Griffins Connect

Dear Sterling School Families -

Soon, we will begin another exciting school year! Our theme, "Soaring Higher," reminds us of our #WholeChild mission to elevate our efforts for our students and community.

As a father of four teenagers (FOUR, I repeat!), it's easy to become concerned with the happenings of our world—most beyond our control. As parents and educators, it is our job to prepare our children for today's challenges and tomorrow's unknowns.

Hope is a powerful force that can propel us toward a brighter future. Emily Dickinson wrote:

“Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all.”

Just as hope is described as having feathers, our theme "Soaring Higher" reflects the uplifting nature of hope. Webster defines hope as "to desire with expectation of fulfillment." Hope makes today bearable by promising a brighter tomorrow.

Research shows that hope significantly impacts students' success. Hopeful students perform better academically, develop stronger social and emotional skills, and form deeper connections with peers. They are more likely to achieve goals, have higher self-esteem, and bounce back from adversity.

Hope helps students cope with stress and anxiety, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

As parents, you play a critical role in nurturing hope within your children. By creating a supportive environment, you help them develop the resilience needed to face challenges. As a school, we desire to partner with you to help our students achieve their full potential.

Thank you for your dedication and passion. Together, we will help our students reach new heights with a continued focus on the #WholeChild.

With HOPE and anticipation,

Dr. Josh Patterson

Principal

Monday, August 5: CTC Meet the Teacher, 4:00-6:00pm

Tuesday, August 6: Sterling Meet the Teacher, 4:00-6:00pm

Thursday, August 8: First Day of School (Parents may walk students into school - this day only!)

Thursday, August 8: PTA Sip, Sob, or Shout!; Media Center; 7:45-8:30am (all parents invited!)

PLEASE NOTE: This summer, our interior spaces underwent painting, limiting our teachers' usual access to prepare their classrooms. If you notice classrooms and other areas in the building appearing less decorated, we appreciate your understanding and patience. Thank you!

At Sterling School, safety is our first priority. Parents, your help is requested with morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. As a reminder, an extra level of patience is requested during the first couple weeks of school. We promise, things will improve! Also, whatever your family decides with regards to your typical daily pick-up routine, start this practice on DAY ONE! Doing this minimizes the potential for confusion and/or delays.

In an effort to maximize safety while still maintaining a reasonably speedy car line, we ask that you please adhere to the following procedures for morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal:

AM Drop-off:

• Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while driving, etc.).

• Please move through the morning and afternoon car line with extreme caution.

• Do not use your cell phones or other electronic devices while in the car line.

• As you arrive to campus, ensure that your child is ready to unload before you reach the awning/sidewalk (i.e. bookbag ready, shoes on, etc.).

• Do not let your child unload before school doors open at 7:10am.

• In the morning, we ask all car riders to exit the full length of the awning. (Parents who wait to drop off at the front of the school cause the line to back up and result in unnecessary delays.)

• Middle school students should be dropped off in the back bus loop (Watch out for buses. They are less maneuverable than cars.)

• Elementary students (K4-5th) must drop off in the front car loop. (This includes carpools with both elementary & middle students.)

• Any middle school students being dropped off at or after 7:45 must be dropped off in the front car line.

• Parents should not use the former Tanner’s or the Phillis Wheatley parking lots for morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up.
  

• Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.

• Once inside the building, students should report to the cafeteria for breakfast or to the hallway of their respective grade.

PM Pick-up:

• Model proper safety procedures for your children (wear your seatbelt, do not text while driving, etc.).

• Please move through the car line with extreme caution.

• Elementary pick-up begins at 2:15; middle school pick-up begins at 2:30.

• Cars will be expected to load along the full length of the sidewalk/awning.

• Elementary pick-up should line up in the right-hand pickup lane upon entry. Middle school pick-up should line up in the left-hand lane upon entry beginning at 2:30.

• Elementary students will be called from their classrooms, which means they could take 5-7 minutes to exit the building.

• Middle school students will be dismissed at 2:30. Keep in mind they may need to visit their lockers or the restroom, so they may not exit the building for 5-7 minutes.

• [Important Note!] Middle school parents, please do not arrive before 2.30. This causes the line to back up to the road and blocks elementary parents from getting through.

• Middle school students who carpool (with middle or elementary students) should utilize the back bus loop and enter from Faris Road. All other middle school students should use the front traffic loop.

