Griffins Connect
Welcome Back Edition #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Creating Connections: 22-23 Theme
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! As we start a new school year, I encourage you to reflect on your personal experience as a K-12 student and think of a favorite teacher, coach, or mentor. You’re likely to think of someone who made a special, meaningful connection, someone who gave of their time or took a vested interest. Perhaps they provided a safe space that allowed you to be yourself or created an environment for you to thrive. Maybe they weren’t the easiest of teachers but set high expectations and designed challenging instruction. Regardless of how the connection was achieved, these individuals inspired and encouraged us to be our best.
If we learned anything over the past 2.5 years, we gained a fresh perspective on the importance of meaningful connections. Our experience during the global pandemic, and the collective loss we shared, underscores the significance of human connections. Furthermore, a strong home-school partnership has been repeatedly proven to have a significant impact on a student’s overall success.
As we work together to build a strong home-school partnerships that supports each student and creates meaningful connections, let’s commit to the following:
Meet the unique needs of all students through collaborative partnerships with educators, peers, parents, and the greater community. #TogetherIsBetter
Create a safe place to take risks with productive, supportive struggle. #GrowthMindset
Acknowledge the strengths AND weaknesses of every student as adult partners work in care, compassion, and authenticity. #OpenAndHonest
In addition to academic skills, place equal emphasis on the non-cognitive skills (aka soft skills) such as communication, team work, conflict resolution, problem solving, and flexibility. #SoftSkillsAreNotSoft
As we head into another year, filled with its own unique experiences and challenges, let us be intentional about the work of creating meaningful connections. Together, we can establish a powerful sense of belonging and unlock the full potential of every child! If we can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Learning Together,
Dr. P.
What's Ahead...
August 8: 3rd Grade CTC Day Camp @ Roper Mountain Science Center; 8:30-12:30pm
August 10: CTC Meet the Teacher; 4:00-6:00pm (Drop-In Event)
August 11: Sterling Program Meet the Teacher; 4:00-6:00pm (Info Session @ 4:00 & 5:00)
- Student Last Name A-L @ 4:00pm, Student Last Name M-Z @ 5:00pm
August 12: Meet the Teacher Makeup; 1:00-2:30pm
August 15: First Day of School (Parents may walk students into school - this day only)
August 15: PTA Sip, Sob, & Shout; Media Center, 7:30-8:30am (for all parents!)
August 23: Summer Reading Logs Due
September 2: Nat'l College Colors Day (wear the colors of your favorite college/university)
September 5: Labor Day Holiday (No School)
Meet the Teacher 2022
In a continuing effort to ensure a smooth and efficient Meet the Teacher, we will divide our Meet the Teacher events between our two unique programs. Please bring all school supplies during this time.
When you come, stop by the PTA table to check out volunteer opportunities, membership, etc.
Meet the Teacher for Charles Townes Center Program students is Wednesday, August 10th from 4:00-6:00pm. For CTC Program families, in an effort to provide a better experience, you are asked to stagger your attendance based on your student's last name. (Student Last Name A-L @ 4:00pm, Student Last Name M-Z @ 5:00pm)
Meet the Teacher for our Sterling Program students is Thursday, August 11th from 4:00-6:00pm. For Sterling Program families, please note that an Information Session is scheduled for 4:00pm and 5:00pm. You are asked to attend one session, based on your child's last name. (Student Last Name A-L @ 4:00pm, Student Last Name M-Z @ 5:00pm.)
If you are unable to attend the August 10th/11th event, a make-up day for both programs is scheduled for Friday, August 12th from 1:00-2:30pm. (There is not a virtual option for Meet the Teacher this year.) It is essential that you make arrangements to pick up your child's dismissal number and other important information from our school's main office before the first day of school.
Student Planners/Agendas
Planners/Agendas are only required for CTC grades 3-6. Students in 7th and 8th can purchase a planner of your choosing or choice. Ms. Foulkes has a few extras available if you would like to purchase one from the school.
4K Staggered Start
4K students will begin the 2022-23 school year on a staggered schedule. For the week of August 15-19, your child will attend on the day scheduled below. This is to allow for readiness assessments and provide more one-on-one support. Beginning the week of August 22nd, all students will report for the typical five day week. For more information on the 2022-2023 4K calendar, CLICK HERE! If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Forman and/or Tara Mendes.
