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THE PATH FEBRUARY 2024
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Student School Hours:
9:05a-3:45p
(students cannot be dropped off before 8:55a and have to be in classrooms by 9:05a)
Office Hours:
8:00a-4:00p
A NOTE FROM MR. LEONARD
Dear Sun Path Families,
It was nice to see many of our families at the last two Movie Nights that were put on by our PTO. A big thanks to all the volunteers who planned and supported these two nights. It is always nice to see our students getting together and connecting outside of the school day. These events are great, but we could not do them without our PTO and volunteers.
We made a big change this with our dismissal procedures. These changes have reduced the congestion on the upper level and has increased the safety for our students who walk home in the Quail/French Trace Neighborhood. Our busses also have an easier time getting in and out or our parking lot. We appreciated the drivers who yield to the busses when they are trying to get in and out of the parking lot. The time it takes for our overall dismissal is about the same as before, but the first 3 busses are being loaded and leaving a bit earlier than before. Thank you to all the families who pick up their children for being patient and having their yellow signed displayed. Families who are picking up and are in line early, it would help if you could pull up closer to the vehicle in front of you. This will help in getting more cars in the lower level. You can find our dismissal procedures later in the newsletter. Thanks again to everyone in making this transition success.
Reminder about drop off in the morning. If you are dropping your child(ren) off in the morning, you have two options:
- Get in line and have your child go from car to curb(preferred).
- Park your car in a parking spot and walk your child all the way to the crosswalk and crossing guard. We need to avoid students walking through the parking lot on their own and cars dropping off in the middle of the parking lot.
- We have left open parking spots on the east end of the parking lot near the crosswalk.
For the safety of all of our students, please follow the above expectations.
We have had some strange weather this winter, with warmer than normal temps, no snow to speak of, but we still had a week of 5 straight days of below 0 wind chill within the season. Thank you for sending your child(ren) dressed appropriately for the weather.
I hope to see many of our families during conferences that are coming up in March.
Take Care,
Patrick Leonard.
Principal
Spring Conferences are Next Month
Spring conferences are right around the corner.
Our conference dates are scheduled for Tuesday March 19th, Thursday March 21st, and Monday March 25th from 4:10pm-8pm. You will be receiving more information via email to sign up for a conference time slot on Thursday, February 22nd.
District Information / Winter Weather Guidelines & Information
When severe weather affects the regular school day, daytime Community Education activities or classes that meet immediately after school will also be canceled. Evening activities may be held if there is significant improvement in weather conditions. In that situation, participants will be contacted by Community Education regarding class status.
CLICK HERE for more information.
CLICK HERE for access to Connected Learning Days (CoLD).
CLICK HERE for access to SABERS Boards (also known as CoLD Choice).
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
FEBRUARY:
- ***I LOVE TO READ MONTH***
- 16th: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55a-9:10a
- 16th: 2nd grade field trip to the Works Museum
- 19th: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 20th: I LOVE TO READ MONTH - Wearable Words Day
- 21st: I LOVE TO READ MONTH - I'm Crazy About Reading Day
- 22nd: I LOVE TO READ MONTH - Books Brighten our World Day
- 23rd: I LOVE TO READ MONTH - Camp Out With a Good Book Day
- 23rd: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55am-9:10am
- 23rd: 5th Grade Field Trip to Children's Theater
- 27th: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Orchestra Hall
MARCH:
- 1st: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55-9:10a
- 6th: PTO MEETING, 7:00p
- 8th: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55-9:10a
- 8th: Maud Hart Lovelace voting party 2:45pm
- 15th: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55-9:10a
- 15th: NO SCHOOL, Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
- 19th: Conferences 4:10p-8:00p
- 19th: BOOK FAIR 4p-8p
- 21st: Conferences 4:10p-8:00p
- 21st: BOOK FAIR 4p-8p
- 22nd: SCHOOL STORE open 8:55-9:10a
- 22nd: School Dance 6p-8p
- 25th: Conferences 4:10p-8:00p
- 25th: BOOK FAIR 4p-8p
- 28th: END OF QUARTER 3
- 29th: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
MONTHLY CHARACTER THEME: INTEGRITY
Each month, students at all grade levels will be learning more about a specific positive character trait. They will read a book with their class and do an activity related to this theme. Individual classrooms may also expand upon this theme on their own. All character education themes will tie back to our school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, Positive, and Safe.
