This week's Friday Focus touches on Student Help, including After-School Tutoring, and update from AD Wes Laudermilk, anecdotal evidence for the use of in-person instruction, an updated calendar for the week ahead, and a little Grandma Hope Philosophy. CLICK HERE for this week's edition.Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend, Black Bears! READ MORE >

CLICK HERE for this week's edition of the Friday Focus.Have a great weekend, Black Bears! READ MORE >

During the first two weeks of school, our library staff gave orientation lessons to 26 classes K-12 and checked out and delivered 1,032 books! Because students are not visiting the library right now due to COVID safety measures, library services are being provided in classrooms. Take a look at the library’s COVID Procedures webpage for Sterling Grade School and... READ MORE >

The US Department of Agriculture has approved funding that will allow us to serve all of our remote and in person students free lunch and breakfast each day that school is in session until 12/31/2020, or when funding runs out. Beginning Tuesday, September 8th student accounts will not be charged for breakfast or lunchRemote learners will be contacted by Mrs.... READ MORE >

This week's Friday Focus is largely pictures of our kids doing their thing, an updated schedule of events for the coming week, and a thanks to our Booster Club. CLICK HERE for this week's edition.Have a great weekend, Black Bears! READ MORE >

The census helps helps allocate funds to our school district, city, and wider community. If you haven't completed it, please fill it out today! READ MORE >

In this week's Friday Focus: Performing Arts Award, Activity Update, and Observations with many thanks. CLICK HERE to access this week's edition. READ MORE >

Today, KSHSAA announced Sterling High School as the winner of the 2019-2020 Performing Arts School of Excellence. See here for the KSHSAA Official Press Release. The award recognizes high schools that scored exceptionally high in debate, speech, music and theater during the preceding school year and is selected by representatives of Kansas Music Educators... READ MORE >

This week's Friday Focus highlights staff returning to the building, what to expect when classes resume next week, a note from the best AD around, and a tribute to our staff. CLICK HERE for this week's Friday Focus. Have a great weekend, Black Bears! READ MORE >

To access presentation information from meeting, click on the following: https://5il.co/jz8p READ MORE >

This is a completely new position for a completely new situation. To prepare for the possibility of teachers being quarantined during the coming year, we would like to build a pool of classroom aides that could be called to physically supervise a classroom while a quarantined teacher teaches from home. We will figure out the exact duties as we go, but the aide... READ MORE >

Sterling Public Schools is looking for a regular route bus driver to run our vocational students to Hutch each morning. The hours are 7:00 am-12:00 pm, and the average pay is $362/week. We pay $18.67/hr for drive time and $11.71 for “stand” time. The bus delivers students to Hutch High at 8:00 am, then waits in Hutchinson until 11:00 to return them to SHS. In... READ MORE >

CLICK HERE for this week's Friday Focus. Topics this week include reopening plan, block scheduling, mask explanation, and expectations. READ MORE >

Click Here for the 2020-21 School Year. READ MORE >

Below are the three components of the reopening plan to be discussed with the board of education. Phase Plan Parent And Student Plan Staff Plan READ MORE >

Tonight's meeting has been moved to the SHS auditorium to better allow guests to distance. The meeting begins at 7:00 and will be streamed on the Black Bear Broadcasting Network at https://shsblackbears.com/index.htmlPlease note that Executive Order 20-59 took effect today and requires the use of face coverings for everyone entering a school attendance center. READ MORE >

USD 376 is looking for a custodian to help with the increased cleaning and sanitation of our schools. Some of the duties will likely include helping with the extended lunch seating, operating an electrostatic sanitizer in many areas of both schools, sanitizing buses, ensuring hand sanitizer and PPE are available to students and staff, and other typical custodial... READ MORE >

After discussion with the Board of Education we have tentatively agreed on the main components of the reopening plan. There will be many details to work through before a final plan is approved at the August 10th board meeting but the main components are listed below. The plan is designed to protect students and staff from transmission, and protect our buildings... READ MORE >

Online Enrollment is now open. We encourage all returning families to enroll online instead of coming to the building, as our capacity at the building will be limited due to social distancing measures. We are waiving the processing fee for those paying online.In-person enrollment dates/times/locations for students new to USD 376:4-6 P on Tuesday, Aug 11 at SJSHS... READ MORE >

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USD 376 is looking for a health aide for the 2020-2021 school year to help us open our schools safely. Health care training and/or experience is preferred but not required. The most important requirements are a good attitude and good people skills. The general duties will include:Taking temperatures and screening students and staff membersContact tracing of... READ MORE >

