different. Both 7th and 8th grade football teams had outstanding seasons this school year with both teams going undefeated during their regular season.  The 7th grade team even went on to clinch the championship. Unfortunately, the 8th grade team’s winning streak came to an end. The team lost their championship game, falling short by 2 points to Sullivan Middle School.

S J Culp, a member of the team said although he was “happy” with way the season went, there’s always room for improvemnt. “I felt like we could have done better,” Culp said.

Coach Denio, the 7th grade football coach, said his team worked very hard this season. He named several things that the team did well as a whole, as  well as pointed out some individual players. Some of the star players on the 7th Grade Team were Carson Moore, Christian Hunt and Caiden Cathcart, he said.

Christian Hunt, one of the 7th grade Quarter Backs, shows off his championship hoodie.

“We had some very fast players this year,” he said.  “I think that Rylan Brooks is the fastest player.”  Coach Denio said one of the hardest working players on the team was Caiden Cathcart.

Coach Dunham, the 8th grade football coach and athletic director said there were some very good players on his team as well.

“The MVP  award is split between Joshua Joseph or Jake Mitchell,” said coach Dunham.  He also spotlighted Willy Dye.  “Hands down Willy Dye has the most respect,” said coach Dunham of the eight grade team.

Coach Dunham said his team worked hard. “I would say even though we fell a little short in the championship with a small group of guys, it’s about                                          growth,” said Coach Dunham.

Although, they did not win their championship game, the 8th grade football team had a great season.

Teachers Look Forward To Woot Woot Cart

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. “

Book Fair Deemed A Great Success

 Saluda Trail  Wildcats had an opportunity in October to build their libraries when Mrs. Ellison, the new media specialist, hosted a Fall Scholastic Book Fair. The book fair provided wildcats an opportunity to shop for numerous books, posters, and trinkets. 

Mrs. Marzoratti, Saluda Trail’s Media Clerk, helps Mrs. Compton, Saluda Trail’s ESOL teacher with some purchases during the fall Book Fair.

Many students and staff said they enjoyed visiting the pop-up bookstore. “There was an assortment of books,” said Victoria Eiler, a 7th grader.  “There was romance, horror, and drama.”

Other popular books on hand were Manga, Dragon Ball, Dark Room, Murder She Wrote, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. “I enjoyed seeing all my favorite books, and books from Youtubers and my idols,” said Kota Brooks, a 7th grader. 

When students entered the media center, they were led to the metal bookshelves that lined a section of the room. Many went from section to area exploring different genres, like horror, romance, Manga.

Students had a variety of genres to choose from.

“My favorite part of the book fair is looking at the books and other things they sell,” said A’niaya Elliot, an 8th grader. 

According to Mrs. Ellison, graphic novels were the most popular books at this year’s fair, along with others. “Dragon Ball was very popular;  we had to call in more because they were sold out,”  Mrs. Ellison added. 

The book fair not only provided books for students and staff, but was also a fantastic way for the media center to raise money.  Mrs. Ellison said this year, the school made 2,498 dollars which will be used to purchase more books “We also purchased an inflatable indoor-outdoor screen and hope to have a movie day during the next book fair,” she said. 

Mrs. Ellison  said the turnout was good.  “ We made over the money an average book fair would make,” she added. 

The media specialist  said that she wants to learn from each book fair and “make each one better.” 

Students enjoyed looking at the different items for sale at the book fair.

If you missed the fall book fair, don’t worry.  Mrs. Ellison said there will be another opportunity to shop for books from April 24-28 at the following book fair. 

Finally, STMS Students Will Get To Build a Snowman

Mr. Rhodes and students have been busy creating props for the musical.

After almost 2 years, STMS students will finally get to build a snowman. Canceled in 2020 because of Covid, the Cast will finally be able to perform the long awaited Frozen JR. March 14-17th, 2023.  

Frozen Jr is a 60-minute musical that tells  the story of princess Anna as she leads Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and the snowman Olaf on a journey to find her estranged sister Elsa.  Designed for middle school-aged performers, the musical is based on the 2013 Disney film and the 2018 Broadway adaptation.

Saluda Trail’s cast  includes 29 students in grades 6th through 8th. It’s being co-directed by Mrs. Yon , Saluda Trail’s drama teacher and Mr. Runyan, Saluda Trail’s  chorus and piano teacher. 

Props are coming together for Frozen, Jr.

Preparation for the musical began back in the fall when students  attended a workshop held Sept. 29th.  Auditions w ere held on Oct. 4th and callbacks were the next day, Oct. 5th. The cast list was posted shortly after and rehearsals began.  

Mrs. Yon, Saluda Trail’s Drama Teacher, is extremely excited about students finally being able to put on Frozen, Jr.

Auditions for the parts were very competitive.  According to Ms. Yon, 64 students auditioned.  Because musicals are a type of play that tells a story through music, dialogue and dance, the performers were taught a song and dance which they had to perform.  There were 5 different staff members who served as judges, she added.  After cuts, there were 35 students who went through a call back process where they read parts for different characters.  In the end, 29 students made the cast. 

Presley Jackson, who landed a leading role of Elsa,  says her favorite part of being in Frozen JR is “the friends I make.”  She said being casted in the musical is both fun and challenging. Jackson said one of the hardest parts of being in the cast is  “having to stay after school and complete her work later” due to rehearsals.

Mrs. East has been busy working on the costumes for the cast.

While students are working on their parts, others have been busy working behind the seams.  

Mrs. East, Saluda Trail’s Family and Consumer Science Teacher, is responsible for all of the costumes. Some are made and some are ordered.

According to Mrs. East, lots of creativity, imagination, research and effort goes into outfitting the cast.

Want to see it all come together, be sure to come out and see the musical this Spring.

 

 

A lot of work goes into outfitting the cast, according to Mrs. East.

 

The Frozen Jr. cast includes: 

Young Elsa- Lizzy Turner

Middle Elsa- Hannah Andrychowski

Elsa- Presley Jackson

Young Anna- Leila Albaqami

Middle Anna-Julia Challenger

Anna-Carter Sessoms

Queen Iduna-Sofia Cardarelli

Buda- Aubrey Duncan

King Agnarr- Caleb Walter

Kristoff- Derek Faile

Hans- Gavin Fields

Pabbie- Kenneth Suarez

Weselton- Alexander Mestas

Oaken- Ethan Jewel

Olaf- Avery Haskin

Sven- Isabella Tramell

Bishop- Max Powell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Marshall is Making His Mark

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.
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