4K Staggered Start Schedule - LAST NAME:
- A-C - Monday, August 15
- D-J - Tuesday, August 16
- K-P - Wednesday, August 17
- R-T- Thursday, August 18
- U-Z - Friday, August 19
Morning & Afternoon Traffic Procedures
At Sterling School, safety is our first priority. As parents, your help is requested with morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. As a reminder, an extra level of patience is requested during the first couple weeks of school. We promise, things will improve! In an effort to maximize safety while still maintaining a reasonably speedy car line, we ask that you please adhere to the following procedures for morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal:
AM Drop-off:
Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while operating your motor vehicle, etc.).
Please move through the morning and afternoon car line with extreme caution.
Do not use your cell phones or other electronic devices while in the car line.
As you arrive to campus, ensure that your child is ready to unload before you reach the awning/sidewalk (i.e. bookbag ready, shoes on, etc.).
Do not let your child unload before school doors open at 7:10am.
In the morning, we ask all car riders to exit the full length of the awning. (Parents who wait to drop off at the front of the school cause the line to back up and result in unnecessary delays.)
Middle school students should be dropped off in the back bus loop (Watch out for buses. They are less maneuverable than cars.)
Elementary students (K4-5th) must drop off in the front car loop. (This includes carpools with both elementary & middle students.)
Any middle school students being dropped off at or after 7:45 must be dropped off in the front car line.
Parents should not use Tanner’s or the Phillis Wheatley parking lots for morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up.
Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.
Once inside the building, students should report to the cafeteria for breakfast or to the hallway of their respective grade.
PM Pick-up:
Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while operating your motor vehicle, etc.).
Please move through the car line with extreme caution.
Elementary pick-up begins at 2:15; middle school pick-up begins at 2:30.
Cars will be expected to load along the full length of the sidewalk/awning.
All cars must turn right as they exit the parking lot/car line.
Elementary pick-up should line up in the right-hand pickup lane upon entry. Middle school pick-up should line up in the left-hand lane upon entry beginning at 2:30.
Elementary students will be called from their classrooms, which means they could take 5-7 minutes to exit the building.
Middle school students will be dismissed at 2:30. Keep in mind they may need to visit their lockers or the restroom, so they may not exit the building for 5-7 minutes.
[Important Note!] Middle school parents, please do not arrive before 2.30. This causes the line to back up to the road and blocks elementary parents from getting through.
Middle school students who carpool (with middle or elementary students) should utilize the back bus loop. All other middle school students should use the front traffic loop.
Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.
**Administration reserves the right to revise these procedures in the event that they present unforeseen problems or concerns**
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!
After School Program Help Needed!
Readers Are Leaders! #FightTheSummerSlide
Here, you will find Sterling School's Summer Reading Challenge information. Reading Logs are due Tuesday, August 23rd.
Sterling in the News: School Safety Update
Now, through a grant provided by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, our students and school community will have the opportunity to form yet one more relationship with a trusted adult. We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to the #WholeChild and specifically to the tenets of Safe and Supported.
Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
The 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).
Grade Level Supply Lists
School Supply Drive
The Sterling School Counseling Department will graciously accept donations of any item on the Back to School lists. The items below are especially needed. Please consider donating gently used (or new!!) books bags, as these are regularly in need. Just drop any items off in the front office. Below is a list of needed supplies:
- Pencils
- Cap erasers/pink erasers
- Composition notebooks
- Washable markers
- Pencil boxes & pouches
- Crayons
- 2 pocket folders
- Binders
- Elmer's glue
- Colored pencils
- Pens
- Small safety scissors
- Spiral bound note books
- Highlighters
- Tissues
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.
Community Partnership Directory
[CLICK HERE for COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP DIRECTORY]
To further our school's #WholeChild mission, the faculty at Sterling School & Charles Townes Center seeks to provide students with relevant, real-world experiences. Therefore, we need various experts with professional experiences to engage our students. As a district, our Graduation Plus emphasis strives to ensure that all students are career and college ready. Exposing our students to various careers and professions within the context of meaningful, hands-on learning will strengthen our school's instructional program.
