Griffins Connect
Week of January 28th #Together #WholeChild
A Week in Review
Ms. Pickens Receives WYFF Golden Apple
Pancakes with the Principals
Crayola Creativity Week
📆 What's Ahead...
Tuesday, January 30: Class/Group Pictures ($10.00 per photo; access site & use code FM436461)
Wednesday, January 31: FAB (Family & Books) Drop-In; 7:10-8:30am or 2:00-3:30pm (info below)
Thursday, February 1-Thursday, February 8: SOUPer Bowl of Caring (info below)
Thursday, February 1: Monthly SIC Meeting (All are welcome!); Vegas Room, 8:30-9:30am
Thursday, February 1: Black History Kick-Off Celebration Assembly
- 4th-8th grade @ 11:40-12:20pm, 4k-3rd grade @ 1:20-2:00pm
Friday, February 2: Black History Jazz Collaborative (4th & 5th grade)
Friday, February 2: PTA International Night; 5:00-7:00pm (info below)
Monday, February 5-16: Read-a-thon; Register HERE! (info below)
Tuesday, February 6: Author Amanda Foody Visits Sterling School; Pre-Order HERE! (info below)
Tuesday, February 6: PTA Papa John's Spirit Night: Order w/Promo Code "Sterling" (info below)
Wednesday, February 7: PTA Papa John's Spirit Night: Order w/Promo Code "Sterling" (info below)
Thursday, February 8: NCFC Parent Café; 5:30-7:30pm
Friday, February 9: 2024-25 4K Application Window Deadline (info below)
Sunday, February 18: PTA Family Day w/Furman Basketball @ 2:00pm; Order Tickets (info below)
❄️ From the Sterling/CTC PTA ❄️
International Night This Friday!
Join us at Sterling/CTC PTA’s International Night on Friday, February 2nd, from 5:00-7:00 PM. This is a FREE, fun-filled event for the whole family to celebrate the many and varied backgrounds of our students, and provide an opportunity for our families to connect and learn a little about one another.
Grab your passport and travel the world to taste new flavors, create crafts, enjoy performances, and compete in the sports arena! Guests are encouraged to enhance the cultural spirit by dressing in traditional attire or vibrant, colorful outfits.
Volunteers are needed to make this an amazing event! Contact Priya Manavalan with any questions.
Please Note: Adult family members are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children during the event.
International Night Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are essential to the success of our school events! We still have several spots to fill for International Night on Friday, February 2nd. Please help make this a fun & memorable evening for our students!
Birthday Wishes on the Marquee
Light up the birthday celebration for your favorite student with a customized $10 Text Wish or $20 Photo Wish that will be displayed on the school marquee. Visit the online PTA store for more details and to place your order at least one week prior to the display date.
Furman Basketball Game
Join your Griffin friends on Sunday, February 18th at 2pm for a fun afternoon of Furman Basketball! Cheer on the Sterling Honor Chorus as they take center court and sing the National Anthem to get the game tipped off for a big SoCon Matchup.
Tickets on Sale Now for the special rate of only $10 for all Sterling School friends and family! Complimentary parking is available right outside the arena. Timmons Arena has a Clear Bag Policy, meaning no purses or backpacks that are not clear are allowed in for the game.
It’s Pizza Time!
Take a break from the kitchen and support our school by ordering pizza! Treat yourself to Papa John’s on Tuesday, February 6th or Wednesday, February 7th and feel good knowing that your pizza night is also giving back to our school community. It's a win-win that turns a simple meal into a meaningful contribution!
Don’t forget to use code STERLING when ordering
2024 Sterling School Read-a-thon Starts February 5th!
Sterling School Read-a-thon this year will be Feb 5th-Feb 16th!
Read-a-thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more. Our Read-a-thon starts Monday February 5, 2024. We will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page in next Thursday's folders. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by going to https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/FcDQlR/1 and following the simple instructions.
We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.
Funds from this year's Read-A-Thon will o towards author visits. We hope EVERYONE participates.
Author Amanda Foody Visits Sterling School Feb. 6th!
Author, Amanda Foody will be visiting Sterling School on February 6th.
Below is a secure private link to use to purchase books for the Amanda Foody Author Visit.
Pre Ordered books will be delivered, organized, and ready for Amanda to sign. To pre-order, CLICK HERE!
📚 Upcoming F.A.B. (Families And Books) Event 🏫
2024 Sterling School Black History Celebration
Each February, we proudly celebrate Black History Month to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. By commemorating their achievements, we foster a sense of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of our shared cultural tapestry. Together, let's embrace this opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate our school community.
Kick-Off Event
Schedule of Events
Menu Changes/Updates
Please note changes for 2/8 and 2/29.
New items
Alaskan Fish Sandwich or Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Tater Tots
Baby Carrots w/ Dip
Replacing
Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuits or Egg and Cheese Biscuits
Potatoes O'Brien
Baby Carrots
Additionally, on our Baked Potato Bar Day, we are subbing Turkey Pot Roast instead of Vegetarian Chili. We will start with the dates 1/31 and 2/21 and will continue until the product (turkey pot roast) is depleted.
