Griffins Connect
Summer Edition, #1 #BuildingABetterGriffin
Hello, Summer!
Hello, everyone! I hope your summer is off to a great start! As you can imagine, we are deep in the planning and preparation for the coming year. At this time, much is still to be determined. Currently, teachers are participating in various professional development opportunities in anticipation of delivering a robust and flexible curriculum and administrators are creating class rosters, drafting scheduling options, and completing other summer-related tasks.
Within this newsletter, you will find much information, including some time-sensitive information that will assist our district in planning for the reopening of schools. As more details are determined and information known, we will be sure to keep you updated and informed. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. ~ Dr. P.
Sterling School Early Start Time
During the May 26th district board meeting, the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees approved a change to the elementary school day schedule, as recommended by the administration, to ensure on-time delivery of secondary bus riders. Under the former start time, secondary bus riders were late to school, missing valuable instructional time.
With the feedback gleaned from many of our school’s stakeholders, Sterling School administration asked district leaders to give special consideration to our school’s unique situation. We are grateful to our district leadership for strongly considering our request. The district transportation office reviewed transportation data from our school and visited Sterling School during our dismissal time period. However, due to the transportation of our school’s bus riders and the routing of secondary buses throughout the district, our request to maintain an 8:00am start time was not feasible.
With the start of the 2020-21 school year, our school’s instructional day will begin at 7:45am for all students; the day will end at 2:15pm for elementary students and 2:30pm for middle school students. Bus riders will be dropped off at elementary schools at 7 a.m. instead of 7:15 a.m., providing an additional 15 minutes to the window for middle and high school bus routes. Our school’s doors will open at 7:10am for all other students, specifically car riders and walkers. Read more on the district website or view the presentation made to the Board to see the data behind this decision. While we understand that several may have hoped for a different outcome, we acknowledge that many factors went into making this decision. As the district’s only full choice school with two unique, dynamic instructional programs, we are grateful for our district’s continued support of Sterling School and the Charles Townes Center.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to express your thoughts and concerns regarding this situation.
GCS Parent Survey
One parent/guardian from each GCS family is asked to complete the survey on the re-opening of schools this fall. (CLICK HERE!) This survey is to determine parent preferences and expectations given the restrictions that may be in place next year, either at the time of re-opening or at any time during the school year. This survey will no longer be available after June 24, 2020.
This survey does not contain open-ended questions due to the need for a quick and automated analysis of responses. We encourage parents with specific questions or input to contact the Service Center at 355-3100. Those individuals can take your input or direct you to the appropriate department for guidance/feedback.
Grade Report Reminder
As a reminder, grade reports can be accessed through Parent Backpack. If a printed report is required, you are encouraged to notify Ms. Charlotte Dyal. Also, the Parent BackPack will be disabled on Friday, June 19, through the remainder of the summer, so our district office can complete the rollup of students and begin scheduling for next school year.
Join a Carpool for Next Year
Are you interested in carpooling to or from school next year? Fill out the Google Form to add your family to the carpool list! At the end of each month, PTA will share the updated carpool spreadsheet with everyone who signs up, so you can connect with nearby families to make arrangements.
Last Call for Elementary Yearbooks
From Mrs. Spitler & Mrs. Harrington: 19-20 Artwork
Greetings Sterling Parents in Grades K-4th, 6th, and 7th,
We hope this announcement finds you and your loved ones well. We wanted to make a formal announcement regarding your child's artwork from the 2019-2020 school year. As your child's art teachers (Mrs. Spitler and Mrs. Harrington), we were not the only ones surprised by the way our plans and this school year ended. Putting things in perspective, one of our biggest disappointments was not being able to showcase the students artwork during April Arts and throughout the Spring. So that the ART your child created this year was not forgotten, we are planning on displaying the artworks next year. We met and put together plans as to how that might look (April Arts 21, Fall Displays, Back to school displays etc....). Since 20-21 schedules and school year are not yet settled, we cannot yet affirm which display format we will decide upon. Sterling 5th and CTC 8th Grade art was returned because they are leaving our school.
Be assured that your child's artwork will not be forgotten and that great displays will be forthcoming and art returned to the artist. If anyone finds themselves not returning to Sterling and would like for us to place your child's artwork in the office for pickup please reach out to us.
Creatively Yours,
Mrs. Spitler and Mrs. Harrington
Band News: Rising 6th Grade Instrumental Testing
If you are planning on being a member of CTC Band this fall, you must be mouthpiece tested in order to be placed on the correct band instrument. Since our mouthpiece testing night is cancelled due to COVID-19, I am asking that all future band members call MUSICAL INNOVATIONS in MAULDIN, SC to schedule a mouthpiece testing session. They are also accepting walk-in appointments, but reservations ensure you won't have to wait! These sessions last for about 15-20 minutes and during them you will be allowed to try out all of the band instruments in a safe and clean environment PLUS they're really fun! Afterwards, Musical Innovations will contact Mrs. Ledford with your results so that she can place you on the appropriate instrument. Please contact Mrs. Ledford as well in order for her to have all your parent's email address If you have already talked to me about an instrument or have already purchased one, please let Mrs. Ledford know as well.
