The Weekly Griffin
Week of November 25, 2018 - #BuildingABetterGriffin
CTC Spotlight: 6th Grade Potato Harvest Festival
In 6th grade, we have been reading The Martian, an amazing sci-fi novel by Andy Weir. During this novel study, we focus on the literary terms of science-fiction, dramatic irony, and sarcasm. In the story, the protagonist, Mark Watney, is stranded on Mars. Being a resourceful astronaut and botanist, he manages to harvest potatoes grown from his own feces. Because of this, the entire 6th grade team planned an amazing, cross-curricular Potato Planting Festival which featured the following fun activities:
- Ms. Porterfield's math classes learned about mathematics in cooking. Many students participated by cooking recipes featuring potatoes and bringing in a variety of potato dishes for students to sample during the day. During the last week, students used the Engineering Design Process to construct a prototype of an air-tight habitat, similar to the one Mark Watney built in The Martian.
- Ms. Gordon’s science classes designed solar ovens and space suits and tested them for space use. They also planted potatoes which will be harvested later in the school year.
- Ms. Bohnenberger's social studies classes created stop-motion videos with potatoes as the actors based on the characters in The Martin or based on historical figures they studied from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, or China.
- Ms. Johnston's ELA classes created and recited potato odes and took some fun potato photographs.
- Ms. VanDommelen's Spanish classes created potato stamps and used them to create artwork for different Spanish space words.
Potato fun was had by all! Thank you so much to all of our parents for donating the supplies that helped make this day possible! We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and ate lots of potatoes! #BuildingABetterGriffin #WholeChild
What's Ahead...
November 27 - The Gifted Learner: Parent Information Series; 12:15-12:45pm
November 27 - 2nd 9-Weeks Progress Reports
November 29 - Club Pictures
November 30 - Elem Yearbook for $20; Middle School Yearbook for $30. (After 11/30, the cost becomes $25.00 & $35.00.)
Dec. 3 thru Dec. 7 - Spirit Week
December 3 - Dress like a creature from an enchanted forest (book fair kickoff)
December 4 - Decades Day (60's, 70's, or 80's...you pick!)
December 5 - Blackout/Whiteout Day
December 6 - Squad Day (find your squad; dress up in the same outfit)
December 7 - Frozen Friday (dress as a Frozen character or holiday/snow-inspired)
Dec. 3 thru Dec. 7 - Book Fair
Dec. 4 thru Dec. 7 - Kindergarten & 1st Grade Registration
December 11 - Band/Strings Winter Concert; 6:30pm
December 13 - Chorus Winter Concert; 6:30pm
December 19 - Families for Lunch
December 21 - Half Day; Elementary Dismisses @ 12:30; Middle @ 12:45
It's BOOK FAIR Time!
Parents, put our PTA Book Fair Elves to work for you! If you would like to keep your online purchases a secret from your student, please send the purchaser’s name, the child’s name, the complete order, and a contact phone number or email address to molly@wbwrx.com. We will bundle your order up and leave it at the front office for you to pick up. You will receive a text or email when it's ready.
Students may shop before school (7:30-7:50am next Mon-Fri) or after school (next Mon-Thurs only). During the school day, students must have a pass from their teacher. Parents can shop anytime during the book fair hours:
-Thurs: 7:30am-6:00pm
-Fri: 7:30am-12:00pm
Kindergarten/1st Grade Registration
Greenville County Schools encourages parents to register for kindergarten and first grade for the 2019-2020 school year beginning December 4-7, 2018. We are preparing for your child to enter school in August 2019 and are so excited to have your child with us. By completing registration early, you will save time!
It is important to register your child before school starts in August so we can ensure enough teachers and spaces are available at each school for incoming kindergarten and first grade students. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019 must enroll in kindergarten. A child who will be six years old on or before September 1, 2019 must enroll in first grade. Students who are currently enrolled in a GCS 4K or 5K program do not need to register.
Please bring the following items to register:
Photo ID from any state or country
State-issued Birth Certificate
Properly Completed Immunization Certificate or Religious Exemption Certificate
Two Forms of Proof of Residence (two documents required such as a current utility bill and copy of lease agreement)
For your child’s school assignment and other information, visit the Kindergarten/First Grade Registration website or call INFOLine at 355-3100.
MyEnergyKit.org
As part of the Sterling School community, we are working to conserve energy and protect our environment. Sterling School families can request a FREE Energy Kit to save energy in their homes. If we reach 100 kits, our school will receive a $250 check. Sterling School families and staff can request their FREE Energy Kit and credit your school by going online to MyEnergyKit.org or by calling our hotline at 1-855-386-9548.
Thank you, in advance, for requesting your kits and making a difference for our planet. When you request and use your kits, energy is saved. It’s as simple as that. And we’re hoping that by the end of the school year, we will have saved 10 million kWh of energy together. Can we make it?
G/T Best Practices Series 2018-19
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Time: 12:15pm - 12:45pm (Vegas)
Topic: G/T Education: Issues & Trends
Presented By: Jennifer Johnston & Sara Newell
Core Value Addressed: Explore
Would you like to know more about the world of Gifted Education? Are you curious about how leaders and research impact your child’s classroom experience? This session will include information about nationwide trends in gifted education and how those trends are impacting instruction. We will also include strategies to help you effectively advocate for your gifted child.
