Griffins Connect
Week of August 10 #WholeChild
Tomorrow is the big day—the first day of the 2026–2027 school year! A new school year always brings excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few butterflies. Those feelings are all part of the adventure that awaits.
Last week's Meet the Teacher gave us a wonderful glimpse of the year ahead. Seeing students reconnect with friends, meet their teachers, and explore their classrooms reminded us what makes Sterling such a special community.
This year, we invite every Griffin to embrace our theme: Every Day's An Adventure! Each day will bring new opportunities to learn, grow, discover, and overcome challenges. Along the way, we'll celebrate achievements, build meaningful relationships, and create experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
It is truly an honor to partner with your family. We can't wait to welcome our students tomorrow and begin another incredible year of learning, laughter, and adventure together.
See you in the morning!
Learning TOGETHER,
Josh Patterson, Ph.D.
As we prepare for another great school year, we want to make families aware of a few changes to our morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures. These adjustments are designed to improve traffic flow, increase safety, and help ensure a smoother arrival and dismissal experience for everyone.
🚗 Morning Drop-Off
- All elementary students (4K–5th grade) should be dropped off in the front car loop. This includes carpools with both elementary and middle school students.
- Solo, middle school-only riders should be dropped off in the back car loop.
Notes: There is one line and students should exit vehicles the entire length of the covered walkway. Stopping the line again at the front will cause traffic to back up.
🚗 Afternoon Pick-Up
- 3K (PM), 4K, and 5K students will be picked up in the back car loop. Older siblings/students should join these students for dismissal.
- Solo, middle school-only riders should also be picked up in the back car loop (Please do not arrive before 2:30)
- All other elementary students (1st–5th grade), including elementary/middle school carpools, should be picked up in the front car loop.
NOTES: Families picking up Elementary ONLY students should stay on the RIGHT side of the pick up line for the 2:15 dismissal time.
Families picking up BOTH Elementary and Middle School Students should not arrive until at least 2:30. Please use the LEFT side of the Carline. M.S. line will hold at the curve near the front guest parking lot until they are released at 2:35. (Elementary students in a M.S. carpool will remain in their classrooms until 2:30 when they are released to go out to the car line.)
We appreciate your patience and partnership as everyone adjusts to these updated procedures. By following these guidelines, we can provide a safer and more efficient arrival and dismissal process for all of our Griffin families. Thank you for helping us make the start and end of each school day a positive experience!
All CTC students in grades 3 - 6 are required to purchase a planner/agenda to support executive functioning skills. The cost is $5 and can be paid through SchoolCash (new payment app) or cash.
Students should make payment first thing in the morning (between 7:15 - 7:45) in the front hallway. Planners will be given to students in class during the first week of school.
Students Provide Breakaway Lanyard for Student ID
Reminder that students should provide their own "break away" lanyard for displaying their student ID. We are allowing lanyards to reflect individual student interests/themes however they should be school appropriate and the ID itself should NOT be tampered with. Students who alter their ID with drawings, stickers, etc. will be required to purchase a replacement for $5. Students may want to have a "back-up" lanyard in their locker or backpack in the event that they misplace /lose their ID. If you would like to purchase a backup or replacement ID, students should bring $5 cash to the front office any morning between 7:15 and 7:45.
CTC National Junior Beta Club
Watch for information in next week's newsletter about membership in the CTC National Junior Beta Club for the 2026-2027 school year.
Sip, Sob, or Shout!
You’re invited to join us for our annual “Sip, Sob, or Shout!” event on the first morning of school. Whether you’re shouting for joy, crying, or anything in between, we are there for YOU!
Come meet the PTA and other parents as we kick off the school year with refreshments in the Media Center. This fun event doubles as our first PTA meeting where we will give an overview of what you can expect for the upcoming school year. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 11th | 7:45-8:30am | Media Center
We Want YOU to Join Our PTA! ❤️
Our PTA is an essential part of our school community, and we can’t do it without YOU!
Throughout the year we support our teachers, staff, and students. The PTA hosts things like the big fundraiser, the Bubble Run (the one event that funds our annual budget) and family events such as Fall Fest and International night. And mostly importantly we try to spread Griffin pride all year long!
A PTA Membership is one of the best ways to get involved in our school, even if you don’t have the time to volunteer. (Yep! Being a member of the PTA doesn’t mean you have to volunteer...although we welcome all help!)
Being a member also allows you to vote on how we spend the fundraiser money and vote on officers each year.
If you’re ready to get started and join this fun group of parents and friends of Sterling/CTC, click below to sign up!