As we look to next school year, if you are willing to partner with us, we are seeking parents with various expertise. We are looking for representation from all types of careers. As a school, we will utilize the database when seeking experts to support career days and various curriculum units. If you are willing to be added to our expert directory, please complete the following Google Form (CLICK HERE!). #WholeChild
Register for Extended Day Program
Open registration is now closed for the after school program. Please email Maxi Henry, starting August 9th, if you would like to register. Most grades still have open spots, but you will need to contact her to obtain the registration form. Please email Mrs. Henry with any questions.
PTA Carpool List
Are you interested in carpooling next year? CLICK HERE to join PTA’s 2022-2023 Carpool List! The spreadsheet will be updated each week as new families join through the summer and fall.
Health Room Info
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or special information that you need to discuss about your child, please visit our nurse, Heather Garrison, or call the health room at 355-4687.
2022-2023 School Meals & FANS Info
The federal government allowed schools to offer free meals to all students during the pandemic, but Congress did not extend this benefit for next school year. Families that are eligible for free or reduced-price meals must apply to receive them, and all other students must pay full price ($2.50) for their lunches. Breakfast is provided free of charge to all Greenville County students, regardless of their meal status.
The online application process for free and reduced-price meals is now live and can be accessed here http://greenville.schoollunchapp.com.
Hard copies of the meal applications will be available during your back to school event. However, the online application process is the most efficient method to apply for these meal benefits. Apply HERE. If you have filled out an application prior to July 5, 2022 you will need to complete another application for the 2022-2023 school year.
Girls on the Run: Heart & Sole Middle School Program
Heart & Sole considers the whole person: body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection. Heart & Sole offers an inclusive place of belonging, where girls feel supported and inspired to explore their emotions, cultivate empathy and strengthen their physical and emotional health. At the end of the season, all participants complete a 5K.
Attention Rising 7th Grade Students
In accordance with SC State regulations, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive a TDAP vaccination. Parents/guardians must provide their child's school with one of the following prior to the first day of school (08/15/22). Students who do not have this record on file at their school will not be allowed to attend classes and we will not release their fall schedule.
Acceptable documentation includes:
· Certificate of Immunization listing TDAP
· Religious Exemption
· Medical Exemption
If your student has already received the TDAP vaccine, and you have not previously submitted documentation, please do so as soon as possible. You may fax records to 864-355-4490 or email Nurse Heather Garrison at hgarrison@greenville.k12.sc.us. Please contact our front office 864-355-4480 if you have any questions.
Welcome New Faculty/Staff!
Beth Beard, Gateway to Technology
Aloha, my name is Beth Beard, and I am beyond excited to join The Sterling School/Charles Townes Center as a technology teacher.
I was born in the continental United States but not in a state. Did you guess Washington, D.C.? I spent my early years in Maryland and then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up in those two wonderfully diverse locations helped shape who I am as a person and as a teacher here in South Carolina. I have been a teacher for 22 amazing and rewarding years. I graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Elementary Education. After undergrad, I began teaching Middle School Science and Social Studies. While teaching, I discovered a passion for all things technology, and earned my masters in Technology in Education. After earning my masters, and while teaching technology, I earned National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in Business and Marketing. I am also Middle Level Science Certified.
Outside of school, the activity I enjoy most is going on adventures with my family. We love to travel and we visit Hawaii as often as possible. We also love traveling to different states within the U.S., and have been to Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia. It is my goal to visit every continent and SCUBA dive in every ocean.
I can’t wait to start this new adventure at Sterling School/Charles Townes Center with you!
Anna Doyle, Literacy Specialist
Hi! My name is Anna Doyle and I am thrilled to join the Sterling/CTC Staff as the Literacy Specialist. After graduating from Furman University, I jumped head first into the creative, electric, exhausting world of elementary school, and have loved every minute of my 18 years. (well, most of them. IYKYK.) My years in both Spartanburg District Six and Greenville County School classrooms have solidified my belief that in order to serve students well, we must love first, teach second.
I believe relationships are the foundation for all learning, and this truth translates to literacy. I am passionate about helping students develop their identities as readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators, and supporting students as they work to meet their goals. I am looking forward to building relationships with each of you, so that we may work together to build a stronger literacy community.