• Follow the directions of all Sterling School Staff and/or law enforcement officers while on campus.

3K (PM)/4K/5K Parents: While you may pull into the driveway, do not enter the back traffic loop until the bus has passed. The bus should always be first.

• If your student does not know how to buckle themselves in their car seat, slowly drive to the parking lot to buckle your student up. This will help us keep the car line going.

• At 2:30, 3K, 4K, and 5k students will be taken to the front for dismissal if not picked up in the back. Middle School carpools are dismissed from the back shortly after 2:30.

**Administration reserves the right to revise these procedures in the event that they present unforeseen problems or concerns**

We’re excited to kick off another fantastic school year and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Here are 3 ways that you can get involved with the PTA and make a difference:

1: Sip, Sob, or Shout! ☕️
After dropping off your student, swing by the Media Center on August 8th between 7:45AM-8:30AM for our annual Sip, Sob, or Shout event! It’s a great way to meet new families, catch up with friends, and enjoy coffee and morning refreshments. We can’t wait to see you there!

2: Join the PTA! 🤝

Our PTA plays a crucial role in our school’s success by providing essential resources, addressing important issues, and fostering a welcoming community. We invite all parents, caregivers, teachers, staff, and grandparents to join us. Your membership helps make our school great! JOIN THE PTA

Please contact Christi Wagner or Michelle Schmeissing for more information.

3: Volunteer with Us! 🌟

Your time and talents are invaluable! Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, your involvement with the PTA can greatly impact your child’s educational experience. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form, and we’ll contact you with opportunities. As a volunteer, there’s no obligation to help, and your time commitments can be flexible. We’re thrilled to have your support whenever you’re available. For more info, reach out to Tiffany Walsh. We’re excited to work with you this year!

Get ready to show your school spirit! As we dive into the new school year, we’re excited to offer an awesome selection of Spiritwear that’s perfect for students, parents, caregivers and staff members.

🎉 Whether you’re cheering on your student, volunteering at events, or just want to represent our amazing school community, our spirit wear has something for everyone. From comfy t-shirts to cozy hoodies, with several price point options, this is a great way to support our school and look great while doing it!

Don’t miss your chance—check out options on The Givebacks Store starting August 5th to place your order! Orders will be accepted throughout the month of August. Let’s make this school year a spirited one!

As we kick off a new school year, we want to make sure everyone stays connected and informed. One of the best ways to do this is by joining our school directory!

Why Join the School Directory?

• Stay in Touch: Easily connect with other families for playdates, study groups, and community events.

• Build a Stronger Community: Engage more fully with our vibrant school community and support each other throughout the year.

How to Join: Simply fill out the directory form to include your family’s contact details. It’s quick and easy!

Let’s make this school year the best one yet by staying connected and involved.

The National PTA Reflections program supports student success and serves as a valuable tool for encouraging students to explore the arts for fun and recognition. Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade students are encouraged to submit original works of art in one or more of the categories. More information to come in early September.

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).

Planners/Agendas are required for all students in 3rd-7th CTC AND 5th Sterling. Students in 8th grade have the option; purchase a school planner or a planner of your choosing. Student planners will be available for purchase while supplies last.

These will be available for purchase during Meet-the-Teacher, so please plan ahead for $5.00 cash or check made to "Sterling School." The teachers use these with the students to help them learn executive functioning skills, planning, prioritizing and responsibility.

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.

In an effort to maximize academic instruction, limit electronic device distractions, and to provide more consistency and clarity for parents and students, we are providing the updated Cell Phone and Electronic Devices (includes Smart Watches) expectations, which were implemented last year and are still in effect for the 2024-25 school year:

For elementary and middle schools, personal electronic devices cannot be used by students during the instructional day without authorized permission by the principal or principal’s designee for unique events. All personal devices must remain out of sight of others and be silenced during this time.

• Elementary school instructional day: 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

• Middle school instructional day: 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• The instructional day for schools that have combined levels of instruction, such as K-8 schools, shall be determined by the principal or principal’s designee in accordance with the instructional activities of that facility.

This information is also found in our 2024-25 Student Handbook: CLICK HERE! Please reach out to me with any questions by contacting the front office.

Mission: Sterling School seeks to create an environment where students receive a personalized educational experience that allows them to explore their world, be enriched, & excel both academically & emotionally as they prepare for challenges today & tomorrow.

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