The Weekly Griffin
Week of November 18, 2018 - #BuildingABetterGriffin
A Word From Dr. Patterson...
What's Ahead...
Nov. 19 - PTA Reflections (Last day for submissions)
Nov. 19 - Last Day of Clemson/Carolina Relay for Life Challenge
Nov. 20 - Clemson/Carolina Day (Wear your colors!)
Nov. 21 thru Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Break
November 27 - The Gifted Learner: Parent Information Series; 12:15-12:45
November 27 - 2nd 9-Weeks Progress Reports
November 29 - Club Pictures
December 1 - Elementary Yearbook for $20. (After 12/1, the cost becomes $25.00.)
Dec. 3 thru Dec. 7 - Spirit Week
Dec. 3 thru Dec. 7 - Book Fair
Dec. 4 thru Dec. 7 - Kindergarten & 1st Grade Registration
*Parents of Sterling Program students are reminded to return the green renewal forms. They were due last Friday, Nov. 16th.
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!
Clemson or Carolina?
It is that time of year again friends! Time to put on your team colors and cheer as much as you can for your team in the Palmetto Bowl. Once again we are adding some fun and excitement to the old college rivalry and raising funds to support our school's Relay for Life team.
Through tomorrow (Monday November 19th), we'll have two containers in the cafeteria at lunchtime. One will be for Ms. Henry's favorite team, Carolina, and one will be for Ms. Hammond's team, Clemson. The person with the most money in their buckets before we leave for Thanksgiving Break will have their team's fight song played on the morning announcements. Who will win??? You can help decide!
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
Diwali Food Drive at Sterling
Hello! I’m Rishita Tikkala and I’m an 8th grade student at CTC. Last year I started the Greenville Diwali Food Drive with 3 other girls to help feed the hungry in our community during the holiday season. Statistics show that one in five children in SC don’t know where their next meal is coming from. With the intent of helping these families, we started the Greenville Diwali Food Drive. Help us ‘light up a life’ by donating today!
Sterling School friends and families can help by dropping off items such as: canned meats and veggies, peanut butter, dry goods, beans, rice, flour, toiletries and any non-perishable goods, but no glass items please. Bring any items that you would like to donate to the big brown donation box with the Diwali Food Drive Flyer above it, located in the main hallway until November 16. CLICK HERE to learn more!
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
2nd Quarter Reminders...
- Our attendance rate is currently at 98%. Our end-of-year goal is 98%. While this may appear to be satisfactory, we have not yet entered the "cold & flu season." If at all possible, please ensure that your child is at school each and every day. As educators, we cannot adequately prepare your child if they are not with us.
- Our daily tardy list is growing. The tardy bell rings at 8:00am. Our doors open at 7:25am. Often times, students who arrive early use this time to read or work on class assignments. Please ensure that your child is in class by 8:00, ready to learn. For more information on our school's attendance/tardy police, see the handbook.
- Please utilize the full length of the sidewalk during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. In the morning, students should exit the car at any point along the sidewalk; in the afternoon, parents are asked to pull all the way up before students load.
- Do not let your child unload before school doors open at 7:25am. It is unsafe for students to unattended without an adult.
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.
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