Monthly Character Education Theme: Integrity
Each month, students at all grade levels will be learning more about a specific positive character trait.
They will read a book with their class and do an activity related to this theme. Individual classrooms
may also expand upon this theme on their own. All character education themes will tie back to our
school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) expectations of being Respectful,
Responsible, Positive, and Safe.
For the month of February, our theme is Integrity. Students will learn that integrity means doing the
right thing, even when no one is watching or if it’s challenging. A person with integrity shows
kindness, honesty, and fairness in everything they do.
Our kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will read the book “A Little Spot of Honesty: A Story About
Trust and Integrity” by Diane Alber. The story talks about how honesty and integrity is about more
than just telling the truth, and it shows how to build strong relationships that encourage people to be
honest with you. The students will then make an integrity pennant, displaying one way they show
integrity at home or school.
Grades 3, 4, and 5 will read the book “The Empty Pot” by Demi, a story about the importance of
showing honesty and integrity, even if that means you may lose out on something you want. The
students will then create their own flower pot and discuss ways that they can show integrity in their
own lives.
We encourage you to talk more with your child about this month’s theme of Integrity. Below are
some ideas for ways to continue this learning at home:
- Take extra time to acknowledge times of honesty with your child. If they admit to a
wrongdoing or mistake, make sure to first praise them for being honest and showing integrity.
- One area that can be particularly challenging for older kids is showing integrity on social
media. Have a discussion with your child about how they can be kind and honest when talking
with friends online, and how it’s just as important as when they are right in front of that
person.
- Work with your child to do random acts of kindness for others. Talk about how good it feels
to do kind things for others, even when no one is watching.
If you have any additional questions about our character education programming, you can reach out to Tammy Doyle, dean of students (952-496-5899, tdoyle@shakopee.k12.mn.us)
or Stephanie St Peter, school psychologist (952-496-5812, sstpeter@shakopee.k12.mn.us)
FROM OUR SOCIAL WORKER.......
EVERY MEAL WEEKEND FOOD PROGRAM
NURSING INFORMATION
Minnesota State Law (Minnesota 121A.15) requires all students to be compliant with immunizations. Communications sent letter and email notifications to the parent/guardian of those that are non-compliant. Please be sure you have sent in a list of your child’s recent immunizations or have an exemption form signed and notarized. Contact the health office if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Sun Path School Nurses
952-496-5894
Amy Johnson
Vickie Van Heuvelen
FROM THE LEARNING COMMONS.....
Sun Path Elementary I Love to Read Month Theme: “Camp Out with a Good Book” Activities for the month listed below!
Display Our Reading! Students will make a book paper chain for the whole month of February! We will line the hallways with our book links! Each strip of paper, students will write their name, title of a book they read during the month and how many stars they would give the book 1-5! We will place paper strips in teacher mailboxes. If you need more, just let us know! Let’s see how far we get!.
Each grade level will have a different color of paper strips! We will place boxes for each grade level in the cluster and students can put their book strips in the box. We will post them several times a week!
COMPLETE A READING LOG FOR A SMALL PRIZE!
Reading logs for I Love to Read Month will be distributed to all classrooms! Students can substitute this reading log for what is usually used in your classroom or add this one in as a bonus for students. Send the total to us in the Media Center on our document that we send out at the end of the month, and we will deliver your goody bags for all students who complete the reading log with a parent signature. Students will get a prize delivered to the classroom by March 5, 2024.
A Book Bingo is planned for during the month as well!
I Love to Read Week - Week of Feb. 20-23
2/20 - Tuesday - “Wearable Words Day” - Wear a favorite shirt with words on it. If students don’t have an item of clothing with words, they can pick a favorite word, print or decorate a word with markers, and stick it to their shirt with tape!
2/21 - Wednesday - “I’m Crazy about Reading” day - (Crazy socks, crazy hair, crazy dress) Students can wear socks that are “wild or crazy” with different colors or designs OR they can wear mismatched socks.
