On Tuesday, March 12 we had sixth graders come to tour the school. They seemed excited as I saw them exit the buses. They had a tour of the school and the orientation in the auditorium. Theyalso got to see some performances from the choir, band, and others. They even got to practice opening lockers. One sixth grader said, “I’m really excited for Jr. High. It seems so cool. I’m so nervous and excited at the same time. I can’t wait.” I had a question and answer session with a future sixth grader. He wanted to know more about classes, schedules, teachers and more.

Excitement is spreading as the day of our school’s musical performance draws near. Annie has captured the attention of every student of Salem Junior High and anticipation is rippling as more information comes. The cast and directors are amazing, and they are trying very hard to make this performance enjoyable, but I believe that many of us often overlook those who are helping in the shadows and performing their parts on the sides and in the back. Tina Knutson, Ryker Scott, Mitchell Hunter are the members of our tech team, who keep everything running.

This year at Salem Junior High we have started track and field. Track and field just started on March 11, 2013. Track and field consists of seven different activities: Shot put, discuss, sprints, hurdles, distance running, high and long jumps. The first day track was a good turnout; we probably had 50 people there and it was a blast. On the first day we went around to different stations to see what they all were. The stations where short and brief, it was just to get a feel for it.  The coaches are Coach Blanchard, Mrs. Brooksby, Mrs.

Three of our finest athletes represented Salem Junior High at the Nebo School District Captain's Academy in January. Jackie Yates (Girls Basketball), Justin Christensen (Boys Basketball), Sean Knudeson (Wrestling) attended the academy which included speeches about hard work, academics and good sportsmanship. Jackie, Justin and Sean were able to meet athletes from the other schools in the district. They had a great time and represented us all well!

On Thursday February 28, 2013 the Salem Jr. High Womens Chorus went to BYU for a singing competition. It was a fun and wonderful opportunity. They were one of the few juniorh highs to compete, the rest were from high schools from around Utah. They sang The Voice, a song from Ireland, Dirait-On, a French piece, and Kaki Lambe, an African tribal dance song. They had an amazing performance; the audience loved it. The completion judges loved it and said they did a fabulous job. Although they did not win first place, they did great!

The following are our February Students of the month...7th grade:Dallas GilbertWhitney Graham8th grade:Cameron BradshawHannah Lee9th grade:Emily AdamsJustin ChristensenCongratulations and great job to all of our students of the month!!

Earlier this month Salem Junior High Held the "Soup"er bowl food drive in honor of the real Super Bowl on Sunday, February 3. Similar to the real Super Bowl, we had a little delay. On the first day we only had 6 cans total! Luckily we bounced up quickly. To help collect more cans Mr. Nielsen and Mrs. Halcrow had a competition against their classes. Overall the whole student body brought over our goal of cans, and the winning grade was ninth grade. They won a donut party. Good job Salem Jr. High!

On Friday February 22, 2013 some of our amazing seventh grade writers were awarded for their writing skills.

Teachers and staff showed their school spirit and support for the Track and Field Team last Friday by sporting track uniforms all day. Students and staff are feeling the excitement because the season is almost here. Students should attend an informational meeting this Friday (March 1) during Olympic Time to sign up and get all the necessary paperwork. We have a great opportunity to start a tradition of excellence at Salem Jr. High School. 9th Graders will play an important leadership role on our team.