South Middle School

Mrs. Bartholow's 9th period Crafts Class got creative in the hallway with a masking tape mural. Like it says, "Good Things Happen Here!"

Mr. McIntyre's and Mrs. Blosser's Girl's STEM class completed a shark dissection after their unit studying sharks!

Congratulations to our 8th graders with a 4.0 GPA! South celebrated all their hard work with a luncheon.

The “Get a Life” program was developed for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office by Fairmont State University to teach students statewide about managing personal finances through a budget simulation. Students learn to make choices that will affect their financial future. Participating students walk away with the skills to make better financial decisions. They also learn how higher education will help advance their career goals.

Congratulations Max Kirby for winning Honorable Mention in the state County Commissioners Association of WV Essay Competition. He will be awarded a $50 check at a future Monongalia County Commissioners meeting.

Our Featured Stallion Staff is.... Mrs. Moore What is your job at South? School Counselor How long have you been at South? This is my 18th year at South. What is your favorite activity? My favorite activity this year has been hosting grade-level lunch groups and a variety of clubs. It's been really rewarding to see students in a more informal setting. Why did you pick this career? I started my career as a teacher and realized that my true passion was in supporting students beyond the classroom. I wanted to create a safe space for students and help them not only succeed academically but also navigate their emotional and personal challenges. That's what led me to further my education and become a school counselor.

Mr. Bartholow's Biking Class looks like a fun way to exercise!

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is..... Mrs. Rowan! What do you teach at South? I teach 8th grade Science. How long have you been at South? 10 years What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? Having the students create DNA keychains and having the students create and carry out their own investigations is always very interesting to watch. Why did you choose your career path? I feel like I am good at teaching, and I enjoy feeling like I make a difference in the lives of many children.

Our Stallion Featured Staff is..... Ms. Underdonk! What is your job at South? I am a school counselor. How long have you been at South? I have been a school counselor since 2012. I have been in Mon County for 10 years and at South Middle for four years. What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? I have worked closely with the WV Public Education Collaborative this year. We keep improving the program as the year progresses. We have had guest speakers like Nick Malone, who received an invitation to Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp, and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr, who won season 6 of America's Got Talent. Why did you choose your career path? To help kids find their voices, to learn that it's okay to be different, and to help them grow.

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is..... Mr. Overstreet! What do you teach at South? I teach 7th grade math and 6th and 7th grade Discover Your Future. Discover Your Future is a career class that helps students plan and think about careers after high school. How long have you been at South? Finishing my 6th year. This is my 19th year in education, having 8 years in Kentucky and 11 years here in West Virginia. What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? There's a lot of great projects that we've done. My favorite project/assignment has to be our garden. The students wanted something to call their own. We decided to work on the garden. To see the students really enjoying and really invested in this is something that I love to see students do. Why did you choose your career path? I had some amazing teachers in my schooling that challenged me to think independently and collectively. These teachers have had a lasting impact on my life. As a teacher, you feel that you are helping and molding students' lives, just like the former educators that have been an impact on my life. Some areas (whether math or career) are challenging, but those moments define who you are and what type of character you will have! Mr. Overstreet is also starting a School Garden Project. Thank you for introducing new projects to our South students!

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is..... Ms. Hribar! What do you teach? I teach 6th grade math. How long have you been at South? This is my 12th year at South. What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? There have been several activities that I have enjoyed this year. Providing students with opportunities to work collaboratively and actively participate in real-world investigations such as 3 Act Tasks, digital escape rooms, and mini projects are some of my favorites. Why did you choose your career path? I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a very early age, and math has always been my favorite subject. I find joy in seeing students overcome challenges and grasp difficult concepts. These "lightbulb moments" not only boost students' confidence but also reinforce my love of teaching. It is my goal to create a supportive and safe learning environment to help lessen math anxiety and encourage all students to participate. Approaching teaching with compassion helps students feel valued and capable, fostering a positive attitude towards math.

We love our ELA/Reading Teams!

Our Stallion Math Teams! We appreciate you all!

Our Amazing Science Teachers!

Thank you to our Social Studies teams!

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is....... Mr. Ratliff! What do you teach at South? Gifted/ Academic Enrichment How long have you been at South? This is my 8th year. What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? My students made miniature haunted houses out of cardboard. I always enjoy this activity because it allows the students to showcase their creativity. Why did you choose your career path? I became a teacher because I want to make learning enjoyable and meaningful for students. Building strong relationships and creating a fun, engaging classroom environment is at the heart of everything I do.

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is...... Ms. Conley What do you teach at South? WV Studies & History Bowl Advisor How long have you been at South? 10th year at South What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? My favorite project is what we are currently working on which is a WV Exploratory project - where they research or create a place or places of interest to them. Why did you choose your career path? I became a teacher because I love history and I wanted every child that I could reach to know they always have a safe space if they needed it. Ms. Conley is one of our History Bowl Coaches and helps run our school PBIS program! Thank you for all you do to make our school a better place!

We had a great 1st day of Math GSA testing! Keep up the good work Stallions! May 6 & 7 WVGSA Math May 8 & 9 WVGSA Reading/ELA May 13 & 14 WVGSA Science (8th grade only)

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is............. Ms. Farley What do you teach at South? Enrichment and English Language Arts 8 How long have you been at South? This is my 4th year full-time and my 5th year altogether. What has been your favorite project or assignment you've worked on this year? My favorite project this year has been either World-Building in Academic Enrichment or character soundtracks in ELA. Why did you choose your career path? Early in my career in journalism, I worked two part-time jobs at the same time: one as a proofreader correcting the grammar of middle-aged men and another developing and implementing summer learning programs at a recreational youth center. I soon realized that one of those jobs was MUCH more rewarding and enjoyable than the other! As soon as I had the chance, I went back to school to get the education credits I needed to add to my English degree to secure my teaching certification. Ms. Farley coaches our South Drone Team and is also a coach for our History Bowl Team. Thank you for all!

Our Stallion Featured Teacher is ...... Ms. DeLuca Nestor! I teach 8th-grade science, but my true passion lies in building relationships, guiding students, and creating meaningful opportunities for their growth. I strive to prepare them for careers that don’t yet exist by helping them become lifelong learners and equipping them with a toolbox of skills to think critically and solve problems. I have been a teacher at South Middle since 2010. Before coming to South, I taught for eight years in Tucker County. One of my favorite assignments came at the beginning of the year when students designed an 'About Me' hoodie to share their personal stories. I held individual conferences with each student during the project, which allowed me to build strong connections and learn about their unique backgrounds. It was a great way to kick off the school year. I also enjoy when students play the 'Let It Flow' game, where they take on the role of organisms in an ecosystem to demonstrate how energy is transferred. Through interactive play, they experience the balance of survival; some organisms thrive while others die, bringing science to life in a fun and memorable way. I also love working with my student council and delivering Stomps to celebrate others. I come from a long line of educators and have always felt called to serve others. For me,     there’s no better way to do that than by creating opportunities for future generations.        Nothing brings me more joy than seeing former students happy, thriving, and living their best lives. I believe in my students and am committed to helping them build brighter, more      meaningful futures. Ms. DeLuca Nestor also runs our Student Council program. She helps organize all those Stallion Stomps. Thank you for all you do for students!