DEC Sunrise Elementary
Family Newsletter
December Newsletter 2023
Principal Reflections
Recently I was watching some Monday Night Football pregame commentary on the television. Peyton Manning was being interviewed from, what appeared to me to be his own office. He was standing in front of a wall unit of book shelves and I made a bit of a sassy comment that it surprises me that Peyton Manning has so many bookshelves without a single book on them. (The shelves were completely full of framed photos and memorabilia.) Of course, there is a reason for this story. Stay with me.
One of my friends, who happened to be with me at the time, asked if I have a library at home. I suppose he was playing off my comment about Peyton Manning’s bookshelves. Of course, my answer was “No, I don’t have a library, but I do have a few book shelves with several books on them.” In fact, we have always had this in our home. Even our boys had shelves of books in their bedrooms. Why am I sharing this? Well, there has never been any secret about the push for literacy excellence in the Kimberly Area School District and I believe that when I was interviewed for my first job in Kimberly over twenty-two years ago, it was quite apparent that I have a strong belief in the need for literacy rich environments.
Here’s the thing; books are cheap. At least they are cheaper than many other things. With gift giving being such a significant part of the season, I once again say to you, “Books are great gifts.” (I say this every year in December.)
Reading doesn't need to be a solitary activity, but I will accept that it often is. The holidays are also about being together. I realize you don’t need my thoughts on this, but I will share that board games are an exceptional gift. First of all, they bring people together, and that’s a good thing. Secondly, many board games are excellent for the development of critical skills for children. Some of these skills include counting one-to-one spaces, grasping small items with their fingertips, reading directions, following directions, building memory skills, etc. There are many great games that are extremely affordable, and I hesitate to mention any by name in the newsletter, but I will tell you that if you enjoyed playing a game as a child, it is extremely likely that your children will as well. Some things don’t need to change.
I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out by email (sfitzgerald@kimberly.k12.wi.us) or by phone (920-954-1822).
Sean
Important Upcoming Dates
December 25th - January 1st: NO SCHOOL
January 2nd: Welcome Back!
January 5th: PTO Popcorn Friday
January 12th: 2:00 PM Elementary Dismissal
January 18th: Book Swap
January 19th: Noon Elementary Dismissal
Sunrise Staff Wishes You a Fantastic Winter Break!
There is no school Monday, December 25th through Monday, January 1st. School resumes on Tuesday, January 2nd. Have a fantastic break!
School Report Card
Sunrise Elementary School's Report Card
Please click the letter for more information on Sunrise Elementary School's report card released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Sunrise Spelling Bee
SUNRISE SPELLING BEE! On December 13th, third and fourth grade students at Sunrise participated in a School Spelling Bee. Prior to this, all third and fourth grade students participated in a Classroom Level Bee; from there, ten spellers were chosen to move on to the School Bee. Congratulations to the winners: 4th grader Marcus Schultz (1st place), 4th grader Ella Trefethren (2nd place). These students have been invited to participate in the Regional Spelling Bee, which will take place on February 14th, here in our district at J.R. Gerritts Middle School! At this level of the Bee, students will compete with other students from surrounding school districts in our region. We are excited for these students and their outstanding accomplishments!
Marcus Schultz- 1st Place Winner & Ella Trefethren - 2nd Place Winner
Spelling Bee Participants
Lost & Found
The Sunrise Lost & Found is extremely full. Please have your child (or yourself) stop in the multi-purpose room to look through the Lost & Found and find anything they may be missing. Everything will be donated on December 23rd.
Noetic Math Contest
In November, twenty-eight 3rd and 4th grade students at Sunrise Elementary School participated in the Noetic Learning Math Contest with the Enrichment teacher, Mrs. Hendricks. The purpose of this national contest is to inspire young students to challenge themselves and excel in math. Congratulations to Marshall Olk for being the Team Winner for third grade! Congratulations to Will Hobler for being the Team Winner for fourth grade! Many students earned Honorable Mention awards and Participation certificates as well. Congratulations to all the students that participated! They each worked hard to do their best in this challenging contest!
Marshall Olk, 3rd Grade Team Winner
Will Hobler, 4th Grade Team Winner
Counselor News
Click the counseling flier for more great counseling news from Ms. Brickl, the Sunrise School Counselor.
Career Planning
Click the Career Planning flier for more information on Focusing on Cooperation with Others.
4K & New 5K Registration is Now Open!
Please click the flier for more information on registering a 4Ker or a new 5Ker. Please note that if your child currently attends the 4K Center for Literacy, there is no need to register them for 5K.