My passion for literacy barely eclipses my love for crinkle fries and a good honey mustard. I often find myself having to begrudgingly share my condiments with my husband Brad, son Tate, and daughter Eloise. When we aren’t arguing over who gets the last dip, we enjoy playing board games, exploring new travel destinations, and piddling in our home garden.
I am so excited about my new adventure at Sterling/CTC, and look forward to partnering with all of you as we continue to do the hard but rewarding work of strengthening our community one student at a time through literacy.
Eddie Foor, Physical Education
Hello, my name is Eddie Foor and I am beyond excited to be joining the Sterling family. My family and I are coming all the way from Southern California to start a new chapter in our lives in Greenville and look forward to meeting everyone.
My passion really begins with teaching kids a new skill and then watching them grow and excel on their own. In the last five years, I’ve been very fortunate to teach students physical education at the elementary level. I’ve enjoyed teaching the many different benefits of living an active life while watching students grow their physical abilities as well as their self-confidence. In addition to teaching physical education, I’ve had the opportunity to coach various sports. I have many years of experience coaching at different levels from high school soccer and baseball to elementary flag football and basketball. I look forward to being able to connect with students and their families by continuing to coach in some capacity in the Greenville community.
Outside of school, I love spending my time in the outdoors making memories with my wife and two sons. We are excited to explore the many different outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing that the upstate has to offer. I look forward to meeting everyone and building long lasting relationships within the Sterling family. See you soon.
Dr. Elaine Newberry, Resource
Hi everyone, I am Elaine Newberry. I am honored and excited to join the Sterling School team. This is my 33th year teaching children with special needs. I love to teach and I love to learn. I am the teacher who geeks out over the school supply section in Target in July and August! I attended Appalachian State University for my undergraduate degree. I still enjoy traveling to the mountains of NC to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. I taught in NC and SC over the years. In 2016, I completed my doctorate in Teacher Leadership. I just completed two years as a self-contained teacher of students with intellectual disabilities in Anderson School District One.
Personally, I have 3 sons and 1 little, spoiled dog. My oldest son lives in Greenville with his wife. He works in IT for Canal Insurance. My second son lives in Mesa, Arizona, and he designs web pages. My third son joined our family as a foster child. We were privileged to adopt him in 2021. He is 13 years old in the 7th grade. My little dog is a Havanese. This breed originally came from Havana, Cuba, thus the name Havanese.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. We attend church activities, go yard sale shopping, hike to find waterfalls, and go to local festivals.
I am looking forward to making relationships and teaching the students at Sterling School. Let’s make the new year great!
Ashly Red, Computers & Technology
Hello! My name is Ashly Red and I am excited to be teaching Computers & Technology and Response to Intervention (RtI) at Sterling School next year.
My husband and I moved here from Michigan almost four years ago. We always desired to reside in a warmer climate and loved Greenville the first time we visited. Back in Michigan, I worked as an elementary RtI then after moving I taught K5 and 1st grade here in Greenville. Once I decided that classroom teaching wasn’t a long term choice for me, I taught English online. I decided to start subbing this past January where I was introduced to Sterling and was able to explore the possibility of working full time in a related arts position. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to continuing that journey with you all.
Outside of work, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, cooking and baking new recipes. I am an avid reader and always enjoy curling up with a good book in my library at home.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your school.
Sarah Richardson, 3rd Grade CTC
Hello! My name is Sarah Richardson and I am so excited to teach 3rd grade at Sterling/CTC! I grew up in the small town of Belton, SC before going to college at North Greenville University where I graduated with my bachelor's in Elementary Education.
While at North Greenville, I played soccer on the women’s soccer team. I also met my husband there. Neither of us was from Greenville originally, but we both fell in love with it. We decided to call it home and live here after getting married in June 2022. We live right down the road from Sterling and love doing all things outside. We are also both heavily involved in our church in the children and youth ministries.
I cannot wait for this upcoming school year! I am excited to get to build relationships with my students by meeting them where they are and pushing them to be the best people they can be. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to teach at Sterling/CTC and looking forward to meeting everyone!