School Spirit Wear: Coming Soon!
Spirit wearing is coming this fall! Be on the lookout for updates!
A new school year is starting, and the School Improvement Council would love to have you join us. The SIC is an advisory group of parents, teachers, and community members who work alongside the principal on the things that make Sterling and CTC a great place to learn. We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8:30 am, beginning September 3. Meetings are open to all parents and guardians, whether or not you hold a seat, so please come join us.
Three parent seats are open for the 2026 to 2027 school year:
- Primary Sterling, K4 through 2nd
- Intermediate CTC, 3rd through 5th
- Middle School CTC, 6th through 8th
Any parent or guardian of a Sterling or CTC student may put their own name or another parent's name into nomination. Representatives serve a two year term, and someone from the SIC will reach out to confirm before the ballot goes out. If you have ideas, questions, or just want a seat at the table, we hope you will consider it.
Submit a nomination by August 12, 2026.
Questions may be directed to Sarah Frick at sicsterlingctc@gmail.com.
Chess Lessons
Think Move Chess will be returning again this year to teach Chess Lessons on Friday afternoons from 2:35 - 3:35 beginning on September 4th. There are 2 options:
* Fall lessons (10 sessions) $167
* Full Year of lessons (20 sessions) $334
More Info and SIGN UP HERE
GCS is moving to a new system called SchoolCash Online to manage student activity fees and payments. Beginning this school year, SchoolCash Online will replace MySchoolBucks for student activity fund payments only. Between July 6 and July 15, you will receive an email from SchoolCash Online with instructions on how to create your account and get started. Please be on the lookout for this email. Per the district, they are distributed via information in powerschool/backpack. If you do not receive an email, an account can be created manually by going to https://www.schoolcashonline.com/.
SchoolCash Online supports electronic payments via credit card (convenience fee is 4% + .10 cents). Cash or check payments will also be accepted without a fee. Food & Nutition Services (FANS) will continue to use MySchoolBucks for student meal accounts.
Grade Level Supply Lists
If you're looking for your child's grade level supply list for the 26-27 school year, look no further! CLICK HERE to locate the specific lists for each grade level and program. We encourage families to bring all supplies to Meet the Teacher. Bringing supplies in beforehand helps minimize distractions on the first day of school.
If any help is needed in securing supplies, please reach out to Mrs. Feltman, Sterling's Student Support Clerk so she can get back with you soon after the first day of school.
Griffins Helping Griffins: 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
- Highlighters
- Tissues
Are you looking to add a member to your carpool?...or Are you interested in getting a carpool started?
Please register with the Sterling/CTC Carpool form so that you can network with other families who are also looking to form carpools for next year. A "live" spreadsheet will be shared with everyone who participates in completing the form. This spreadsheet will update as new families sign up.
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 2026-27 school year. You do not need to take any action to qualify for the free meals.
South Carolina law requires that all students entering seventh grade receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine. Below is a flyer with additional information for families who have not yet provided proof of immunization. Please note that students entering seventh grade who have not received the required Tdap vaccine and submitted documentation to the school nurse before the start of the 2026–2027 school year will not be permitted to attend school until both requirements have been met.
After School Program Now Hiring!
Looking for a part-time job? Sterling School's After School Program is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic workers for the 26-27 school year! 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!
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!
💙 Support a Griffin & Become a Mentor!
Every day at school, students gather around the table for breakfast or lunch—full of stories to tell, questions to ask, and smiles to share. You’re invited to be part of their story. Whether you're chatting, playing a game, or simply listening—you can make a real difference! Think of it as adding a warm, meaningful chapter to a child’s day—one meal at a time. Help us build connection and community. Volunteer as a breakfast or lunch mentor today!
If interested in joining us, please complete the following survey: CLICK HERE! If you have any questions, please contact our school’s mentor coordinator, Mrs. Berry (tberry@greenville.k12.sc.us). We look forward to hearing from you!
📌 Cafeteria Team Member
We are also seeking caring, reliable team members to join our cafeteria staff and help us serve students each day.
-
Flexible, school-day hours
-
Opportunity to make a positive impact on our campus
📩 Contact Mr. Chris Spellman, Coordinator of Food Services Personnel, at cspellman@greenville.k12.sc.us for more information or to express interest.
Sterling School
Email: jpatterson@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: www.greenville.k12.sc.us/sterling
Location: Sterling School, John McCarroll Way, Greenville, SC
Phone: 864-355-4480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theSterlingSchool
Twitter: @SterlingSchool