Griffins Connect
September 5th #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Coming Next Week: Sterling School Celebrates DOT Week
Imagine the power and potential of millions of people around the world connecting, collaborating, creating and celebrating all that creativity inspires and invites. All next week, Sterling School will creatively champion our use of talents, gifts and energies to move the world to a better place as we celebrate International Dot Day, which is Thursday, September 15th! (Our 4K students are also learning about primary and secondary colors!)
The Dot, a book by Peter H. Reynolds, is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.
All students will be participating in Dot Week activities during their Art class time throughout the week! After reading The Dot, students will make their mark in creating a large scale, school wide, collaborative landscape inspired by this year's National Parks April Arts' theme. The landscape will be on display in the hallway by the gym. Please feel free to come join in the fun and add your mark of creativity!
In celebration of Dot Week, we encourage you to wear:
Monday (9/12) - Red
Tuesday (9/13) - Blue
Wednesday (9/14) - Yellow
Thursday (9/15) - Your Favorite Secondary Color (Orange, Green, or Purple)
Friday (9/16) - Wear Your School Spirit! (A Sterling Shirt or School Colors!)
If you are available to volunteer at any point during DOT Week, please contact Judy Harrington or Mollye Spitler.
What's Ahead...
September 5: Labor Day Holiday (No School)
September 8: Parent Cafe; 5:30-7:15pm (info below)
September 9: 5th Grade Jr. Beta Club Induction; 8:15-9:30am (info below)
September 9: Deadline to apply to audition for Disney's Aladdin Jr. (info below)
September 12: Wear Red (DOT Week)
September 12: Last day to nominate rising third grader for A.R.M.E.S. music program (info below)
September 12: 8th Grade PSAT/NMSQT Registration deadline (info below)
September 13: Gordon Korman Virtual Author Visit: 5th-8th Grades
September 13: Wear Blue (DOT Week)
September 14: Settling in to 6th Grade; 9:00-10:00 AM (Info below)
September 14: Wear Yellow (DOT Week)
September 15: PTA Mix & Mingle & General Membership Meeting; 8:00am, Vegas (info below)
September 15: Wear Orange, Green, or Purple (DOT Week)
September 15: Fall/Yearbook Pictures: View Package Options Here!
- THIS LINK will allow parents to sign up to receive updates via email regarding their child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, parents should be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.
September 17: Garden Workday; 9:00-12:00pm (info below)
September 19: Readers Arrrgh Leaders Community Readers Day (info below)
Parent Café Starts Thursday!
Parent Café starts this Thursday, September 8th from 5:30-7:15 at Sterling School. A hot meal and childcare will be provided. In order to determine a count, you are asked to RSVP by tomorrow, Tuesday (9/6), by phone or text. (Phone: 864.509.0777, Text: 864.501.3926.)
In partnership with the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, Parent Café provides families with a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and have a little fun. We hope you'll join us! #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Settling in to 6th Grade - Parent Information Session
Sixth grade parents are invited to attend "Settling in to 6th Grade" to learn a bit more about the classes your child is taking and the transition to middle school academics.
"Settling in to 6th Grade" will be held on Wednesday, September 14th from 9am-10m in Vegas. This session will be hosted by the 6th grade team and will cover what to expect from the academic classes.
Parents, please see the email from Ms. Reynolds for an optional questionnaire to complete in advance.
"Readers Arrrgh Leaders" Community Readers Day
Did you know that September 19th is National Talk Like A Pirate Day? (And who wouldn't want an excuse to talk like a pirate?!?) So...on Monday, September 19th, we encourage students to find treasure in reading as we celebrate "Readers Arrrgh Leaders" Community Readers Day. As part of the festivities, we welcome anyone (teachers, students, and special guest) to dress in their best "seafaring" attire! We look forward to making some great memories as we set sail on the SS Sterling!
Several classrooms are still looking for their Special Guest. Guest readers can bring their own book, or we can find one for you. You can bring a book about pirates or choose a completely different topic. You can also dress up! (Don't worry, it's not required.)
If you'd like to volunteer as a guest reader, email Dr. Patterson and let us know!
Disney's Aladdin Jr. - Call to Audition!
The music department is presenting Disney's Aladdin Jr at Sterling in December! If you are a student who is in 5th-8th grade, we would like to extend an invitation for you to audition for one of our musical roles! Please fill out the following Google Form by Friday, September 9th. Auditions are happening NEXT WEEK!
Attractions Books Fundraiser Kick-Off
Attractions Books are available in both Greenville and Spartanburg markets with great deals on just about everything! (Want to preview this year's books? Click here for Greenville or click here for Spartanburg!) For only $25 per book, purchasers enjoy over $7,000 worth of savings while supporting local businesses.
Books will be coming home next week, but go ahead and register your account to start selling:
EZPay Code: sterling21
https://attractionsbook.com/ezpay
Prizes awarded for top individual sellers and classrooms!
Do you have time to help fill and distribute Attractions Book orders after drop off?
Sign up here!
Thank you for supporting our school!
PTA Meet & Mingle General Membership Meeting
Enjoy coffee & refreshments followed by a General Membership meeting at 8:00am.