Carrie Santinelli, 3rd Grade Sterling
Hello! My name is Carrie Santinelli and I am really excited to join the Sterling family. I just moved from Estero, Florida and I am loving Greenville. I taught both 3rd and 4th grades in Florida and I truly feel like teaching is my calling. I worked retail for most of my life and fell in love with being in the classroom while I was volunteering with Junior Achievement. During my time as a JA volunteer (8 years), they partnered with the University of Phoenix for a full-tuition scholarship contest, and long story short, I won the scholarship and started on the epic journey that changed my life. I have loved every single minute of being a teacher!
I was born and raised in Florida, but I have lived in Hawaii, Georgia, California, and Maryland. In my free time I love to volunteer, read, and go for walks with my dog. I have two fur babies, Indy (my pup) and Peyton (my cat). Indy is loving Falls Park and struts around like he owns it.
Everyone I have met has been so wonderful and gracious. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone else on the team and getting to know the students. For the rest of this year, you will see me working with 3rd and 4th grades.
Michelle Treloar, Middle School Counselor
Hello, My name is Michelle Treloar and I am honored to join the team and community of Sterling Middle this year as the middle level counselor. I recently moved to Greenville, last summer, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to begin my counseling career at Tanglewood Middle School. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Early and Special Education at the Slippery Rock University, I transitioned to Duquesne University to obtain my Master’s degree in School Counseling for Certified Teachers.
During my time as an elementary teacher, I discovered my passion for achieving academic and lifestyle success through social-emotional learning. This is what inspired me to obtain my Master's degree in School Counseling K-12. I have learned so much in my first year counseling at Tanglewood and am excited to bring my unique experiences and skills to Sterling Middle for my second year in the counseling field. I believe collaboration is key and I prioritize building relationships with students, families, staff, and community members to achieve this dynamic. My personal qualities and professional skillset help me to create a safe and respectful environment where students and staff feel comfortable expressing themselves and their challenges so we can work together to find a solution and overcome barriers to learning. As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students.
Outside of school, I enjoy exploring the city with my brother and friends. I am still learning all the wonderful things Greenville has to offer. I love attending any type of after-school activities to show my students support extends beyond school walls. I also enjoy cuddling with my cat, Oreo, and traveling to places I have never been before.
I look forward to supporting your student(s) and growing alongside them throughout their journey here at Sterling. I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!
Sharniece Wadelington, Behavior Specialist
HELLO! My name is Sharniece Wadelington. I go by Ms. Niece or Coach Niece. I am excited to join the Sterling Family.
I have worked in the Greenville County School District for a total of 8 years (Employee/Coach). I come from Bryson Middle School working with Special Education and behaviors. I have worked in the Human Service field in a variety of areas for over a decade.
I look forward to a new adventure at Sterling, learning more about the students to help them succeed, and meeting my future colleagues.
Todd Whittaker, Middle School Math
Hello! My name is Todd Whittaker, and I am so excited to join the Sterling family. I am a foster alum who grew up in a children’s home in Greenwood, South Carolina. A middle school teacher made a huge impact on my life by taking an interest in me and showing up at my games and band recitals. I’ll never forget her. Knowing how much her kindness meant to me as a kid, I have always wanted to become a teacher; it has been my dream to become a champion for kids. After working retail jobs to survive for many years, I decided to finally go to college and chase my dream when I turned 30. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from USC Upstate last May with a degree in Middle Level Education and concentrations in Mathematics and English Language Arts.
This year, I teach Math in Spartanburg, SC. Almost a year in, I still wake up every day and can’t believe I get to do this for a living. I am excited to help students see that like my dream, anything they work for is possible and that there is no one right way to go through life. I have found that I have been able to transfer a lot of my childhood experiences with trauma to adolescent struggles in middle school and to mathematics, an anxiety-ridden subject even for the best of students. My goal is to help students see that everyone can be a math person, and to give my students not only the skills, but the confidence they need to succeed in higher level mathematics. I believe math is meant to be explored and played with, and I love teaching students how much fun that can be. And you can bet I am at my students’ games and recitals.
In my spare time, I love to read, write, play video games, spend time at my church where I teach 7th and 8th Grade Sunday School, and play with my Corgi, Helo.
Thanks for welcoming me into the Sterling family. I can’t wait to get to know everyone in the 2022-23 school year.
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