😎 Happy Summer, Sterling School!
Whether it's spending time at camp, on vacation, or enjoying quality time with family and friends, I hope everyone is having a fun and enjoyable summer! My wife, Natalie, and I recently celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a trip to New England, which included a half marathon through Acadia National Park and a visit to watch the Braves play the Red Sox at Fenway Park. It's hard to believe how quickly these summer days pass. While more information will come closer to the start of school, I wanted to share a few things now. If you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call or email. I'm looking forward to a great year!
Learning TOGETHER,
Josh Patterson, PhD
👋 Introducing... Mr. Aaron Winner!
We are excited to announce that Mr. Aaron Winner will join Sterling School as Administrative Assistant, serving as primary lead of the Charles Townes Center, at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Throughout the interview process, Mr. Winner was noted for his relatability, authenticity, passion, and extensive experience, particularly at the middle school level. Known for his dedication and hard work, Mr. Winner is committed to fostering a student-centered, relationships-first culture of teaching and learning. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our #WholeChild school community.
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Dear Sterling/CTC Families,
Hello! My name is Aaron Winner and I am delighted to be a part of the Sterling/CTC community in the role of Admin Assistant. The Upstate has been my long-time home and the source of my education, having graduated from Greenville Tech, USC Upstate, and most recently Anderson University with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision. In my nine years as a teacher, all at Palmetto Middle School in Williamston, SC, I taught 6th grade English, and 8th grade social studies and science.
The foundation of my success in my previous roles in the classroom, as a teacher leader, and admin intern is my value for relationships with my peers and students. By knowing the people who make up the school better, I know how to effectively communicate, present opportunities for growth, and advocate on behalf of the students and professionals alike.
If I am not living out my life's passion at school, you can bet I am playing games with my three kids at home, singing and playing guitar at church, taking a long run in the woods, or losing to my friends in pickleball.
I am looking forward to the coming school year in this special place.
Mr. Aaron Winner
🚀 Meet the Teacher Fast Pass
If you would like to "advance forward" at this year's Meet the Teacher, you are encouraged to stop by our front office on July 29th from 8:30-12:00pm or July 30th from 1:00-4:30pm to complete all required paperwork. All dismissal tags will be given at Meet the Teacher; parents must have dismissal tags BEFORE the first day of school.
Prior to Coming to School please complete the following:
- Log into your parent backpack account to add/update any information (including pick up contact).
- If you do not currently have a Parent Backpack, you are asked to initiate this process at home.
- Bring a photo ID for verification.
All who complete the necessary paperwork for a Fast Pass will also receive their child's classroom placement! Middle school students will receive schedules and ID badges. Those who do not complete Fast Pass registration will receive classroom placement at “Meet The Teacher."
🏆 Silver Flames Shine @ FLL's WPI Open!
Joined by FIRST LEGO League teams from South Korea, Macedonia, Greece, Norway, Poland, Turkey, China, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Uganda and more, Sterling/CTC’s Silver Flames competed in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Open last weekend in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Not only did the Silver Flames WIN the Robot Design Award, out of 108 teams from all over the world, they were 1 of 6 to present their innovation project to the 1,000+ people in attendance! We are very proud of you - CONGRATS!
Felicia Cannon, Middle School Spanish
Hello everyone! I am Felicia Cannon, but better known to my Spanish students as Señora Cannon. I love to teach Spanish Language and Culture classes, and I am excited to be a part of the Sterling School.
I have a B.A in Spanish and a B.A. in Communication Studies from Furman University. While there, I was able to study Spanish for a semester at the University of Nebrija in Madrid, Spain!
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four children, experimenting in the kitchen with whole foods to create meals that are both healthy and delicious, and listening to audiobooks.
I look forward to getting to know all of you as we embark on this learning journey together.
