Griffins Connect
Summer 2021 #WholeChild
Happy Summer, Sterling School!
Learning Together,
Josh Patterson, PhD
What's Ahead...
August 9: 3rd Grade CTC Day Camp @ Roper Mountain Science Center
August 11: 4th Grade CTC Orientation (for virtual students returning to in-person); 3:00-4:00pm
August 11: CTC Meet the Teacher; 4:00-6:00pm (Drop-In Event)
August 12: Sterling Program Meet the Teacher; 4:00-6:00pm (Info Session @ 4:00 & 5:00)
- Student Last Name A-J @ 4:00pm, Student Last Name K-Z @ 5:00pm
August 16: Meet the Teacher Makeup; 1:00-2:30pm
August 16: Virtual Meet the Teacher Option; 4:00pm
August 17: First Day of School (Parents may walk students into school - this day only)
August 17: PTA Sip, Sob, & Shout; Media Center, 7:40-8:30am (for all parents!)
August 27: Summer Olympic Reading Rings Form Due
September 3: Nat'l College Colors Day (wear the colors of your favorite college/university)
September 6: Labor Day Holiday (No School)
Meet the Teacher 2021
Meet the Teacher for Charles Townes Center Program students is Wednesday, August 11th from 4:00-6:00pm. Meet the Teacher for our Sterling Program students is Thursday, August 12th 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-J @ 4:00pm, Student Last Name K-Z @ 5:00pm)
If you are unable to attend the August 11th/12th event, a make-up day for both programs is scheduled for Monday, August 16th from 1:00-2:30pm. While we encourage families to attend our in-person events, we are also providing a virtual option this year. The virtual presentation will be shared with families on Monday, August 16th @ 4:00pm. However you participate in this year's Meet the Teacher, 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.
More details regarding this year's Meet the Teacher will come closer to the time of the event.
Meet the Teacher Fast Pass
If you would like to “advance forward” at this year’s Meet the Teacher, you are invited to stop by our front office the week of August 2nd-5th (from 9:00am - 2:00pm) to complete all required paperwork and add/update pick up contact information in Parent Backpack. If you do not currently have a Parent Backpack you will be asked to create one. Please make sure to bring photo ID for this process. Anyone completing the necessary paperwork will be given a “Fast Pass” that allows you to advance forward the night of Meet the Teacher. (Disclaimer: Your child’s teacher may have other items for you to complete.)
SPECIAL NOTE: All who complete the necessary paperwork for a Fast Pass will also receive their child's classroom placement! In a continued effort to keep funds in the classroom, we will not mail class placement postcards this year. Those who do not participate in this opportunity will receive classroom placement at “Meet The Teacher."
Support a Griffin! Sign-Up to Mentor a Student Next School Year!
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 2021-2022 school year, we will follow-up with training information and other pertinent details.
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. 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 parents, 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]
The faculty at Sterling School & Charles Townes Center constantly work to provide our students with relevant, real-world experiences. Through the use of inquiry, namely PBL (project-based learning), we seek to innovate and transform our school’s approach of teaching and learning through student-centered, personalized instruction. Inquiry-based methods prepare students for academic, personal, and career success, readying them for the challenges they will inherit in our world.
While our teachers are super smart :-), they do not know everything! To further our students' learning, 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 partners 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!). #BuildingABetterGriffin #WholeChild
Register for 21-22 Extended Day Program
Open registration is now closed for the after school program. Please email Maxi Henry, mhenry@greenville.k12.sc.us 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 2021-2022 Carpool List
Are you interested in carpooling next year? CLICK HERE to join PTA’s 2021-2022 Carpool List! The spreadsheet will be updated each week as new families join through the summer and fall.
From our Health Room
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.
2021-2022 School Meals & FANS Info
- Due to a recent USDA waiver, ALL students will receive free meals during the 2021-2022 school year.
- Free & Reduced Meals (FARMS) Applications is a requirement to receive the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) cards that will be distributed by the SC Department of Social Services to eligible families. Paper FARMS applications will be sent to school by August 2nd. Online FARMS applications are currently available on the GCS FANS website: https://gcsfans.com.