We hope to answer questions, share ideas, and help you connect with our school community. We look forward to continuing the partnership we have established with our returning families and growing relationships with our new families.
Still need to join the PTA? Memberships available online or in person.
The Griffin Guard
We’d love to have any father figures in the Griffin family be present on campus Friday mornings to help greet students in the front carline from 7:10-7:45 AM!
You'll sign in at the front office and then head to the front drop off area to help facilitate the carline, greet our precious Griffins when you assist them in opening car doors, and help them start their Fridays off well!
Please CLICK HERE and sign up to help!
Garden Workday
You don't need any gardening experience to help - just bring your enthusiasm! This is also a great opportunity to earn service hours for our students and their siblings.
Sign up today to volunteer!
If you have questions, please reach out to our parent-volunteer coordinator, April Boyer. We all look forward to seeing you in the garden!
Introducing Griffin News
**For more information, click the hyperlinks or the image to view the website.
The Running Club
The Running Club is accepting new members in grade 3-8! The Running Club provides a non-competitive environment where students can develop endurance, confidence, and social skills. Runners of all abilities welcome! Parent volunteers are needed to assist!
- Sponsor: Ryan Dannelly (Parent)
- The club meets September 26-December 12.
- Pick up an application in the front office and return to the front office or to Ms. Reynolds.
- Membership limited to 30 students.
"Griffin Ecology Organization" GEO Club
The first meeting of the new after school GEO Club will be happening on Tuesday, September 6th immediately after school until 4pm in the Vegas Room. General info is included on the attached New Programs brochure. If your student (grades 3rd-8th) would like to join, please contact April Boyer at aprilcboyer@gmail.com to officially register.
2022-2023 Student Clubs Update
Clubs are forming and recruiting for the 2022-2023 school year. The Clubs will be announced at school (posters, announcements) and on the Sterling School webpage (Student tab). More clubs are still being organized and we will keep you updated as the clubs begin.
These clubs actively taking members. Contact the Sponsor for club meeting dates/times and more information.
- Chorus - grades 3-5: Dr. Robertson
- Cubing - grades 4-8: Ms. Guth
- Disc Golf - grades 5-8: Ms. Rouse
- Girls on the Run - grades 6-8: Dr. Rucker
- Griffin Ecology Organization - Grades 3-8: Ms. April Boyer (parent); Contact teacher Ms. Hamilton
- Library Cadets - grades 6-8: Ms. Henry
- MathCounts - grades 7-8: Mr. Whittaker
- Open Studios Art Club - grades 4-5: Ms. Harrington
- Elementary Battle of the Books - grades 4-5: Ms. Matthews (Informational meeting this Friday (9.2) at 1:45 in the library for any student interested in joining.)
We're always looking for parent support to assist or to sponsor a club! We are currently seeking a sponsor for Chess Club. This group would meet one day a week after school between 2:30-3:30pm. Contact Ms. Reynolds if you are interested.
PSAT/NMSQT Registration
Attention 8th Grade Parents: We are pleased to offer the PSAT/NMSQT to our 8th grade students on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022. However, you must complete this Google Form to register your child by September 12th in order to be able to participate. Mr. Murphy sent out an email to all 8th grade families on Friday, August 26th with registration information. If you have additional questions or if you did not receive the email, please contact either Mr. Murphy or Ms. Treloar for details.
8th Grade Families: J. L Mann Magnet Academy Open House October 6th
As the leaves change Greenville County Schools will begin releasing details, dates, and information regarding the application process for Magnet Academies. We want to provide you the most up-to-date and current information we can to support your student's transition to high school. Information from schools is not always available all at once, however, J.L. Mann has posted their open house information for the 23-24 school year. At this time, no other magnet academy has posted their open house. J.L Mann Magnet Academy of Mathematics, Science, and Technology will host an open house on Thursday, October 6th, at 6:15pm in the auditorium. The GCS Magnet Academy application window for the 2023-2024 school year will open on Monday, November 14, 2022. We look forward to providing more information regarding the application process as it becomes available.
Students will be participating in a classroom lesson with Miss Treloar, on September 14th, to explore options for high school. This is an Intro to High School transition that will include an overview of potential options for high school to encourage students to begin researching different programs, schools, and requirements for application. Families are invited to attend the 8th grade Fall Lunch & Learn with Miss Treloar virtually on October 5th from 12-1245pm. This session will include the information references above, as well as provide more specific details, requirements, and some important dates you will need to know. I hope to have solidified dates and information by that time. Please complete the Google Form by 10/3 to gain access to this virtual session. This presentation will be posted to Miss Treloar's website following the session for those who are unable to attend. Questions/Concerns please contact Michelle Treloar: mtreloar@greenville.k12.sc.us
Can You Serve As A Substitute?
At Sterling School, we have amazing substitute teachers. These dedicated individuals help ensure that our school operates smoothly when a classroom teacher is absent. However, as a result of the pandemic, like most schools our list of active subs is short.
