Griffins Connect
Week of September 2nd | #WholeChild | #SoaringHigher
2024 SCReady MAX Scores in Reading, ELA and/or TDA Writing
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students! Nearly 90 of them have earned the highest possible scores in one or more of the following categories of the 2024 SCReady assessment: Reading, ELA, and/or TDA Writing. This remarkable accomplishment reflects their dedication, focus, and commitment to excellence. We couldn't be more proud of their hard work and determination to excel.
To see the full list of these exceptional students, please CLICK HERE!
Congratulations to all of our high achievers—you are truly soaring higher!
3rd Grade (Current 4th)
All students earned a MAX score in Reading.
4th Grade (Current 5th)
All students earned a maximum score in one or more of the following: Reading, ELA, and/or TDA Writing.
5th Grade (Current 6th)
All students earned a maximum score in one or more of the following: Reading, ELA, and/or TDA Writing.
6th Grade (Current 7th)
All students earned a maximum score in one or more of the following: Reading, ELA, and/or TDA Writing.
7th Grade (Current 8th)
All students earned a maximum score in one or more of the following: Reading, ELA, and/or TDA Writing.
📆 What's Ahead...
Thursday, Sept. 5th: School Improvement Council (SIC); 8:30-9:30 am, Vegas Room (info below)
Friday, Sept. 6th: Summer Reading Celebration
Friday, Sept. 6th: PTA Griffin Bubble Run Kick-Off
Tuesday, Sept. 10th: Settling into 6th Grade; 9-10:00 am, Vegas Room (info below)
Thursday, Sept. 12th: Parent Café; 5:30-7:15 pm, Vegas Room
Friday, Sept. 13th: SIC Buddy Family Kick-Off Meet & Greet; 7:30-8:15 am (info below)
Wednesday, Sept. 18th: 8th Grade: The High School Transition; 12:00-12:45: RSVP HERE
Thursday, Sept. 19th: Fall/Yearbook Pictures
Thursday, Sept. 19th: PTA Coffee & Conversations with Dr. P.; 7:45-9:00 am, Vegas Room
Friday, Sept. 20th: PTA Griffin Bubble Run
Saturday, Sept. 21st: All Hands Garden Workday; 9:00-11:00 am, SIGN-UP HERE (info below)
Tuesday, Sept. 24th: 7th Grade: High School Credit Courses & GPA; 12:00-12:45pm: RSVP HERE
From the Sterling School/CTC School Improvement Council
SIC Meets this Thursday! All Welcome!
Join us for the first School Improvement Council (SIC) meeting of the school year this Thursday, September 5th at 8:30 AM! The SIC is an advisory committee that supports the principal and school, playing a vital role in enhancing the education of our children. It’s a great opportunity for parents, guardians, educators, and community members to come together and make a positive impact on our school. We hope to see you there!
SIC's Buddy Family Program Update
Thank you to all the parents and guardians for the overwhelming response to our new Buddy Family Program (BFP)! We are diligently working on finalizing assignments, and you can expect communication to be sent out this week. If you signed up as a new family to our community or to serve as an existing ‘Buddy’ family, please keep an eye out for this information. And don’t forget to join us for the BFP Kick-Off Meet and Greet later this month! We look forward to seeing you there!
If you’d like to know more about BFP, email sicsterlingctc@gmail.com
Sixth-grade parents are invited to join us for "Settling into 6th Grade," an informative session designed to give you insights into your child's classes and the transition to middle school academics. Hosted by our dedicated 6th-grade team, this session will provide an overview of what to expect from the academic experience and how we support your child’s success. #WholeChild #SoaringHigher
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.
🏫 From the Sterling School PTA 🍎
Join the PTA
Want to make a difference in our school community? By purchasing a PTA membership, you’re not just getting involved—you’re helping to create an amazing environment for our kids to learn and grow.
Here’s why you should consider purchasing a membership:
Support Our School: Your membership helps fund exciting programs, events, and resources that enhance our students' educational experience.
Be a Voice: Get a say in the decisions that shape our school’s future. Your input matters, and as a PTA member, you’ll have a platform to make it count.
Connect and Collaborate: Meet other passionate parents, students, and staff. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected school community.
Ready to make a difference? Click here to purchase your PTA membership today! Let’s work together to make this year the best one yet for our whole school! If you have any questions or need more info, feel free to reach out to Christi Wagner.
Thank you for your support! 💪📚🎒
Bubble Run….
Join the Fun and Make an Impact with Us! 🌟
We’d love for you to bring your unique skills and enthusiasm to our school community! Whether you can offer a few minutes or a few hours, volunteering with the PTA is a fantastic way to enrich your child’s educational experience.
Interested? Just fill out our Volunteer Interest Form, and we’ll provide you with flexible opportunities that fit your schedule. There’s absolutely no pressure—volunteer whenever it works best for you!
For more details or if you have any questions, reach out to Tiffany Walsh. We can’t wait to have you with us and make this year unforgettable for our school!
Sterling/CTC Garden Volunteering
It's a jungle out there 🌱🌿 and we could use your help!
The Sterling/CTC Garden spaces are thriving from the summer sun, but that means they also need some serious tidying up.