- Meals for Virtual Program Students: FANS will not be providing after hour meals pick up options for Virtual program students during the 2021-2022 school year. Virtual program students may receive meals each day by pre-ordering them one business day in advance from the cafeteria manager at their assigned school. Proof of GCS enrollment will be required to receive meals. Sterling School FANS Manager: Veronica Stewart (email: vastewart@greenville.k12.sc.us // phone: 355.4692)
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 (08/17/20). 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!
Liz Auckland: Academic Intervention
Hello, Sterling Family! I am Elizabeth Auckland, but you can call me Liz. My husband and I are in the process of moving to Greer. We are so excited to be near my daughter and sister’s family and enjoy downtown Greenville and all it has to offer! I come from a family of six children, and my siblings are my best friends. I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida. When I was ten years old, my family moved from Long Island to Satellite Beach, Florida. Living near the beach was amazing, and we still visit my mom frequently.
I have just completed my 25th year of teaching. I began teaching third grade in Florida and
moved to South Carolina in 1994 where I taught third and fourth grade for Lexington/Richland School District 5 in Columbia, SC until 2011. Since that time, I have served as a coach/interventionist in the same district for grades K-5. I love inspiring young minds through authentic experiences and collaborating with teachers. I am always looking for ways to make learning fun as I mix in a little rhyme, song, or game to keep them engaged. I have a lot of energy and a sense of humor. Sometimes, a good laugh with friends is all you need. I look forward to building those new friendships with my new Sterling family. My husband and I have two grown children. Our daughter is a financial analyst and lives in Greer. Our son is married and employed in the criminal justice field. I especially love family time at the beach, cooking, reading, and hiking. I am looking forward to moving to Greer and being part of the Sterling family!
Melody Augustin: 4th Sterling
My name is Melody Augustin, and I am excited to be joining the Sterling team. I am originally from Wisconsin where I taught for twenty years in grades four, five, and six. During that time, I was fortunate to train with Columbia University in the Reading and Writing Project. My husband and I also lived in Charlotte, NC for a few years. While we lived in Charlotte, I taught at Woodlawn School where students engaged in project based learning. For the last five years, I have taught at Tigerville Elementary.
Outside of the classroom, my husband Tom and I love to eat at all of the great restaurants in Greenville. We are also looking forward to the return of performances at the Peace Center. We also enjoy kayaking and traveling, especially to Arizona to visit Tom’s daughter. I am also a stereotypical Wisconsonite. I love brats, cheese, and the Green Bay Packers.
As both an elementary and middle school educator, I’ve found that my commitment to meeting the individual needs of the whole child has grown with every year. I believe every child has unique strengths and talents. Even with the complexities of the current educational landscape,
the daily interactions with students continue to drive my instruction, and I can’t wait to work with the Sterling students.
Katelyn Barnett: 3rd Sterling
Hello! My name is Katelyn Barnett and I am pumped to be joining the Sterling community this coming school year. Last year I taught 4th grade in Greenville County’s Virtual Program, and for the eight years prior to that I was in 4th grade at Augusta Circle.
Originally from Memphis, TN, I moved here to go to Furman University and loved it so much I just never left! In addition to my Elementary Ed. degree, I also have my Master’s in Early Childhood from Furman.
My husband, Adam, and I live not too far from Sterling and you can often find us enjoying Cleveland Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. In our spare time we love to travel to new and exciting places all over the world. We have a quarantine-pup, Maple, who is an absolute riot.
I truly believe teaching is the most fun and hilarious job there is, and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. I adore watching children have those “aha” moments and developing confidence in themselves as learners and individuals. I’m so excited for this new adventure and cannot wait to get to know all of you!
Michelle Bennett: Middle School Counselor
Hello, my name is Michele Bennett, and I am so excited to be joining the Sterling School team. I grew up for most of my life along the coast, Surfside Beach, to be exact. After High School, I went to The University of SC, in Columbia, and received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology. I also met my husband there. So, yes, we are both Carolina fans! After undergraduate school, I moved to Charleston. There, I pursued and completed my Masters of Secondary School Counseling from The Citadel.
While living in Charleston, I completed my practicum and internship at Wanda High School. I also worked for several years in the mental health field. However, my husband’s job changed and it moved us to the Greenville area. Since living in Greenville, I have worked at Roper Mountain Science Center, teaching science lessons. I have also worked as an adjunct instructor at two post secondary schools (teaching Psychology), as a guidance director at the high school level, and as a school counselor in the middle school setting. I have had a wonderful experience teaching and counseling for almost 18 years or more. I have always stayed in the adolescent age group for the most part of my experience. So far, I have found middle schoolers to be the most gratifying.