2/22 - Thursday - “Books Brighten our World Day” - Wear a neon or brightly colored shirt/clothing!!
2/23 - Friday - “Camp Out with a Good Book” day! Bring a blanket and comfy clothes/PJ’s and read in front of your teacher’s “streaming Youtube camping fire”. https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=qsOUv9EzKsg
MHL Book Voting Party - March 8, 2024 - 2:45 - 3:25 p.m. in the Learning Commons! This will affect all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who have read 3/10 MHL titles. Teacher, please send names of students to Gigi by 2/29/24. Thanks! : )
Thank you to Mrs. Kuss who helped with the planning of this month and to Mrs. Klevann…who makes it all happen!
Please let us know if you have any questions about Media class or books!
Mrs. Gigi Hilgers
Media Specialist Jackson and Sun Path Elementary
Mrs. Kristen Klevann
Media Assistant, Sun Path Elementary
FROM THE PTO......
The Sun Path PTO continues to be busy with fun events
for our students and families!
Please save the date for our popular Spring Dance on March 22! The theme will be a Hawaiian luau and it will include great music, the exciting raffle and lots of other fun surprises. Watch for a flyer to come home with students in the next few weeks.
As a reminder, our PTO is always looking for new parent volunteers. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the cafeteria and all are welcome.
For information, email sunpathpto@hotmail.com or message us on Facebook.
If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can become involved, email
sunpathpto@hotmail.com or find us on Facebook.
Thanks for helping us make Sun Path shine!
2023/2024 Leadership Team:
President: Erin Bryan
Vice President: Christy Congdon
Treasurer: Kristina Kimpling
Secretary: Tami Weispfenning
SUN PATH YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Hey Sun Path Superstars,
Can you believe we're halfway through the year already? Time flies when you're making memories!
I'm Taylor Raschke, your dedicated Yearbook Committee Chair, and I'm beyond thrilled to invite you to share your favorite snapshots with us. Whether it's from the epic field trips, the heartwarming classroom moments, or the exhilarating sports games, every photo is a piece of the puzzle that makes our Sun Path story complete. So, dive into your photo archives, dig out those hidden treasures, and send them our way at sunpathyearbook@outlook.com. And hey, while you're at it, make sure to check in with other parents/guardians to get the green light on sharing those precious memories. Together, let's continue to weave the tapestry of our Sun Path community and create a yearbook that'll be cherished for years to come.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
Cheers,
Taylor Raschke
Yearbook Committee Chair
Sun Path Yearbook Cover Contest Reminder!
Dear Sun Path Families,
Quick reminder about the Yearbook Cover Contest:
Submission Guidelines:
- Use 8.5" x 11" white paper.
- Add name, grade, teacher on the BACK.
- Theme: "Saber Pride"
Timeline:
- Begins: Monday, January 29th.
- Deadline: Friday, February 23rd.
- Winners Announced: March 4th & 11th.
Remember: The Super Winner will grace the 2023-2024 yearbook cover and be featured in our
April Newsletter! How cool is that?
We're excited to see the Saber Pride shine!
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE BABY PHOTOS
Attention 5th Grade Parents!
We're about to embark on an unforgettable journey down memory lane, and we need YOU to make it truly spectacular! Imagine flipping through the yearbook and seeing your child's sweet baby face side by side with their current photo, showcasing just how much they've grown over the years. It's a heartwarming journey through time that you won't want to miss out on!
Here's how you can join in on the fun in just 3 easy steps:
1. Choose your absolute favorite baby photo of your student –
the one that makes you go "aww" every time you see it.
2. Send it over to Taylor at sunpathyearbook@outlook.com or simply text it to (612)799-6546.
Quick and easy!
3. Don't forget to snag your copy of the yearbook to forever treasure
your student's journey at Sun Path Elementary!
Parents are encouraged to include a favorite current photo of your student too! If not provided, we'll use school photos as placeholders. Let's make this year's yearbook the talk of the town, as Sun Path students try to guess who's who among the adorable baby faces! Don't wait – seize the moment and send in those precious memories today!
