Sprayground bookbags have been popular with pre-teens and teenagers for several years, and you have probably seen them many times. One of the most famous designs is the shark mouth, which features sharp teeth, a thick black outline, and a bright, colorful background. This school year at Saluda Trail Middle School, students and administrators have noticed a big increase in these unique and eye-catching bookbags across all grade levels.

“I have a purple Sprayground Bookbag with eyes on the side and mouth and words on it,? said Ninah Lewis, a 7th grader. “I love it because it has pockets and a lot of them.  The bookbag is just very cute.”  Ninah, said she got it for back to school and it cost $80.

Jordan Hamilton, also carries a Sprayground Bookbag”  “I have a Sprayground bookbag.  It has a cruise ship on it and a scuba diver with treasure in the ocean,” he said.  “I think my mom paid 100 dollars for it.” Jordan, who also got it for back to school said he likes the design and ” all the compartments it has.”

Sprayground bookbags were originally made for street artists to carry spray paint and other supplies. Over time, they became a fashion trend with pre-teens and teenagers around 2011 and 2012. The company was founded by David Ben-David, who began selling the bags in 2010. He created them because there were not many stylish or creative bookbags at the time. Some of the first designs featured the words “Hello My Name Is…” in big, bold letters. While the bags were first made to be durable and functional, they quickly became a worldwide fashion trend.

McKenzie Saunders, a seventh grader, said she likes them because “they are pretty and because of the colors.” Red Gonez-Iglesih, a sixth grader, said his bookbag has a computer design that says “Six Compact.” He added that he likes Sprayground bookbags “because they have a lot of pockets.”

Alaiyna Parker, 7th grade, also likes that her My Little Pony Sprayground bookbag has a lot of pockets. “The inside has a lot of room for materials,” she said. “There are a lot of pockets that have a good amount of space,” she added.  Parker admitted the bags can be price, however she added that they are “fashionable.”

Not everyone is a fan, though. Dr. Williams, the 6th grade administrator at STMS, shared concerns about the hidden pockets on some Sprayground bookbags. He explained that the extra compartments can make it easier for students to hide items they should not bring to school.

Whether students like Sprayground bookbags for their colorful designs or their extra pockets, they have become a popular fashion statement at Saluda Trail Middle School. These bags allow students to express their personalities through bold and creative designs.

For over four years, Saluda Trail Middle School sold cookies that many students and staff loved. Each time the cookies were sold, over 600 were made, and they usually sold out. You can’t blame the buyers—the cookies were just that good.  “The cookies are so good because of the soft texture and the freshness,”said Zymir Hinton. 

Recently, though, the cookies stopped showing up on the days they were usually sold, and students began asking one big question: where did they go? Sixth graders could buy cookies on Mondays, and seventh and eighth graders could buy them on Tuesdays. The cookies cost $1 for three and were sold by Ms. Patterson in front of the cafeteria. They were stored in sealed plastic containers to help keep them fresh, she said.

The school bought the cookies from a company called Otis Spunkmeyer. The cookies were ready-to-bake and came in different flavors, but STMS only sold chocolate chip because of possible allergy concerns. Many students and staff say they enjoyed the cookies, and since they are gone, people all over the school have been asking questions. ”The cookies were good and I was upset to see them go without warning,” said Mr. Smith, a seventh grade teacher.  “Where did the cookies even go? Even students and staff who did not eat the cookies are still curious about where they came from and why they stopped being sold.

The cookie sales also helped  students in our unique pathways

classes learn responsibility and money management. Jasiah Anthony enjoys helping make the cookies. 

Unfortunately, the cookies stopped being sold because the class is currently understaffed, Ms. Patterson said.   However, the cookies will be making a comeback around the second week of January, according to Ms.  Patterson.

Saluda Trail Middle School held a Thanksgiving Food Drive beginning November 3  where 6th, 7th and 8th graders competed to collect the most canned food. Saluda Trail Middle school did the drive to supported the Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless (CACH), which helps provide food for families in need for the holidays.

 Students learned about the competitions through hallway posters and the morning news. Each grade brought in canned food to help support the cause.

“This was a great food drive,” said Denyana Alexander , an 8th grader. She said donating made her” feel grateful.” She said she was happy to donate because ” food cost a lot of money these days.”

The 6th grade won the competition by a whopping 31 cans. Sixth-grade collected 396 cans, while seventh-grade had 365 cans.  Eighth grade collected at total of 270 cans. The sixth-graders earned a  dress down day as their prize. 

Ms. McMillan, a sixth-grade ELA teacher” she was proud of her students for donating out of kindness, especially since participation was optional.

Ms. Eagle, the seventh-grade assistant principal, said more drives and student competitions are planned for the future.  Mrs. McCoy, the seventh-grade school counselor, said Saluda Trail has held student competitions for years for great causes. 

Eighth-grader Mackenzie Leonard not only participated but, felt good about helping others. “It made me feel good to help others who not doing well,” she said. 

Saluda Trail students spend hours each day to learning a variety of subjects, but when it comes to breaks, many feel there’s simply not enough time.

Many students, however, complain that Team Time is too short limit of time.

“I feel it’s not long enough,” said 7th grader Alexis James.  Ja’laycia Foote, another 7th grader agrees.  “It’s fun, but I think we should have more stuff to do and it should last longer,” Foote said.

Some staff also would like to see Team Time be a little longer. 

Nnaemeka Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 7th-grade school counselor, said she thinks Team Time shoud be 
“At least 30 minutes.”  She added, “Students need a solid amount of time and a brain break  – a time to not focus on academics.”

Studies show that recess is an essential time of day. The older students get, the more sitting students do in school and its becomes harder for them to do so. 

Dr. Marek Marshall, Saluda Trail’s principal, realizes this and agrees with Mrs. Hardy-Holmes Wilson.  “If we could have Team Time in a perfect world, I think Team Time should be 30 or longer,” Dr. Marshall said. 

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 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, 6^th grade followed behind with 100 cans and 8^th 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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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 7^th 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 7^th grader.

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 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 her book on a shelf in the media center. –     

  Iyanna Tisdale contributed to this article.

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