I am very excited to have the opportunity to become a part of the Sterling School, as the middle school counselor. I love this school for a good reason. My oldest daughter attended the CTC program from 3rd through 8th grade. She had an extremely rewarding experience at Sterling and continues to have wonderful memories and friendships with fellow classmates to this day. I, too, made lasting friendships with the mothers who had their children at the school...as well as some of the teachers. My oldest daughter is currently at USC Honors College. She will graduate next year. I also have a younger daughter who will be graduating from Mauldin High School. She plans to attend USC in the fall.
Having this opportunity to work at Sterling is a privilege that I am so happy and excited for. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful students this coming school year.
Dr. Malia Dunn: Middle School Math
My name is Malia Dunn. I am a native of Charleston, SC, but lived in Cheraw, SC, for 13 years before relocating back to Charleston for the last 8 years. My son is in medical school in Greenville, and he and his wife are expecting a baby. What better reason to make a move back to the upstate, right? The bonus is that I am joining the Sterling/CTC family, and I couldn't be happier!
The 2021-2022 school year will be my 29th year in education. I have taught 3rd - 8th grade, all subjects, but have spent most of the last 15 years teaching primarily math in the middle school setting including core, intervention, and advanced classes. I also enjoyed teaching pre-service teachers at Coker University for three years and working as an instructional coach for four years.
Above all, I believe that learning should be joyful! I love it when my students are so engaged that they lose track of time, have more questions than I can possibly answer in one sitting, and leave our classroom grinning from ear to ear.
I love walking and hiking, playing tennis, yoga, traveling, and spending time with family. I have quite the fur-family, too, three dogs and one cat. I like to read. I have lots of questions about the world and am fascinated by nature. I like to practice being fully present with my family, friends, and colleagues. I can't wait to be part of the Sterling/CTC team.
Angie Feltman: 4th Sterling
Hello! My name is Angie Barr Feltman. I am looking forward to teaching fourth grade at Sterling School next year.
I am a teacher and a learner; a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister; a friend, a colleague, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic hiker when the weather is nice and the terrain is just-challenging-enough. I love to watch movies and drink coffee and walk on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore. I love to travel, and I love to get back home again.
I grew up in a family of five. We lived in New Jersey, near Philadelphia, until I was about ten, which, perhaps, explains my lifelong appreciation for sweet corn, Bruce Springsteen, and really good pizza. From there, our family headed to Indiana, where Hoosier hysteria (a basketball state of mind!) was no joke and the farmland stretched for miles. I graduated from a large public high school and then attended Indiana University in Bloomington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in honors English with a minor in history.
I have been a teacher for a long time. After graduating from IU, I completed a Master’s degree in elementary education at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I taught elementary students for twelve years in New Jersey and Philadelphia, working in both a progressive independent school and a traditional public school. I then worked at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as a program administrator and instructor for graduate students who were studying to become teachers while completing their student teaching in Philadelphia public schools. At the end of my time at Penn, I joined a volunteer faculty team in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, where we taught intensive two-week courses to help prepare teachers who would take over for those who perished in the 2004 tsunami – a life-changing experience.
My husband and I moved to South Carolina in 2005. I stayed home for a number of years to renovate our house and become a full-time parent to our son, who was born in 2007. I then taught K3 and K4 for four wonderful years in a local child development center before accepting a position in 2014 to teach at Monarch Elementary. I alternated between classroom teaching (5th grade) and Math Enrichment, then spent a year coaching new teachers in five different elementary schools. This year, I have taught fifth grade in the Virtual Program. Next year, an exciting new adventure awaits - Sterling School! I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting this new chapter underway!
Emily Hamilton: 3rd Sterling
My name is Emily Hamilton and I am so excited to be teaching 3rd grade next year at Sterling! I taught third grade for four years in Fort Mill, my home town. This year, I taught fifth grade in PCVA and then fourth grade in face-to-face at Ambler. I am really thankful to be moving back to third grade and even more thankful to become a Griffin. Third grade has been my favorite grade level!
I graduated from Clemson in 2016 with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood. I recently graduated from Winthrop with a Masters in Literacy. Each year, I hope to instill a passion of learning for all students but most importantly a community of students who show kindness and compassion. Reading and math are my favorite subjects, besides recess of course!
