First Quarter Parent/Teacher Conferences
Supporting the #WholeChild is a significant responsibility. It takes a strong home-school partnership, a student-centered curriculum, and a commitment to fostering a growth mindset. This mindset embraces the learning journey, focusing not just on grades but on growth through challenges and productive struggle.
As a parent of four, I know this approach can be challenging. As educators, we aim to push students to build resilience and problem-solving skills, even when the easier path may be tempting.
This year, as we focus on #SoaringHigher, we encourage our students to rise above challenges and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
By now, your childβs elementary teacher should have contacted you about parent/teacher conferences. Please make every effort to participate, as our goal is 100% involvement. These meetings are more than a check-inβtheyβre an opportunity to discuss strengths, areas for growth, and to set goals for your childβs continued success. Together, we are your childβs support team, helping them soar.
Learning Together,
Dr. P.
Rotary Youth Exchange: A World of Opportunity Awaits
We invite families on October 15th from 3:15-4:00 PM to hear about this exciting opportunity! Rotary International operates the largest high school exchange program in the world. This presentation will focus on two benefits of the program: (1) the personal growth, global connections, and valuable skills gained by participating students and (2) the enrichment families enjoy from hosting foreign students. Former and current students and host family members will join Wade Cleveland, the chair of Rotary Youth Exchange for the western part of South Carolina, to discuss the value of their experiences with Rotary Youth Exchange and to explain how the program works. This presentation will be IN PERSON in our Vegas Room. Please sign up here.
Helene Attendance Information
Here is a brief explanation of attendance with regards to the days we were closed for Helene:
- ALL students were marked virtually present on Friday, 9/27. VTP is a PRESENT code, so no child was marked absent that day.
- ALL students were then marked with a weather absence code (WTHR) 9/30-10/8. This is visible in Parent Backpack.
- Once the state and district settle on how these dates will be treated, the code will be changed. Until then, the WTHR code stands to account for those days.
- These "absences" will not count against any student in any way, regardless of the final decision from the state.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Chrissy Hammonds at cdhammon@greenville.k12.sc.us.
π³ 2024-2025 SIC ELECTION
The 2024-25 SIC Parent Representative Election is ENDING THIS TUESDAY at 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. Nowβs 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!
Get Ready for a fun Fall Festival!
Mark your calendars for October 25th from 4:30 to 7:00 PM, because our schoolβs Fall Fest is going to be a real harvest of fun! Get ready for exciting games, delicious food, giant inflatables, a DJ, haunted house and so much more. We need YOUR help to make this event amazing! Donations and Volunteers will be needed to help run the festival. Itβs going to be a lot of fun! Sign up to help HERE! There will be a sign up for donations coming soon,
October Work Day plus G.A.P. Opportunities
Join us for our October "All Hands" Garden Work Day to finish up our garden chores and prepare our lovely growing space for the cooler months. Click on the link below to join us on October 26th from 9am-11am. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/nNHsepM
Can't make it on October 26th or want to earn additional volunteer hours? Sign up for our Sterling/CTC Garden Adoption Program (G.A.P.)! With many dates to choose from and the flexibility to come any time of day, students can sign up for their "adoption zone" here: https://signup.com/go/ZwjvTnh
Contact April Boyer with any questions (aprilcboyer@gmail.com) and thanks for investing your time in our garden spaces. Grow Griffins!
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
Veterans Day 2024 @ Sterling
On Friday, November 8th, Sterling School will honor those who have fought for the many freedoms we, as American citizens, have today. We will have two programs. Our K-3rd grade program will begin at 8:30am and the 4th-8th grade program will begin at 9:30am. We invite all veterans in our Sterling family to join us as honored guests.
If a special guest is planning to attend, we ask that you RSVP by Thur., Oct. 31st (CLICK HERE!). As a special treat, please send in or email a picture of your honored guest (preferably in uniform), the name and relationship to our Sterling/CTC student, and the name of the military branch in which he or she served. (You'll find this request within the Google Form as well.)
Our PTA is planning a reception after each program for our veterans and their guests. Students of our veterans are invited to attend as well. If you would like to participate, please complete the same Google Form (CLICK HERE!).
We invite all students to wear red, white, and blue on the day of our program, Fri., Nov. 8th.
We look forward to this exciting day, as we pay tribute to those who have served our country. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to participate!
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 PEPβs social media (@pepgreenville on Facebook).
For more resources, including candidate questionnaires and interviews, visit www.pepgc.org.
Upcoming Middle School Lunch & Learn
We're excited to announce that our upcoming event with Melissa Cline, Director of Admissions at Furman University, is now open to all middle school families! Originally offered for 8th-grade families, weβve expanded this in-person session to ensure that all middle school parents and students can take advantage of this unique opportunity. Melissa will provide valuable insights into the college admissions process and answer any questions you may have about planning for your student's future.
Feel free to bring your lunch and join us for this informative event!
Click the image or CLICK HERE to sign-up!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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 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
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.
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 itβs food, assistance, or simply knowing that youβre not alone, we are committed to standing together during this time.
This eNewsletter also contains a resource on helping our children manage their emotionsβa 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!
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