Supporting our School Community #WholeChild
As we continue to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I want to acknowledge the challenges many of you and your loved ones continue to face. The disruptions and uncertainty have affected us all, and I want you to know that we are here to support one another in any way we can.
After the previous week, we are eager to return to school, regain a sense of normalcy, and see our students once again. As a reminder, if anyone within our Sterling School family needs resources or support, please reach out directly to me or to Mrs. Angie Feltman, our Student Support Clerk. We will do everything we can to connect you with local providers ready to help. Whether it’s food, assistance, or simply knowing that you’re not alone, we are committed to standing together during this time.
This eNewsletter also contains a resource on helping our children manage their emotions—a perhaps timely addition during this challenging time. We encourage all of our families to check it out.
I am grateful for the support and care of our school community.
Dr. Patterson
Whole Child Focus: Helping Children Manage Emotions
At Sterling School, we are committed to supporting the Whole Child by nurturing both academic success and emotional well-being. Teaching children how to manage their emotions is a key part of this effort. We encourage you to listen to this recent South Carolina Public Radio podcast on the importance of helping children develop emotional regulation skills: Helping Children Learn to Manage Their Emotions.
Together, we can continue to empower our students to thrive in all aspects of life!
🗳 2024-2025 SIC ELECTION
The 2024-25 SIC Parent Representative Election is happening from October 8, to 5:00 PM, October 15!
The Sterling School/CTC School Improvement Council (SIC) is an advisory body focused on key school improvement efforts, made up of parents, teachers, and community members. Now’s your chance to help shape the future of our school by voting for new SIC Parent Representatives! Parent reps are elected for a 2-year term, and membership is organized by grade level as noted above. Best of luck to our amazing nominees!
Primary Sterling Representative Nominees:
- Tony Archino
- Martha Bohnenberger
Intermediate CTC Representative Nominees:
- Ashlee Dance
- Liene Kukainis
- Jennifer Merriam
- Nicole Burns
- Liene Kukainis
- Kathryn Pavia
- Tiffany Walsh
- Andrew Weinkle
Be sure to cast your vote and make a difference for our students, teachers, and school community!
📅 RESCHEDULED SIC MEETING
Due to Hurricane Helene and GCS school closures, this month’s Student Improvement Council meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 17 at 8:30 AM in the Vegas Room. Join us for a conversation dedicated to school improvement, bridging gaps, and supporting initiatives that benefit students, teachers, and parents. Your voice matters—let’s make a difference together!
🏈 Sterling School Family Day at Furman Football
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun and football on October 12th! Join us as the Furman Paladins take the field against Chattanooga at @ 2PM. We’d love to see our Sterling School family fill the stands! It’s the perfect day to bring your family and cheer on the Paladins together. Please use the QR code above or this link to order your tickets today!
SO CLOSE to our PTA Membership Goals!!!
We are getting so close to our goal of 500 members but are not there yet!! We need YOU to help us make our goal!
Popular PTA Myths we hope to debunk:
- Myth: Only Parents and Teachers can join the PTA.
- Truth: Anyone can join: parents, teachers, students, grandparents and community members!!
- Myth: You can only join the PTA in-person or at a school event.
- Truth: Sterling School PTA offers an online option to make it quick and easy to join and make an impact. To join now, click HERE
- Myth: Joining the PTA requires me to volunteer.
- Truth: While we value and rely heavily on our volunteers, volunteering and attending meetings is not a requirement.
- Myth: PTA memberships never expire.
- Truth: You need to rejoin the PTA each year!!
- Myth: PTA is a social club.
- Truth: The Sterling PTA is a membership advocacy association. Our PTA helps build community between the school and families and allows your voice to be heard.
- Myth: Joining the PTA won’t make a difference.
- Truth: Joining the PTA allows you to get connected and be a role model for your student. You can discover resources that you may not know are available, tap into a large network of educational opportunities, and witness the improvements in which your membership helps to make a difference. Join today to enjoy all of these invaluable benefits.
If you aren't sure if you joined or have questions email Christi Wagner
Accepting Imperfection: 24-25 PTA Reflections
The 2024–2025 National PTA Reflections program is here, and this year's theme is "Accepting Imperfection." This powerful theme invites students to explore and express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through the arts. Whether your student is passionate about dance choreography, film production, music composition, photography, literature, or visual art, this is their chance to showcase their creativity and share their unique perspective.
