The Weekly Griffin
Week of November 6, 2018 - #BuildingABetterGriffin
2018 Veterans Day Program
On Friday, November 9th, the Sterling School will honor those who have fought for the many freedoms we, as American citizens, have today. We will have two programs. Our K-3rd grade program will begin at 8:30am and the 4th-8th grade program will begin at 9:30am. Everyone is invited to wear red, white, and blue!
Our PTA is planning a reception after each program for our veterans and their guests. Students of our veterans are invited to attend as well. Our PTA is still in need of volunteers. Can you help? If yes, please contact Stacey Kitchens at skitchens25@yahoo.com.
We look forward to this exciting day, as we pay tribute to those who have served our country.
What's Ahead...
November 7 - Pre-Orders for Thanksgiving Lunch Tickets Due
November 8 - PTA Spirit Night @ Jason's Deli
November 9 - Veterans Day Program (K-3rd @ 8:30am, 4th-8th @ 9:30am)
Nov. 12 thru Nov. 14th - Reflections Art Entries Due; 7:30-8:00am (front entryway)
November 14 - Families for Lunch: 5K, 1st, 2nd, & 4th
November 15 - Families for Lunch: 4K, 3rd, 5th, & middle school
November 15 - Club Pictures for the Yearbook
November 16 - School Improvement Council Meeting; 8:15-9:30 (open meeting)
Nov. 21 thru Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Break
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.
The CTC Newspaper: 1st Edition
Extra, Extra, Read All About It! The first edition of the CTC Newspaper, our school's student newspaper, is out! (CLICK HERE!) A student newspaper teaches and reinforces a lot of skills that will benefit students today and tomorrow. Students who participate in a student newspaper learn a lot of workplace skills such as management, meeting deadlines, and communicating with others. School newspapers also enforce a need for teamwork. As our students continue to learn how to write, edit, and publish a regular newspaper, you will see further developments. Thank you, in advance, for supporting our students by taking a few minutes to read and support their work! #BuildingABetterGriffin #WholeChild
Student Spotlight
8th grader Emily Michenfelder represented Woodmont High School at last Saturday’s SC State High School League cross country meet. Emily was the #1 individual qualifier for the state meet with a personal best 5k time of 19:10. She was selected to the high school All Region and All County teams this season, is ranked nationally for her age group, and is ranked in the top 10 in her SC high school division. In the spring, Emily placed 7th in the State Track meet for 5A high schoolers in the 2 mile.
If you have anything to share, please email Linda Reynolds. We will excitedly share good news with our school community. #BuildingABetterGriffin #WholeChild #GriffinPride
First Place in Core Values at First Lego League! Big congratulations to “The Soda Fountain” team members who won first place in Core Values at the First Lego League competition on Saturday! Teammates pictured are Rex, Jack, Parker, Brooke, Tarini and Liam. Thanks, Coaches McCay Fowler and Dev Vaz!
Box Tops: Fall Collection Results
Box Tops results are in!! Together, we collected 7,631 box tops, and will receive $763.10 for the PTA.
The grade winners are as follows:
K-2. Mrs. Downs
3-5. Mrs. Merritt
6-8. Mrs. Bohnenberger.
Congratulations! These classes will receive an extra recess for their good work. Thank you for supporting our school.
Please keep collecting box tops for the spring collection.
PTA Reflections: "Heroes Around Me"
National PTA Reflections is America’s oldest and largest arts education program of its kind. In the past 50 years, the Reflections Arts Program has inspired millions of students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. Each year, students in K4 through 12th Grade are recognized for bringing the theme to life through Film Production, Dance Choreography, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Members of our local community serve as judges to determine our school winners, who will move on to the district and state contests.
This year's theme is "Heroes Around Me." Entries will be collected at Sterling School on November 12-14.
Click HERE for the complete rules and entry form. Entry forms are also available in the Media Center at school.
Sterling Dance Team
The first round of tryouts occurred last week and we're looking for more students! Anyone in 3rd-5th grade, boy or girl, Sterling or CTC are invited to participate.
The Sterling Dance Team is a group of highly motivated, school spirited, respectful students who may perform during school events, and other showcases. The Dance Team will perform as a synchronized unit by “dancing” in rhythm, designing formations, utilizing appropriate choreography, and chanting positive messages. The purpose of the Dance Team to:
- to promote school and team spirit, creativity, community service; and
- to enhance the unity and promotion of individual skills into a team performance.
All students interested in trying out MUST attend all days of tryouts:
Wed., Nov. 7th - Fri., Nov. 9th from 2:45–4:00pm
If your child is interested, (CLICK HERE!)
2018 Sterling School Thanksgiving Lunch
Our Annual Thanksgiving Families for Lunch Celebration will be two separate meals again this year:
- Wednesday, Nov. 14 will be K5 at 10:00 AM, 1st at 10:20 AM, 2nd at 10:30 AM, and 4th grade at 11:00 AM.
- Thursday, Nov. 15 will be K4 at 11:15 AM, 3rd at 11:30 AM, 5th at 10:45 AM, and Middle School at 12:30 PM.
Please keep in mind the time may be a little delayed due to the expected large crowd, please be patient
Special Payment Envelopes were sent home with students and we ask that payment be made in Advance - and returned by Wed., Nov. 7th, to help with planning.
The school has asked for the PTA's help with a range of needs that day. Here's the link to volunteer (CLICK HERE!)
We look forward to seeing everyone!
Spirit Night at Jason's Deli
Thursday, November 8th is our next PTA Spirit Night. Save the date and bring your family to have dinner with your Sterling / CTC friends! Jason's Deli on Haywood Road will donate a portion of the sales to our school! Please RSVP if you're planning on attending!
Jason's Deli offers vegetarian and gluten sensitive menus. Their food is free of dyes, artificial colors, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial trans fats, and processed MSG.
Elementary Yearbook on Sale Now!
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!
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?
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
Perfect Score!
Last week, Food & Nutrition Services (FANS) at Sterling School received a routine visit from DHEC. We are proud to announce that the Sterling School team received a score of 100! Whether it’s academics, social-emotional learning, or ensuring a delicious, nutritious meal, everyone at Sterling is working to support the #WholeChild! Congratulations to Ms. Brittany and her dedicated crew! #BuildingABetterGriffin
SCMEA Honor Region Orchestra
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