Rising 6th Grader Information Packet.pdf - Saluda Trail Middle School

Welcome to Saluda Trail Middle School
S.T.E.M. Magnet School
Home of the Wildcats
2300 Saluda Road Phone: (803) 981-1800 Fax: (803) 981-1888
Rock Hill, SC 29730

Welcome to 6 th Grade
We look forward to meeting and working with the new sixth grade
students and families at Saluda Trail Middle School! During the next
three years we will work together to help every student stretch their
thinking, develop study skills, and grow into outstanding
students…ready to meet the challenges of high school and the ever
changing world. We want this to be a shared journey toward academic,
social and physical excellence that prepares students to become lifelong
learners! Below are some items of interest that parents and
students find helpful as they transition from elementary to middle
school. Saluda Trail is a fantastic award winning school that prides itself
on academic excellence. As part of the IROCK initiative, we are excited
to move forward and creating a well-balanced 21 st century learner.
“Blazing The Trail”
Administration
School Principal: Ms. Brenda Campbell

6 th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Robert Hamm 6 th Grade Counselor: Ms. Quannie Johnson
***We will serve as your first point of contact for most school issues***
Mr. Hamm’s website: http://st.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/administration/roberthammgrade6.aspx
Mr. Hamm’s e-mail: Rhamm@rhmail.org
Ms. Johnson’s e-mail QJohnson@rhmail.org
8 th Grade field study trip to Washington, DC
Field study trip to Charleston, SC
Important Phone Numbers
STMS main number: 803-981-1800
Mr. Hamm: 803-981-1884
Ms. Johnson: 803-981-1880

What to do on the first morning and every other morning
Bus riders are dropped off in the bus loop at the rear of the school. Students may choose to enter
the building and eat breakfast or (weather permitting) walk around to the rear of the school and
wait in the commons area. Administrators will blow a whistle when it is time to line up and
enter the building. The morning bus drop-off area is also the afternoon bus loading area. On bad
weather days, all students will enter the building and sit in the gallery outside of their grade level
houses.
Car riders are dropped off in the traffic loop in the front of the school. Please arrive no earlier
than 7:45. A staff member will be on duty at 7:45 every morning. This is also the area for
afternoon car rider pickup. Please remind your child to be looking for you to arrive. This will
move the line along much quicker. Please note that the front area car loop is a double lane so
please fill in both lanes when picking up your student.
Walkers are required to get a “walkers pass” from the front office. Any student walking to or
from school must this pass with them.
Traffic Procedures: Car riders are not to be dropped off or picked up in the bus
loop, faculty parking lot, the highway, or access road. Students should remain in their cars
until they reach the sidewalk accessible areas. Repeated misuse of proper procedures could
result in an afterschool detention and/or loss of privileges.
****On the first day of school students who need a class schedule should report to the table
located in the rear of the school (commons area).
Attendance
Attendance is EXTREMELY important to your success in middle school. Following district
policy, any student who misses more than 10 days of school may be considered for retention. If
you are absent from school, you need to bring either your doctor’s note or parent excuse to the
media center/attendance clerk when you return.
Student Handbook
All student handbooks will be delivered in an electronic version and all students will be required
to download and read the handbook. The handbook will be made accessible to all parents
through our school website and a link will also be posted on our school Facebook Page and our
school Twitter account. Please make sure to read it carefully and thoroughly. The agenda
includes important information about Discipline & Student Conduct, Dress Code, Early
Dismissal, Honor Roll, policies, procedures and much more.
Staff Pages
The Saluda Trail Middle School website has lots of valuable information for parents and
students.