"Accepting Imperfection" will inspire students across the nation and in U.S. schools abroad to embrace the beauty found in imperfections and create original works that reflect their personal journeys and experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something special. We can't wait to see what our students create!
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2024
Submit your entry using the link below: Reflections Entry
CogAT Aptitude Assessment Opportunity
Each October, Greenville County Schools offers the CogAT aptitude assessment for students who reside in Greenville County but are not currently enrolled in a SC public school that offers aptitude testing. If a non-GCS student wishes to be evaluated for SC gifted and talented qualification, including admission to the Charles Townes Center, the student may register to take the CogAT aptitude assessment with Greenville County Schools. This year's session will take place October 14, 2024 from 8:30-12:30 at the Sterling School. Registration is required.
REGISTRATION LINK for October 14, 2024 CogAT Special Assessment
School Board Candidate Forum: October 15
Public Education Partners (PEP) is hosting a School Board Candidate Community Forum for Areas 21, 25, and 27 on October 15, 2024, from 6:30-7:30 PM at Bryson Middle School (3657 S Industrial Dr, Simpsonville). This is a great opportunity to hear from candidates running for GCS Trustee in these areas.
Parents are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates ahead of time using the link in the attached image or by visiting PEP’s social media (@pepgreenville on Facebook).
For more resources, including candidate questionnaires and interviews, visit www.pepgc.org.
Middle School HAMLET FIELD TRIP
ALL Permission forms and payments are due THIS WEEK! Permission Form HERE.
My School Bucks: $13.
8th Grade PSAT Testing
UPDATE: Due to the recent disruption of our school calendar, testing date has been changed to Tuesday, October 29th.
During this time, our 8th-grade students will be taking the PSAT! To help your child do their best, please ensure they get plenty of rest the night before and have a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test.
Taking the PSAT in 8th grade offers numerous benefits, including identifying your child’s strengths and areas for improvement in terms of college readiness, practicing key SAT skills in a low-pressure environment, and it’s completely free for all 8th-grade students. This is a great opportunity, especially since college readiness tests can become costly when taken multiple times to achieve the best scores.
If you have any questions about the PSAT, please reach out to Mr. Winner.
2nd Grade CogAT & Iowa Testing
UPDATE: Due to the recent disruption of our school calendar, testing dates have been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 22nd - Friday, October 25th.
During this time, your child will be taking the Cognitive Aptitude Test (CogAT) and Iowa Assessments. To help them perform their best, please ensure they get plenty of rest and enjoy a healthy breakfast each morning.
These assessments are key for identifying students who may qualify for gifted and talented programs, including potential admission to the Charles Townes Center Program here at Sterling School. If possible, please avoid scheduling any appointments during these testing days to minimize disruptions. We also encourage all students to arrive on time so testing can begin promptly.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or Mrs. Natalee Starkes.
Upcoming 8th Grade Lunch & Learn
We have a unique opportunity for our 8th-grade families to hear from Melissa Cline, Director of Admissions at Furman University. This in-person meeting will provide a great chance to ask your questions about the college admissions process. Feel free to bring your lunch and join us for this informative session! Click the image or CLICK HERE to sign-up!
Griffin Games & Bubble Run: Fun-Filled Success!
We sincerely appreciate all your support during our Griffin Games Bubble Run fundraiser, and your commitment to our school community means so much! A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly and to the families who came to cheer everyone on!
Students, staff and families, we are also grateful for your wholehearted enthusiasm throughout the fundraiser and during the Bubble Run/Foam Party on Friday! You made it so much fun!
Updated totals, as well as individual prize winners, will be announced soon. Please enjoy pictures from all Griffin Games events (popsicle winners, Bubble Run, and Foam Party) using this link. Finally, we extend our gratitude to Missy Talbert for her tireless efforts in organizing and implementing this successful event!
💙 Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
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 2024-2025 school year, we will follow-up with training information and other pertinent details. For any questions, email Mrs. Lindsay Berry (school counselor).
Can You Serve As A Substitute?
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!
After School Program Now Hiring!
Looking for a part-time job? Sterling School's After School Program is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic workers! If you enjoy working with kids and have a few hours to spare in the afternoons, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
- Hours: 2-5PM or 2-6PM
- Interested? Contact Maxi Henry at mhenry@greenville.k12.sc.us for more information.
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our students!
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