Willkomen! Guten Tag! Was machst du heute nachmittag?Posted Jul03, 2008 at 07:54 PM Zach Mills, a rising junior at Salem High School, will have spent nearly a month at the Virginia Governor's German Immersion Academy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on July 13. Mills, along with 44 other Virginian high school students, learned the language through usage in the cafeteria, in the dorm, on the soccer field, as well as in the classroom. Monday through Saturday, participants attend five unique and creative classes, such as East-West history, geography and culture, and music to encourage them to take an active part in their learning. Students will also be introduced to a second foreign language, taught through German. Afternoon activities such as cooking, soccer, volleyball, and ballroom dancing, photography, and journal writing fully immerse the students to make the language acquisition meaningful, practical, and lasting. Salem High alums tour EuropePosted Jul01, 2008 at 05:55 PM Venice, Rome, anybody? Fifteen recent alums of Salem High School are currently on a 17-day- and at least nine-city-whirlwind tour of Europe. Theresa Grey, a Salem High School teacher, leads a tour each year (not affiliated with the school.) They'll be in Venice and Rome for the States' Independence Day. Cities on the itinerary: Here is a picture taken of five on June 25, before they headed up to Dulles Airport for their plane trip over the Atlantic. From left: Elizabeth McArthur, LeAnna Minnix, Amy McArthur, Theresa Grey, Krysti Nelson, and Sarah Hall. Not pictured: Nitya Reddy, Millie Leach, Nick Leftwich, Tristan MacDonald, and David Crotts
Photos from Salem art campPosted Jun27, 2008 at 09:17 AM For 12 years, Darlene Marshall, a teacher at South Salem Elementary, and Mike Gibson, the Salem High School art teacher, have helped put together the Salem Art Camp. It's a refuge for elementary and middle school students who want to take a break from the sun to foster their creativity. Elementary-age kids learn about artists and time periods and are given a little instruction. "What are the names of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?," Marshall asked. One project included a book about Renaissance artists, and then the kids sculpted their very own turtle. Middle school students are given freedom to work on projects just like high schoolers would, learning life skills for art. "They're not being forced on them, they can kind of experiment and adventure," Gibson said. First photo: Caleb Underwood, right, and Sarah Tooley, left, learn to draw to scale and stylize. Second photo (courtesy of Mike Gibson): Christopher Clemens focuses on his sculpture. That's Emily Bell on the left.
Cruise for your School raises $1,251 for Glenvar High SchoolPosted Jun25, 2008 at 04:04 PM Forty eight test drives and a car wash by Glenvar High School students added up to success for the fundraiser, organized by Berglund Ford on East Main in Salem. We have a photo gallery of 11 photos from the event. Here's the complete press release: The June 21st Cruise 4 UR School fundraiser sponsored by Ford and Berglund Ford here in Salem raised $1, 251 for Glenvar High School. The one-day event invited people to test drive an assortment of 2008 Ford products and for every individual who participated, Ford and Berglund Ford donated $20 to Glenvar High School. “I want to thank the community for making this event a huge success,” said Robbie Brookshier of Berglund Ford. “This was a great way to show Berglund Ford’s support for our community’s youth.” “The money raised will go a long way in helping us take care of our students,” said Kevin Clifford, Football Coach of Glenvar High School. Continue reading "Cruise for your School raises $1,251 for Glenvar High School" » The not-so-typical life of a Gus Mitchell School graduatePosted Jun25, 2008 at 10:26 AM Graduation season has come and gone, and left Jorge Cuestas Jr. -- Lee to friends -- with a high school diploma. Photo by Josh Meltzer Roanoke County bus drivers place in state bus rodeo competitionPosted Jun19, 2008 at 09:49 AMThree Roanoke County school bus drivers and one driver's aide have placed in the state bus rodeo competition -- and two of them have ties to Salem and Glenvar. Becky Holt, who is from Salem (and is an aide on a special needs bus in the Northside area), took third place. Greg Lampert, who drives for Glenvar, also took third place. The other two winners -- Marie Pratt and Linda Turner -- also drive for Northside. Here's the official release from Chuck Lionberger of Roanoke County Public Schools: Continue reading "Roanoke County bus drivers place in state bus rodeo competition" » Refugee Girls Summer Program visits Roanoke CollegePosted Jun18, 2008 at 04:43 PM
“Can you spend the night here?” That was one of many questions asked by a group of 18 middle and high school girls during a visit to Roanoke College Wednesday morning. The visit was scheduled as part of the Refugee Girls Summer Program. This free program, sponsored by Refugee and Immigration Services and St. John’s Community Youth Program, is meant to expose young refugees from African and Middle-Eastern countries to various career possibilities and give them the necessary skills to pursue higher-education. Since many refugees come from places where education is either not possible or not encouraged, they face multiple challenges upon their arrival in the United States. Language barriers and a lack of basic education from their home country mean they are sometimes ill-prepared for placement in American schools where grade-level is based on age. This makes it difficult to even begin thinking