Griffins Connect Counselor Takeover
October 17th ~ #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Meet Your School Counselors
⭐ Michele Bennett: Mrs. Bennett is the Elementary School Counselor for CTC. Last year, she worked with the 6th-8th grades in the Middle School CTC program. This year, her role has shifted to elementary grades 3-5. She is excited about the change and is enjoying getting to know more parents and students.
🌠 Lindsay Berry: Mrs. Berry is the school counselor for Sterling School grades 3-5. She has been in education for 16 years and 8 of those have been as a school counselor. Prior to becoming a school counselor, Mrs. Berry taught fifth and sixth grade and served as the Director of Operations for the Meyer Center for Special Children. Mrs. Berry loves her students and enjoys getting to know them better each day. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with her husband, two boys, and sweet Yorkie, Duncan.
🌟 Mary Tchouros: Dr. Tchouros is the school counselor for Sterling School grades K4-2. She has been a professional school counselor for over 11 years. She greatly enjoys working with the younger students and teaching them skills to be successful for the rest of their lives. Dr. Tchouros is also an adjunct professor for Clemson University helping to prepare future school counselors! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and traveling the world.
✨ Michelle Treloar: Miss Treloar is the middle school counselor for CTC students grades 6-8. This is her second year as a middle school counselor and first year at the Charles Townes Center. Miss Treloar is passionate about being a school counselor and enjoys navigating all of the ups and downs of middle school with students, families, and staff. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spoiling her cat, Oreo. Miss Treloar does a quick “minute meeting” check-in with every student once per quarter. If students would like to meet with Miss Treloar individually, they can fill out the appointment form on their Counselor Google Classroom or through her website.
What's Ahead...
October 20: Triple P Parenting Seminar with Dr. T., Session 1; 8:30am (registration info below)
October 20: Fall/Yearbook Make-Up Pictures
October 20: 1st Quarter Report Cards
October 21: Middle School Fall Block Party (info below)
October 24: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: RedOctober 25: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Animal Print
October 26: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Pajamas
October 26: Elementary CTC Lunch & Learn w/Mrs. Bennett; 12:00pm (registration info below)
October 27: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Decades
October 28: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Favorite Team Colors
October 31: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Something that represents your superpower
All About School Counseling
Why school counselors:
Support students in maximizing their school success and developing social-emotional skills in response to obstacles they may face
Provide equity and access to educational experiences for all students
Support a safe and inclusive learning environment
Consult with staff to evaluate behaviors and individual needs of individual students
Collaborate with other educators, families, and the community to best support student achievement
Did you know?
Did you know that the official name of School Counselors was changed in 1990 to better match their role? They are no longer called Guidance Counselors. More information about this change can be found here.
Guidance Counselor:
Reactive
Serves a few students
Works in isolation
Impact is measured by feelings or perceptions
Ancillary role to school climate and culture
School Counselor:
Proactive and data-driven
Services for ALL students
Impact measured via quantitative data
Essential role in creation of positive school climate and culture
Integrated amongst entire building as leaders
A day in the life!
School counselors provide Direct and Indirect Services to help every student be successful.
Direct Services:
Individual Planning
Goal Setting
Individual Counseling
Small Group Counseling
Classroom Lessons
Responsive/Crisis Services
Indirect Services:
Program Management (curriculum, events, goals, advisory council)
Consultation
Collaboration
Referrals
Creating a Greater Sense of Belonging
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At Sterling/CTC School we are excited to be UNITED against bullying. This month, students will learn about what bullying is, different types of bullying, and how to be united by being an upstander. Students will also identify their strengths/characteristics that make them special and give them the superpower to help others and create positive connections.
- Students will have the opportunity to enter an art contest by creating any type of artwork that describes or shows ways to be united against bullying for a chance to win a treat for their classroom. CLICK HERE for the informational flyer.
- The month of October will conclude with “United Against Drugs and Bullying Red Ribbon Week” where students and staff will be encouraged to participate in the daily theme through festive dress attire. We are excited to raise awareness of bullying prevention, provide education, and show commitment to keeping students safe at school, in the community, and online. CLICK HERE for the informational flyer.