Staff Pages
Using the school website, you can access information about upcoming
assignments, tests/quizzes, and homework by clicking on your teacher’s website.
Parent Portal
Parents will be issued a unique password and username. Parents will be able to access grades
using the Parent Portal. Parents will be able to pick up their Parent Portal username and
password at registration.
Principal’s Scholars and Grading
HONOR ROLL
At the end of each nine weeks-grading period, grades are reviewed to determine qualification for
the Principal's Scholars list and the Honor Roll. Students who qualified for the Principal's
Scholar list have earned a grade of "A" in every subject they took for the quarter. To qualify for
the "A" Honor Roll, students must have earned a 3.5 or above GPA for all subjects taken during
the quarter. To qualify for the B Honor Roll, students must have earned a GPA of 3.0 -3.4999
for all subjects taken during the quarter. GPA is determined at the following rate: A =4, B=3,
C=2, D=1, F=0.
GRADING
The Uniform Grading Policy utilizes the numeric grade as the basis for grade point
averages throughout their high school career. This system is as follows:
Number Grade
Letter Grade
93-100 = A
85-92 = B
77-84 = C
70-76 = D
Below 70 =
F

WILDCAT CARDS
Wildcat Cards are given every 9 weeks grading period for A/B Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll.
There are three levels of the Wildcat Card (gold, blue, and black). Each level contains a variation of
requirements and rewards.
Black Wildcat Card Blue Wildcat Card Gold Wildcat Card
Requirements: GPA 3.0 – 3.39
No more than 2
absences per quarter
No BIC, suspensions,
or referrals
GPA 3.4 – 3.74
No more than 2
absences per quarter
No BIC, suspensions,
or referrals
GPA 3.75 or better
No more than 2
absences per quarter
No BIC, suspensions,
or referrals
Privileges:
Free Admission to all
STMS athletic events.
Wildcat Celebration
(2 free snacks)
Free Admission to all
STMS athletic events
& dances.
Wildcat Celebration
(2 free snacks)
Free Admission to all
STMS paid events.
Wildcat Celebration
(3 free snacks)
Pizza Party if “Gold”
two times during the
year
New Environment/New School
There are many differences among elementary and middle schools. For example,
when students change classes, they will walk quietly and quickly! Please do not run
or yell in the hall. Other responsibilities include; managing time by getting to class
before the tardy bell, keeping track of personal items, homework and other
assignments, and dealing with different students and teachers. Most students will
meet the challenge of growing into responsible students and young adults by learning
to deal with the new freedoms and responsibilities that will come your way in middle
school. It is up to you how successful you are in becoming a responsible student.
Lunch
Each grade level has its own lunchtime. Students will be at lunch with all the other 6 th
grade students. Parents are able to put money on a student’s account. Any “extra”
food items will cost extra. An aspect of lunch that students enjoy is that if a friend is
not on their team, they are able see them and eat lunch with them. When the students
have finished with lunch and have picked up their things, they are able to go outside.

Students will be responsible for any items they take outside (most importantly
electronics).
Lockers
You will be assigned a locker with a built-in lock during the first week of school.
You do not need to purchase a lock. Keep your locker neat and organized. Students
will need to store their book bags in their lockers. Book bags are only used to carry
things to and from school. Students do not take book bags to class.
**Don’t panic if you have difficulty opening the combination lock on your locker.
This is a problem that can be solved with practice. Your combination will be made up
of three numbers. Keep this number in a safe place and don’t share it with anyone.
If your lock doesn’t open, take a deep breath and try again. If that doesn’t work, don’t
be shy about asking for help from a teacher. There are plenty of adults around to lend
a hand. All homebase teachers will keep a copy of all student combinations in case a
student forgets their combination.
Cell Phones
Students are allowed to bring their cell phones to school and may at times be able to
access them for educational purposes. Since all students will have Ipads, they will not
be required to use their phones for note taking or to complete assignments. If a
student violates our school cell phone policy (outlined in student handbook) they may
be subject to disciplinary action. We highly recommend that students keep their cell
phone in their lockers at all times.
Athletics
According to South Carolina High School League rules, 6th graders are not eligible to
play middle school sports but are encouraged to be supportive fans! Any student that
stays at school for an athletic event will have to stay in dress code. Students will
remain with the car riders and will be sent around by an administrator before the
event.
Afterschool Programs
STMS does not offer an afterschool care program. There are services throughout the
community like The Boys and Girls Club which provide transportation from STMS to
their facility. You will have to contact those programs for more information as we
have no direct affiliation with any afterschool program at this time.
Summer Reading Lists
STMS does not have a required reading list but we do encourage continuous reading
over the summer.