about college. “It’s a cultural nightmare … You just can’t play that amount of catch-up,” said Margaret Whitt, instructional director of the Refugee Girls Summer Program. The purpose of Wednesday’s visit was to introduce the girls to the basics of college life; from what to call a college teacher to the difference between living “on-campus” and “off-campus.” “The guidance counselors aren’t talking to them about this kind of thing,” said Whitt as she introduced four pre-service teachers who would act as tour guides for the girls. The guides are all recent graduates or current students of the education department at Roanoke College. Continue reading "Refugee Girls Summer Program visits Roanoke College" » Parent photos from Glenvar graduationPosted Jun16, 2008 at 05:16 PM We asked folks to send in photos from graduation and Glenvar parent Carol McGuire has done just that. Thanks, Carol! Here's K.J. Ford, Erin Brookshire, Kayla Strickland and Jim McGuire. Below, Jim McGuire -- looking good for the camera. We have more Glenvar graduation photos from Carol McGuire in this photo gallery. And, of course, we posted our own photo gallery last week. If you have graduation photos from either Glenvar or Salem, you can share them at news@sosalem.com. And our special invitation to graduates is still open: Write your own graduation blurb on what you'll be doing next and we'll use it in an upcoming issue of So Salem. Here's how. Raise money for Glenvar High School -- test drive a Ford Saturday, June 21Posted Jun16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Come out Saturday, June 21, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and test drive a new Ford at the Berglund on 834 East Main Street in Salem. For each person who takes a spin, Ford will donate $20 to GHS, up to $6,000. Berglund Ford writes: "Not only is this a great opportunity to generate much-needed funding for school activities, but it is also the perfect time to check out the 2008 Ford product lineup, which features new cars, trucks and crossovers loaded with cutting-edge safety, quality and design innovations." We had a previous post about Glenvar High School on June 12. Photos from Salem High School graduationPosted Jun13, 2008 at 06:59 PM Salem High School held its graduation today and we have a photo gallery from the event. Left: Morgan Puruczky scans the crowd. Photo by Erin Millar. And if you'd like to congratulate a graduate, you can leave a comment on this blog. Our last post about Salem High School was earlier today. Video of Salem student auditioning to give graduation speechPosted Jun13, 2008 at 09:53 AM If you've seen The Roanoke Times today, you may have seen the story in the Extra section about how Salem High School annually holds an "audition" among its many valedictorians to decide who will give the graduation speech. If not, here's the story -- along with profiles of the seven students who auditioned this year: Matt Lipscomb, Matt Constantin, Rachel Gresham, Nitya Reedy, Amy Sailer, Scott Bradford, and Leanna Minix And, finally, we have video of the winning audition. And check back on this blog -- we'll be posting a photo gallery from this afternoon's graduation. By the way, our last post about Salem High School was June 12. Amy Sailer auditions. Photo by Eric Brady. Construction at Andrew Lewis Middle SchoolPosted Jun12, 2008 at 02:49 PMIf you see a crane lurking around Andrew Lewis Middle School, don't worry -- the general's namesake will remain with the school. Last month's windstorm somehow pulled up the roof's rubber membrane, detaching the insulation and pulling the roof drains up. The third floor section of roof at the front of the school was left heavily damaged, wrinkled with several leaks. Although quick fixes to leaks were made, an insurance adjuster and a private roofing consultant evaluated the situation and determined that a new roof was needed on an emergency basis. The insurance settlement will pay $99,734, and the work will cost $99,872 plus a performance bond of $872. WA Lynch Roofing Company will perform the work, starting around June 18. The new roof will be fastened down instead of being sealed with tar. We had a previous post about Andrew Lewis Middle School earlier today. Photos from Glenvar High School graduationPosted Jun12, 2008 at 02:29 PM Glenvar High School held its graduation this morning and we already have a photo gallery from the event. Photo by Erin Millar If you have photos from graduation, you can share them at news@sosalem.com. And here's a reminder for graduates -- you can write your own graduation blurb and we'll run it for free in an upcoming issue of So Salem. Here's how. Salem High School graduates Friday and we'll have a photo gallery coming from there, as well. By the way, our last post about Glenvar High School was June 10. Students recognized by Salem City School BoardPosted Jun12, 2008 at 12:50 PM Sarah Hakkenberg was recognized for two achievements. She earned a Gold Medal Award and a Summa Cum Laude certificate for her placement in the 2008 National Latin Exam, the Latin II Competition. She also won a Gold Medal Award in 2007 in the Latin I Competition. Hakkenberg also finished second in the "Botany A" category for her presentation at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science at Hampton University May 20-22. Her paper entitled "The Effect of Different Types of Light on the Growth of Helianthus annus" examines the effects of growing sunflowers under regular incandescent bulbs versus the newer compact flourescent bulbs. She said that she expected the CF bulbs to win out over the incandescents, but her results indicated the opposite.