Baked Potato Bar
Choice of:
Turkey Pot Roast or Pulled Pork BBQ
Broccoli
Salad Bar
Fruit
Milk
Sterling School Clubs: Information & Updates
Chess Club
There are still some open seats for the PAID Chess Lessons. PLEASE NOTE: free play chess is now full! If your child is interested in trying chess and a 6 week plan would fit you better, consider the 6 week plan for $80. Otherwise the full 12 weeks is $160.
Girls on the Run
Do you have a daughter in grades 3-5? Consider signing them up for "Girls On the Run".
Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. The Club will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30-4:00.
There are only 15 slots so please check out the GIRLS ON THE RUN website where you can learn more and register. Sterling School will be the host site. (Scholarship help is available as needed.)
🥣 SOUPer Bowl of Caring
The CTC Jr. Beta Club food drive will begin this week on Thursday, February 1st and will run through Thursday, February 8th. Let's help #Tackle Hunger with a SOUPer Bowl of Caring.
The following are needed items:
- Canned goods: vegetables, fruits, beans, tuna and meats.
- Dried goods: Pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, applesauce, granola bars, mac & cheese cups, and baby food.
Parents of Beta members, please remind them to sign up through the Jr. Beta Google Classroom to help collect canned goods in the morning, or to help with International Night. Great opportunities to earn Beta Volunteer hours.
Don't Forget:
- *Drop off in the front atrium
- *Drop off inside the gym door at the back of the school
- *Drop off on Friday, Feb. 2nd when you come for the International Festival.
🎨 April Arts '24 Save the Date
Please save the date for this year's April Arts! Our largest school wide event that celebrates the arts and our school community will be April 12. Our theme this year is "Express Yourself" and we'll feature art and activities inspired by a wide variety of artists! We look forward to sharing all the artwork of our incredibly talented students. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you're interested in helping! - Mrs. Harrington and Mrs. Spitler
Deadline Extended: 4K Application Window for 2024-25
In order for our Griffins to start their education on the right foot, we encourage participation in our high quality, full day 4K program! The deadline to apply is now February 9th. If you know of anyone in our community who will be four years old on or before September 1, 2023, spread the word! #WholeChild
How to Apply:
There are two ways parents can complete the application for their child. They can visit the Parent section of this website and set up a Backpack account. Once it’s set up, open the Backpack account, look for “Enroll A Student,” and follow the instructions.
For families that do not have internet access, the application can be completed at each school. Parents are urged to bring all the required documents when they visit the school. Children do not have to live in the school attendance area to apply at that location.
The following documents are required for online or face-to-face registration:
- Photo ID from any state or country
- Two current “proof of residency” documents (all must contain property address). These can be a combination of:
- Current bills – i.e. electric, gas, water, cable
- Current mortgage statement or current signed lease agreement with landlord’s name and phone number
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Signed Certificate of Immunization, Conditional Certificate of Immunization, or Religious Exemption Certificate (Religious Exemption Certificate provided by Health Department)
Please note: completing the application does not guarantee enrollment in Greenville County Schools 4K program. Parents will be notified of application status by March 1, 2024.
For more information, please email 4K@greenville.k12.sc.us.
PERFECT! 2023 SCReady
Last spring, 40 of our students scored PERFECT on at least one section of the SC Ready (ELA or Math, and/or Science. This accomplishment deserves to be celebrated and is a tremendous honor. CONGRATULATIONS!
*Note: Grade level noted indicates previous year.
Middle School
Pictured L to R: Lauris Kukainis (math), Zachary Holloway (math), Sameer Kozubowski (math), Grant Newton (math), Ryder VanEmmerik (science). Not pictured: Jaepyo Kim (math)
5th Grade & Middle School
3rd Grade
Pictured L to R: Keys Pfeiffer (math), Asher Moore (math), Luke Shiner (ELA), Robert Holcombe (ELA), Hudson Hartke (math), Oliva Parks (math), Lilliann Schmeissing (math), & Sylvia Stoudenmire (math).
4th Grade
Middle, L to R: Oliver Pill (math), Nathaniel Rahn (math, science), Audrey Frick (math), Amita Barik (math), Felix Arnold (math), Benjamin Hunter (math), Asher Duncan (math), & Marissa Hawthorne (math),
Back, L to R: Zolin Hernandez-Heffernan (science), Charlotte Bertling (science), Logan Perumal (science), Desmond Wilcox (science), & Zachary Watkins (science)
Not Pictured: Treyton Dryman (math), Preston Lancaster (science), & Harrison Turner (science)
January Sterling School SIC Corner
Every month, the Sterling School School Improvement Council will provide families with a recap of our monthly meeting (video below). In addition, you will find the approved minutes from the previous month's meeting: CLICK HERE!
