Saluda Trail Middle School is committed to providing a learning environment where students feel safe and secure and experience academic success. In addition to our comprehensive core content area instructional program, the growth and development of World Class Skills for all students is a priority at Saluda Trail. Students have the unique opportunity to engage in Related Arts courses such as Sculpture, Robotics, Engineering, Digital Piano, Chorus, Band, Theatre, Journalism, and Web-Design. The instructional staff effectively work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to design, implement, assess, and reflect on the effectiveness of instruction students receive daily. Through PLCs, teachers identify strengths and opportunities for growth for all students. Our Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) strengthens students' academic and social skills. Saluda Trail continues to challenge all students to excel in academics, arts, and athletics.
The faculty and staff of Saluda Trail continue to integrate World Class Skills strategically through our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program. Targeted professional development, focused on a structured framework, supports the design of effective and engaging STEAM units of instruction. Saluda Trail is certified by the Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) Institute. This certification allows our students to have more opportunities to excel in the arts due to funding provided by the Institute, the SC Arts Commission, and support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Using the arts as a platform to grow and develop skills, this program encourages students to find their voice through self-expression and integrates with our STEAM components.
Additionally, our students continued to experience success in academics, the arts, and athletics as follows: Multiple students placed at the Regional National History Day (NHD) contest and competed at the NHD State competition; thirty-nine students competed in the Piedmont Region III Science Fair; thirteen students were recognized as South Carolina Junior Scholars; Creative writing students won the 2024 One Word Poetry Festival Contest, twenty-two students participated in the SCBDA Solo & Ensemble Festival, the 7th and 8th grade Boys basketball teams won conference championships; and the Boys and Girls Track and Field teams won conference championships.
Due to the consistent work of all stakeholders in our school community, our students and faculty have been recognized for their amazing work and achievements. Our unique STEAM program allows students to complete STEAM projects in their core content area courses, and take specialized Related Arts courses. As we continue our partnership with the Arts in the Basic Curriculum Institute, students will participate in musicals, learn from artists in residences, and receive specialized instruction from local poets in our school community. As a school community, Saluda Trail continues to serve our students with excellence providing multiple opportunities for our students to demonstrate success in academics, arts, and athletics.
Dr. G. Marek Marshall