Griffins Connect
Week of May 30th #ReImagine #WholeChild
Thanks for A Great Year!
As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close, I am tremendously grateful... grateful to serve as your child's principal, grateful to work alongside educators who work tirelessly to provide the very best, and grateful for the parents who unconditionally support and encourage. It is truly an honor to be a part of the Sterling School community.
While the continued response to the global pandemic was certainly challenging, this year has brought many successes:
- 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary AND Best Middle School: #1 Middle School in the State (CLICK HERE)
- 2021 William "Bill" T. Wylie V.A.L.U.E.D. Lives Award for School Excellence in Diversity presented by Furman's Riley Institute and the Greenville Chamber (CLICK HERE)
- 2021 Sylvia Palmer Sustainable Educator School Award presented by Sustaining Way
- 2020-2022 National PTA School of Excellence
- We also invite you to check out this year’s School Improvement Council’s Annual Report to Parents for more of this year’s highlights and achievements!
But our work is not finished. As a school community we must continue to see learning as a journey, not a destination. Our school, constantly evolving, must continuously adapt to meet the needs of each child. As we've seen over the last several years, successfully meeting our students' needs requires a progressive, responsive, #WholeChild approach. Together, we will continue in our collective effort to #ReImagine teaching and learning.
Over the weeks of summer, please continue to keep our Griffins learning. Students can continue to access their DreamBox and Reflex accounts. Additionally, encouraging reading for fun while away from Sterling will ensure that we continue to establish a community of #ReadersAreLeaders.
In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone the very best for the summer break and look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed, for what will surely be an exciting new academic year. As always, it is an honor to serve as our school's principal. Again, thank you for your continued support and care.
Dr. P
What's Ahead...
Last Week...
May 31: 8th Grade Class Trip to Charlotte
May 31: Field Day (Grades 6th & 7th @ 8:30-11:00am)
May 31: 5th Grade Sterling Awards Day; 9:00am
May 31: Sterling/CTC 5th Grade Day
June 1: Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast; 8:30-9:30am (info below)
June 1: Last Day to RSVP for Griffin Walk Clap Out (info below)
June 2: Half Day for Students, Elem Dismissal @ 11:45, Middle Dismissal @ 12:00
June 3: Half Day for Students, Elem Dismissal @ 11:45, Middle Dismissal @ 12:00
June 3: Griffin Walk Clap Out & Car Parade; 11:00am (info below)
5th Grade Students Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
Sterling/CTC Participates in 2022 FIRST LEGO League Razorback Open Invitational
Last weekend, the Greenvaliants travelled to Arkansas to compete in the 2022 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Razorback Open Invitational. At the event, 80 of the very best teams from around the world competed over 3 days in the areas of core values, robot performance, and an innovation project. Some of these teams represent very tough competition, because in other countries, students can be as old as 18 years old!
We are excited to announce that the Greenvaliants won Core Values Finalist at the event, placing them among the top 10% worldwide. Core values in the areas of teamwork, respect, cooperation, and outreach. Core values is the most coveted of all FLL areas; therefore, these students represent Sterling PRIDE at the very highest level. Congratulations, everyone! We are proud of you and your strong representation of our school! #WholeChild #ReImagine
The latest BUZZ on our Beehive Project!
This video features our 1st hive inspection where we check on the progress of the bees at the home of our Bee Mentor, April Boyer, and look to see if the Queen Bee has been released!
Beekeeper April also brought the Observation Hive box home with her so she can get things ready for installing the bees and moving them to the Sterling/CTC campus.
We're still on track to move the bees to the school in the next few weeks (right when summer break starts), so stay tuned for updates along the way! #WholeChild #ReImagine
News From the Health Room
If your student has medication in the health room, please make arrangements for a parent to pick this medication up by noon on June 3, 2022. Medications cannot be sent home with students. Any medications remaining at school after 12:00 pm on 06/03/2022, will be destroyed, per district policy.
Sterling School Volunteer Breakfast 2022
On Wednesday, June 1st @ 8:30am, our school will host a breakfast to recognize our many volunteers. If you have given of your time to our school and students this year, we'd like to say THANK YOU! This includes PTA, SIC, mentors, tutors, classroom parents, and all other volunteers. If you can attend, please RSVP by Friday, May 27th: https://forms.gle/B5AwjJHFVKBbuCDE6
Calling All Graduates: Griffin Walk 2022
As students leave Sterling School, they participate in a Griffin Walk. If you have a child who is a former student of Sterling School and graduating from H.S. this year, or know of someone you can pass this on to, we would appreciate your help in rounding up our former Griffins to participate once again.