USD 376 is looking for school bus drivers to drive students to activities and substitute for regular route drivers. Drivers are paid $18.67 for drive time, and $11.71 for stand time during activities. Drivers must have a current class A or B CDL with both P and S endorsements. The school district offers paid training and can schedule required drive time and pay... READ MORE >

We are pleased to announce we are using the My HuTerra app to raise money for the Sterling Grade School Library. By downloading the free and simple My HuTerra app, we are able to raise funds when we all shop for the things we want and need. This includes being able to visit nearby stores and shop at over 1000 stores online. These stores include Amazon, Walmart,... READ MORE >

Calling all new Kindergarten students for the 2020-2021 school year! If you have a child that turns 5 years old by August 31st please register them for Kindergarten at Sterling Grade School by completing the sign up form provided below. Additional information about what your child will need to start Kindergarten can be found using the following links.Items... READ MORE >

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The annual Sterling Grade School Battle of the Books tournament had a different look this year. Rather than being a team event, it was modified to an online format for individual players. Students completed three practice rounds and two tournament rounds and earned points for speed and accuracy. The 2020 Battle of the Books champion is Porter, and the second... READ MORE >

Due to temporary changes in the summer lunch program we are able to serve school lunches for most of the summer. We will continue to serve lunch daily at the five existing distribution points until Friday May 29th (except Memorial Day). Starting June 1st we will distribute meals only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and only at Evergreen Park, Sterling Grade... READ MORE >

Here is this week's Friday Focus. Click the image for a larger PDF version. READ MORE >

Here is your Friday Focus for May 1, 2020. For a larger, pdf-version, please click here. READ MORE >

For a larger PDF copy, please click the image. READ MORE >

Congratulations to Madison Lackey, Ashlyn Spangenberg, Riley Richter, Megan Roelfs, Abby Riffel and Courtney Ball for winning the second annual Courage in Journalism award from the Kansas Scholastic Press Association! They exemplify the independent thinking and pursuit of passion that we strive to develop in all of our students. Civil discourse seems to be a dying... READ MORE >

Our online book fair is now open! Shop now to help us earn free books for the library. View this in your browser. <br> READ MORE >

Here's is the April 17 edition of the Friday Focus. For a larger PDF version, click the image. READ MORE >

Here is this week's Friday Focus. Click the image for a larger PDF version. READ MORE >

CLICK HERE for the most current Office Hours.A time range listed means that a teacher has designated that time to help students, either via email or Google Meet. For students desiring to meet virtually, an email request is necessary unless prior arrangements have been made to establish a routine meeting date and time.The designation of Appt means that a teacher... READ MORE >

Hello Black Bear Families! In order to make it easier to get school lunches to children, there have been additional changes to USDA rules. We can now allow a parent (or sibling) to pick up lunches for all eligible children in a household. Any child age 1-18 that currently lives in our school district is eligible, even if they do not normally attend Sterling... READ MORE >

Even though our school buildings are closed, our digital library tools are still available! We have a wealth of online resources to keep you reading, listening, researching and learning. Stay up-to-date with library services and learning tools during the school building closures by visiting our Library Services webpage, part of the district's COVID-19 Tech... READ MORE >

This COVID19 situation has affected all of us in a variety of ways. To help reduce the stress of a major change in the education of our children, the USD376 Instructional Technology team would like to provide some resources for parents and students on how to complete a task, troubleshoot issues, etc. Please understand the following two videos are just overviews... READ MORE >

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Because of social distancing guidelines the meeting will be broadcast on Black Bear Broadcasting for public access. Only the BOE members and school officials will be allowed in the library. A link to the broadcast will be posted before the meeting on Monday.STERLING UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 376 Sterling, Kansas Board of Education SPECIAL MEETING Monday,... READ MORE >

Hello Sterling,Starting Monday, March 23rd we will be providing meals for all Sterling residents aged 1-18 free of charge. We will not be offering adult meals at this time. The meals are "grab and go " and we will provide a breakfast and lunch at each distribution. Due to federal regulations we can only provide meals to students that we see are present to pick up... READ MORE >

Today Governor Kelly ordered all schools in Kansas closed until May 29, 2020. All schools will have to continue to provide an education for all students during the shut down. In Sterling, that will include virtual learning, limited face to face, and instruction through take-home packets, and other innovative methods, in order to make sure we provide the best... READ MORE >

Hello Black Bears,It has been a difficult few days for our students and community, and the days ahead are likely to be even more difficult. The Kansas Commisioner of Education is holding daily webinars with superintendents to disseminate accurate information and get input for next steps. All Kansas schools were closed this week. We were already out for spring break... READ MORE >

