Genius Hour Project in Social Studies- Please Help

Hello,
Our final project of the year in Social Studies is what's called a genius hour. What is a genius hour? Click the link to read more!

Sterling students have been designing their own work schedules and developed driving questions that will spur their research. We have questions right now involving clean water, addressing homelessness, gender equality and much much more.


We need your help! One of the major components of a genius hour project is talking to an outside "expert" and potentially working with a community partnership. Calling all volunteers. If you can help a student dig deeper into a topic or know someone who can- please reach out to me, Mr. Bailey, at jbailey@cvsdvt.org

We could use adults to be interviewed, come in as guest speakers and potentially even drive some students to places for their work and connecting with community partnerships.

Here are links to our projects- please look them over and see if you have anything to offer. With the variety of topics, I bet you do!

1st Period
2nd Period
3rd Period
4th Period

Cellphone Policy

Hello Families,

We are writing to update you on our cellphone policy.  In the past weeks, the Sterling teachers have been part of a larger conversation around cellphone use in school.  The administration has been working with several teams to reach a consensus for addressing cellphone use as a school.   Recently, two teams have begun a cellphone-free policy during the school day.  Last week we had multiple incidents of students using their phones to text classmates while in school.  As a result of this, the Sterling teachers have decided to implement a new policy regarding cellphones in school:

• Students may have their cellphone out on the bus and in the lobby in the morning while waiting to be released to their classrooms.
• Once students are on Sterling their phone must be either kept in their backpack (hanging in the classrooms) or given to their core teacher to be kept secure during the school day.
• If a student needs to contact a parent or family member, the student needs to check in with their core or classroom teacher before using the phone.  The phone then needs to be returned to their backpack or secure place.
• If families need to get in touch with their student at any time during the day, please call the front office and use the following extensions to reach Sterling:

Cindy Brady:  6161

Jared Bailey:  6164

Amy Durant:   6166

Dan Johnson:  6167

Joy Peterson: 6163

Michael Willis: 6168

• If a student has a cellphone out without permission, the first offense will be a reminder, and the phone will be given back to the student at the end of the day.  If there is a second offense, the phone will be given to Mrs. Brady and families will be notified to come to school to pick it up. 

The new policy will take place starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7th.  We hope that families support our decision, and with us help students to understand that the school setting is not the place for communicating via cellphone.  We have so much to do, and we don't need the distraction of cell phones.  Thank you so much for your support!

The Sterling Teachers

Sterling Play is Wednesday

Sterling Theater Performances:Wednesday, May 8th in the Auditorium.

The Jungle Book  is from 5:30-6:30  

Jack and the Beanstalk is from 6:30 to 730

Performers should arrive on Sterling 30 minutes prior to their play.  Jungle Book  5:00 PM, Jack and the Beanstalk 6:00 PM

There is no dance tomorrow

Even though it appears on  the WCS website there is NO DANCE  this month, and will be no more dances for the

 remainder of this school year. The one exception is the 8th grade dance that follows the graduation ceremony. 

We apologize for the confusion. The dance schedule has been set since the beginning of the school year and

 the website posting was an oversight and error. 

Sterling Wish List

We're back from vacation and students are busy taking SBAC's and learning their lines for the play. 

During testing we love to have mints and gum for the kids.  If you are able to send in some Wint'o'Green lifesavers and  minty/fruity gum we would greatly appreciate it.

We are also in need of disinfecting wipes.

Thanks so much

No Homework Club Tuesday April 16th

Due to a staff meeting, homework club is cancelled for tomorrow April 16th.   It will happen as usual on Wednesday

Mark your calendars for Sterling events!

Hello Sterling Families-

Here are some important dates:

1. Sterling SBAC testing will begin on April 29- May 8. Please make sure your child has adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast.

2. Sterling Theater Performances: Wednesday, May 8th 5:30-6:30 is The Jungle Book and 6:30-7:30 is Jack and the Beanstalk in the Auditorium.

3. June 6-7th is the 6th grade camping trip to Grand Isle State Park. (We are still looking for some brave parent chaperones!)

4. Sterling 5/6th grade End of Year fieldtrip at Knight Point State Park in North Hero is scheduled for Wednesday June 12.

Let us know if you have questions!
Amy and the Sterling Team