Griffins Connect
October 23rd #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
Sterling School is EXCELLENT!
Annual report cards attempt to measure our academic achievement, student progress, college and career readiness, and school climate. All schools in our state receive a ranking of excellent, good, average, below average, or unsatisfactory. The results are based on test scores and surveys. The report also include data on English Learners' Progress, Student Safety, and Financial information. To view our elementary report card, CLICK HERE; to view our middle school report card, CLICK HERE!
You will find a link to our school's report card on the homepage of our school's website. As a school community, this is something we all should celebrate! Together, we are working to ensure that every child reaches their fullest potential. As always, thank you for your support of our wonderful school community. #CreatingConnections #WholeChild
What's Ahead...
October 24: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Red
October 26: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Pajamas
October 26: Elementary CTC Lunch & Learn w/Mrs. Bennett; 12:00pm (registration info below)
October 27: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Decades
October 27: Thanksgiving Lunch RSVP Envelopes in Thursday Folders
October 27: Parent Café: 5:30-7:00pm
October 28: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Favorite Team Colors
October 28: Deadline to Purchase CTC Band Hoodie (info below)
October 28: Jr. Beta Candy Sale @ Lunch (info below)
October 29: Report Card Night @ the Swamp Rabbits (info below)
October 31: Red Ribbon Week - Wear: Something that represents your superpower
October 31: United Against Bullying Art Contest Submission Due
November 3: Thanksgiving Lunch RSVP Envelopes Due
November 3: SIC Meeting; 8:30-9:30am in Vegas Room
November 4: Special Guest Veterans Day RSVP Deadline: CLICK HERE! (info below)
November 4: 8th Grade Parent Lunch & Learn, 12:00pm (info below)
November 7: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
November 8: Election Day: Get Out & Vote...for Public Education! (No School)
November 10: Parent Café: 5:30-7:00pm
November 11: Veterans Day Program; K-3rd @ 8:30am, 4th-8th @ 9:30am (info below)
November 11: Wear Red, White, and Blue
November 11: National Art Honors Society Paint Night, 5:30pm (registration info below)
Thanksgiving @ Sterling
This year's Thanksgiving Lunch will be served on Wednesday, November 16th and Thursday, November 17th. We hope you can join us! Here is this year's schedule:
- Wed 11/16: K4 (10:00), 5th grade (10:45), 3rd grade (11:30), Middle School (12:30)
- Thurs 11/17: K5 (10:00), 1st grade (10:20), 2nd grade (10:30), 4th grade (11:00)
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.
October 31st: What's Your Superpower?
Career Focus: “Think Like a…”
We are excited to announce our middle school career speaker series, exclusively for our students! Each month we will be inviting members of the Sterling School/CTC Community to come in and speak about their career with our middle school students. Our goal is to help students explore and learn about a variety of careers from the Pathways to College and Career Readiness Career Clusters.
Kicking off our first session is CTC alumnus, Madison Smith, PT, DPT. Madison was in the very first CTC class from 2003-2009 and is excited to share her knowledge and expertise with students!
Students in grades 6-8 are invited to join us for “Think Like a Physical Therapist” on Wednesday, October 26th during recess in Ms. Broder’s room (Room 821) from 12-12:20. Q&A session with Madison to follow (12:20-12:48), so pack your lunch and stay! We’ll even provide you with a sweet dessert treat at the end of the session.
Space is limited, so sign up on Ms. Treloar's Google Classroom page.
Swamp Rabbits' Report Card Night
The Swamp Rabbits will host “Report Card Night” on Saturday, October 29. Students who received an “A” on their report card will receive a complimentary ticket by sharing the report card at the Box Office at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The theme is Marvel Super Heroes Night, so the team will be wearing specialized jerseys and giving out free posters and comic books. For questions, contact Scott Hull, 864-250-4953.
8th Grade Parent Lunch & Learn
We are excited to announce an IN-PERSON lunch and learn event with Furman University's Associate Vice President for Admissions, Brad Pochard! He will be facilitating a presentation on "The Admission Process at Selective Institutions."
This event will be in-person only. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 4th from 12:00-12:45! We hope to see you there! Please reach out to Ms. Treloar if you have any questions.
Elementary CTC: Parent Lunch & Learn
***Date Rescheduled to October 26th @ Noon!
What makes a gifted and talented learner unique? What makes CTC a good fit for your exceptional learner?
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 26th, 12:00pm
Where: Event will be held via “Zoom”
How: RSVP by October 25th (CLICK HERE!)