Cheers, Taylor Raschke Sun Path PTO – Yearbook Chair
SCHOOL LUNCHES FOR 23-24
Just a reminder, you DO NOT have to pay for school lunches or breakfasts for the 23-24 school year. The only thing you will have to pay extra for at the elementary school level is if your child wants an extra milk or gets a milk to go with their cold lunch they bring from home ($.55 for extra milk).
WANT TO COME FOR LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD?!:
If you plan to come for lunch , please call the front desk by 10:00am so we can plan accordingly. You can bring in outside food or eat our school lunch. If you want to eat school lunch, please make sure you have the right amount of cash or check to give to Food Service.
If you forget to call ahead, that is OK....please still come and join your child(ren) for lunch.
Thank you!
The school district is hiring for multiple positions. Specifically here at Sun Path, we are hiring for a building substitute teacher, Saber Squad after school teacher and para-educator and 2nd shift custodian. We would love for you to be part of our team! Please click on the link below to see all the Employment Opportunities we have in the district. Thank you for considering!
PALMER BUS IS ALSO HIRING!
Palmer is hiring for big bus drivers, small bus drivers and bus aides. A CDL is required for the driving positions and we have a paid training program to walk you through the process.
This is a part time position and hours/days are based on the school calendar. You would be joining a great team and entering a rewarding career.
Contact Palmer Bus Service at 952-445-1166 for more information.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
For over 20 years, Box Tops for Education has given families an easy way to earn cash for their school, with products they already buy.
In the past, you would cut the little "Box Top" (see image to the side) off and bring them into school. We are asking if you have any of these still trickling around at home please send them with your child to school. They have phased this way out.
If you buy a product that has the "Box Tops" logo on it, now you can simply scan your store receipt with the Box Tops mobile app to identify participating products and instantly add cash to your school's earnings online.
YMCA SCHOOL AGE CARE INFO. FOR 2023-24
Dismissal Procedures.
This change will be only for the end of the day dismissal and there will be NO changes for the morning arrival procedures. Please see below for more detailed information.
● Busses-Busses will be on the upper level.
● Walkers for the Quail/ French Trace Area-Students who live in the Quail and
-
French Trace neighborhood will leave through the upper-level doors. Only students who have an address in the Quail/French Trace area will be dismissed through the upper-level doors.
- ○ Families if you would like to meet your child(ren), Please meet them at the end of the sidewalk by the crossing guard.
● Car riders will be picked up on the lower level and will leave through the lower- level main doors.
- ○ All car riders will be picked up on the lower level.
-
○ All cars will need to get in line and wait until they are in-between the car
riders’ signs before the students can get into their vehicle.
- ■ Families may not park and get out of their car to get their child. Parents will be asked to get in the car line.
- ○ Like always, Families will need their yellow sign posted in their windshield with their family/child(ren)s’ name. If you do not have one, you will need to walk up to the office and then, return to the car rider line to pick up your child. Please contact the office before Tuesday if you don't have a car sign.
- ■ Students who are not picked up by 3:55 will be brought upstairs to the office.
● Soccer Field Walkers- Will leave through the lower-level doors with the car riders.
● 17th Ave Walkers- No Change
● YMCA- Will go down to the cafeteria- No Change.
● Other Information and Reminders.
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○ If you are making a change to your child’s normal dismissal, please call the office before 3:00 PM
-
○ If you are picking up early you will do this on the upper level.
-
Please park in a parking spot and come in.
-
We ask that if you are picking up early, please do so before 3:30 PM
to avoid the buses upstairs.
-
Students are not called down from their classroom until their family
checks in at the office.
-
-
○ Car riders who are not picked up by 3:55 will be brought upstairs to the
office.
This is a big change; we ask that you follow the above information and procedure, so everyone gets home safely, and it runs efficiently. We also ask for your patience as we make this change.
Welcome our new Administrative Assistant
Kathy Clarke has accepted a new position at the district office and Deven Kriegl took over her role as of January 2nd joining Janis in the front office. She is originally from Sioux Falls, SD but has lived in Shakopee for the past 25 years with her husband and 4 children -- who all went through the Shakopee school district.