Welcome to the very first edition of The Bulldog Beat, the new Martinsville Middle School newsletter! Each week, our student homeroom reporters will bring you the latest news, events, and highlights from around our school. Stay tuned to see what’s happening at Martinsville Middle! These reports are presented verbatim.
On Monday, in Algebra we reviewed for an upcoming test. In English, we had a 20-question spelling test in the library. Thank you to Ms. Vandermeuse for sharing her space with us. In physical science, we read a very informational text about concave and convex lenses. In civics, we continued to take notes and did an easy, quick assignment. For lunch we had a choice of pizza or salad. The JV football team traveled to Glenvar. Also, the golf team traveled to Franklin County. Happy birthday to Zoriyah Harris. On Tuesday in Algebra, we took a 20-question test on paper, and we were allowed to use a calculator. In English, we went back down to the library to take a vocabulary test. In physical science, we did a quiz. Also, in Miss Honeycutt’s class, we finished our notes. For lunch we had baked spaghetti or a choice of salad. On Wednesday in physical science, we did lab stations with a group. In math, we did a worksheet, and in English we read Long Way Down. In Algebra I, we did expressions, and in civics we finished notes, did a Gimkit, and another assignment. On Thursday we continued stations in science, and in Algebra I we continued to work with expressions. In English we wrote about characters in Long Way Down. In civics, we did review Gimkit and a 15-question quiz. For lunch we had chicken legs. The JV volleyball team won against Bassett, and the middle school volleyball team unfortunately lost. – Hailey Coleman, 8th grade
This week in science, we learned about reflection and light waves. We talked about how we use radio waves, like TV and radio. Then we had a test. That is what we did this week. – TayShawn Hairston, 8th grade
From MMS, many students have been behaving very well. Everybody has had a positive attitude. Many students have done so well in class, at lunch, and in the hallway. MMS students have been doing their work they are supposed to, and many teachers are proud of their students. – Jaymi Henriquez-Ramos, 8th grade
Hey, I am the homeroom reporter for Mr. Sweitzer’s 8th grade class. This week had a couple of highlights for me. On Thursday, I played in a JV volleyball game at Bassett. It was a fun and competitive match. I was really happy to see a good grade on an English test. I am looking forward to next week in school and on the court. – Selena Stultz, 8th grade
The volleyball team lost Monday to Glenvar but won yesterday against Bassett. We are trying to convince the school to have a girls’ flag football team. The cheer team did a great job at the game, cheering for our team. That’s what happened this week. – Maya Williams and Janette Carillo-Llamas, 8th grade
During the week, Mr. Byrd’s classroom has been reading a book called Long Way Down. The class also says that the food they had yesterday was the best, and they want to thank the lunch ladies so much! Great job to the volleyball JV and middle school team—even if you lost, you are always a winner! – Ma’Kiya Walton, 8th grade
In Mr. Lynn’s class, he is teaching us about the transcontinental railroad. In Mrs. Talley’s class, she is teaching us about flashbacks, plot, and character traits. In Mr. Pell’s class, he is teaching us about comparing and ordering fraction numbers. – Ka’Zairah Adkins, 7th grade
First thing in the morning is homeroom. Homeroom is the time to get ready for the day, then they move onto math. This week in math, they did bellringers and learned about absolute value. My opinion for math is it is amazing—it is so fun. Most 7th graders do not like it because it is hard. Next, they move on to science. This week in science, they learned about cell theory and cell walls and how plants are different from animal cells. Then, my favorite time is lunchtime because I know everyone is a “big back.” Next, we go to electives. There are a lot of different electives. Then we go to English. We are learning about the same thing we did last year. Last but not least is another elective, then we go home for the day. – Alanna Gerlach, 7th grade
I hope everyone is having a great start to the school year. We are so proud of all the fall sports teams. If you aren’t interested in sports, there are so many other activities and clubs at Martinsville Middle School. Keep working hard, showing up, and don’t be afraid to try new things! – Jade Holland-Dallas, 7th grade
MMS has a great community with wonderful teachers and students. Ms. Dillard has an amazing math class, making math simple and always helping students when needed. Mr. Carter has a great science class, making assignments quick and easy. Ms. Norman has a wonderful English class, sometimes rewarding good behavior with incentives. Coach Hutchens is a great P.E. teacher as well. He is always caring about his students. Ms. Devivo is a great Spanish teacher, helping her students with word pronunciation and making Spanish simple. Mrs. Waller is a great principal and cares about all her kids and staff. – Shaurya Mahajan, 7th grade
At Martinsville Middle School for the week of September 8–12: First, on Monday, our golf team went to compete. We are proud of them for trying their best. On Wednesday and Thursday, 6th grade went on a field trip. They went to Fairystone to test the water in the creek. On Wednesday, we had our first football home game at the high school. We are very glad that they tried their best against Laurel Park. We also want to recognize our cheer team, who did a great job at the football game. – Adelaide Brent, 6th grade
Last week, the MMS girls volleyball team won against Bonner Middle School. During the week, the sixth graders went on a field trip to Fairystone Park. They learned about watersheds and pollution runoff. They got to catch some insects from the water that hide under rocks. Also, this week, the MMS girls volleyball team played against Halifax Middle School, and both teams did really well. – Miriam Carter, 6th grade
Hi, my name is Semaiya Craighead, and I am the homeroom reporter for Mrs. Pierson’s 6th grade class. In English, our class has been learning and practicing elements of fiction and plot. In Math, we have been learning how to model multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers by using grid models. In Science, we have been analyzing a timeline of important discoveries about the solar system and explaining how math and technology have assisted scientists to improve their understanding. – Semaiya Craighead, 6th grade
Martinsville Middle School has been a great inspiration to us sixth graders. It has provided us with a lot of new challenges and joyful memories, such as new learning skills and trying to be more responsible. – Nevaeh Daniels, 6th grade
Sixth grade went on a field trip to Fairystone State Park to learn about and test the water quality. Someone has been hiding ducks around MMS. Teachers and students are trying to find out who it is. Will they find out who, or is this forever a mystery? Sadly, we lost our volleyball game 4–24 on 9/11/25. – Mercy Moore, 6th grade
The week of September 8 was a success for Ms. Clemons’ 6th grade homeroom, from birthdays to a fun field trip to Fairystone State Park! We not only have hard work on our hands, but a mystery as well. Monday afternoon, ducks were spotted, although hard to find. One-inch ducks have been hidden, and we are waiting to know more about these ducks! Thanks, MMS, for a great week! – Emery Taylor, 6th grade
The Alligators side of the hall went on a field trip on Thursday, and the Tarantulas went on Wednesday. Last week, the volleyball team won their first game. The football team had their first game last Wednesday. Katie Wall and Hailey Coleman have put their campaign posters up, so go vote! The class reporters had a meeting in Mrs. Woody’s room. This week, the volleyball team had a great game. – Calleigh Whittle, 6th grade
Thank you for reading our very first issue of The Bulldog Beat! We are excited to share the voices of our students each week and appreciate your support in celebrating their hard work.