Flyer for the event:
Erin's Law: Parent Notification
Band Hoodie Fundraiser
Look stylish and stay warm for the upcoming cold months by purchasing one or multiple band hoodies! The hoodies will be $35 ($37 for 2XL) and the proceeds serve as a fundraiser for the CTC Griffin Band to alleviate bus costs for our field trip(s). Please pay through My School Bucks, cash or check by Friday, October 28. Thank you for your support of the Griffin Band program! CLICK HERE to order!
Opportunities from the Phillis Wheatley Center: Click Image for Flyer
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!). If possible, 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!
Donors Choose
CLICK HERE to check out our school's classroom projects! We currently have TWO projects from Dr. Rucker & Dr. Tchouros to fund.
Are you looking for a way to help support students across the building? Here are some of our current Donors Choose projects! When placing your donation, you can also choose what percentage of your donation goes to the project and what percentage of your donation goes to support DonorsChoose by clicking the “edit” button on the checkout page where it says “includes an optional 15% donation to support DonorsChoose”.
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!
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.
Meet Your School Counselors
⭐ Michele Bennett: Mrs. Bennett is the Elementary School Counselor for CTC. Last year, she worked with the 6th-8th grades in the Middle School CTC program. This year, her role has shifted to elementary grades 3-5. She is excited about the change and is enjoying getting to know more parents and students.
🌠 Lindsay Berry: Mrs. Berry is the school counselor for Sterling School grades 3-5. She has been in education for 16 years and 8 of those have been as a school counselor. Prior to becoming a school counselor, Mrs. Berry taught fifth and sixth grade and served as the Director of Operations for the Meyer Center for Special Children. Mrs. Berry loves her students and enjoys getting to know them better each day. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with her husband, two boys, and sweet Yorkie, Duncan.
🌟 Mary Tchouros: Dr. Tchouros is the school counselor for Sterling School grades K4-2. She has been a professional school counselor for over 11 years. She greatly enjoys working with the younger students and teaching them skills to be successful for the rest of their lives. Dr. Tchouros is also an adjunct professor for Clemson University helping to prepare future school counselors! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and traveling the world.
✨ Michelle Treloar: Miss Treloar is the middle school counselor for CTC students grades 6-8. This is her second year as a middle school counselor and first year at the Charles Townes Center. Miss Treloar is passionate about being a school counselor and enjoys navigating all of the ups and downs of middle school with students, families, and staff. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spoiling her cat, Oreo. Miss Treloar does a quick “minute meeting” check-in with every student once per quarter. If students would like to meet with Miss Treloar individually, they can fill out the appointment form on their Counselor Google Classroom or through her website.
All About School Counseling
Why school counselors:
Support students in maximizing their school success and developing social-emotional skills in response to obstacles they may face
Provide equity and access to educational experiences for all students
Support a safe and inclusive learning environment
Consult with staff to evaluate behaviors and individual needs of individual students
Collaborate with other educators, families, and the community to best support student achievement
Did you know?
Did you know that the official name of School Counselors was changed in 1990 to better match their role? They are no longer called Guidance Counselors. More information about this change can be found here.
Guidance Counselor:
Reactive
Serves a few students
Works in isolation
Impact is measured by feelings or perceptions
Ancillary role to school climate and culture
School Counselor:
Proactive and data-driven
Services for ALL students
Impact measured via quantitative data
Essential role in creation of positive school climate and culture
Integrated amongst entire building as leaders
A day in the life!
School counselors provide Direct and Indirect Services to help every student be successful.
Direct Services:
Individual Planning
Goal Setting
Individual Counseling
Small Group Counseling
Classroom Lessons
Responsive/Crisis Services
Indirect Services:
Program Management (curriculum, events, goals, advisory council)
Consultation
Collaboration
Referrals
Sensory Path
An exciting new addition to the primary wing! This fall, Dr. Tchouros and Dr. Rucker, first grade teacher, developed a sensory path for the K4-2 hallway. This path is a fun painting and allows our students a chance to take a break and regulate their body. The best part is this is just a start to the sensory path project! Dr. Tchouros has received a grant from the Palmetto State School Counselor Association to help purchase materials to paint a larger one on the concrete path outside. Students will be able to use it rain or shine because this path will be in a covered area. Our outdoor path is a whole school initiative because students from multiple grade levels will be invited to help paint our path and then utilize it! By getting wiggles out our students will be able to be more resilient and focused in the classroom.
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.
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
Call for Photos: Extracurriculars
The yearbook staff would like this year's yearbook to include pictures of the awesome extracurricular activities our middle schoolers are involved in. It would be appreciated if pictures of our students participating in activities outside of school (sports, arts, Scouts, volunteer work, etc.) could be sent in; please email them by November 15th to Ms. Baiden at dbaiden@greenville.k12.sc.us.
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