Ultimately, our goal is to provide open communication of the important work that is happening from the group and to increase engagement and involvement across our school community. As a reminder, members of our school community are invited to attend our monthly meetings. We meet on the first Thursday of every month from 8:30-9:30am. We hope you'll join us! #Together #WholeChild
🎨 Art Opens Doors!
Eight students from our 5th grade joined students from A.J. Whittenberg as they worked collaboratively to create a unique piece of artwork and to learn more about career pathways in the fine arts. The students engaged in conversations about how our commonalities and our differences create opportunities for our community to thrive. These conversations served as a launching pad for students to consider the many ways that “Art Opens Doors” by bringing people of various cultures and backgrounds together around a shared appreciation for art.
This community art project was developed by the Open Doors team of the Diversity Leaders Institute Fall 2023 Class of The Riley Institute at Furman University. Art Opens Doors is a collaborative visual art project designed and created by students and guided by Brandon Fellows emerging professional artists through this one-day artistic learning experience at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA). The Doors created by the students will be showcased at the GCCA on Friday, February 2nd from 6:00 - 9:00pm. (Psst: Be sure to check it out after coming for International Night!)
Black History Month T-Shirt Design Contest
Please congratulate 4th grader, Dakota Murry, on her winning T-shirt Design. The design certainly captivates our Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts. Details for how to order shirts are forthcoming.
Sterling School Clubs: Information & Updates
🧵 Sewing Club
Have you ever wondered how to hand sew? Do you want to learn? 4th and 5th graders, we have space for 12 students to join the Sewing Club and learn how to sew.
Club Registration forms are available in the front office or from Mrs. Harrington. Please turn in completed forms to the front office, first thing each morning between 7:10 and 7:45.
Forms are due by January 22nd. Confirmation emails will be sent to all members. We are limited to 12 students so turn in your completed application as soon as possible. The first meeting is Jan. 24 1:35 P.M.- 2:05.
Meetings will take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month through May 8th.
♟️ Chess Club
Reminder: There are only a few spots left in the Free Play Chess Club. Registration is required for ALL participants (even if you were a member in the fall). There is still room for students to register for the PAID lessons through Think Move Chess $160 for twelve sessions. To register for either option, CLICK HERE!
The first meeting is this Friday, January 26th. All members will receive an email by Wednesday confirming your spot.
STARTALK Chinese Summer Program
*The following message comes from Dr. Yongfang Zhang, former Sterling/CTC parent.
In Summer 2024, the STARTALK Chinese program will be offered to forty-five rising 6th graders to graduating 12th graders in Spartanburg, Greenville, and other nearby counties.
This prestigious, free-of-charge Federally-sponsored program consists of three parts: (1) Pre-camp gamified learning; (2) Two-week intensive day camp on Wofford campus (June 17-28, 2024); (3) Eight post-camp projects where students apply what they’ve learned.
If you wish to know more about STARTALK @ Wofford, you can visit their website (CLICK HERE!). The application is now open (CLICK HERE!) and the deadline to apply is February 1st, 2024. Students will be admitted on a rolling basis and are encouraged to apply soon!
CLICK HERE for more information. If you have any additional questions about the program, email Valerie Soto at sotovl@wofford.edu or Dr. Yongfang Zhang, STARTALK @ Wofford Director, at zhangy@wofford.edu.
Sexual Health & Responsibility Education for Middle School Students
Coach Rouse and Coach Foor would like to remind families that, in accordance with the South Carolina Comprehensive Health Education Act (SC Code of Laws 59-32-5), Greenville County Schools provides an age appropriate, abstinence-based sexual health & responsibility education curriculum. This year, our middle school students will be receiving this instruction during one of their related arts blocks from Monday, January 22nd through Monday, January 29th. Complete details of the curriculum, including the slide presentation, and supplemental videos can be found at your child's school or located electronically HERE.
If you do not want your child to participate in the sexual health & responsibility education unit or a specific portion of the unit, you must bring this signed exemption form to the school in person. Students are not permitted to submit the exemption forms to their teacher. By School Board Policy and SC Comprehensive Health Education Law, students who exempt sexual health & responsibility education will be required to complete other health-related self-study lessons. Any additional questions may be answered by Coach Foor, Coach Rouse, or Mr. Murphy.
Purchase Your Yearbook Today!
Don't forget to order your child's yearbook! The process is super easy! Visit the Jostens site to order.
- Elementary: CLICK HERE!
- Middle School: CLICK HERE!
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, 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!
Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
The Sterling School has a partnership 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 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 2023-2024 school year, we will follow-up with training information and other pertinent details. For any questions, email Mrs. Lindsay Berry (school counselor).
We Need YOU! Volunteer Training
Thinking of chaperoning a field trip, becoming a room parents, 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.
To apply to be a Level II volunteer, please CLICK HERE! Follow "Level II" process and select "Field Trip Chaperone" as one of your functions/roles (even if you never want to go on a field trip). This needs to be selected to pull the background check. You may select as many other roles or all that you may be interested in. This does not commit you to anything.
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.
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
Principal - Sterling School & Charles Townes Center; Greenville County Schools, South Carolina.