Think about Krispy Kreme and what comes to mind, doughnuts of course. They offer a variety of choices that you can’t resist, from lemon-filled to original glazed. There are even different flavors available according to which time of year it is. Right now, there are football doughnuts, pumpkin spice, and even a salted caramel latte doughnut.

Customers find Krispy Kreme doughnuts a very delightful treat. “They’re fresh” said Mr. Denio a math teacher who brought doughnuts for his football team if they won.

Krispy Kreme is right around the corner from Quik Trip on Celanese Road. When the Carolina Panthers win, you can buy a dozen for $3.99 on Monday. There is always some kind of special going on at Krispy Kreme. Make sure to stop by and get a tasty treat!

Fellow college students who attend Winthrop University came to visit Saluda Trail Middle School’s 7^th grade Journalism class on Friday, October 9^th. The college students all have majors in different fields of Journalism like broadcasting journalism and mass communications.

The students came to visit to show them how to be a better journalist. They assigned story outlines (who, what, where, when, how, and, why) and had them choose one to interview about, along with tips about creating interview questions. It’s important to ask open-ended questions, instead of just yes or no questions; that way more discussion and thoughts are given with the response. They also demonstrated the proper way to interview someone. The college students the class at least 5 minutes to brainstorm a list of ten questions or more to ask them. Once the interview was complete, and they answered all of the questions.

“I thought it was fun because they interacted with us like they were our age.” said Ka’Charriea Carter who is enrolled in the 7^th grade Journalism class.

Get your copy of the 2014-15 Yearbook – The Roar- before they’re gone. The cost is just $35 for a year full of memories.

Have you purchased your yearbook yet? If you haven’t it’s not too late. But hurry up, they are only a few copies left so you want to get them before they’re gone. The Roar is now on sale for $35. Students can see Mrs. Dantzler in Lab to purchase one. Cash, checks or money order is accepted. You may also order online. Checks must include a valid  driver’s license number and a phone number.

Tyler Eastwood, and 8th grader who is on the yearbook staff, said everyone should purchase a yearbook.  Mrs. Dantzler agrees. “A yearbook is a wonderful way to hold on to memories from throughout the school year. The yearbook staff worked very hard to put out an outstanding publication this year.” Eastwood said  he enjoyed being able to help publish this year’s yearbook. He said his favorite part of being  a part of the yearbook staff was “seeing everyone having fun while taking pictures.”

Even though spring has sprung, the flu is hanging around. Don’t think you’re off the hook yet, because the flu is still going around. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. “The flu is still going on and allergies are also a big problem now,” said Saluda Trail Middle School Nurse Bailey. “The flu is a bad virus, with two types, A type and B type,” she added. According to the South Carolina DHEC, some of the symptoms of the flu include a high fever (usually over 100 degrees), a cough or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nurse Bailey says there are many ways to prevent the flu and Wildcats should continue to do so. One way is washing your hands. When you wash your hands, the water and soap will kill bacteria that could cause the flu. Another way is covering your mouth and nose. When you cover your mouth, it will keep the virus from going airborne. A third way is to get the flu vaccine. The flu can take a week or two to go away. Those contracting the flu, including Saluda Trail’s Home Arts teacher, said they felt horrible. “[The Symptoms] came on very fast,” said Mrs. East. “It [the flu] was bad; it was very painful,” she added.

TyKierra Montgomery, a 6th grade member of the club, signs the word mother.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Ever thought about using your hands to talk instead of your mouth? Well here is your chance! Why not sign up for one of Saluda Trails’ newest clubs – The Sign Language Club?

All students and teachers are invited to come out on Wednesday mornings at 7:55 to learn American Sign Language or ASL. The club meets until 8:25 a.m. in room B110 on the 6th grade hall.

ASL is a way for Americans who are deaf to communicate with one another using their hands. Even people who are not deaf enjoy learning it.

Mrs. Macaulay, a district interpreter who works at Saluda Trail, started the club.

“I came up with the idea of starting the club because kids were watching me interpret for one of my students,” said Macaulay. “Teaching sign language is my passion, when I see kids on the hallways signing or talking to me in sign language I feel good, knowing that they are learning it and actually using it.”

Macaulay said she has had both teachers and students to show up for meetings and they are always eager to learn more.

The interpreter said while kids are waiting for the meetings to start, she asks them to go up the board and write words they would like to learn. One Wednesday they could be learning how to sign foods such as hamburgers or cheeseburgers, the next it could be learning how to sign simple phrases such as “How are you?” or “My name is ____, it’s nice to meet you.”

Macaulay said members have even signed the Pledge of Allegiance at the Student/Faculty basketball game. Each meeting holds something different.

“I enjoy learning sign language because it is like learning a new culture like Spanish,” said

. Montgomery said she didn’t know any sign language before she began coming to the meetings. “I heard about it, and I wanted to check it out,” Montgomery said.

Although Lucas McConnell, a 7th grader, isn’t part of the sign language club, he said he recognizes the importance of students learning the language.

McConnell, who is 13 years old, began signing when he was just 3 years old.  “I learned sign language involuntarily,” McConnell said.  “I had to learn it because my mom and dad are both deaf.”

Macaulay said the club is always opened to new members.

“We’re hoping that this will become an elective for students,” Macaulay added.

Sabrina Wilson, a 6th grader, signs I love you.

Students and staff recently gathered near the cafeteria during their lunches to get their nails painted. It wasn’t like a full manicure or anything; it was just their pinkies being painted blue.

The nail painting was a part of Secret Deodorant’s anti-bullying campaign called Mean Stinks which encourages students worldwide to take a stand against bullying.

“I think it’s a very good thing that Saluda Trail is getting involved in something that can help us in such positive ways,” said Tia George, a 6^th grader.

Others students said the Mean Stinks campaign has been beneficial to our school’s community.

“I’ve noticed people have changed their attitudes and become friendlier towards people they normally wouldn’t talk to,” said Ava Robinson who is in the 8th grade.

Although the Mean Stinks Campaign primarily targets girls, several boys and male staff also joined in on the action.

“My friends and I were excited to be able to get our nails painted to support anti-bullying,” said Ahmad Hall, a 7^th grader. “After a while I noticed that we weren’t the only boys, other people including our male faculty had gotten theirs done too.”

Bullying doesn’t only affect the students who are being bullied; it can also affect the entire school community.

Ms. McAndrews, a 7th grade math teacher, said she doesn’t see lots of bullying at The Trail.

“I wouldn’t call what I see bullying, but I think that what I see could easily progress to a form of bullying if it happens more than it should,” McAndrews said.

Students were also encouraged to write positive words on a “Wall of Nice.”

Nice messages written on small cut out hearts now cover a bulletin board in the gallery near the teacher’s workroom. “You are amazing.” “You mean something to someone.” “You’re pretty.” “You are one of a kind.” “Be a leader, not a bystander.” These are just a few of the positive messages that were shared.

Saluda Trail guidance counselors hope to continue the movement.

“We are hoping to become more involved with Mean Stinks in the near future,” said Ms. Johnson, a 7^th grade counselor. “We are also planning on having some up and coming activities related to the mean stinks campaign as soon as possible,” she said.