Griffins Connect
Week of September 22nd | #WholeChild | #SoaringHigher
2024 GRIFFIN GAMES BUBBLE RUN FUNdraiser π ππ½ ππΏ
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!
π What's Ahead...
Tuesday, Sept. 24th: 7th Grade: High School Credit Courses & GPA; 12:00-12:45 PM: RSVP HERE
Monday, Sept. 30th: Last Day to Submit Nomination for SIC Election (info below)
Tuesday, Oct. 1st: PSAT, 8th Grade
Thursday, Oct. 3rd: School Improvement Council (SIC); 8:30-9:30 am, Vegas Room (info below)
Tuesday, Oct. 8th: CogAT/Iowa Begins for 2nd Grade
Tuesday, Oct. 8th: High School Fair; 9:00-10:00 AM (info below)
Friday, Oct. 11th: End of 1st Quarter
Monday, Oct. 14th: No School: Teacher Workday
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
Middle School News to Note....
8th Grade Trip Survey
8th grade parents - please check your backpack notifications for a survey to complete regarding the 8th grade trip.
Hamlet at the SCCT
All middle school students in grades 6, 7 & 8 will attend a performance of Hamlet at the SC Children's Theatre on Tuesday, October 22nd. Permission slips will go home this week. Cost $13.
We are excited to announce this year's Annual High School Fair! This event provides a valuable opportunity for our 8th grade students, as well as 7th and 8th grade parents, to explore the various high school options available throughout Greenville County Schools. Itβs a great chance to learn more about the programs, academic paths, and extracurricular opportunities each school offers.
8th Grade PSAT Testing
On October 1st, 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 childβs strengths and areas for improvement in terms of college readiness, practicing key SAT skills in a low-pressure environment, and itβs 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
During the week of October 8th-11th, 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.
From the Sterling/CTC School Improvement Council
2024-25 SIC Election
The School Improvement Council (SIC) is an advisory council to the principal that is focused on school improvement issues. It is made up of representatives of parents, teachers, and community members. The principal serves as an ex-officio member. The SIC meets approximately once a month during the school year (meetings this year are planned for the 1st Thursday of the month at 8:30AM. We have 4 open seats on the Sterling/CTC SIC for parent representatives:
- 1 for the Sterling Program in Grades K4-2nd
- 1 for the CTC Program in Grades 3rd-5th, and
- 2 for the CTC Program in Grades 6th-8th
We welcome nominations until September 30th using the following link:
Nomination Link: https://forms.gle/D45QrDotMc5JCqNw6
π« From the Sterling School PTA π
Accepting Imperfection: 24-25 PTA Reflections
The 2024β2025 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. Donβt 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
Join the PTA & Help Us Achieve 100%
Everyone is welcomeβstudents, teachers, staff, grandparents, administrators, and even community leaders. The $6 membership not only supports our initiatives but also directly benefits your student and enhances our school community. We are currently at 84% participation for membership, so we are so close to meeting our goal! We look forward to your support! Join Here or if you have any questions or need more info, feel free to reach out to Christi Wagner.
Garden Work Day
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our All Hands Garden workday on Saturday, 9/21. The Butterfly Garden looks amazing! Mark your calendars for our next work day, happening on October 26th (Sign-up link coming soon!), and check out our Garden Adoption Program (G.A.P.) for more opportunities to earn volunteer hours and help support our outdoor spaces - you can sign up for GAP here: https://signup.com/go/ZwjvTnh. Grow Griffins!
A Sweet Spirit Night at Clareβs
π¦ Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Spirit Night at Clareβs Creamery last week! It was such a sweet way to kick off a busy week. Weβre so grateful for your support. π¦
Running Club - Begins Wednesday, September 25th
Running club is for students in grades 3-8 who would like to build their endurance on the track! Students don't have to be a "runner" to start, you can gradually build your skills. Running club will take place on Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:30. Parent volunteers will be needed to help supervise. Students are encouraged to purchase a running club shirt for $10. Register HERE
MATHCOUNTS
MathCounts will begin Thursday, 9/26 from 2:30-3:45. Families will need to pick up from the front at 3:45 unless their student is part of the After School Program.
Art Honor Society
Art Honor Society - Grades 6-8
See Mrs. Harrington or Mrs. Spitler if you have any questions.
Griffin Glee Club
Griffin Glee Club is for Grades 3-5. The club meets every Tuesday from 2:15 β 3:00.
Board Game Club
Board Game Club is for students in grade 3-8 and meets on Mondays from 2:30 - 3:30. Full
CTC Picklers - Pickleball Club
MIDLLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY on Mondays after school from 2:30 - 3:45. FULL
MORE Student Clubs: Starting Soon
Look for more information coming soon about: Volleyball Club, HAM Radio Club, Primary Board Game Club and Dessert Club.
Is your child interested in getting a club started at Sterling? Are you willing to sponsor a club or help to coordinate parent volunteers for a club? If so, please complete this Club Proposal Form. Ms. Foulkes will reach out to you to coordinate plans if we can make it work.
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!
Greenville High School: 2024 Spirit Week
Sterling School has been invited to participate in Greenville High School's Spirit Week, happening from September 21-27! This year, the recipient is our neighbor, the Greenville Free Medical Clinic, and we have the opportunity to support this important cause. Check out the flyer's and get involved!
WYFF's 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.
Order Your Elementary Yearbook Today!
Order your Elementary yearbook before September 13th for $25 (that's a $5 savings).
π 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
Principal - Sterling School & Charles Townes Center; Greenville County Schools, South Carolina.