Griffin Walk 2022 will take place Friday, June 3rd @ 11:00am. We invite all high school graduates who attended Sterling School to join us! Any participating graduate should RSVP and bring their cap, gown, and other graduation regalia, or wear their college t-shirt. We ask any of our special guests to sign-in our main office by 10:45am. Having our former students participate in this tradition serves to inspire our younger "Griffins" to remain focused in their own academic journey. Please submit this form by Wednesday, June 1st.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/BnHwErFcJc7zzZoz6
22-23 After School Program Registration Now Open
2022-2023 Sterling School Faculty/Staff Changes
Every year, for various reasons, we anticipate a few changes to our school's faculty and staff.
As you may likely know, we have a few teachers who have retired or have announced their decision to retire at the end of the year: Ms. Malia Dunn (Middle School Math), Mrs. Connie Gordon (Middle School Math), Ms. Kim Marchbanks (Literacy Specialist), and Ms. Stephanie Nichols (GTT/Computers & Technology). We thank them for their service and wish each individual much enjoyment in their next chapter of life.
As a result of other professional and/or personal reasons, the following individuals will also be saying their goodbyes to Sterling School this year: Miss Nicole Benvenuto (Counselor), Mrs. Angie Feltman (4th Grade Sterling), Mrs. Lisa Helsel (3rd Grade CTC), Ms. Sarah Petersen (Computers), Ms. Joyce Reed (Resource), and Mr. Cory Welch (P.E.). We also thank them for their dedication to our school and wish them much success in their next steps.
Effective next school year…
- Mrs. Katelyn Barnett will move from 3rd Grade Sterling to 4th grade Sterling.
- Mrs. Candi Coffman will move from 3rd grade Sterling to academic intervention.
- Due to next year's decreased projected enrollment in 2nd grade, Ms. Kamaria Downs will move to 3rd grade Sterling.
Mrs. Beth Beard, GTT/Computers & Technology
Aloha, my name is Beth Beard, and I am beyond excited to join The Sterling School/Charles Townes Center as a technology teacher.
I was born in the continental United States but not in a state. Did you guess Washington, D.C.? I spent my early years in Maryland and then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up in those two wonderfully diverse locations helped shape who I am as a person and as a teacher here in South Carolina. I have been a teacher for 22 amazing and rewarding years. I graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Elementary Education. After undergrad, I began teaching Middle School Science and Social Studies. While teaching, I discovered a passion for all things technology, and earned my masters in Technology in Education. After earning my masters, and while teaching technology, I earned National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in Business and Marketing. I am also Middle Level Science Certified.
Outside of school, the activity I enjoy most is going on adventures with my family. We love to travel and we visit Hawaii as often as possible. We also love traveling to different states within the U.S., and have been to Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia. It is my goal to visit every continent and SCUBA dive in every ocean.
I can’t wait to start this new adventure at Sterling School/Charles Townes Center with you!
Mrs. Anna Doyle, Literacy Specialist
Hi! My name is Anna Doyle and I am thrilled to join the Sterling/CTC Staff as the Literacy Specialist. After graduating from Furman University, I jumped head first into the creative, electric, exhausting world of elementary school, and have loved every minute of my 18 years. (well, most of them. IYKYK.) My years in both Spartanburg District Six and Greenville County School classrooms have solidified my belief that in order to serve students well, we must love first, teach second.
I believe relationships are the foundation for all learning, and this truth translates to literacy. I am passionate about helping students develop their identities as readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators, and supporting students as they work to meet their goals. I am looking forward to building relationships with each of you, so that we may work together to build a stronger literacy community.
My passion for literacy barely eclipses my love for crinkle fries and a good honey mustard. I often find myself having to begrudgingly share my condiments with my husband Brad, son Tate, and daughter Eloise. When we aren’t arguing over who gets the last dip, we enjoy playing board games, exploring new travel destinations, and piddling in our home garden.