If you have ANY questions about mouthpiece testings or band this fall, please email me at aledford@greenville.k12.sc.us and make sure you follow us on Facebook (Charles Townes Center Band) to receive the most recent band news.
Summer Learning Challenge! #FightTheSummerSlide
Here, you will find Sterling School's Sweet Summer Reading Chances information. You can also find this information in your child's brown pick-up bag, on our school's webpage, and in forthcoming summer editions of the Weekly Griffin. The Sweet Summer Reading Chances will begin at dismissal on Thursday, June 4th. With this summer learning experience, students will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes and participate in a start-of-year celebration! There are several ways to participate: READO, Camp Wonderopolis, and the Greenville Library Summer Reading Program. To learn more information, see the following flyer (CLICK HERE!).
- The READO Card (CLICK HERE!).
- Camp Wonderopolis (CLICK HERE!).
- Greenville Library Summer Reading Program (CLICK HERE!).
Virtual Summer Story Time
Elementary Students are Invited to Sterling School to Escape with Books this Summer!
To view this summer's read alouds, CLICK HERE!
Math: DreamBox Learning
DIRECT LINK to DreamBox
But it’s actually easier for kids — from all socioeconomic backgrounds — to forget what they learned in math over the summer than it is for them to lose reading skills.
The reason? Many parents — and their children — don’t think about math as existing outside of the classroom. Many parents may just be less inclined to do math at home (over the summer).
Keyboarding: TypeTastic!
DIRECT LINK to TypeTastic!
Keyboarding is a tech skill that everyone has – more or less. What makes a real difference in knowing how to touch type is how good your typing speed and accuracy really are. If you touch type at an above-average word-per-minute rate you can save yourself hundreds of hours per year.
There are also options for middle school students. Simply click on "Start Learning" and then select grade band. Another keyboarding option for the middle level is Typing Club.
By devoting some hours to touch typing practice, every student can equip themselves with an essential skill that will pay off time and time again for the rest of their life.
Math: Fact Fluency
In addition to learning the conceptual skills involved with math, we also encourage students to build their fact fluency. Fact fluency or numeracy is similar to reading fluency. Reading comprehension is difficult to achieve if students are not able to read the text with ease and confidence. In math, students who have a strong grasp of basic math facts are better equipped to navigate the challenges a multi-step problem can bring.
Math fact fluency can be achieved by simply making your own flashcards and spending regular time with them or through an online resource. (Math Flash Cards)
Here are some other programs that can assist with math fluency:
- Rocket Math
- Moby Max
- Xtra Math (free program)
Greenville Drive Reading All-Stars Update
Congratulations to our 162 Sterling School All-Star Readers! To date, this is the greatest participation our school has had. we are proud of each students who joined to read! Due to COVID-19 and its impact on the Drive and our community, the Greenville Drive has rescheduled this year's celebration to Sunday, August 9th. All qualifying students will receive a voucher that they will receive during next week's materials pick-up/drop-off. Be sure to look in your child's bag!
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Thanks for a Great Year!
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, I am tremendously grateful... grateful to serve as your child's principal, grateful to work alongside educators who work tirelessly to provide the very best, and grateful for the parents who unconditionally support and encourage. It is truly an honor to be a part of the Sterling School community.
While certainly challenging and unprecedented, this year has brought many successes.
- Of 22 schools that applied, Sterling School was the sole receiptent of this year's South Carolina ASCD Whole Child Award.
- Sterling School received an EXCELLENT School Report Card rating (at both the elementary and middle school levels).
- Sterling School achieved Palmetto Gold and Silver recognition (Silver in Elementary; Gold in Middle).
- Sterling School was a 2020 receiptent of a $5,000 Mullins Grant from Public Education Partners.
- Every member of the faculty/staff was trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid (only school in the district and likely the first in the state).
- Several members of the school faculty presented at district and state conferences.
- And many other individual student and faculty recognitions and honors.
But our work is not finished. As a school community we must continue to see learning as a journey, not a destination. Our school, constantly evolving, must continously adapt to meet the needs of each child. As we've seen over the last several weeks, to successfully meet our students' needs requires a progressive, responsive, #WholeChild approach. Together, we will continue in our collective effort to #BuildABetterGriffin.
Over the weeks of summer, please continue to keep our Griffins learning. Our school has provided a plan for reading over the summer (see in this newsletter below). Students can continue to access their DreamBox and Reflex accounts as well. Also, be on the lookout for communication from the school and our PTA. We will do our best to keep you informed of any need-to-know information. While much is currently unknown, I will continue to work with colleagues and district leaders to plan for the coming year. Once those plans are determined, we'll be sure to let everyone know.