Music News
Upcoming Concerts
Welcome back! Your children have been busy with music already this year. Here are the upcoming music concerts for the year.
1st Grade Spring Concert - Tuesday, March 5th @ 6:00pm in the gym
2nd Grade Spring Concert - Tuesday, March 5th @ 7:00pm in the gym
5K Spring Concert - Wednesday, March 6th @ 2:30pm in the gym
3rd Grade Spring Concert - Thursday March 7th @ 6:00pm in the gym
4th Grade Spring Concert - Thursday, March 7th @ 7:00pm in the gym
Please reach out if you have any questions 🙂
-Mr. Meehl
Cold Weather is Here
Cold weather is here. Please make sure your child has the appropriate cold-weather attire (coat, hat, gloves, boots & snow pants). When snow arrives, students must wear snow pants and boots to play on the playground or any other snow-covered area during recess. During the winter months, boots must be worn when playing on the blacktop, even if it has been cleared of snow. Students that do not have the appropriate attire, will need to stay next to the building. Thank you for helping keep Sunrise student’s warm and dry.
PTO
- If you need to contact the Sunrise PTO, you may email them at kimberlysunrisepto@gmail.com.
PTO Apparel Fundraiser Sale
The PTO is having an apparel fundraiser sale. The online store is currently open and the store will close on Sunday, November 26th at 11:59 p.m. (CST). Orders will be delivered custom packaged per buyer to Sunrise Elementary School 2-3 weeks from November 26th. Once the order has been completed, the PTO will schedule a pick up date, more information to come. Here is the link to the online store: Kimberly Papermakers and Sunrise Stingers Apparel 2023 | Hummingbird Apparel | powered by OrderMyGear (itemorder.com)
HERD
Please click the image for more information about the HERD Sunrise Elementary Family Night
Sunrise Procedures
Drive Up & Drop Off/ Pick Up Procedure
Drive Up & Drop Off/ Pick Up Procedures can be accessed by clicking on the van.
Early Dismissal Explained
Please click the image for more information regarding both noon dismissal procedures and 2:00 dismissal procedures.
Reporting Your Child Absent or Tardy
If your student is going to be absent or tardy, please call the Sunrise office by 8:45 am. You may call the office at 920-954-1822 and press option #1 to leave a voicemail on the Sunrise attendance line. The office receives all of these voicemails.
Food Service
December Elementary Lunch Menu
December lunch menus are available by clicking on the menu.
Health Room Information
Medication Consent From
Medication consent forms are required for all over-the-counter and prescription medications. This includes cough drops, ointments, creams, etc. Prescription medications do require a physician's signature. You may find these forms on the KASD website by clicking HERE.
When to Keep Your Child Home Sick
Is your child feeling ill? Click the image to find out when you should keep your child home.
Vision Screening
Sunrise vision screening takes place on Thursday, December 14th. Please click on the flier to access more information about the districts vision screening.
Other Communication Resources
Sunrise Elementary Website
You can find more great information on our website by clicking on the Sunrise bee.
Sunrise Elementary Facebook
Another great way is by following the Sunrise Elementary Facebook page by clicking the Facebook link.
Community Events
There are always some great events happening in the community. Be sure to click the Community Events image to find out more about them.
Testing
Reading Readiness
Grade KG:
January 22--February 2
April 22--May 3
Grade 1:
January 22-February 2
April 22--May 3
MAP Testing
Grades 2-4:
January 2--19
May 15--24
FORWARD Testing
Grades 3 & 4
March 18 - April 26, 2024 (specific dates of testing will come from the classroom teacher)
School Fliers
ESports Team Hosting Super Smash Bro Tournament
Please click the Super Smash Bros flier to access more information about how to join other Super Smash Bros. players in a tournament.
Kimberly Choir Clinic
Please click the Choir Clinic flier for more information about a fun opportunity with the KHS choir.
Kimberly Baseball
Please click on the flier for more information about the Kimberly Baseball Winter Camp 2023.
Information for Parents- McKinney-Vento Act
Please click on the flier for more information regarding the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Girls Volleyball Camp
Please click on the flier for more information about the Kimberly Girls Volleyball Camp.
Tri-County Dental
Please click the flier to find out more about a Free Dental Care program for your child.
Weather Cancellations & Delays
Substitute Teachers & Paraprofessionals
The Kimberly Area School District is always looking for great substitutes. Click on the flier to find out more information on how to join our team.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 954-1822.
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Student Nondiscrimination Statement
The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student programs and activities.