I am so excited about my new adventure at Sterling/CTC, and look forward to partnering with all of you as we continue to do the hard but rewarding work of strengthening our community one student at a time through literacy.
Mr. Edward Foor, Physical Education
Hello, my name is Eddie Foor and I am beyond excited to be joining the Sterling family. My family and I are coming all the way from Southern California to start a new chapter in our lives in Greenville and look forward to meeting everyone.
My passion really begins with teaching kids a new skill and then watching them grow and excel on their own. In the last five years, I’ve been very fortunate to teach students physical education at the elementary level. I’ve enjoyed teaching the many different benefits of living an active life while watching students grow their physical abilities as well as their self-confidence. In addition to teaching physical education, I’ve had the opportunity to coach various sports. I have many years of experience coaching at different levels from high school soccer and baseball to elementary flag football and basketball. I look forward to being able to connect with students and their families by continuing to coach in some capacity in the Greenville community.
Outside of school, I love spending my time in the outdoors making memories with my wife and two sons. We are excited to explore the many different outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing that the upstate has to offer. I look forward to meeting everyone and building long lasting relationships within the Sterling family. See you soon.
Dr. Elaine Newberry, Resource
Hi everyone, I am Elaine Newberry. I am honored and excited to join the Sterling School team. This is my 33th year teaching children with special needs. I love to teach and I love to learn. I am the teacher who geeks out over the school supply section in Target in July and August! I attended Appalachian State University for my undergraduate degree. I still enjoy traveling to the mountains of NC to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. I taught in NC and SC over the years. In 2016, I completed my doctorate in Teacher Leadership. I just completed two years as a self-contained teacher of students with intellectual disabilities in Anderson School District One.
Personally, I have 3 sons and 1 little, spoiled dog. My oldest son lives in Greenville with his wife. He works in IT for Canal Insurance. My second son lives in Mesa, Arizona, and he designs web pages. My third son joined our family as a foster child. We were privileged to adopt him in 2021. He is 13 years old in the 7th grade. My little dog is a Havanese. This breed originally came from Havana, Cuba, thus the name Havanese.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. We attend church activities, go yard sale shopping, hike to find waterfalls, and go to local festivals.
I am looking forward to making relationships and teaching the students at Sterling School. Let’s make the new year great!
Mrs. Ashly Red, Computers & Technology
Hello! My name is Ashly Red and I am excited to be teaching Computers & Technology and Response to Intervention (RtI) at Sterling School next year.
My husband and I moved here from Michigan almost four years ago. We always desired to reside in a warmer climate and loved Greenville the first time we visited. Back in Michigan, I worked as an elementary RtI then after moving I taught K5 and 1st grade here in Greenville. Once I decided that classroom teaching wasn’t a long term choice for me, I taught English online. I decided to start subbing this past January where I was introduced to Sterling and was able to explore the possibility of working full time in a related arts position. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to continuing that journey with you all.
Outside of work, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, cooking and baking new recipes. I am an avid reader and always enjoy curling up with a good book in my library at home.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your school.
Ms. Carrie Santinelli, 3rd Grade Sterling
Hello! My name is Carrie Santinelli and I am really excited to join the Sterling family. I just moved from Estero, Florida and I am loving Greenville. I taught both 3rd and 4th grades in Florida and I truly feel like teaching is my calling. I worked retail for most of my life and fell in love with being in the classroom while I was volunteering with Junior Achievement. During my time as a JA volunteer (8 years), they partnered with the University of Phoenix for a full-tuition scholarship contest, and long story short, I won the scholarship and started on the epic journey that changed my life. I have loved every single minute of being a teacher!
I was born and raised in Florida, but I have lived in Hawaii, Georgia, California, and Maryland. In my free time I love to volunteer, read, and go for walks with my dog. I have two fur babies, Indy (my pup) and Peyton (my cat). Indy is loving Falls Park and struts around like he owns it.
Everyone I have met has been so wonderful and gracious. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone else on the team and getting to know the students. For the rest of this year, you will see me working with 3rd and 4th grades.
Ms. Michelle Treloar, Middle School Counselor
Hello, My name is Michelle Treloar and I am honored to join the team and community of Sterling Middle this year as the middle level counselor. I recently moved to Greenville, last summer, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to begin my counseling career at Tanglewood Middle School. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Early and Special Education at the Slippery Rock University, I transitioned to Duquesne University to obtain my Master’s degree in School Counseling for Certified Teachers.