After school, I enjoy being outside in any way. I enjoy running, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. I have recently learned the excitement of camping and hope to continue to travel to new adventures. I am excited to start the new year and get to know the amazing Griffin Students!
Hannah JeanFreau, School Mental Health Counselor
Hi! My name is Hannah Jeanfreau and I am so excited to get to join the Sterling School team as the School Mental Health Counselor! I grew up moving around quite a bit, but when I turned twelve we moved to North Carolina, which I claim as home. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University. After undergrad I moved to New Orleans where I completed my Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans. I met my husband while I was in New Orleans and we just recently moved here to Greenville – we’re loving the area!
Outside of school, I love reading and snuggling with our two dogs, going on runs or hikes, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
I am excited to get the school year started and get to meet everyone!
Devante’ Lamont: Behavioral Support Specialist
My name is Devante’ Lamont and I am super excited to join the Sterling team as the Behavioral Specialist.
I am from Indianapolis, Indiana and I just relocated to South Carolina. I have been in education for a total of 10 years. The past 5 years I worked as Behavior Interventionist for Warren Township schools where I was able to lead administrators, teachers, children, and families in the the transformation of behavior skills. I am trauma informed and have worked with a wide range of youth from students at risk, students with IEP’s, those in juvenile detention centers and many more. It is my passion to use my experiences, skills, and knowledge to love on our youth and ultimately shift lives to be empowered!
Outside of school I am a worship leader for my church, I am a recording artist, and actor! I love outreach and giving back to the community and i look forever to building long lasting relationships within Sterling!
Jaclyn Lecaroz: Middle School Science
Hello my name is Jaclyn Lecaroz. I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science next year and I am so excited to be a part of the Sterling/CTC family. I am in love with the environment at Sterling School and cannot wait to come back as a member on this Team.
My true passions are science and teaching! I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Atmospheric Chemistry from the University of Georgia. While in Georgia I worked in an atmospheric chemistry lab where I built an instrument to measure how aerosol particles interact with sunlight. While at UGA I also taught organic chemistry and physical chemistry laboratories, where I found that my true passion was teaching science! This past year I taught chemistry at Travelers Rest High School where I enjoyed having my own classroom and making it my own. While at TR High School I found lots of fun activities that brought science to life; I can’t wait to bring them with me to Sterling.
Outside of the classroom I am crazy about being outdoors and spending time with my family and pets! I have a black lab named Cash and a cat named Cosmo that live with me. Cash and I very much enjoy going on nature walks after school and visiting my parents who are also located in Greenville. On the weekends in the fall I love gardening at my house and watching football in my free time. I cannot wait to get to know everyone and I am ready for a fantastic year!
Emily Rouse: Physical Education
Hello! My name is Emily Rouse and I am so excited to announce I will be the newest Physical Education teacher at Sterling School. I am moving down to beautiful South Carolina all the way from freezing Wisconsin.
I grew up in Green Bay and moved to the middle of the state to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. During my undergrad, I earned my Physical Education, Health Education, and Adapted Physical Education licenses. Next, I went back to school for my Masters in Education, with an emphasis in Special Education. While attending graduate school, I taught for 3 years as a Special Education Teacher and obtained my cross categorical license ages 6-21 as well. I am moving down to South Carolina for new opportunities and adventures while also getting back to my roots of advocating a healthy and active lifestyle for students at a young age.
During my free time, I love to disc golf, be active, soak up the sun, and pet my 2 cats (Eevee and Stormy). I am beyond excited to get down to Greenville and meet all of you wonderful people!
Karen Scruggs: 5th Sterling
My name is Karen Scruggs, and I am happy to be joining the Sterling School. For the past three years I have fulfilled my dream of teaching students from the Nisqually Indian reservation and Joint Military Base Lewis McCord as a 4th grade teacher in Yelm, Washington. The diversity and beauty that Washington residents and environment offer is simply breathtaking, but my heart resides in the South, so it is time for me to return home.
I have been very fortunate during my teaching career to be able to teach in both public and private educational settings, in various grade levels, and in three different states. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Masters in elementary education and a certification in education administration. I also received middle school science certification from Furman University.
I am originally from Alabama, and moved to South Carolina in 2002. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to teach in Washington. I have enjoyed learning the Native American culture on the west coast, as well as exploring the environmental masterpieces. The extreme weather has not been as enjoyable. I like snow, but not 2-3 feet of it and no power for days!
