Saluda Trail Wildcats
December 4, 2022
Principal's Corner
Good evening Saluda Trail Middle School Families:
We are quickly approaching Winter break and the end of 1st semester. Our focus is to continue to create a safe and nurturing environment for students to have a successful ending to the first part of the school term. I continue to encourage open lines of communication with parents, teachers, school counselors, and administrators, so that we can ensure students experience success.
This week we have a number of activities where students will be able to showcase their talents and be celebrated for achieving academic success. Please be sure to review all information and important dates in this week's newsletter. We look forward to another great week.
Respectfully,
Dr. Marek Marshall
Principal
Saluda Trail STEAM Middle School….Where You Will Experience Excellence Without Excuse!
Grade Level Administrators and Counselors
Our grade level administrators and counselors are here to provide support. Please reach out to them should you have questions or concerns. Their contact information is as follows:
6th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Reed sreed@rhmail.org
6th Grade School Counselor: Ms. Johnson QJohnson@rhmail.org
7th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Hall SHall@rhmail.org
7th Grade School Counselor: Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson NHardy-Holmes@rhmail.org
8th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Newton CNewton@rhmail.org
8th Grade School Counselor: Ms. McCoy RMcCoy@rhmail.org
Computer Science Week is HERE! Computer Science Week and Hour of Code are December 5th - 9th.
As we kick off December, we are excited to be able to again offer students opportunities to explore coding and computer science activities during their learning at STMS. The goal is for every student to explore computer science activities during the week. This is not a requirement, just a nice way to integrate the technology in STEAM for our students. Last year we had teachers in every subject find a creative way to use technology and coding to make their lesson fun. This year we want to invite parents to explore computer science from home with their children.
There are many resources open to students to explore coding that do not require experts in computer science to participate. The options vary to allow students and parents of all levels and interests to find something. They can create art, program a game, or invent a new app, among others. Please check out the links below to begin planning how you can explore coding. Below is the link to the Hour of Code Website and a list of activities that students have enjoyed in the past. Do not be fooled, some of the Grade 2+ activities are fun even for adults.
December 8th, Microsoft will be at STMS to host special sessions for some students throughout the day. Microsoft has been a longstanding partner and we are happy to have them back to work with students.
Staying Healthy Together
Flu season has started and we have seen students absent with the flu and flu-like illness in our community. As you may know, the flu is spread easily from person to person and school-age children are among the groups most affected. Read this update from Nursing Services: https://tinyurl.com/RHFLU22
PTO Update
KONA Ice Day on Thursday, Dec. 8th during lunch at the bus loop. 20% of proceeds come back to STMS.
Our Next PTO Meeting will be in January. There will not be a meeting in December. You may review meeting minutes by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Q9boMmdxiQsIIKkWhs3EGJU1ZQRcdrz/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=101793086842638613092&rtpof=true&sd=true
Calling all volunteers! Saluda Trail PTO needs your help! We are looking for mentors for our young scholars at STMS. If interested, please click on the link below to sign up. More information is forthcoming. We thank you in advance for your continued support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DAAA62BA2F8C52-mentors
Are you volunteer verified? If not, please complete the volunteer background check by clicking the link: https://securevolunteer.com/Rock-Hill-School-District/home When you are verified, you will be able to volunteer on site at the school.
Important Dates
Monday, December 5, 2022- Friday, December 9, 2022- Computer Science Week
Tuesday, December 6, 2022- Band Concert (6th-8th Grade) @ 6:30
Wednesday, December 7, 2022- National Beta Club Induction Ceremony @ 6:00
Friday, December 16, 2022- Winter One Act Performances; 7th Grade @ 11:45
Tuesday, December 20, 2022- Winter Once Act Performances; 8th Grade @ 9:10
Wednesday, December 21, 2022- Last day of school before Winter Break; half day for students
Thursday, December 22, 2022- Wednesday, January 4, 2023: Winter Break (No School)
Thursday, January 5, 2023- Students return to school
Winter Sports- Security Update
Saluda Trail Middle School
Website: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/stms
Location: 2300 Saluda Road, Rock Hill, SC, USA
Phone: 803-981-1800