8th Grade Pride Day, Friday January 24!

This Friday, January 24, is an 8th Grade Pride Day at STMS! Students will be allowed to sport their custom 8th Grade Class of 2014 T-shirts all day! Shirts are still available for $12! Don't be seen on Friday without one!! ;-)

Haven't signed up for the STMS 8th Grade C/O 2014 Google+ Community yet?

If you haven't, you are missing out on a HUMONGOUS collection of class memories that have been collected over the past two and a half years! Members are enjoying full access to everything available!  To join, you must have a working Google+ account.  See Mr. Moton or send an email to Mr. Moton for instructions on how to join!  Students AND parents are encouraged to join in and share!

STMS Ambassadors Induction Ceremony 2014

Congratulations to the 2014 STMS Student Ambassadors that were inducted this past Thursday! We appreciate your stewardship and service to Saluda Trail Middle School! 15 photos in this album View or comment on Clayton Moton's album »

Helpful Hints for Exams!

It's a fact. . . exams are stressful! Take some of that stress off with some of these last minute tips:

• Don't Cram! Your brain can only hold so much at one time. Hopefully you have been studying your exam review guides for the past few days. Continue to study a little at a time instead of cramming it all in at the last minute.
• Get a good night's sleep before the exams. A restful night will help you focus and remember more than a late night of cramming!
• Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning! A breakfast with protein is best. Eggs, bacon, sausage, peanut butter, and oatmeal are all great options. Stay away from anything too heavy or full of sugar. These things will just make you sleepy!
• When you get the exam take a deep breath and relax! 
• Read all directions before you get started.
• Take it one question at a time. Answer the easy ones first and go back to those that are harder. Sometimes you may even find clues to the questions you don't know in other questions!

Good Luck and Remember: When you finish semester exams you are officially half-way through 8th grade! Let's get ready for a great 2nd semester!

Mrs. Johnson's 8th Grade Digital Piano students

Mrs. Johnson's 8th Grade Digital Piano students demonstrated what they learned this semester...many of them having never played the piano prior to being in her class!

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EXAMS and other important information!

The end of the semester is quickly approaching and that means EXAMS!! Eighth graders will have cumulative exams in all core classes next week. Many teachers have already given out study guides and talked to students about what they should be doing to prepare themselves for these important exams. Exams can greatly impact a semester grade (positively or negatively) so all students should be studying for these.

How will this impact my grade?

• English I and Algebra I classes will take an exam that will count as a test grade, included in their Quarter 2 Average.
• All other classes will have an exam that will count 20% of their semester average.

Exam Schedule:
Wednesday, January 15-Core 1 and Core 2 Exams
Thursday, January 16-Core 3 and Core 4 Exams

Other Eighth Grade Items of Importance:

• Eighth grade t-shirts are still on sale for $12. Purchase your shirt from Ms. DePinto during lunch.
• The 8th grade class picture will be on Friday. Order forms went home yesterday. If you would like to buy an 8th grade class photo bring your completed order form with $12 with you on Friday.
• It is not too late to sign up for the Washington, DC field study! You can get the information on the trip and the number to call to register from Mr. Mew's website: www.wilsonmew.com You don't want to miss out on this great trip!
• All 8th grade PE students will be starting the human development unit next Monday. A letter went home this past Monday describing the unit. Please read over this and return to your child's PE teacher by this Friday only if you do not want your child to participate in this unit of the health curriculum.

Welcome back, Rising 9th Graders!!

As we have embarked on a new calendar year, let us all resolve to put forth our maximum effort in all aspects of school in order ensure that this is the BEST year ever! Our senior students are now being referred to as "Rising 9th Graders" to symbolize the elevation of expectations that will put best prepare them to begin high school next fall.  This half of the year tends to go by rapidly so it is important that everyone pays close attention to the "little things" that will lead to HUGE success!

 Please consider the following quotes of inspiration and make sure to govern yourself according to the calendar items listed below:

Quotes for the week:
  • “In matters of style, swim with current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Thomas Jefferson 
 • “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi 
 • “Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.” Bacall 
 • “Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They’re what make the instrument stretch – what make you go beyond the norm.” Tyson 
 • “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” Ozick

Our week will include the following...

 Tues – Wrestling – STMS vs Nations Ford (5 pm)

 Thursday – Ambassadors will meet at 7:45 am in Mrs. East's room
                 - Boys/Girls Basketball – STMS vs Dutchman Creek (boys=home)

 Friday - Grade Level Class photo - cost is $12, payable at the camera on Friday

 **Also C/O 2014 T-shirts are on sale for only $12!!!**


Let's make every effort possible to have a fantastic week!

Mr. Moton and Mrs. DePinto