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Griffins Connect
First Week Edition #Together #WholeChild
π Here We Go...#Together!
Last week, the Sterling School faculty and staff returned to the building, preparing their rooms and readying for the coming year. It was good to see each other, revisit our school's mission and goals, and plan for the days ahead. Here are a few things that occurred:
- We enjoyed a delicious βWelcome Back Breakfast,β hosted by our wonderful PTA (Thank you!)
- We took part in a variety of instructional planning meetings to prepare for the coming year, including an orientation for our new faculty/staff.
- We celebrated Ms. Heather Hartman (Sterlingβs 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year) AND Mrs. Sarah Richardson (Sterling's First Class First-Year Teacher Award) at the districtβs annual Teacher of the Year Breakfast
- We welcomed our families back to the building for two Meet-the-Teacher events
It was a great week! As we head into week one, we cannot wait to have our students back! We will work #Together to provide #WholeChild opportunities that will ensure every child reaches his or her full potential. If we can ever be of support to you and your family, please reach out to us. The 2023-2024 school year is going to be a great one!
Learning Together,
Dr. Josh Patterson
π What's Ahead...
August 7: Meet the Teacher Make-Up; 8:30-10:00am
August 8: First Day of School (Parents may walk students into school - this day only!)
August 8: PTA Sip, Sob, or Shout!; Media Center; 7:45-8:30am (all parents invited!)
August 15: Summer Reading Logs Due
August 26: iMAGINE Upstate; 11:00-5:00pm, Downtown G'ville (Rescheduled from 4/1)
September 1: Nat'l College Colors Day (wear the colors of your favorite college/university)
September 4: Labor Day Holiday (No School)
September 14: PTA Coffee & Conversations with Dr. P.; 7:45-9:00am
π« Meet the Teacher Make-Up
If you are unable to attend the August 2nd/3rd Meet the Teacher events, a make-up day for both programs is scheduled for Monday, August 7th from 8:30-10:00am.
Additionally, please pick up your child's dismissal number and other important information from our school's main office before Tuesday.
β Parent CafΓ© Starts Thursday!
Parent CafΓ© starts this Thursday, August 10th from 5:30-7:15 at Sterling School. A hot meal and childcare will be provided. For any questions, call 864.509.0777.
In partnership with the Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, Parent CafΓ© provides families with a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and have a little fun. We hope you'll join us! #Together #WholeChild
π Morning & Afternoon Traffic Procedures
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 Tannerβs 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.
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, 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**
βοΈ 4K Staggered Start
4K Staggered Start Schedule - LAST NAME:
- A-D attend Tuesday, August 8
- E-K attend Wednesday, August 9
- L-Q attend Thursday, August 10
- R-Z attend Friday, August 11
π From the Sterling School/Charles Townes Center PTA π
Calling All Jr. Betas
We are happy to announce iMagine Upstate STEAM Festival 2023 has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 26th from 11:00am-5:00pm! This is the biggest STEAM festival in Greenville and the second year our school will be participating.
Middle school students are invited to volunteer for an hour to help with our Secret Agent themed booth by helping visitors with an invisible ink activity or encoding a message using a cipher/binary bracelet.
SIGN UP today to have fun with your friends, earn service hours, and visit all of the amazing exhibits!
Sip, Sob, or Shout!
PTA Membership: TOGETHER WE SOAR!
PTA Membership plays an important role in our school's success, we can't do it without you! Sterling/CTC PTA works to provide essential resources, speak up on important issues, and build a welcoming school community. We invite ALL parents, caregivers, teachers, staff, grandparents, and other caring individuals to JOIN TODAY!
The sky's the limit for the great things we hope to accomplish this year. Membership co-chairs, Tiffany Walsh and Dana Johnston, look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions. Together We Soar!
Better TOGETHER!
We are fortunate to have an administration and staff that welcome and encourage family involvement. We also recognize that families need options on how they can best support our school. Volunteering in the PTA is one of the BEST ways to help your student succeed!
Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, your contribution to your child's educational experience is invaluable. It is truly a combination of time and talents that make our school such a wonderful place.
Simply fill out the Volunteer Interest Form and we'll email you when a need arises. Please never feel obligated to assist with all requests; we just want our interested volunteers to know all of the opportunities that are available. You have the flexibility to choose what works for you at any given time!
We have a place for you in our PTA! Please contact Melissa Hucks or Diane Hall for more information.