We're offering two ways to join us in maintaining our Sterling/CTC Gardens:
- Come to our "All Hands" Garden Work Day on Sat, Sept 21st from 9am-11am - Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/nNHsepM
- Want additional volunteer opportunities? 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!
CTC Junior Beta Club
BETA CLUB meetings coming up:
8th Gr. Monday, September 9th during recess
7th Gr. Tuesday, September 10th during recess
6th Gr. Wednesday, September 11th during recess
Students and families, it is time to join or renew your interest in continuing to be a part of the Middle School Junior Beta Club. Typically, students are invited to join Jr. Beta Club in 5th grade and participate in a special Induction Ceremony. If your child meets the qualifications, they are encouraged to continue their service in the Middle School Jr. Beta Club. National Beta is the largest, independent, educational youth organization in America. The four pillars that drive our work and opportunities are: Academic Achievement, Character, Leadership and Service.
What are next steps:
- You and your student should review the Jr. Beta Club Qualifications.
- Your student should confirm he/she has joined the M.S. Junior Beta Club Google Classroom. Current 6th grade Beta students will ALL need to join. Students who are currently in 7th and 8th grade may have joined the Google Classroom last year. The link can be found in their Grade Level Google Classroom.
- Annual dues are $10 and should be paid over the next week in one of the following ways: *Pay through MSB (My School Bucks) * Check made payable to Sterling School *Cash
- If paying by check or cash, please label payment with your student's name, grade and HR teacher
- Payment should be delivered to Ms. Foulkes in the front office FIRST THING IN THE MORNING to be receipted.
Griffin Glee Club
Griffin Glee Club is here, where every note is a new adventure! Whether you sing alone at home or you are a stage star, this is the place to let your voice shine. We will be singing and having a blast while learning new songs and singing familiar songs as well. No experience is needed-just bring your love for music and a positive attitude. Come make new friends, learn cool songs, and be part of something truly awesome.
This club will be holding auditions on September 16 and 17. Please turn in your audition form to Mrs. Johnston and/or Mrs. Ledford by September 11. Griffin Glee Club Audition Form
Board Game Club
Students in grade 3-8 who are interested in joining the Board Game Club should complete the GOOGLE FORM linked here - OR- complete a Game Club registration form. These can be picked up and returned to the front office. Enrollment will continue until full. There is no cost for this club, just bring your favorite board game to share with others. This club will meet on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 beginning on September 16th. Parents must be willing to help supervise students during ONE week.
CTC Picklers - Pickleball Club
Mr. Giacalone (6 & 7th gr SS teacher) will lead this club for MIDLLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY on Mondays after school beginning on September 16 from 2:30 - 3:45. Students should register using this GOOGLE FORM. Please bring your paddles and a few balls if you have them.
MORE Student Clubs: Starting Soon
Look for more information coming soon about: Running Club, Volleyball Club and HAM Radio 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.
Some of the clubs we have had in the past are: Running Club, Chess Club, Board Game Club, Girls on the Run, Jr. Beta Club, etc.
Upcoming Middle School Lunch & Learns
Join Ms. Benvenuto for our Fall Lunch & Learns! These sessions are designed especially for 7th and 8th-grade families, but don't worry, 6th-grade families—your turn is coming soon (stay tuned for more information)! These Lunch & Learns will be held virtually, so be sure to sign up so Ms. Benvenuto can send you the meeting links. If you're unable to attend, no worries! All presentations will be posted on Ms. Benvenuto's website after the meetings.
We also 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!
Order Your Elementary Yearbook Today!
Order your Elementary yearbook before September 13th for $25 (that's a $5 savings).
Update on Book Fairs
Greenville County Schools, including Sterling School, will not be able to host an in-person book fair this school year like we have in the past. We hope to be able to host them again in the future, and below is an explanation of why book fairs are being paused at this time.
Greenville County Schools and our school recognize the value in school-sponsored book fairs as a way to promote reading with students while also engaging parents and the community in support of literacy. Additionally, book fairs provide a fundraising opportunity for schools that have a positive impact on students and the community.
Effective August 1, 2024, South Carolina’s State Board of Education passed SC Regulation 43-170, which outlines new requirements for how instructional materials provided by schools or made available to students in school are selected. As a result, Greenville County Schools finds it necessary to pause all book fairs for this school year while it works with vendors to find a solution that ensures compliance and avoids a circumstance that may place employees in jeopardy of violating provisions of the regulation. The logistics of book fairs involve large containers of books and other material being delivered to schools, set out, packed up, picked up, restocked, and sent to the next school on a short turnaround time. It is not possible for school personnel to vet all book fair content after it arrives, nor can vendors provide accurate content information far enough in advance for it to be vetted through the District prior to the start of fall book fairs.
The District’s Academics team is actively working with schools and individual book fair vendors to explore ways to continue offering book fairs in the future. During the time needed to ensure full compliance with the new regulation, there are alternatives, such as book clubs and online book fairs, for schools to consider. We will share more information once we have evaluated those other options for this year.
Greenville County Schools and our school understand the importance of book fairs as a way to promote reading while also raising funds for the schools. Please know that the District is committed to finding alternative solutions in the future that comply with Regulation 43-170 and allow us to continue engaging parents and the community in support of literacy within our schools and at home.
💙 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.