 Rey Cruz, Salem High student, won first place in the poster category. His theme was "Hands of Friendship". 
Clare Macdonald, Andrew Lewis student, won first place in the poem category. Her poem spoke of how anybody can be an everyday hero, from parents, to friends at school, to teachers, and beyond. 
For a photo gallery from the recognitions, click here.
Continue reading "Students recognized by Salem City School Board" » Mother sues Roanoke County schools over treatment of autistic son at Glenvar ElementaryPosted Jun12, 2008 at 12:11 PMThe mother of an autistic boy is suing the Roanoke County School Board for $100,000 plus interest, saying her child suffered serious setbacks after he was punished in October 2006 for an incident at Glenvar Elementary School. Courts reporter Mike Allen has details on this developing story. Photos from East Salem Elementary field dayPosted Jun11, 2008 at 02:59 PM Now parent Matt Chittum has sent us his photos -- so we've put them into a photo gallery. Matt has 14 photos, so between them, that's 36 photos from East Salem Elementary. Do you have photos from this or other events in Salem and western Roanoke County? If so, you can share them at news@sosalem.com. Salem kids awarded for good characterPosted Jun10, 2008 at 06:28 PM
The Taylor Masonic Lodge awarded bicycles to Haley Diamond and David Martin, GW Carver Elementary students for good character. Two students from each Salem city elementary school will receive a bike. Teachers submit a list of students deemed to have good character, and a boy and a girl are randomly selected from that group. The program was initiated by past Salem lodge master Joe Kropff. Photo: Haley Diamond and David Martin show off their new bikes, with current lodge master David Kidd on the right and past master Joe Kropff on the left. East Salem Elementary braves the heat for Field DayPosted Jun10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Students at East Salem Elementary enjoyed a welcome break from class today and braved temperatures climbing near the 90 degree mark for their Annual Field Day celebration. With upbeat dance music blasting in the background from DJ Dale Bayless, students from kindergarten to fifth-grade participated in more than 24 events like “Noodle Fencing” and “Water Polo.” The event selection was complete with a dunking booth manned in shifts by parent volunteers. PTA president Faye Crute even took her turn at the mercy of softball-wielding kids. Crute was one of over 140 parents who signed up to take part in the day’s festivities. To beat the heat, field day organizers made sure to include plenty of opportunities for kids, parents and teachers to cool off. Shaded tents, inside games and water hoses helped, but the “sno-cones” and mist-tent were the clear favorites. East Salem has been giving students this end-of-the-year opportunity to let loose for about four years now. Also part of the Field Day tradition is the Fifth Grade Survivor Challenge—a special treat for fifth-graders, who are enjoying their last Field Day at East Salem. This year the Challenge included a tennis ball bounce-off and a tricycle race. For some, Field Day as a fifth-grader is bittersweet. “It’s kind of a mixed emotion. It’s like, I’m going to middle school, but I’ll still miss this place,” said fifth-grader Brianna Battaglia on leaving East Salem next year. For most students, though, Field Day is something to look forward to for years to come. Continue reading "East Salem Elementary braves the heat for Field Day" » Photo from Glenvar's first field day in 25 yearsPosted Jun09, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Chuck Lionberger of Roanoke County Public Schools sends us this photo from Glenvar Elementary's field day. Chuck says: "Students and staff at Glenvar Elementary held their first Field Day in more than 25 years on June 6. Every student took part in games and activities during the all-day event. While the weather was hot, there was plenty of fun and friendship." Do you have field day photos from Glenvar or any other school in Salem and western Roanoke County? If so, you can share them at news@sosalem.com
"Colonial Games" a success at West SalemPosted Jun06, 2008 at 05:08 PM
After SOLs and a long school year, what kid doesn't want to grab a Nintendo Wii, DS, or computer and go quickly and deeply into a game system coma? The fourth-graders at West Salem were given other alternatives on Friday, June 6, during "Colonial Games." Games collected from the 1700S to 1800s filled the school's gym, along with laughter and merriment from the students. Quoitz, nine-pins, marbles, pick-up sticks, dominoes, hoops, and other old-fashioned games were set up -- with volunteers and parents to help. "This is a culminating activity to our Virginia studies... our SOLs are over, and we studied so hard!" grade coordinator Shirley Shuler said. "We want to show them that they can do things without computers and gameboys." The students also wrote a resource paper about a famous or historical