The Weekly Griffin
August 25th - #BuildingABetterGriffin #LevelUP
Week One: A Huge Success!
As I reflect over the last week, I could not have asked for a better week! Our days were filled with active learning, community building, and lots of smiles and laughter. Teachers and support staff alike shared similar sentiments regarding a successful start-of-school. As we head into week 2 and beyond, lets remain committed to our focus to #BuildABetterGriffin. Working together, we will continue to create an environment where every student receives a personalized educational experience that allows them to explore their world, be enriched, and excel academically and emotionally as they prepare for challenges today and tomorrow. #WholeChild
What's Ahead...
- August 27 - Sweet Summer Reading Chances Forms Due
- August 29 - Muffins & Mentors (Open to All Interested Mentors); 8:30am in Vegas Room
- August 29 - Attractions Fundraiser Kick-Off (Elementary Only)
- August 30 - National College Colors Day
- September 2 - Labor Day (No School for Students)
- September 4 - Families for Lunch
Morning & Afternoon Traffic Procedures
Reminders:
AM Drop-off:
Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while operating your motor vehicle, etc.).
Please move through the morning and afternoon car line with extreme caution.
Do not use your cell phones or other electronic devices while in the car line.
Do not let your child unload before school doors open at 7:25am.
In the morning, we ask all car riders to exit the full length of the awning. (Parents who wait to drop off at the front of the school cause the line to back up and result in unnecessary delays.)
Middle school students should be dropped off in the back bus loop (Watch out for buses. They are less maneuverable than cars.) Middle school students should report to the gym until dismissed to class.
Elementary students (K4-5th) must drop off in the front car loop. (This includes carpools with both elementary & middle students.) Elementary school students should report to the hallway of their respective grade.
Any middle school students being dropped off at or after 7:50 must be dropped off in the front car line.
Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.
Please turn right as you exit the campus. It is quicker for all to turn left on Faris Road and left on Pleasantburg rather than holding up the line trying to turn left onto McAlister Road.
PM Pick-up:
Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while operating your motor vehicle, etc.)
Please move through the car line with extreme caution.
Elementary pick-up begins at 2:30; Middle school pick-up begins at 2:45.
Cars will be expected to load along the full length of the sidewalk/awning.
All cars must turn right as they exit the parking lot/car line.
Elementary pick-up should line up in the right-hand pickup lane upon entry. Middle school pick-up should line up in the left-hand lane lane upon entry beginning at 2:45.
Elementary students will be called from their classrooms, which means they could take 5-7 minutes to exit the building.
Middle school students will be dismissed at 2:45. Keep in mind they may need to visit their lockers or the restroom, so they may not exit the building for 5-7 minutes.
Middle school students who carpool (with middle or elementary students) should utilize the back bus loop. All other middle school students should use the front traffic loop.
Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.
**Administration reserves the right to revise these procedures in the event that they present unforeseen problems or concerns**
#LevelUP: New Honors Course Approved
Did you know? Long time parents of CTC students are likely aware that our middle school offers a variety of high school credit courses at the honors level, including English I, Algebra I, and Geometry. What you may not know is that thanks to a change in policy at the South Carolina Department of Education, the Greenville County School Board of Trustees has now approved us to also offer Spanish II, Orchestra I, and Band I at the honors level. We are excited about the opportunities this affords our students and we will continue to advocate for these types of options for our students!
PBIS: #BuildingABetterGriffin...Building A Better Sterling!
As the end of the first week, elementary students participated in a high-energy pep rally to officially recognize a major component of our school’s social-emotional framework: PBIS or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports! Students rallied together, participated in team building activities,and reviewed the expectations of our school’s five hot spots areas!
The purpose for PBIS is to create and sustain a positive school community where everyone feels respected, understands their responsibilities and experiences success in all school environments. PBIS is a prevention-oriented framework that allows educators to use evidence-based practices to create and sustain positive, effective and culturally-inclusive environments that support academic and social success for all students.
This week, you’ll find more on our home/school partnership regarding PBIS in your child’s Thursday folder. This is just one more example of how we’re working to #BuildABetterGriffin! #WholeChild #LevelUP
Muffins & Mentors: This Thursday!
If you are currently mentoring or are interested in potentially mentoring this year, we invite you to Muffins & Mentors! Muffins & Mentors will occur this Thursday (8/29) at 8:30 in our Vegas Room. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Chameka Duncan.
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.
Sterling School SIC
Last week, information regarding Sterling School SIC, along with the nomination form, was sent in your child's Thursday Folder. (Or you can access here!) Nominations to serve on this year's council are due by 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 10th. Ballots will be prepared and voting will occur from September 16th until 4:00pm on September 30th.
If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Patterson or SIC Chair, Julie Cain Cwynar. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to serve our students, parents, and school community.
Student Support Brochure
Uncertain of who to contact or the many services we provide?