The Rice County Health Department is asking all residents that take a cruise, travel to another country, or travel to a domestic hot spot to self quarantine in their home upon returning to Rice county. "Self quarantine" means staying in your house or yard and not having close (within 6 feet) interactions with other people. Anyone developing a fever, cough, or... READ MORE >

Good afternoon parents,We are taking the following precautions to reduce the probability of spreading illness in the district. Although the coronavirus has not reached our area, it is likely that we will have cases in our community sometime soon. To avoid students touching the serving utensils, we have rearranged lunch serving procedures. Students will not serve... READ MORE >

Full time custodian position open at Sterling Junior/Senior High School STERLING, USD 376 is accepting applications for a full-time evening custodian to work at Sterling Junior/Senior High School. Normal hours are 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, but on nights of events the hours may be shifted. Duties include some lifting and a significant proportion of the hours involve... READ MORE >

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, the community of Sterling watched as both SHS basketball squads, the Lady Bears and Black Bears, earned their right to compete in the 2A State Championships. The state tournament will be hosted in Bramlage Coliseum, on the campus of Kansas State University. What truly makes this trip a special one is that this will be the first time... READ MORE >

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March 2-6 we'll be celebrating Read Across America at Sterling Grade School with the theme "Kingdom of Books." We will have a book exchange, daily dress-up days, and an optional at-home reading activity that allows kids to earn a prize. Join us in celebrating the fun and importance of reading! READ MORE >

After an exciting regular season of basketball and recognizing the 2020 Seniors on Thursday, the Lady Bears and Black Bears enter the 2020 Sub-State tournament with high aspirations. The Lady Bears look to make a second consecutive run to the 2A State Championship while the Black Bears look to return to the State Tournament.The Lady Bears enter the Inman Sub-State... READ MORE >

Here is today's Friday Focus. For a larger pdf version, please click the image below. READ MORE >

Here's is today's Friday Focus. To view as a pdf, simply click the page image below. READ MORE >

Here is this week's Friday Focus. CLICK HERE to view as a pdf. READ MORE >

Happy Friday, Black Bears! If you'd like a larger version, just click on one of the pages to open a pdf version.Have a tremendous Friday and a more-than-incredible weekend! READ MORE >

Congratulations to the SHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students that participated in a competition last week. Each student that participated will advance to the Kansas FBLA State Convention in March. The dates for state are March 29 - 31, 2020.Here are the results for Mr. Wenzel's students:Alaina M. - 1st Business EthicsLuke H. - 1st Impromptu... READ MORE >

The 2020 junior high HOA basketball tournaments are set. The boys bracket can be found at https://5il.co/cqx8. The girls bracket can be found at https://5il.co/cqx9. READ MORE >

Here's your Friday Focus for Jan 31. Enjoy and have a great weekend! READ MORE >

Click here for this week's Friday Focus. Note the delay by one day to include Sterling Invitational results from last night. READ MORE >

Dental screenings for grades 7-12 will be held on January 27-31, 2020. Please send a note to the school if you do not want your child to participate. Prairie Star Health Center will also offer additional services. Teeth cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments will be available. To participate in these additional services a consent will need to be turned in.... READ MORE >

Thanks to Robin Hargrave of the South Central Kansas Library System for awarding the SGS Library 12 Snap Circuit Bric Structure kits and 200 batteries. This STEAM Makerspace gift is valued at over $430 and was won by librarian Amy Brownlee through a grant process. Each kit includes circuits, Lego building pieces, and instructions allowing students create more... READ MORE >

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The 2020 Sterling Invitational Tournament right around the corner. Teams participating in this year's boys and girls tournament are Kingman, Smoky Valley, Lyons, Russel, Hutchinson Trinity-Catholic, Hugoton, and SE of Saline to go along with the SHS Black Bears.The Lady Bears look to continue their winning ways in the tournament. They are the #1 seed and will... READ MORE >

This week we welcomed back our Bears and Cubs for the second semester of the school year and the first semester of this new decade. A new semester and new year provide us with a new start and opportunities to make more, different, and better. Here's wishing you and yours the best of new years. Keeping Kids Safe Throughout the year, we conduct drills to rehearse... READ MORE >

The jr high/high school library stayed busy first semester providing books, magazines, online research tools, computers, and work space for students and staff.1930s research project Ian Anderson’s freshman English classes spent two weeks in the library researching and creating 1930s newspapers as a culminating project after reading To Kill a Mockingbird. The... READ MORE >

Today we wrap up our fall semester with a celebration of relationships and relevance, which are our school improvement goals. The relationship piece can be found throughout the building, as staff and students reflect on the completion of a semester with opportunity to spend time together without an agenda of grades and tests. It becomes a great day to celebrate... READ MORE >