π #Together: 23-24 Sterling School Theme
Schools are microcosms of the larger community. Like the world around us, schools are dynamic and ever-changing. They are composed of people who come from different backgrounds, values, and beliefs who gather in one place under one mission. This diversity is part of what makes Sterling School a great place to work and to learn. Our faculty/staff, students, and families bring our diverse experiences and backgrounds together each and every day. When we choose to partner with each other, our collective strengths overcome our individual weaknesses and make us stronger and more effective.
As we start another school year, consider how you can contribute to our wonderful school community. With a mission of #WholeChild, #WholeSchool, #WholeCommunity, we need everyone working together to unlock the full potential of every child. We all want to be a part of great school and while we cannot contribute the same amount of effort, each of us can do our part. It truly takes a village to provide the type of schooling experience we all want for our child(ren). Here are a few areas to consider:
- Become a member of our school's PTA (info below)
- Get involved as a volunteer (info below)
- Become a mentor (info below)
- Become a substitute teacher (info below)
- Join and activity participate in our school's SIC
- Reach out to your child's teacher (change out bulletin boards, provide lunch relief, monitor recess, facilitate academic station work, etc.)
- Have another idea? Connect with us!
It's going to be a great year! If we can ever be of support to you and your family, please reach out to us.
Learning together,
Dr. Josh Patterson
π Student Planners/Agendas
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.
π©βπ« 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, as a result of the pandemic, like most schools 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!
After School Program Now Hiring!
The After School Program at Sterling School is hiring! We are looking for individuals who are age 17+, a good fit to work with elementary-aged children, and available to work from 2pm-5 or 6pm daily on days school is in session. We can work with your schedule even if you canβt work every day. Check out the district's HR page to apply (CLICK HERE!) and email Maxi Henry, director, at mhenry@greenville.k12.sc.us if you have any questions. Please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested. #WholeChild
π Readers Are Leaders! #FightTheSummerSlide
Studies indicate that a typical elementary student's academic achievement declines approximately two months over the summer. Additionally, summer learning loss is cumulative and over time can contribute to a student's potential success. We encourage ALL Griffins, 5K to rising 8th grade, to join us in our fight against the "Summer Slide." #WholeChild
Here, you will find K-8th Sweet Summer Reading Journal information. The Sweet Summer Reading Program began at dismissal on Friday, June 2nd. With this summer learning experience, students will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes and participate in a start-of-year celebration! To learn more information, see the following flyer: CLICK HERE!
π 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).
βοΈ 2023-2024 Community Directory
[CLICK HERE for COMMUNITY DIRECTORY]
Families, please complete the Community Directory Survey linked above prior to applying for your Meet the Teacher FAST PASS. If you do not plan to apply for a fast pass, please try to complete the survey (Google Form) before the first day of school.
To further our school's #WholeChild mission, the faculty at Sterling School & Charles Townes Center seeks to provide students with relevant, real-world experiences. Therefore, we need various experts with professional experiences to engage our students. As a district, our Graduation Plus emphasis strives to ensure that all students are career and college ready. Exposing our students to various careers and professions within the context of meaningful, hands-on learning will strengthen our school's instructional program. As a school, we will utilize the database when seeking experts to support career days and various curriculum units.
We look forward to partnering with you! #WholeChild
Grade Level Supply Lists
School Supply Drive
The Sterling School Counseling Department will graciously accept donations of any item on the Back to School lists. The items below are especially needed. Please consider donating gently used (or new!!) books bags, as these are regularly in need. Just drop any items off in the front office. Below is a list of needed supplies:
- Pencils
- Cap erasers/pink erasers
- Composition notebooks
- Washable markers
- Pencil boxes & pouches
- Crayons
- 2 pocket folders
- Binders
- Elmer's glue
- Colored pencils
- Pens
- Small safety scissors
- Spiral bound note books
- Highlighters
- Tissues
Free School Meals in 2023-24
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a school meal funding option from USDA that enables a school to provide free meals to all students, without the necessity of completing applications for individual eligibility.
This year, CEP in South Carolina has expanded to include students who receive Medicaid benefits. The expansion of the CEP program means that ALL students in our school will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2023-24 school year. You do not need to take any action to qualify for the free meals.
Our school is eligible to remain in the program through at least the 2026-27 school year.
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.
Register for Extended Day Program
Open registration is now closed for the after school program. Please email Maxi Henry, starting August 9th, if you would like to register. Some grades still have open spots, but you will need to contact her to obtain the registration form. Please email Mrs. Henry with any questions.
PTA Carpool List
Are you interested in carpooling next year? CLICK HERE to join PTAβs 2023-2024 Carpool List! The spreadsheet will be updated each week as new families join through the summer and fall.
Health Room Info
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or special information that you need to discuss about your child, please visit our nurse, Heather Garrison, or call the health room at 355-4687.
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