In our ongoing commitment to the #WholeChild, Sterling School strives to meet the varying needs of each child. To bring greater awareness of the many supports we provide, we have created the Sterling School Student Support Brochure. In addition to this newsletter, this menu of supports will be linked to our school's web page for future access and reference.
College Colors Day is Friday!
2019 Sterling School Talent Show
Sterling School's Annual Talent Showcase will be held on Thursday, October 24th at 6:30pm. Students in grade 3-8 who would like to audition may pick up a form between August 28 – September 13 from Ms. Reynolds or the front office. In order to audition for the Talent Show, you MUST complete an audition form. Forms are due back by Sep. 18th. Each act should be no longer than two minutes. Auditions dates are October 1, 3, and 4. 2019. Auditions will be scheduled based on your requested date. All students will remain at school on their audition day until 4:00.
The Talent Show is sponsored by the Jr. Beta Club and is a fundraiser for Jr. Beta activities. Admission is a suggested $3.00 donation.
#WholeChild Moment
- Preschoolers (ages 3–5): 10–13 hours (including naps)
- School age children (ages 6–12): 9–12 hours
- Teenagers (ages 13–18): 8–10 hours
Insufficient sleep can impact students’ concentration and ability to retain information. Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and supports success in school. Please consider these 4 sleep strategies to help support and establish a healthy sleep routine for the new year. #WholeChild #BuildingABetterGriffin
2019-2020 Sterling School Club Information
Interested in finding a club? Here are some of the 2019-2020 clubs offered at Sterling School. Information will be up soon on the school website. Students can contact the club sponsor for information. (Some require fees and applications.)
● Art Club (Grades 4-5) This club is for dedicated and engaged students who love ART! Meets: Selected Mondays, once per month Sponsors: Ms. Harrington, Ms. Spitler
● Art Honor Society (Grades 7-8) This Club bridges students who are passionate about ART with the community. See Ms. Harrington or Ms. Spitler for details.
● Battle of the Books (BoB) (Grades 4-5) This is a District-sponsored competition. Interested
students begin reading the ten BoB books once the list is announced district-wide around the start of September. Informational meeting Sep. 4th, 2:30-3:00 in the Media Center. Meets: TBD, Sponsor: Ms. Matthews
● Chess Club (Grades 3-8) Students will work with Think Move Chess Academy to learn chess and enhance their academic and life skills. Meets every Friday from 2:45-4:00 Sponsors: Ms. Cooper, Ms. Foulkes
● Sterling Chorus (Grades 3-8) is a club for students who enjoy singing in a group to develop vocal technique and choral expression. Meets: Every Thursday 2:45-3:45. Sponsor: Dr. Robertson
● Creative Writing Club (Grades 5-8) Students have the opportunity to participate in interesting and fun activities that will help to develop their powers of expression in speech and particularly in writing. Application available from Ms. Newell. Meets first and third Tuesday of every month 2:45-3:30. Sponsor: Ms. Newell, Ms. K. Kelley
● Corner of Broadway & Hollywood - Drama/Film Club (Grades 6-8) Broadway & Hollywood is meant to give students the opportunity to participate in interesting and fun activities in all aspects of drama and film making. Meets every Monday 2:45-3:45. Sponsor: Ms. Bohnenberger
● Drama Club (Grades 3-5) - In partnership with the Greenville Little Theatre, students will learn stage craft and drama techniques. Meets every Wednesday Sep-Nov 2:45- 4:00 Sponsors: Ms. Helsel, Ms. Wallace
● Girls on the Run (Girls in Grades 3-5) Over a period of 10 weeks, girls in the 3rd through 5th grade participate in an after-school program to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays Sep 17 – Nov. 23 (5K on Saturday 2:30-4:15 Sponsor: Ms. Rucker
● Green Team (Jr. Beta members in grades 6-8) Students will help with the recycling needs around the school. Registration form available from Ms. Reynolds. Meets every Monday 2:45-3:15. Sponsors: Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Gordon
● Elementary Beta Club (Grades 4-5) Students who meet the membership requirements will promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership. Membership is by invitation (distributed first quarter).
Meets once per quarter TBD. Sponsors: Ms. Dechau, Ms. Merritt, Ms. West
● Jr. Beta Club (Grades 6-8) As part of the National Beta club, members promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership. Membership is by invitation (distributed by August 30).