Virginian -- then crafted a doll, its face in art class, and the rest they did at home. Photo: Michael Chapman rolls during a game of nine pins while Matthew Gauck waits his turn. We also have a photo gallery from West Salem. Snakes alive! Student brings snake to graduationPosted Jun06, 2008 at 10:15 AM Here's something other graduation speakers this year might want to keep in mind about how to keep your audience's attention: Bring a snake. Drape it around your neck. Restless graduates and their parents are bound to pay attention then. That was the formula that eighth-grader Alex Bentley of Salem used last night, anyway. He's a student at Community School -- a private school near Hollins University that goes through eighth grade. (There's a related Community High School in downtown Roanoke.) It's the tradition at the school for each eighth grader to give a going-away speech at the school's year-end Celebration event. And, as previously reported in So Salem, Bentley likes snakes. Lots and lots of snakes. File photo by Miranda Adkins Continue reading "Snakes alive! Student brings snake to graduation" » Salem student selected as delegate to AustraliaPosted Jun05, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Sixth grade teachers at South Salem Elementary should be wary of assigning the “What I did over summer vacation” assignment to Renae Trail come this September. Her summer vacation might include pool days and maybe even a theme park, but for about three weeks, she’ll be a student-ambassador to Australia through the People to People program. The itinerary includes a trip, beginning this July 8, to the Great Barrier Reef, the Irwin family zoo, and many more opportunities to meet Australian people and wildlife. Reluctant at first, Renae is excited to experience new things, including “seeing what they eat—I heard they eat kangaroos and octopus, and we have to try it.” The program, established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, was designed to bring citizens of different countries together in order to promote peace and understanding by sharing experiences and information. The 40-or-so-student group will be escorted by teachers and People to People representatives on their journey halfway across the world. Continue reading "Salem student selected as delegate to Australia" » No senior-skip-days for this graduating Glenvar studentPosted Jun05, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Amber Pratt doesn't have an immune system made of steel, magic cough drops, or a time machine--things that would be useful in attaining perfect attendance throughout one's entire school career. She has achieved that which becomes almost impossible, however, once senior year and "senioritis" begins. According to guidance secretary Shelia Huffman, she hasn't used too many tardies or left school early too often, either. Pratt explains that it has to do with the encouragement and expectations she learned early in her school career. "My parents wanted me to go every day, they encouraged me...there were times that I could've [skipped], but I was afraid that my mom would find out," she said. Our last post about Glenvar High School was June 3. Mention Fort Lewis Elementary at the Valley View Barnes & Noble this SaturdayPosted Jun05, 2008 at 01:01 PMHelp raise money for Fort Lewis Elementary by shopping at Barnes & Noble in Valley View Mall this Saturday. The bookstore will donate a percentage of those sales (when you mention Fort Lewis Elementary!) from 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. The public is also invited to join Fort Lewis for pet-themed fun and games between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Here’s the rundown of events: 11 a.m.:Storytime and make-your-own boat craft with Mental Health America - "Summertime Fun" All Day - Pet Trivia Scavenger Hunt, Candy Estimation Our last post about Fort Lewis Elementary School was May 28. The Class of ‘08 shout-out begins!Posted May28, 2008 at 03:09 PM
If you’re a graduating senior from Salem or Glenvar (or live in zip code 24153 and attend a private school or are home-schooled) , send us your blurb -- your favorite part of high school, what you’ll be doing next, and a photo -- to news@sosalem.com and we’ll use it in an upcoming issue. Summer, here we come! Photos from Fort Lewis field dayPosted May28, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Fort Lewis Elementary celebrated the end of the school year yesterday, May 28, with the well-known tradition of field day. With SOLs finished and nine days of school left, what better to do? Does your school have a field day or special end-of-year event coming up? Call our community journalist, Miranda Adkins, at 981-3342 with the date or send pictures of your students after the fact to news@sosalem.com! Photo: Adam Mitchell, left, and Paige Stinson, right, take a quick break while fellow fifth-graders spend the last few minutes of field day frolicking on the inflatable maze. Our last post about Fort Lewis Elementary was April 28. Ben Chester receives Pamplin Leader Award at Glenvar HighPosted May27, 2008 at 04:53 PM