Interested in other topics related to the gifted child? Join teachers from the Charles Townes Center as they address topics related to Gifted Education. This year's series will run from November through March. (Times will vary.) All Sterling School families are invited to attend. CLICK HERE for more information.
Contact Linda Reynolds for more information
Sterling School Spirit Week
We are excited to work with Lucky Pup Rescue SC as our charity for Spirit Week 2018! All money raised this week will benefit Lucky Pup Rescue SC, a non-profit, foster-based dog rescue organization.
Dress Up Days:
December 3 - Monday: Enchanted Forest Book Fair Kickoff - Dress like a creature from an enchanted forest - a fairy, gnome, elf, princess, tree...)
December 4 - Tuesday: Decades Day - 60s, 70s, 80s - pick your decade and dress to impress
December 5 - Wednesday: Blackout/Whiteout Day - wear all black or all white
December 6 - Thursday: Squad Day - find your squad and dress up in the same outfit
December 7 - Friday: Frozen Friday - Dress as a Frozen character, or just in something holiday or snow-inspired
Some of the activities planned are:
Tuesday, December 4, 3:00-4:00: After School Movie Party! Come and watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Cost: $3.00 (Popcorn and water combo available for $1)
Thursday, December 6, 3:00-4:30: Dodgeball! Come to the dodge ball game on Thursday! You can join a team or cheer from the stands!
Cost $3.00
Other events will include: Middle School Lip Sync Battle, Bake Sale – treats & hot chocolate
Want to Get Involved? Our Students Need YOU!
Become a Mentor!
According to Harvard University's Center on Developing Child, "Every child who ends up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult." The Sterling School has partnered with Mentor Upstate, a nonprofit organization that seeks to support children with one-on-one positive relationships. We are looking for committed adults who are willing to support and encourage ONE student for the year. If you or someone you know from our school community can give 30 minutes a week, we need you!
If you have any questions, you are invited to email Jennifer Medlock, director of Mentor Greenville. If you are ready to jump in, you may begin by completing the mentor application CLICK HERE.
Become a Tutor!
Are you willing to make a difference in a child's life? One way you can do this is through tutoring. Tutoring has been shown to not only increase a student's academic performance, it also increases their chance of success in life!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, Sterling School needs YOU! We have many students who could use your time, help, and knowledge in a small group and/or partner setting. Teachers will provide needed lessons and materials.
If interested or know someone who may be interested, contact Kim Marchbanks @ krmarchbanks@greenville.k12.sc.us .
Volunteer Training
Upon completion of the online training module, you will be asked to take a short quiz which will be submitted to Mr. Murphy for scoring. All volunteers must answer each question correctly. Failure to do so will result in potential volunteers being asked to review the training module again or attend a face-to-face training. If you have questions about the process or anything related to volunteering at Sterling, or if you prefer a face-to-face training, contact Mr. Murphy at jmurphy@greenville.k12.sc.us or (864) 355-4480.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
MySchoolBucks.Com
We are pleased to now offer school payments through MySchoolBucks. Parents, you can log onto myschoolbucks.com to pay for field trips, club memberships, lunch, and more!
Go to MySchoolBucks.com and register for a free account. Never worry about sending cash or checks with your student to school again!
- Go to www.myschoolbucks.com and register for an account.
- Add your students using their school name and student ID.
- Make a payment to your students’ accounts with your credit/debit card or electronic check.
A program fee may apply. You will have the opportunity to review any fees and cancel if you choose, before you are charged.
If you have any questions, please visit www.myschoolbucks.com and click Help or call MySchoolBucks Customer Support at 1-855-832-5226. (CLICK HERE!) to see letter with detailed information.
If you have any questions, please contact our bookkeeper, Sherry Raushenberger, at 864-355-4480.
Over $16,000 to Support Arts Integration @ Sterling School? YES, Please!
Our school's core values are #Explore, #Enrich, & #Excel. One way we address our core values and meet the needs of the #WholeChild is through a partnership with the Metropolitan Art Council's SmartARTS program at the TD Center for Arts Integration. SmartARTS is a partnership between Greenville County Schools and the Metropolitan Arts Council that connects students, artists, and teachers to deepen learning and self-awareness through integrating the arts with all areas of education. SmartARTS provides teachers and teaching artists with the necessary tools to bridge the gap between different learning styles and rigorous curriculum in the classroom. This training, paired with classroom implementation, enriches and expands educators' practice while engaging all students regardless of socioeconomic status or race.
For the 2018-2019 school year, our school was awarded $16,749.46 in art services, training, and supplies for the following teachers: Bohnenberger, Emmel, Guth, Hesel, Howard, Merritt, Reed, Spitler, Stelling, and Wallace. Congratulations!
Sterling School
Email: jpatterson@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: www.greenville.k12.sc.us/sterling
Location: Sterling School, John McCarroll Way, Greenville, SC, United States
Phone: 864-355-4480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theSterlingSchool
Twitter: @SterlingSchool