Sensory Path
An exciting new addition to the primary wing! This fall, Dr. Tchouros and Dr. Rucker, first grade teacher, developed a sensory path for the K4-2 hallway. This path is a fun painting and allows our students a chance to take a break and regulate their body. The best part is this is just a start to the sensory path project! Dr. Tchouros has received a grant from the Palmetto State School Counselor Association to help purchase materials to paint a larger one on the concrete path outside. Students will be able to use it rain or shine because this path will be in a covered area. Our outdoor path is a whole school initiative because students from multiple grade levels will be invited to help paint our path and then utilize it! By getting wiggles out our students will be able to be more resilient and focused in the classroom.
Opportunities for Parents to Get Involved
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).
Dr. Tchouros Presents...
Sterling School is excited to begin offering our Triple P –Seminar series. Dr. Tchouros will begin in October with “Power Of Positive Parenting.” Triple P offers easy strategies to help parents build relationships and promote positive behavior. You can find out more here.
Please register here to join me in our guidance suite on Thursday, October 20th at 8:30am for our first seminar. If you are interested but not able to attend at that time or are interested in a virtual option, please fill out this form.
Elementary CTC: Parent Lunch & Learn
***Date Rescheduled to October 26th @ Noon!
What makes a gifted and talented learner unique? What makes CTC a good fit for your exceptional learner?
Join Mrs. Bennett, school counselor for CTC grades 3rd-5th, to explore this topic. All parents of our school community who are interested in learning more are welcome to participate!
When: October 26th, 12:00pm
Where: Event will be held via “Zoom”
How: RSVP by October 25th (CLICK HERE!)
Flyer for the event:
Middle School Fall Block Party
Middle School students are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, karaoke, and food on Friday, October 21st from 2:45-4:15!
Tickets are $5 and include admission, a drink, and a snack. Extra snacks and drinks will be available to purchase $1/each (cash only). Purchase Tickets Now
Costumes are encouraged, but please no Halloween masks, weapons, or inappropriate attire.
Students will have time to change into costumes after 7th period.
Band Hoodie Fundraiser
Look stylish and stay warm for the upcoming cold months by purchasing one or multiple band hoodies! The hoodies will be $35 ($37 for 2XL) and the proceeds serve as a fundraiser for the CTC Griffin Band to alleviate bus costs for our field trip(s). Please pay through My School Bucks, cash or check by Friday, October 28. Thank you for your support of the Griffin Band program! CLICK HERE to order!
MakerSpace Supply Needed
The MakerSpace is in need of paper towel rolls for an upcoming design challenge on October 20th.
If you have any, please send in to Mrs. Matthews in the Media Center. Thank you!
Veterans Day 2022 @ Sterling
On Friday, November 11th, the Sterling School will honor those who have fought for the many freedoms we, as American citizens, have today. We will have two programs. Our K-3rd grade program will begin at 8:30am and the 4th-8th grade program will begin at 9:30am. We invite all veterans in our Sterling family to join us as honored guests.
- If a special guest is planning to attend, we ask that you RSVP by Fri., Nov. 4th (CLICK HERE!). If possible, please send in or email a picture of your honored guest (preferably in uniform), the name and relationship to our Sterling/CTC student, and the name of the military branch in which he or she served. (You'll find this request within the Google Form as well.)
- Our PTA is planning a reception after each program for our veterans and their guests. Students of our veterans are invited to attend as well. If you would like to participate, please complete the same Google Form (CLICK HERE!).
- We invite all students to wear red, white, and blue on the day of our program, Fri., Nov. 11th.
We look forward to this exciting day, as we pay tribute to those who have served our country. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to participate!
October Bake Sales
Jr. Beta will be sponsoring two bake sales in October! The bake sales will be in the cafeteria during all lunch shifts, and all items will be $1.
- Friday, October 28: Ghost Pops
Aaron Reynolds Author Visit
Aaron Reynolds will be visiting Sterling School on November 15th. He will visit with K5-5th grades and will be available to autograph books after his visit. If you would like to purchase his books through the school, please complete this form and return with money to Mrs. Matthews no later than October 14th. Checks should be made out to Sterling School.
Order form to pre-purchase his books through October 14th.
October 31st: What's Your Superpower?
Everyone has a superpower that makes them special and gives them the chance to help others! Do you make people smile? Are you a good cook? Do you write amazing stories? Are you great at sports... building things... math? Wear something that represents your SUPERPOWER!