The Pamplin Leader is a one-year, $1,000 tuition scholarship to Virginia Tech. It is presented annually to a top student from each public high school in Virginia. It was established by Robert B. Pamplin Sr. (VT, Class of ’33) and Robert B. Pamplin Jr., to acknowledge students with a record of outstanding achievement that is balanced with a commitment to community service and leadership experience. Photo courtesy of Ben Chester. Our last post about Glenvar High School was May 20. Coming to a local kindergarden near you!Posted May22, 2008 at 05:19 PM
First United Methodist Daycare and Preschool director Jane Butto and teachers Tracy Lintner, Vivien MacMahan, Susan Turner, and Debbie Holly shared a mixture of pride and sadness with parents and grandparents as 39 children graduated from preschool Wednesday, May 21. Virginia Tech football player Dustin Pickle visits with local studentsPosted May22, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Bright and early this Thursday morning, students involved with FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, clubs around the valley met at First Baptist Church on Third Street in downtown Roanoke for their last meeting of the year. Special guests included Virginia Tech running back Dustin Pickle, his girlfriend, 2007 Miss Virginia Lauren Barnette, and Virginia Tech football chaplain Johnny Shelton. Pickle attended Glenvar High School until his junior year, when he transferred over to Salem High School. He graduated in 2005. Barnette is from Wise and is a student at VT. Top left, Glenvar crowd: from left, Rusty Galbreath, Thomas McConnell, Dustin Pickle, Brandon Fox, Zach Hill, Kelly Hill, and Heather Keating. Continue reading "Virginia Tech football player Dustin Pickle visits with local students" » Salem High School's Lindsay Maxwell wins top prize at art showPosted May19, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Salem High School's Lindsay Maxwell won Best in Show and also won the Wentworth Prize for Best Use of Media in her work "Aftermath". Keep reading for the complete press release of winners, and click here to go to the Salem High School website . Continue reading "Salem High School's Lindsay Maxwell wins top prize at art show" » East Salem's PTA yard sale a successPosted May19, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Kym writes: "Our parents and members of the school staff supported us wonderfully by getting to the school at 6am Saturday morning to help set-up. They were there all day to help straighten and organize the items. Others came later in the day to help take things down and haul unsold items to Goodwill. My mom, Becky Lester, was a huge help in making this such a success." Click here for our previous blog from May 15. Photo courtesy of Kym Tennant. Pledge to wear seatbelt brings rewards for eight Salem studentsPosted May15, 2008 at 08:58 PM Last month during two lunch periods, 387 Salem High students pledged to wear their seatbelts for an entire year as a gift to a friend or loved one. Eight of those students were randomly selected to win $50 or $100 cash prizes as a reward for their potentially life-saving promise. "You can't think about it when your car is sliding or someone is head-on toward you; you don't have time to buckle up," co-sponsor Sam Lionberger thanked them, citing two different accident victims, both family and family-friend, that would have survived if they had buckled up. Photo: front left to right Lt. Guthries, Chief Bryant, Kristi Davidson, Allison Shannon, Olivia Shingleton, Brook Blankenship, Kyle Walker, Kayla McKern, Rachel Gresham, Lt. Parries, Lt. Kennedy. Winner not pictured: Crystal Davis Continue reading "Pledge to wear seatbelt brings rewards for eight Salem students" » Massive yardsale at East Salem ElementaryPosted May15, 2008 at 09:20 AMLooking for a huge yard sale? Head out towards East Salem Elementary on Boulevard this Saturday, May 17 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be a plethora of various items including books, adult and children's clothing, household items, furniture, and more. The sale is sponsored by East Salem Elementary's PTA, which funds programs like field day, teacher appreciation week, supplies for classrooms, and useful things like a washer and dryer for the preschool program. National College’s spring graduation set for June 1Posted May13, 2008 at 05:22 PMVictor Giovanetti will speak at National College’s commencement on Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m. More than 210 students are expected to receive degrees and diplomas. Giovanetti is the president and CEO of Lewis-Gale Medical Center, a Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) facility. He serves as Market Lead of HCA’s Southwest Virginia. Giovanetti started his healthcare career as a firefighter, paramedic, and served as a senior flight paramedic. Our last post about National College was May 13. |