Senior Yearbook Ads Yearbook senior ads are now on sale! If your senior is graduating this spring, your can purchase a recognition ad, highlighting your student's achievement of graduation. This ad will be printed in the yearbook in full color, and you can include pictures and a message. Order today! Order forms can be picked up in the office and are due... READ MORE >

Happy Friday. We are in the stretch run with just seven days of classes after today ahead of final exams. The semester seems to have flown by, but my experience is that quickness means things are going well and I'd like to believe we've had a great fall semester. Since I've arrived in Sterling, I've asked students, staff, and others what makes Sterling... READ MORE >

Here's hoping this week's Friday Focus, albeit a little later in the day than normal, finds your family enjoying the Thanksgiving Break and the rain for which we've been waiting. Thankful For... I love Thanksgiving for the opportunity to pause and give thanks for all of the blessings in my life. My list begins with family: my immediate and extended family, my... READ MORE >

Click here to download the order form. READ MORE >

Congratulations to those SHS students that were named to the 2019 Heart of America League All-League Football and Volleyball teams!The Lady Bears volleyball team placed four girls on the HOA All-League squads. Those ladies were Karlie B on 1st team and Makenna L. on 2nd team. Bennie H. and Kayla M. were named to the Honorable Mention squad.The Black Bear football... READ MORE >

Happy Friday, Black Bears!We are thrilled for another Friday and the opportunity to share with you the best things from the past week and a look ahead to the next week and a half ahead of Thanksgiving Break. This is a bit of a shorter segment than most, but it's Buffer Week and, aside from JH Basketball (see below), a little music (see below), and a musical (see... READ MORE >

Seven Sterling Jr/Sr High School students were selected for Heart of America League Honor Band. Makayla Sant (Fr), Clarinet; Riley Richter (So), Clarinet; Megan Roelfs (So), Bari Saxophone; Thomassyna Prebble (Jr), Trumpet; Caden Webb (Jr), Tenor Saxophone; Christina Voth (Jr), Clarinet; and Junior Silva (Jr), Trumpet.These seven students attended the HOA League... READ MORE >

Under the direction of Mrs. Betsy Dutton, Sterling High School Theatre will be performing "Oliver!" The musical was written by Lionel Bart and based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The play's action takes around 1850, in the North of England and London. The performances are scheduled for November 14-16, Thursday through Saturday, at 7:30 pm in... READ MORE >

Since we didn't have school last Friday, I decided it would be OK to give you a week off from reading about SJSHS and a week off of writing. But 'tis again Friday, we have school, and here is yet another round of good stuff about our school, and more importantly, our kids. The Best Things I Saw This Past Week Since it's been two weeks, I've had the opportunity to... READ MORE >

Girls’ Results **Bella B. - 6th place - 22:19 STATE QUALIFIER Boys’ Results- **Carter C. - 10th place - 18:38 STATE QUALIFIER Adam V. - 55th place - 22:20 Bryson B. - 62nd place - 23:36 Colton S. - 74th place - 28:38 ** medalist ***personal best * season best TWO TO STATE! This was a good day to run a race! Bella ran at... READ MORE >

Six Sterling Grade School students attended the annual South Central Kansas Music Educator’s District Honor Choir. It was hosted by Wichita Southeast High School on Saturday, October 26. All elementary schools in the South Central District could send up to six students from grades 4-6 for this honor choir. The South Central District includes the counties of... READ MORE >

Hey, it's the final Friday of October, which typically means three things: Halloween is close, it's getting colder, and, the best of all, it's World Series time. I don't really care who wins, I just want seven games. Best Things I Saw This Past Week Last Friday evening, SJSHS Student Body President Alaina Madden presented the 2019 KSHSAA Award of Excellence for... READ MORE >

Another Friday is here and they seem to be coming at a quicker pace each week. Note the Upcoming events and the inclusion of Thanksgiving Break and the end of the fall and start of the spring semester. Tennis to StateOur Tennis team, fresh off of a Runner-Up finish as a team last weekend, begins State matches today in the KC Metro. Read more, here.Update on the... READ MORE >

DON’T LET THE FLU GET YOU! The Rice County Health Department will be at USD 376 on Tuesday, October 22. Jr high and high school students may get a flu shot during school if they have a completed consent form and a copy of their insurance card. Your insurance will be filed and any remainder will be billed to the parent. The cost of the flu vaccination is... READ MORE >