Clubs
Sixth graders may join the following clubs/organizations:
The clubs listed below may be available for students but may be contingent upon student interest
and/or available sponsors. As with interscholastic sports, academic and behavioral guidelines
must be met in order for students to participate and remain involved with these activities. Most
involve after school practice or preparation.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students (FCAS)
This student-led group meets every morning before school and is open to anyone who would like
to participate. It is an opportunity for Christians to meet together for Bible study, prayer, praise
and music.
Robotics Team
The STMS Robotics Team competes against teams from other middle schools in the district and
region. Students design Lego robots that will complete tasks as specified. Emphasis will be
placed on teamwork and creativity as students work together to complete goals.
M.A.L.E. Call
This mentoring program is open to all male students and is sponsored by the male faculty and
staff members. Activities typically take place on weekends and include speakers, games and fun
activities.
Keepers of the Trail Science Club
Students with a love of science should become a part of the school’s Science Club. Activities
include nature walks and exciting experiments designed to peak curiosity and instill knowledge
in a fun way.
Photography Club
This club has fun learning about all aspects of photography. They learn how to take good
pictures and learn about the development process using our own school dark room.
Step Team
Students from all grade levels are eligible to become a part of the STMS Step Team. Emphasis
is not only placed on precision steps and choreographed movements, but also on discipline,

character and self-esteem. Students generally perform during basketball games and at various
competitions.
Student Council
Each HOMEROOM elects a representative to the Saluda Trail Student Council. The Student
Council meets regularly and helps present students’ ideas and information to the school
administration. They also plan school dances, talent shows, and determine monthly school spirit
activities.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a PE uniform
All students will take PE/Health and are required to wear a school PE uniform.
Information will be given to students on the first day of their PE class regarding
uniforms. All students receive an individual locker to store their clothes and personal
items while participating in PE class. Students are responsible for locking their
lockers before leaving the locker room. There are individual stalls in the changing
area if needed. Students are highly encouraged to bring a deodorant and leave it in
their locker.
Are grade levels mixed during the day
No. While you may see students in other grade levels during the day, students do
not interact with students in other grade levels during the instructional day. The only
time that students interact with other students in different grade levels is either on the
bus, before school in the commons area, in the car rider line, or at club meetings.
What about bullies
Saluda Trail Middle School has a NO TOLERANCE BULLYING policy. At the
beginning of each school year the policy is reviewed with students. Students are also
taught the best way to handle someone who is bothering them and are reminded that
they can always talk to the adults at our school if they feel there is a situation that they
cannot handle on their own. If your child mentions they are having a problem with
another student, please contact your grade level administrator immediately. Effective
communication is the best way to eliminate bullying.
What kind of school supplies will I need
The Rock Hill School District has created a generic supply list for all middle schools.
There may be additional supplies asked by specific teachers.

