Community
Sterne students are charismatic leaders, community organizers, artists, performers, and athletes. Sterne families are engaged, invested, and excited to see our program continue to grow to meet the needs of our students. We are a strong community, united in the belief that all students deserve to learn in an environment that recognizes and celebrates their strengths.
Our Parent Community
Sterne provides many ways for parents to engage, connect, and learn:
- Regular Parent Association meetings, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings
- Room Parent program
- Parent dialogue group, facilitated by Sterne's counselor
- Parent Education workshop series, in partnership with Parents Place
- Third-party offerings shared throughout the year, such as Common Sense Media's "Healthy Digital Media Usage"
After-School Programs
Sterne partners with the Salesian Boys and Girls Club for after-school care, available at very low cost daily until 6pm. The Salesian Club is in North Beach at 680 Filbert. It's a short ten minute walk from Sterne, and we provide a daily walking bus.
Sterne partners with the Salesian Boys and Girls Club for after-school care, available at very low cost daily until 6pm. The Salesian Club is in North Beach at 680 Filbert. It's a short ten minute walk from Sterne, and we provide a daily walking bus.
We have grown our after-school program offerings with the completion of our new gymnasium, theater, and film and music studios. Starting 2023-2024, after-school classes include:
- After-school athletic programs such as basketball, futsal, and yoga
- Comic book and Manga drawing
- Gardening and Nature Design
- Special EF photography
- Stop motion film
- Fashion design
- Cooking
- Mixed media studio art
- Rock Band
- Drama: Sound & Lighting
- Book design and binding
- Improv
- Private instrument lessons (by request)
Traditions
Faculty, staff, and students all collaborate to create memorable rituals each year. Some examples include:
- Weekly Monday afternoon meeting
- Fall and spring dances (for Middle School)
- Faculty vs. students basketball game
- Artist visits
- Spirit weeks
- Spirit points competition
- Dolphin Days every Friday (spirit wear and activities)
- Indigenous Peoples' Day field trip
- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Women's March (organized and led by Sterne High School students)
- November "Month of Gratitude," with community service opportunities
- Holiday food drive
- Valentine's Day special deliveries
- 8th grade trip
- End of year celebration days
- 8th grade promotion ceremony
Clubs & Affinity Groups
We believe in a school culture where no student feels sidelined. Student passions have a place here, and we are proud of the many clubs and affinity groups that emerge within our community every year. We also have a strong student council who take a leadership role in student events throughout the year.
Clubs offer an opportunity for development of leadership skills, creativity, and social engagement. Because all clubs and affinity groups work with a faculty advisor, they also reinforce a culture of trust and communication between teachers and students. They are a way for all of us to get to know each other a little better, and to expand our horizons.
Here are some examples of past and present groups:
- Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
- Student Council
- Gardening Club
- Pokemon Club
- Coding Club
- Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Music Appreciation Club
- Lego Club
- Video Games Club
- Animal Enthusiasts Club
- Chess & Board Games Club
- Sports Club
Counseling
Student social-emotional well-being and development is as important as academic development at Sterne. Our Lower and Middle School counselor is available to support all aspects of social-emotional health, including managing stress and anxiety and navigating friendships. The counselor works with families to support students at home, and with teachers to support students in class.
While our counselor is always available for students, Sterne also makes sure that social and emotional wellness is built into our classroom and school culture. We train our faculty and staff to embed conflict resolution, stress management, and inclusion practices into their curricula at all levels.
Middle School students can also benefit from mentorship counseling through the Eye to Eye program. Learn more about Eye to Eye on our Signature Programs page.