Sterling Tennis had a tremendous weekend in Conway Springs at the 1-2-3A Regional Tennis Meet, bringing home Runner-Up honors as a team. The Black Bears were led by Kinzie Comley (Sr) and Aubrey Anderson (Jr), as the duo finished second in Doubles, qualifying for the State Meet this coming weekend in Prairie Village. Joining them are Natalie Schweizer (Jr) and... READ MORE >

Happy Homecoming Friday, Black Bears! It seems winter has decided to make a small preview, but it sure would be nice if she'd have waited until the milo was ready and homecoming was over. But, if you have allergies or like crisp fall evenings for football, here's your weather.Our fall sports season is, believe it or not, winding down as Regional Tennis begins... READ MORE >

District librarian Amy Brownlee and nine grade school and jr. high students traveled to Emporia Oct. 5 to attend the William Allen White (WAW) Award Ceremony. Students were able to meet the winning authors, get autographs, and participate in fun activities like a book trivia contest, science stations, and literacy-based games. The William Allen White Children’s... READ MORE >

For this year's seniors, Homecoming will be one of the many memories they take with them after graduation. Sterling High School welcomes all members of the community, the King and Queen candidates, and alumni members to join Wyatt, Logan, Brady, Shelby, Abby, and Alaina at Smisor Stadium, on the campus of Sterling College, for the crowning ceremony. ... READ MORE >

Our Scholastic Book Fair, held at SGS September 23-26, was a big success! Here are some highlights: Total number of books sold this Fair: 573+Our pre-tax sales volume was over $4500 earning a net profit of $2294! We chose to spend $680 of that amount on books from the Book Fair cases. The remaining $1614 will be used to purchase new books and instructional... READ MORE >

Fall appears to be here...finally! Next week is Homecoming @ Sterling Junior/Senior High School. We are excited to celebrate all of our fall activities and, moreover, just the tremendous blessing of being a Black Bear. Spirit Week Monday is Decades Day. Students and staff are encouraged to dress in the style of their favorite decade.Tuesday is Superhero Day, but... READ MORE >

Dear SGS Families, Did you know that October is national bullying prevention month? During counselor class the last two weeks, we have been learning about friendship and bullying. We talked about how to recognize bullying, the difference between being a bystander and an upstander, and the different types of bullying. We will continue our conversation about... READ MORE >

Happy Friday, Black Bears! It's been a great week at SJSHS and we're excited about the week ahead. Best Things I Saw This Week BTISTW has moved to the Live Feed on our website. This week's best things include FFA Land Judging, JH Cross Country, some artwork on display, and a very intriguing guest speaker. These posts are also available on our Facebook and... READ MORE >

Black Bear Tennis took first place honors Saturday in Lindsborg at the Smoky Valley Tournament, behind a championship performance from the #2 Doubles team of Natalie S and Aubrey A. Kinzie C took second in #1 Singles, Kate R finished third in #2 Singles, and the #1 Doubles team of Karissa W and Riley R placed second. Great job, ladies! #WeAreSterling READ MORE >

The Best Things I Saw This Week at Sterling Junior/Senior High School: Upper Left: Mrs. Calderwood's Biology class gathered and identified insects over the past two weeks, developing a display to share with their peers. Sophomores Brooklyn and Lacey chose a windshield for their collection. Nice work, ladies. Lower Left: Adam (Sr) turned this lamp post out of... READ MORE >

Sterling Grade School's "Snow Much to Read at our Arctic Adventure Book Fair" will start on Monday, September 23rd, and run through Thursday, September 26th. Times for Monday and Thursday will be from 3:20 to 7:30 PM. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the book fair will be open from 3:20 to 5:30 PM. The fair will be located in the SGS Library/Music hallway. The goal... READ MORE >

On Wednesday, September 11th, Mrs. Prather's FCCLA students will be hosting a Blood Drive in cooperation with the American Red Cross. The Blood Drive will start at 8:30 am and wrap up at 1:30 pm in the South Gym. Blood and Power Red donations are being accepted.To help the American Red Cross provide blood to those folks in need, register on their website or by... READ MORE >

Black Bear JV Netters opened the season in Pratt on Tuesday evening and brought home the team title, 3 championships, and a runner-up finish. Freshman Ella W took top honors in #1 Singles, while Junior Christina V took second in #2 Singles.On the doubles side, it was a clean sweep for the Black & White. Maddie C (Jr) and Kate R (Fr) won #1 doubles, while Kaedyn... READ MORE >

For those parents, students, and community members that like staying informed to school functions, you will want to install our new mobile application. The new mobile application will provide a wealth of information at your fingertips. You will find live feeds, district news, an events calendar that permits the end user to add individual events directly to their... READ MORE >

Things to Know About Water Safety Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely. Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close... READ MORE >