Saluda Trail Dress Code:
District board policy states that the board reserves the right to bar from school students whose personal appearance is
disruptive to the educational process and orderly operation of the school. Discretion to formulate reasonable dress codes is left
to the administration. In order to carry out this policy, Saluda Trail Middle School has adopted the following rules regarding
dress to be complied with anytime students are in the school building:
1. Shirts must have a collar. No V-neck collared shirts are permitted. Boys and girls must wear golf type or button down
shirts in long or short sleeve. Shirts must be solid navy blue, white, or yellow. No stripes, trim colors, or logos are allowed
on any tops. Shirt buttons must begin at the neck and only 2 (two) factory buttons from the collar may be unbuttoned.
Solid crew-neck long or short sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, or tank top/A-shirts in solid navy, white, or yellow may be worn
underneath the collared shirt, but must be high enough to come above the second button of the collared shirt. Hooded
sweatshirts are not permitted. No clothing may be worn over the collared shirt at anytime during the day.
2. All boys and girls shirts, regardless of knit, style, or fabric, must be tucked in. All shirts should be long enough to be able to
be tucked in at least 3-4 inches of material in order to avoid becoming untucked on its own during the day. All bottom items
with belt loops must be worn with a belt that is properly buckled.
3. Saluda Trail official logos are permitted on tops. No manufacturer’s brand/slogan, non-school logos, or any writings are
permitted on tops. Standard waist logos found on pants and shorts are permitted. Students may wear Saluda Trail issued
buttons or stickers to cover logos.
4. All pants, skirts, shorts, capris, and skorts must be khaki or navy in color. They should be made of twill or corduroy
material. Wind pants, stretch pants, jeans, and sweatpants are not permitted. All items should be worn at the waist, at or
above the navel. Sagging clothing is not allowed.
5. All shorts and skirts should be worn no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee. This will be measured from the top
of the slit for skirts. The following items are NOT appropriate for school: biker's shorts, form-fitting clothes (including
“skinny” pants), and tattered or torn clothing that expose skin.
6. All students must wear shoes. Shoes designed to be tied or buckled must be tied or buckled. For safety reasons, students
will not be allowed to wear shower shoes, bedroom shoes, or flip-flops. All shoes, including sandals, must have a back or
strap that secures the heel of the foot.
7. If socks are visible, they must be solid colors of navy, black, khaki, yellow, or white.
8. Offensive or suggestive writing, pictures, and patches on clothing or jewelry are prohibited. This includes advertising for
alcohol/tobacco products or promotion of violence.
9. Hats may be worn outside of the building, No hair rollers, picks, brushes or combs are allowed during in school.
10. No students should wear bandannas, sweatbands, stocking caps, do-rags, or sunglasses at school.
11. All long jewelry (that extends beyond the collar) must be tucked in regardless of the style.
12. All hair, including facial hair, must be neat and well groomed. The style, cut, and color (non-human colors) of hair must not
be extreme to the point of creating a distraction. Students whose hair is determined to be a distraction will be required to
correct their hair within reasonable means.
13. Clothing should be worn with appropriate undergarments, but the undergarments should not be visible at any time. All
visible shirts must have sleeves.
14. All clothing must be of an appropriate size and should not be distracting. Provocative clothing including (but not limited to)
thin strap shirts, tube tops, low neckline shirts, strapless tops, items that are too tight or too short, sleeveless shirts, “skinny”
pants, any revealing or see-through clothing, and exposed undergarments are prohibited. No skin should be visible between
the pant and shirt at any time.
15. Heavy or bulky outerwear, including coats and jackets, should be locked in lockers during class time. Students are not
allowed to wear or take these items to class. Shirts and jackets should not be worn tied around the waist. If students are
going outside for any reason, coats and jackets must be carried until the student is actually outside of the building.
16. Visible piercings are limited to the ears and the nose only. Nose piercings are limited to single studs (no rings or hoops).
All other piercings and ANY tattoos should not be visible at any time. Students must remove any prohibited facial piercings
and must cover tattoos within the dress code standards.
If necessary, the administrative staff will meet to approve any attire not covered by the dress code. The principal reserves the
right to repeal or amend any changes to the policy as necessary and will communicate all changes to students, parents/guardians,
and staff in writing prior to implementing any changes. The principal also reserves the right to waive any of these rules for
special days, events, and occasions as predetermined and adequately communicated to students, parent/guardians, and staff.
Students that are found in violation of the Standard Code of Dress may be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion
of the grade level administrator and building principal. Disciplinary action may range from an afterschool detention simple
and/or occasional violations to suspension for students who continually and willfully violate the Standard Code of Dress
habitually. Students who come to school inappropriately dressed or not in compliance to the dress code may be held out of class
until the violation is reasonably corrected. Absences from class as a result of dress code violations will be ruled unlawful.