During my time as an elementary teacher, I discovered my passion for achieving academic and lifestyle success through social-emotional learning. This is what inspired me to obtain my Master's degree in School Counseling K-12. I have learned so much in my first year counseling at Tanglewood and am excited to bring my unique experiences and skills to Sterling Middle for my second year in the counseling field. I believe collaboration is key and I prioritize building relationships with students, families, staff, and community members to achieve this dynamic. My personal qualities and professional skillset help me to create a safe and respectful environment where students and staff feel comfortable expressing themselves and their challenges so we can work together to find a solution and overcome barriers to learning. As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students.
Outside of school, I enjoy exploring the city with my brother and friends. I am still learning all the wonderful things Greenville has to offer. I love attending any type of after-school activities to show my students support extends beyond school walls. I also enjoy cuddling with my cat, Oreo, and traveling to places I have never been before.
I look forward to supporting your student(s) and growing alongside them throughout their journey here at Sterling. I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!
Ms. Sharniece Wadelington, Behavioral Specialist
HELLO! My name is Sharniece Wadelington. I go by Ms. Niece or Coach Niece. I am excited to join the Sterling Family.
I have worked in the Greenville County School District for a total of 8 years (Employee/Coach). I come from Bryson Middle School working with Special Education and behaviors. I have worked in the Human Service field in a variety of areas for over a decade.
I look forward to a new adventure at Sterling, learning more about the students to help them succeed, and meeting my future colleagues.
Mr. Todd Whittaker, Middle School Math
Hello! My name is Todd Whittaker, and I am so excited to join the Sterling family. I am a foster alum who grew up in a children’s home in Greenwood, South Carolina. A middle school teacher made a huge impact on my life by taking an interest in me and showing up at my games and band recitals. I’ll never forget her. Knowing how much her kindness meant to me as a kid, I have always wanted to become a teacher; it has been my dream to become a champion for kids. After working retail jobs to survive for many years, I decided to finally go to college and chase my dream when I turned 30. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from USC Upstate last May with a degree in Middle Level Education and concentrations in Mathematics and English Language Arts.
This year, I teach Math in Spartanburg, SC. Almost a year in, I still wake up every day and can’t believe I get to do this for a living. I am excited to help students see that like my dream, anything they work for is possible and that there is no one right way to go through life. I have found that I have been able to transfer a lot of my childhood experiences with trauma to adolescent struggles in middle school and to mathematics, an anxiety-ridden subject even for the best of students. My goal is to help students see that everyone can be a math person, and to give my students not only the skills, but the confidence they need to succeed in higher level mathematics. I believe math is meant to be explored and played with, and I love teaching students how much fun that can be. And you can bet I am at my students’ games and recitals.
In my spare time, I love to read, write, play video games, spend time at my church where I teach 7th and 8th Grade Sunday School, and play with my Corgi, Helo.
Thanks for welcoming me into the Sterling family. I can’t wait to get to know everyone in the 2022-23 school year.
2022 South Carolina Academy of Science Online Contest Winners
School Winners
Mateo Pena Puente (4th grade)
Vaishnavi Badveli (6th grade)
Regional Winners
Logan Poor (5th grade)
Sean Lee (6th grade)
Karthik Arumugam (6th grade)
Ishana Vanith (6th grade)
Grand Winners
Samer Kozubowski (5th grade)
Ritika Sanghani (5th grade)
Anya Penmetsa (6th grade)
Prathiksha Raguram (8th grade)
Griffins Participate in Nat'l Chess Championship
CONGRATULATIONS to 5th graders, Jonathan Gao and Ritika Sanghani, for recently participating in the National Elementary Chess Championship in Columbus, OH last weekend (May 13th to May 15th). Together, they placed 9th in the team award by scoring 7 points combined in the K5 Under 1200 section. The team award is given to a school with 2 or more participants (up to 4 team members max) and based on their combined scores. Even though Jonathan and Ritika were the only 2 participations from Sterling/CTC, their hard work is to be commended. Most top winning schools have 4 or more participations. They played a total of 7 chess games with each round lasting approximately 3 hours. #WholeChild #ReImagine
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