Griffins Connect
October 9th #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Creating a Greater Sense of Belonging
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At Sterling/CTC School we are excited to be UNITED against bullying. This month, students will learn about what bullying is, different types of bullying, and how to be united by being an upstander. Students will also identify their strengths/characteristics that make them special and give them the superpower to help others and create positive connections.
- Students will have the opportunity to enter an art contest by creating any type of artwork that describes or shows ways to be united against bullying for a chance to win a treat for their classroom. CLICK HERE for the informational flyer.
- The month of October will conclude with “United Against Drugs and Bullying Red Ribbon Week” where students and staff will be encouraged to participate in the daily theme through festive dress attire. We are excited to raise awareness of bullying prevention, provide education, and show commitment to keeping students safe at school, in the community, and online. CLICK HERE for the informational flyer.
What's Ahead...
October 10-14: 2nd Grade CogAT/IOWA Testing (info below)
October 10: Registration Due by noon for Testing Event for Potential CTC Students (info below)
October 11: PTA Spirit Night: Tropical Smoothie Café (2815 Woodruff Rd.); 2-8pm (info below)
October 12: 8th Grade PSAT Testing (info below)
October 12: Elementary CTC Lunch & Learn w/Mrs. Bennett; 12:00pm (registration info below)
October 13: Parent Café; 5:30-7:00pm (info below)
October 14: End of 1st Quarter Grading Period
October 14: Last day to pre-purchase Aaron Reynolds' books: Order form (info below)
October 14: School Spirit Day (Wear a Sterling/CTC shirt or school colors)
October 14: Beta Club Bake Sale @ Lunch - Cookies for $1.00
October 20: Triple P Parenting Seminar with Dr. T., Session 1; 8:30am (registration info below)
October 20: Fall/Yearbook Make-Up Pictures
October 20: 1st Quarter Report Cards
October 21: Middle School Fall Block Party (info below)
Veterans Day 2022 @ Sterling
On Friday, November 11th, 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. We invite all veterans in our Sterling family to join us as honored guests.
- If a special guest is planning to attend, we ask that you RSVP by Fri., Nov. 4th (CLICK HERE!). As a special treat, please send in or email a picture of your honored guest (preferably in uniform), the name and relationship to our Sterling/CTC student, and the name of the military branch in which he or she served. (You'll find this request within the Google Form as well.)
- 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. If you would like to participate, please complete the same Google Form (CLICK HERE!).
- We invite all students to wear red, white, and blue on the day of our program, Fri., Nov. 11th.
We look forward to this exciting day, as we pay tribute to those who have served our country. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to participate!
Health Room Info: COVID-19 Reporting
COVID-19 Reporting of Positive Test:
- If a student/staff member tests positive for Covid-19, this should be reported to the school to receive official return to school guidance.
- If a positive test is reported to the school, 5 days of isolation are required per GCS guidelines.
Exposure to COVID-19:
- No close contact tracing is required at this time
- No quarantine is required for close contacts of a positive case (even if the positive case is in the home)
- If someone is exposed to COVID-19 and they have symptoms of illness, a COVID test should be performed. Positive tests results should be reported to the school.
MakerSpace Supply Needed
The MakerSpace is in need of paper towel rolls for an upcoming design challenge on October 20th.
If you have any, please send in to Mrs. Matthews in the Media Center. Thank you!
Upcoming PTA Spirit Night
Join us for Spirit Night at Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Tuesday, October 11th from 2:00-8:00pm! Make sure you visit the Five Forks location at 2815 Woodruff Road and mention Sterling School when you order. A portion of all proceeds will be donated back to our school!
Parent Café: October 13th
The next Parent Café is happening Thursday, October 13th from 5:30-7:15 at Sterling School. A hot meal and childcare will be provided. In order to determine a count, you are asked to RSVP by Monday (10/10), by text: 864.501.3926. For more information, call 864.509.0777.
In partnership with the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, Parent Café provides families with a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and have a little fun. We hope you'll join us! #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Dr. Tchouros Presents...
Sterling School is excited to begin offering our Triple P –Seminar series. Dr. Tchouros will begin in October with “Power Of Positive Parenting.” Triple P offers easy strategies to help parents build relationships and promote positive behavior. You can find out more here. Please register here to join me on Thursday, October 20th at 8:30am for our first seminar. If you are interested but not able to attend at that time or are interested in a virtual option, please fill out this form.