Meets: Grade 6 meets 2nd Thursday of each month 2:45 - 3:45; Grades 7-8 meet 2nd Tuesday of each month 2:45 - 3:45. Sponsors: Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Cooper, and Ms. Newell
● Griffin Girls (Girls in grade 8) The purpose of Griffin Girls is to serve as an 8th grade girls mentorship program. We will encourage self-confidence and kindness in our young ladies, further equipping them to be prepared to take on their futures in such a way where they will be a positive impact on their communities and circles of influence. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays 2:45-3:45. Sponsors: Ms. Hefner and Ms. Hoover
● Groovy Griffins (Grades 1 & 2) Students in 1st & 2nd grade will read a book one week and discuss and write a review the following week. During the meetings we will talk about the book and have a related hands-on activity. Limited to 10 students. Meets: Every Wednesday 7:30-7:55am
Sponsors: Candace Coffman, Kim Marchbanks, Christy Guth, Joyce Reed
● Lego Clubs (Grades 4-8) Lego clubs form in the Spring semester for the following school year. Lego teams are set for ‘19-’20. Contact: Ms. Emmel
● Library Cadets (Grades 5-8) Library Cadets deliver library materials, check out items, maintain an inviting environment conducive to learning, and promote library services. Must be able to work 1 morning or afternoon each week either from 7:40-7:55, 2:30-2:50 (5th grade) or 2:45-3:00 (middle school). Submit your name to Ms. Henry or Ms. Matthews if interested.
● Math Counts (Grades 5-6) MathCounts for 5th and 6th grade is a math club where students can learn material and techniques to be successful in math competitions. Meets Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. Sponsor: Ms. Gordon
● Math Counts (Grades 7-8) MathCounts for 7th and 8th grade is a math club where students can learn material and techniques to be successful in math competitions. Meets Thursdays 2:45-3:45. Sponsor: Ms. Gordon
● Math Olympiad (Grades 4 - 5) Math Olympiads is a club designed to foster enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics by discovering mathematical solutions. Application available from Ms. Nyvall.
Meets first and third Mondays 2:30 - 3:30. Sponsors: Ms. Nyvall and Ms. Laskowski
● Newspaper Club (Grades 6-8) Students will create a newspaper for CTC Middle school. Application available from Ms. Baiden and Ms. VanDommelen
Meets every Monday 2:45-3:30. Sponsors: Ms. Baiden, Ms. VanDommelen
● Relay for Life Team (Grades 3 - 8) The Relay for Life team raises money for the American Cancer Society. Members will participate in the Greenville Relay for Life event in May.
Meets Spring Semester (date/time TBD). Sponsor: Ms. Henry
● Safety Patrol (Grade 5) Students will open car doors and assist others out of their vehicles and direct them into the school in a safe and orderly fashion. Safety Patrols will be assigned to hallways to assist in keeping students safe by following Sterling Hallway expectations. See Ms. Nifong and Ms. Moretti for information.
● Spanish Club (Grades 6-8) To promote cross-cultural acceptance and understanding in students of Spanish and to encourage service to school and community. Application available from Sra. Goll and Sra. VanDommelen
Meets first Thursday of every month 2:45-3:45. Sponsors: Sra. Goll and Sra. VanDommelen
● Suzuki Strings Club-(Grades3-8) This club is a Suzuki Review club intended to be a review for students who already have string experience. Meets: Wednesdays 7:30am-7:55 am Sponsor:Mrs. Martin
● Youth in Government (grades 6-8) to educate students in the process of law making in SC State Government. YIG is a Model Legislature run by the YMCA. In YIG the students will be creating a bill which they will try and get passed in the House of Representatives and the State Senate at the conference in November. Meets every Tuesday (Sep-Dec) from 2:45-3:45. Sponsors: Ms. Bohnenberger and Ms. Broder
Support a Sterling Classroom
CLICK HERE to check out our school's classroom projects!
Supporting a DonorsChoose project is super easy...
1) Find a classroom project that inspires you and give as little as $1. We're a public charity, so your donation is tax-deductible.
2) When a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose will purchase all the requested items and ship them directly to the school.
3) When funded, every donor gets a thank-you letter from the teacher, photos from the classroom, and a report of how each dollar was spent.
The mission of DonorsChoose is simple...to help students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Meal Application
Each year, interested families must reapply for free/reduced lunch. The online application for Free/Reduced Price Lunch opened Thursday, August 1st. CLICK HERE for more information.
Completing the application online is the best method to signing up. If you would prefer to complete a paper version of the application, these will be available this week.
All parents are reminded that this year's carryover period ends October 2nd. At this time, if no qualifying application is on file, all students will default to "full pay." Also, any student owing more than $20.00 to the cafeteria will be given an alternate meal until the bill is paid.
If there are any questions, Mr. Glackin, Sterling School FANS Manager, will be available at Meet the Teacher to help navigate the application process.
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 via email or (864) 355-4480.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed These #WholeChild Moments!
Summer Story Time
Our first Summer Story Time was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who joined us for one of our weekly sessions. Much appreciation to the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, Public Education Partners, & Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services for partnering with us to provide this wonderful opportunity! Together, we worked to #BuildABetterGriffin and #FoughtTheSummerSlide.
United Way School Tools Event
We are grateful to have been a small part of this very BIG event! Thank you, United Way of Greenville County, for all you do to support our students and school community!
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