I have one daughter, Krystal. She is a Anderson University alumni and is an Administrative Assistant for the South Carolina Mental Health Department. I am looking forward to spending quality time with her after returning home. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, playing with my dog, music, antique shopping, vintage cars, and University of Alabama and Clemson football. Roll Tide and Go Tigers!
Susan Sims: 4th CTC
My name is Susan Sims and I am excited to be back in the upstate of South Carolina. I grew up in Seneca, SC and graduated from Clemson University. I taught for fourteen years in Oconee County, two years in Cobb County, GA and eighteen years at Kittredge Magnet School for Gifted and High Achievers in DeKalb County, GA. While at Kittredge. I have taught gifted 4th and 5th grade Social Studies and ELA.
My mother ran a daycare out of our home which was perfect for 5 year old Susan. My brothers, the children she kept, my dog and a few stuffed animals attended “my” school. My mother became a school secretary later and her elementary school was my favorite after school place to be. Watching and listening to the teachers inspired me to join their “club”.
Returning back to the upstate is exciting. Our children are grown and our grandbabies are now “grandteens” so we are officially empty nesters now. My husband grew up in Atlanta and I am looking forward to sharing and exploring the upstate, the mountains, and other surrounding areas with him. We love traveling, white water rafting, hiking, and finding unique out of the ordinary places to explore by taking the road less traveled. I love reading historical fiction, watching PBS historical mini series, visiting historical places, HGTV, and trying new recipes.
My classroom functions as a family and provides a nurturing environment to learn and to make mistakes. I realize that each student has their own unique learning style and interests. It provides a place for them to explore their curiosity, share their ideas, and learn to listen and collaborate with others. I am looking forward to meeting the staff, the students, and the families of Sterling and know that year is going to be filled with learning and adventures.
Dr. Mary Tchouros: 4K-2nd Grade Counselor
Hello! My name is Mary Tchouros and I am excited to join Sterling as one of your School Counselors! I know Tchouros (pronounced Chur-Ris) is a hard name to say so Mrs. T or Dr. T works fine also. 😊
I have served as an elementary school counselor in North Carolina and more recently at Berea Elementary here in Greenville County for the past 8 years. I also serve as an adjunct professor at Clemson University. My goal each day is to make sure each student feels safe, supported, and challenged at school. I believe every student has the ability to achieve greatness!
I am originally from the beaches of North Carolina but landed in the upstate after my sister moved here. Now my whole family is here! My husband and I have one daughter who just turned a year old and two dogs. I love taking pictures of little family, traveling and, in the Fall, you can find us watching Clemson Football!
I am excited to join the Sterling family. I look forward to meeting everyone and helping each student reach their fullest potential.
Debbie Watson: 4K Aide
Hi, my name is Debbie Watson, and I am so excited to be joining the Sterling family as a K4 aide. For the past 17 years I have worked as a teacher in both the K4 and kindergarten classes at Simpsonville UMC Preschool and Kindergarten. As much as I love my SUMC Preschool and Kindergarten family, I feel it is time to move on and start out on a new adventure.
I am originally from South Carolina, and I married my high school sweetheart Kevin. I have two wonderful children that mean the world to me. My daughter, Ryleigh is a junior at The College of Charleston and my son, Blake will be a junior at Riverside High School. Family and friends are especially important to me. I love to spend time relaxing at the lake or beach with my people. I also love to read. One of my favorite ways to unwind is to curl up on the couch with my dog, Coco, and a good book.
Teaching children is my passion. I love the excitement and joy children experience when they learn something new. I feel that there is no greater gift to give a child than a love of learning. I cannot wait to share my passion with the wonderful Griffin community.
In Case You Missed It: Fight the Summer Learning Slide!
Be a Summer Reading Olympian! #FightTheSummerSlide
Here, you will find Sterling School's Summer Olympic Reading Challenge information. You can also find this information in your child's Thursday folder, on our school's webpage, and in forthcoming summer editions of the Weekly Griffin. The Summer Olympic Reading Challenge will begin at dismissal on Friday, 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: Greenville Drive Summer Reading All Stars, Camp Wonderopolis, and the Greenville Library Summer Reading Program. To learn more information, see the following flyer (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)
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