Salida Schools Provide Opportunities for Students to Pursue Their Dreams

Beyond providing opportunities for students to excel in the classroom, Salida Schools provides a variety of extracurricular opportunities for students who want to explore other interests, activities, and adventures. Students are encouraged to participate in the arts, athletics, and other clubs and organizations. Explore the options and reach out to the leaders, coaches, and advisors who guide our youth in reaching their goals. Visit the links about each option to learn more. 

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

The Salida School District thanks the community for coming together to support our students, including those who participate in extracurricular activities. We like to brag about our results in the classroom, and also cheer on our kids who are pursuing their dreams in other ways. We are fortunate to have the support of students, staff, parents, and community members cheering on our Spartans in a variety of activities. 

Continuing research shows that student participation in activities outside of the classroom has both short and long term positive effects for students and community members. Students who participate in extracurriculars are more likely to have:

• Improved academic performance, are more likely to persist towards graduation, and more likely to earn a 4-year degree following high school. Increased brain function, learn how to concentrate and develop time management skills.

• Explore interests and expand perspectives, and broaden their worldview. 
  Higher self esteem by mastering new skills, sometimes competitive and sometimes for fun, an opportunity to find success without the pressure. 

•  Productive breaks where they can explore passions outside of academics and take a break from the books.

•  Essential life skills developed through goal setting, teamwork, time management, prioritization, problem-solving, analytical thinking, leadership, and public speaking often associated with extracurricular activities. 

•  Stronger resumes and applications for colleges and universities, scholarships, internships and jobs because they have examples of their skills, abilities and interests others are looking for in candidates.

•  Networking and social opportunities where they make new friends, meet mentors, learn how to work with others including peers, teachers, coaches and community leaders. 

•  Tools for improved mental health and reduce stress, improved mood, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment. They often find a sense of community where they feel connected and supported. Physical activities like sports can help release endorphins, which offer additional benefits for mental health.

Spartan participants and fans are encouraged to BE LOUD! BE PROUD! BE POSITIVE! We encourage all fans to remember we cheer for the Spartans, not against our opponents.

Salida Middle School students, in good academic standing, are eligible to participate in a variety of athletic activities including: Fall - Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheer; Winter - Wrestling, Boys & Girls Basketball, Cheer; Spring - Track and Field, Baseball. Details about Spartan Athletics, including information about registration, current game schedules, links to live action on the NFHS Network, and more, can be found at salidaathletics.com. Questions about SMS athletic programs should be directed to Stephen Crane, SMS Athletic Director at scrane@salidaschools.org.

SMS students to learn about music and learn to sing or play an instrument. There is a 5th grade band class, where students learn to play an instrument and to read music. They may then progress to either Level 1 or Level 2 band, based on their experience and skill level. Level 2 musicians also have the opportunity to join the jazz band. SMS also has two choir classes, one for 5th and 6th graders, and one for 7th and 8th graders. Learn more about the music programs at SMS.

The Spartan Voice committee is a student leadership opportunity and represents the student's at Salida Middle School. Students are required to submit an external recommendation as part of the application process. 

The mission of the Spartan Voice Committee is to improve the culture through respect, kindness and equality; representing all students' voices and perspectives to make a positive impact on Salida Middle School - in hopes of expanding to the larger community. They have the following standing committees: Public Relations and Publicity, Service, Social, and Spirit. 

Spartan Voice is comprised of four representatives from each grade level. (5th, 6th, 7th & 8th) The Executive Board is comprised of elected and appointed officers/chairpersons. One from each grade level.
8th Grade: President
7th Grade: Vice President
6th Grade: Treasurer
5th Grade: Secretary

Please reach out to Wendy Zechman or Erin Johnke for more information. 

Calling all 7th and 8th grade SMS parents and students! Salida Middle School’s Destination Imagination Team  is an exciting and engaging program where students work in teams of two to seven students to solve STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges.

The team is led by a parent Team Manager who helps the team stay on track but does not directly help with the development of their Challenge solution. If your student is a STEAM-enthusiast, budding artist or storyteller, passionate community activist, or loves to learn and explore new ideas, DI can nurture that curiosity and use it to build lifelong skills for success.

Last year’s team earned 1st place at the DI After Dark Tournament, 2nd Place at the Regional Tournament, and 3rd place in the State Tournament. There are currently 5 spots available for this year’s team.

DI is an 8-month team commitment – please consider this commitment before signing up to participate. All team members must be available for tournaments. 

Questions? Contact SMS DI Team Manager Holli Keyser or 720-250-7772