Dr. Stephanie Castro, 2nd Grade Sterling
Hey there! My name is Stephanie Castro and I am so excited to join the Sterling family this year as a 2nd grade teacher. I recently graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with my Doctorate in Curriculum and Assessment. I was born in Greenville and have lived here my whole life. I have taught for GCSD for 21 years serving as a math interventionist, second-grade teacher, and fourth-grade teacher. Serving students from diverse populations has taught me a lot about compassion and forming relationships with your students.
I am married and have four daughters, Gabby, Allie, Abigail, and Ariana, and a dog named Poppy. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my girls, going on walks, baking, reading, and trying new foods/restaurants. I cannot wait for this upcoming school year and the new experiences here at Sterling. I am looking forward to getting to know my students and colleagues throughout the school year!
Ashley Cohen, Front Office Clerk
Hi, everyone, my name is Ashley Cohen and I'm thrilled to be joining the staff at Sterling! I’ll be working as the front office clerk and I am so excited to get to know everyone in the coming school year.
This will be my second year with GCS. Previously, I worked at Bryson Middle School as a front office clerk and guidance clerk in the first semester and as a long-term art substitute teacher in the second semester. My greatest joy in education is connecting with students and staff, and making an impact on the community. I love supporting the mission of public education and look forward to welcoming and assisting Sterling staff, students, and their families.
Away from school, I am a wife, mom, Star Wars nerd, runner, baker, and artist. Originally from Kernersville, NC, my husband Matt is from Long Island, NY. My two sons, Gillen and Lucas Hager, will be attending Sterling this fall as a rising 5th grader and a rising 2nd grader. I also have two amazing bonus sons, Mason and Brendan Cohen, who are 19 and 15. My husband and I volunteer with the 501st Legion, visiting local hospitals and events as Star Wars characters to bring joy to the community. We also have a Labrador named Chase and a 16-year-old Calico named Cici. When not volunteering, I love running local races, cooking, and creating art.
I look forward to getting to know each one of you this school year!
Lori Elsner, Resource
I am excited to introduce myself as the new resource special education teacher at Sterling School. My name is Lori Elsner, and I am thrilled to join such a vibrant and supportive community. Teaching is my passion!!
I was raised in Michigan and moved to Florida as a young adult, owning and operating a scuba diving business and raising my family. Once my children entered school, I received my degree in education. As empty nesters, we moved to South Carolina. I’ve taught in Florida, and South Carolina, as a special education and ML teacher. I have a loving husband, Bob, two wonderful adult children, and 4 cats. I love to travel, cook, and garden.
My teaching experience spans from elementary to adult education. I hold a degree in Bachelor of Science in Special Education - Learning Disabilities and a Masters of English Speakers of Other Languages from Nova Southeastern University. At the heart of my teaching philosophy, every student deserves a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. I aim to cultivate a classroom where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and critical thinking is developed.
📦 Grade Level Supply Lists
If you're looking for your child's grade level supply list, look no further! CLICK HERE to locate the specific lists for each grade level and program. If purchased in time, we encourage families to bring all supplies to Meet the Teacher. Bringing supplies in beforehand helps minimize distractions on the first day of school. If any help is needed in securing supplies, please reach out to Mrs. Feltman, Sterling's Student Support Clerk.
GCS 24-25 Middle/High School Dress Code
In an effort to increase alignment in discipline and dress code practices between the district's middle and high schools and to provide more consistency and clarity for parents and students, we are providing the attached flier for guidance. These dress code specifications and violation consequences are in effect for the 2024-25 school year. This information will also found in our 2024-25 Student Handbook. Please reach out to our school's administration with any questions.
🌻 Summer Garden Sign-Up
Sterling/CTC's Summer Garden Adoption Program is live for 2024! Can you invest 1 hour of your summer to help maintain the Butterfly Garden at our school? You can help in 3 easy steps:
SIGN UP for at least one date (or more!) to visit the Butterfly Garden.
You will be assigned a small section of the Butterfly Garden that will be your "adopted zone," and will be provided with a guide to the plants in your section.
Arrive on your signed-up date to pull weeds, prune plants, or pick up trash in your adopted section (max time commitment = 1 hour)
Click here to view available dates and sign up to help!
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