Donors Choose
CLICK HERE to check out our school's classroom projects! We currently have TWO projects from Dr. Rucker & Dr. Tchouros to fund.
Are you looking for a way to help support students across the building? Here are some of our current Donors Choose projects! When placing your donation, you can also choose what percentage of your donation goes to the project and what percentage of your donation goes to support DonorsChoose by clicking the “edit” button on the checkout page where it says “includes an optional 15% donation to support DonorsChoose”.
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!
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.
Upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences
Our mission to support the #WholeChild is a big responsibility. Not only does this require an intentional effort to design and implement a challenging, progressive curriculum that is tailored to our students’ unique needs, it also requires a strong home/school partnership, and a call to development of a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset acknowledges that we are not there...yet. It's a mindset that acknowledges that we are a work in progress, but embraces that we will never truly reach the finish line. A mindset that does not see a grade of “A” as the goal but embraces and celebrates the growth that comes with challenge and productive struggle. I must admit, as a parent of four school-aged children, this way of thinking presents its challenges. As an educator, this requires that my students are challenged in a space that encourages growth, problem-solving, and resilience. In our culture, this is not always easy. To help our children achieve their full potential, we must fight the temptation to make things easy and to do the task quicker, easier, and without resistance.
Over the next couple of weeks, your child’s teacher will be communicating details of upcoming parent/teacher conferences. This year’s meetings are scheduled for all elementary students. As always, it is our expectation to have 100% participation for all students. During this time, teachers are encouraged to share strengths and weaknesses, to share the areas of success as well as the areas for growth. Parents, you are encouraged to do the same. Talk to your child’s teacher about ways you can partner to help your child grow. Through transparent conversations, goals should be discussed and established. Together, we are your child’s support team. It is our hope that these important meetings are not simply to “check a box” but spur every student to greater academic and social-emotional success.
Dr. P.
Health Room Info: COVID-19 Reporting
COVID-19 Reporting of Positive Test:
- If a student/staff member tests positive for Covid-19, this should be reported to the school to receive official return to school guidance.
- If a positive test is reported to the school, 5 days of isolation are required per GCS guidelines.
Exposure to COVID-19:
- No close contact tracing is required at this time
- No quarantine is required for close contacts of a positive case (even if the positive case is in the home)
- If someone is exposed to COVID-19 and they have symptoms of illness, a COVID test should be performed. Positive tests results should be reported to the school.
You are Invited to the GOTR 5K: Register Today!
Save the date for the Girls on the Run 5K: Saturday, November 19, 2022. This is a day filled with congratulations, joy and reflection on all that our girls and coaches have accomplished. We invite you to participate as a Running Buddy or Community Runner.
- Running Buddy registration is intended for anyone who wants to run with a particular girl or GOTR team.
- Community Runners celebrate all participants and programs by moving at their own happy pace through the course. Community Runners are not attached to a specific girl or team.
Register (CLICK HERE!) by October 21st for early bird savings!
Please note, our event is a celebratory, non-competitive, non-timed run. We are there to have fun and celebrate our GOTR girls. We look forward to seeing you there and crossing the line together!
Submit Your Nomination: WYFF Golden Apple Award
Ingles and WYFF News 4 wants to reward teachers who are going above and beyond. Each week, an area teacher will be selected to receive the Golden Apple Award and profiled Thursdays on WYFF News 4. These weekly winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. At the end of the school year, a Teacher of the Year will be selected from the weekly winners.
To nominate an educator for the Golden Apple Award, pick up an official nomination form from an area Ingles store or CLICK HERE, then complete and mail to:
WYFF News 4
Golden Apple Award
505 Rutherford Street
Greenville, SC 29609
For submission details, CLICK HERE.
Middle School Yearbook Information
Call for Photos: Extracurriculars
The yearbook staff would like this year's yearbook to include pictures of the awesome extracurricular activities our middle schoolers are involved in. It would be appreciated if pictures of our students participating in activities outside of school (sports, arts, Scouts, volunteer work, etc.) could be sent in; please email them by November 15th to Ms. Baiden at dbaiden@greenville.k12.sc.us.
Middle School Yearbook
It's yearbook time! The middle school yearbook is on sale and is currently $35. Click the image or LINK to order. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions.
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 image or LINK for pricing options. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions.
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.
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