Elementary CTC: Parent Lunch & Learn
Join Mrs. Bennett, school counselor for CTC grades 3rd-5th, to explore this topic. All parents of our school community who are interested in learning more are welcome to participate!
When: October 12th, 12:00pm
Where: Event will be held via “Zoom”
How: RSVP by October 11th (CLICK HERE!)
Flyer for the event:
Middle School Fall Block Party
Middle School students are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, karaoke, and food on Friday, October 21st from 2:45-4:15!
Tickets are $5 and include admission, a drink, and a snack. Extra snacks and drinks will be available to purchase $1/each (cash only). Purchase Tickets Now
Costumes are encouraged, but please no Halloween masks, weapons, or inappropriate attire.
Students will have time to change into costumes after 7th period.
You are Invited to the GOTR 5K: Register Today!
Save the date for the Girls on the Run 5K: Saturday, November 19, 2022. This is a day filled with congratulations, joy and reflection on all that our girls and coaches have accomplished. We invite you to participate as a Running Buddy or Community Runner.
- Running Buddy registration is intended for anyone who wants to run with a particular girl or GOTR team.
- Community Runners celebrate all participants and programs by moving at their own happy pace through the course. Community Runners are not attached to a specific girl or team.
Register (CLICK HERE!) by October 21st for early bird savings!
Please note, our event is a celebratory, non-competitive, non-timed run. We are there to have fun and celebrate our GOTR girls. We look forward to seeing you there and crossing the line together!
October Bake Sales
Jr. Beta will be sponsoring two bake sales in October! The bake sales will be in the cafeteria during all lunch shifts, and all items will be $1.
- Friday, October 14: Cookies
- Friday, October 28: Ghost Pops
Aaron Reynolds Author Visit
Aaron Reynolds will be visiting Sterling School on November 15th. He will visit with K5-5th grades and will be available to autograph books after his visit. If you would like to purchase his books through the school, please complete this form and return with money to Mrs. Matthews no later than October 14th. Checks should be made out to Sterling School.
Order form to pre-purchase his books through October 14th.
October 31st: What's Your Superpower?
Everyone has a superpower that makes them special and gives them the chance to help others! Do you make people smile? Are you a good cook? Do you write amazing stories? Are you great at sports... building things... math? Wear something that represents your SUPERPOWER!
2nd Grade CogAT & Iowa Testing
8th Grade PSAT Testing
Testing Event for Potential CTC Students
Registration due by noon on Monday, 10/10/2022.
CTC Testing Registration Form: CLICK HERE!
There are many inquiries about how students are chosen to attend the Charles Townes Center for highly gifted students, located within Sterling School. The criteria can be found on this website: (CLICK HERE!)
Many private schools in our area do not administer nationally normed aptitude tests along with an achievement test. For that reason, on Monday, October 17, 2022, there will be an opportunity for students who reside in Greenville County and attend home or private schools to take an aptitude test. If your child has already taken an aptitude test within the past two years, or if his/her school administers this testing, it is not necessary for your child to participate. You may just submit those test results to Jane Snyder via email.
Upon reviewing data from this testing event, we will determine if other testing or information is necessary for your child. The results may not be available until after Winter Break. You will be notified by email.
Please print the Registration Form and send it to Jane Snyder via scan/email or fax: jsnyder@greenville.k12.sc.us or 864-355-9042 (fax) by noon on Monday, October 10th. Please return a form for each child that you wish to have tested. Students and parents should check in at the front of Sterling School by 9:00am.
Students will be tested in small grade level groups to allow appropriate distancing. Please have each child bring 2 pencils for testing. Allow three hours for your child’s testing which includes breaks for them. If you feel that your child needs to have a snack for one of the breaks, please send it in an individually wrapped package. Also, students should bring a water bottle. During testing, parents may participate in a tour given by CTC personnel. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions, too!
For further information, you may contact Jane Snyder by email at jsnyder@greenville.k12.sc.us (best way to communicate!) or by phone at 355-4821.
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!
Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
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).
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.
Upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences
Our mission to support the #WholeChild is a big responsibility. Not only does this require an intentional effort to design and implement a challenging, progressive curriculum that is tailored to our students’ unique needs, it also requires a strong home/school partnership, and a call to development of a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset acknowledges that we are not there...yet. It's a mindset that acknowledges that we are a work in progress, but embraces that we will never truly reach the finish line. A mindset that does not see a grade of “A” as the goal but embraces and celebrates the growth that comes with challenge and productive struggle. I must admit, as a parent of four school-aged children, this way of thinking presents its challenges. As an educator, this requires that my students are challenged in a space that encourages growth, problem-solving, and resilience. In our culture, this is not always easy. To help our children achieve their full potential, we must fight the temptation to make things easy and to do the task quicker, easier, and without resistance.
Over the next couple of weeks, your child’s teacher will be communicating details of upcoming parent/teacher conferences. This year’s meetings are scheduled for all elementary students. As always, it is our expectation to have 100% participation for all students. During this time, teachers are encouraged to share strengths and weaknesses, to share the areas of success as well as the areas for growth. Parents, you are encouraged to do the same. Talk to your child’s teacher about ways you can partner to help your child grow. Through transparent conversations, goals should be discussed and established. Together, we are your child’s support team. It is our hope that these important meetings are not simply to “check a box” but spur every student to greater academic and social-emotional success.
Dr. P.
Perfect! 2022 SCReady/PASS
Last spring, 45 of our students scored PERFECT on at least one section of the SC Ready (ELA or Math) and/or SC PASS (Science). This accomplishment deserves to be celebrated and is a tremendous honor. CONGRATULATIONS!
*Note: Grade level noted indicates previous year.
- 3rd Grade - Math: Felix Arnold, Robert Beliaev, Jacob Buckingham, Charles Burns, Davis Craddock, Treyton Dryman, Suhasini Ganesh, Grayson Goemaat, Zolin Hernandez-Heffernan, Danielle McCarthy, Logan Perumal, Sarah Rondeau, Daniel Shi, Laurel Tyson, Stuart Walsh, Zachary Watkins
- 4th Grade - Math: Benjamin Davis, Mikus Kukainis, Eleanor Mudge, Arshi Patel, Aryan Rao, Jacob Tang
- 4th Grade - Science: Jackson Champion-Wescott, Kinsley Crump, Benjamin Davis, Wyatt Hoffmann, Caleb Hosking, Alexander Lowry, William Mayberry, Charlotte Moss, Rachel Woodward
- 5th Grade - Math: Gaines Caldwell, Jonathan Gao, Ritika Sanghani, Lucas Sofield, Colten White
- 6th Grade - ELA: Mary Hazel Hinson
- 6th Grade - Math: Nicholas Hu
- 7th Grade - Math: Ryan Balodis-Stuart, Laura Meredith
- 8th Grade - Math: Ryan Alioua, Jeremiah Campbell, Aditya Harikumar, Maddox Lee, Grace Qin, Eric Shi
Submit Your Nomination: WYFF Golden Apple Award
Ingles and WYFF News 4 wants to reward teachers who are going above and beyond. Each week, an area teacher will be selected to receive the Golden Apple Award and profiled Thursdays on WYFF News 4. These weekly winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. At the end of the school year, a Teacher of the Year will be selected from the weekly winners.
To nominate an educator for the Golden Apple Award, pick up an official nomination form from an area Ingles store or CLICK HERE, then complete and mail to:
WYFF News 4
Golden Apple Award
505 Rutherford Street
Greenville, SC 29609
For submission details, CLICK HERE.
Middle School Yearbook Information
Middle School Yearbook
It's yearbook time! The middle school yearbook is on sale and is currently $35. Click the image or LINK to order. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions.
8TH GRADE ADS
8th grade parents: honor your 8th grader with a personalized ad in the middle school yearbook! Ads are due by 12/15, but it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to write and what pictures you want to use. Click the image or LINK for pricing options. Contact Ms. Baiden with questions.
8TH GRADE BABY PICTURES
8th grade parents, please send in a baby picture of your 8th grader for the portrait page of the yearbook. Email a digital image of the baby picture such as a JPG or GIF; the image will be of the student's face/head, so close-ups are best. Baby pictures are due by 10/28. Email pictures to Ms. Baiden.
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