If you are able to help serve as a substitute for Sterling School and Greenville County Schools, please follow this link to get started and be sure to let us know (email Dr. Patterson!). We will be happy to help facilitate the process or connect you with current substitutes who can answer any of your questions. You may choose to work at any school or you can select Sterling exclusively. Work only on the days that fit your schedule. We appreciate your consideration to help the school by serving as a substitute!
Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
Sterling School has a partnership 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 are willing to volunteer 30 minutes of your time weekly, we need you!
If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please complete the interest survey found HERE! Near the start of the 2022-2023 school year, we will follow-up with training information and other pertinent details. For any questions, email Mrs. Lindsay Berry (school counselor).
We Need YOU! Volunteer Training
Thinking of chaperoning a field trip, becoming a room parent, or mentoring a student? Parents at Sterling School may now participate in volunteer training either in person or online.
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 via email or (864) 355-4480.
Middle School Yearbook Information
Middle School Yearbook
It's yearbook time! The middle school yearbook is on sale now, and is currently discounted at $35. If parents order by 9/16 and buy the $7 personalization, then they can get 4 FREE icons. Click the image or LINK to order. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions: dbaiden@greenville.k12.sc.us
8TH GRADE ADS
8th grade parents: honor your 8th grader with a personalized ad in the middle school yearbook! Ads are due by 12/15, but it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to write and what pictures you want to use. Click the imagine or LINK for pricing options. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions: dbaiden@greenville.k12.sc.us
8TH GRADE BABY PICTURES
8th grade parents, please send in a baby picture of your 8th grader for the portrait page of the yearbook. Email a digital image of the baby picture such as a JPG or GIF; the image will be of the student's face/head, so close-ups are best. Baby pictures are due by 10/28. Email pictures to Ms. Baiden: dbaiden@greenville.k12.sc.us
The Village Effect...
This week, we are emphasizing service and involvement. As we settle into another exciting school year, we ask everyone to consider how they might be able to give back to our school community. While everyone is not able to give the same amount as others, each of us are able to do our part. Please consider how you might #CreateConnections this year. Everyone wants to be a part of a great school; it truly takes a village to provide the type of schooling experience we all want for our child(ren). Here are a few areas to consider:
Become a member of our school's PTA (info below)
Get involved in this year's PTA fundraiser (info below)
Consider becoming a mentor (info below)
Volunteer to sponsor a student club (info below)
Support Griffin Guards! (father figures who help with carline)
Become a substitute teacher at Sterling School (info below)
Actively participate in our school’s PTA or SIC (Attend meetings, join committees, etc.)
Reach out to your child’s teacher (change out bulletin boards, provide lunch relief, monitor recess, etc.)
Complete the Community Directory Form to participate in career days, activism, etc.
Have another idea? Connect with us!
If you're unsure of who to contact, email Dr. Patterson. Thank you!
Sterling Stars Annual Giving Campaign
Gifts to the Sterling Stars Annual Giving Campaign help support the people and programs that make our school distinctive and help pay for crucial items that impact all students. Every dollar donated is tax-deductible and funds supplemental creative and academic enrichment opportunities to all on our campus.
Every donation helps, contributions in any amount are appreciated. We also welcome corporate sponsorships and employer match donations. Please consider making an ONLINE CONTRIBUTION or in person with cash or check made payable to "Sterling School PTA" and dropped off to the front office in an envelope labeled Sterling Stars Program.
Contact Christi Wagner for more information.
Elementary Jr. Beta Club
The 5th grade Jr. Beta Club Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 9th from 8:15-9:30 in the cafeteria.
Parents of the 5th grade Jr. Betas are invited to attend! Details will be sent home soon. Contact Stacey Merritt with any questions.
Update: Free Meals for Students Who Qualify for Reduced Price Meal Status
The online application process for free and reduced-price meals is live and can be accessed here http://greenville.schoollunchapp.com. While hard copies of meal benefit applications are available for parents at schools, the online applications is by far the most accurate and efficient method to apply for Free or Reduced Priced Meal benefits.
On average, online applications are processed within 24-48 hour of completion. We highly encourage all parents to take advantage of this simple to use and fast process. For more information regarding Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications please contact the Food and Nutrition Services office at 355-1251 or by e-mail at bhogue@greenville.k12.sc.us
NEW 3RD GRADE A.R.M.E.S. MUSIC PROGRAM
The A.R.M.E.S PROGRAM (Arts Reaching Middle and Elementary Schools) is a
tuition-free, rigorous artistically gifted and talented program.
A.R.M.E.S is expanding by establishing a new music pathway that will provide students in grades 3-5 with an in-depth study of developing aural skills, sight singing, ear training, music theory, and other music topics that extend well beyond what is provided in an elementary music class. When these students transition into middle school, they will elect to focus on either orchestra, band, or chorus and will be provided master class-type instruction through the ARMES program.
Since this is a new program and is being built from the ground up, only students who are in the 3rd grade during the 2022-2023 school year may be nominated at this time. We will layer in one grade level at a time until the program is fully
up and running across 3rd-8th grade over the next several years:
Window to nominate a rising third grader to audition for the new music program is August 8 - September 12, 2022
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