In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone the very best for the summer break and look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed, for what will surely be an exciting new academic year. As always, it is an honor to serve as our school's principal. Again, thank you for your continued support and care.
Dr. P
2020-2021 Sterling School Faculty/Staff Changes
Every year, for various reasons, we anticipate a few changes to our school's faculty and staff. As you may already know, two Sterling School teachers have announced their decision to retire: Ms. Pam Dechau (5th Grade, CTC) & Mrs. Jan Moretti (School Counselor). Mrs. Sue Anderson (front office clerk) is also retiring this year. Mrs. Lauren Nifong (5th Grade Sterling) will become the new instructional coach at Brook Glenn Elementary. Congratulations to each of them!
Due to next year's projected enrollment within our Sterling Program, we will lose one position in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. Ms. Amanda McLaine (1st Grade, Sterling) and Ms. Amanda West (4th Grade, Sterling) will transfer to another school in the district. Ms. Sarahi Paz (2nd Grade, Sterling) has accepted a leadership position at an international school. We thank them for their service and commitment to Sterling School and wish them all the best in the coming year!
Effective next school year…
- Mrs. Hope Howard (3rd Grade, Sterling) will become an Academic Interventionist
- Mrs. Candi Coffman (Academic Interventionist) will teach 3rd Grade Sterling
- Ms. Katalin Bartz (Resource) will teach 1st Grade Sterling
- Ms. Joyce Reed (3rd Grade, Sterling) will teach Resource
Lindsay Berry, School Counselor
My name is Lindsay Berry, and I am excited to join the Sterling family this year as a school counselor. For the past three years, I have worked at the Meyer Center for Special Children in Greenville, SC as the Director of Operations and Events Manager. My son is one of the many special children who attend the Meyer Center, and I have enjoyed my time working and advocating for their mission.
Prior to working at the Meyer Center, I taught middle school reading, math, and science for six years in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. As a teacher, I realized my passion for school counseling and working with students on their emotional and mental health. I moved into my role as school counselor at Woodruff High School and worked with high school students for four years. I have a bachelors in elementary education and a masters in education and school counseling.
I am married to a Clemson fanatic and have two sons Rhett (7 years old) and Drake (7 months old). My family and I enjoy traveling, the beach, and all things Disney. I look forward to meeting and getting to know better the families and students at Sterling this school year!
Kristin Farrar, 5th Grade Sterling
My name is Kristin Farrar (pronounced “Fair-rah”). I am a born and raised Upstate native and am happy to be relocating back to Greenville. For the last three years, I have been teaching 5th grade in Spartanburg, and am very excited to be joining Sterling School as a 5th grade teacher.
After high school, I chose to stay local and earn my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Furman University. After my first year in the classroom, I decided to obtain a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Clemson University. While earning my Master’s degree, I decided to also add on my Gifted and Talented Endorsement from Converse College.
Outside of the classroom, some of my passions and hobbies include traveling, photography, hiking, music and movies. My husband and I love traveling to new places including: Cuba, Peru, Mexico, and Canada. I set my classroom up as a place of high expectations, support for growth, love and acceptance. I encourage my students to always do their best, not be afraid of making a mistake, and come in each day ready to learn! I am thrilled to begin working at Sterling this school year!
Holly Parks, 5th Grade CTC
My name is Holly Parks and I am excited to join the fifth grade team! I have been teaching for seventeen years. Originally, I am from a little town in Pennsylvania called Bradford-a quaint little oil town in the Allegheny mountains, home of the Zippo lighter. I have been a proud resident of South Carolina now for fifteen years.
I come from a background in the performing arts and it is my honor to bring those practices and skills to the realm of educating our gifted learners. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, my husband and daughter, and friends. I’m an avid reader and writer and general lover of words and stories. I’m also a trained yoga teacher.
I have a bachelor’s in theater with certifications in elementary education, theater and gifted and talented endorsement. I taught sixth grade English language arts and Gifted and Talented English for eleven years in Greenville county and have been teaching the elementary Challenge program for gifted and talented learners for GCSD for the past four years.
My classroom is a safe space to hone our skills, to explore voice and expression, to analyze critically and deeply, and to practice how we communicate our ideas to the world. I very much look forward to this adventure and partnership at CTC/Sterling.
Carly Tan, Front Office Clerk
My name is Carly Tan and I have been a part of the Sterling family as a parent for the past thirteen years as my four children have moved through the school. This makes it all the more meaningful to have the opportunity now to work at the school where my heart has been for so long!
I grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State, but, with two sons at Clemson, I cheer for the Tigers now! When I’m not working, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. Some of the activities that I most enjoy doing with them are hiking, camping, visiting new national parks, worshiping at Grace Church, playing board games, and playing Ultimate Frisbee together. Having worked as a clerk in the Greenville County Schools for the past two years, I am excited to support the staff, students, and families at Sterling School!
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