SEP 2024 Sunrise Elementary
Monthly Newsletter
September Newsletter 2024
Principal Reflections
Community:
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Sunrise really is a great community. I like to refer to Sunrise as a community rather than a building because I honestly feel there is a shared commitment to help our students and families thrive in this ever changing world. I may be wrong, but it has been my observation that our staff, students and parents display a sense of pride in belonging to our school community.
Without a doubt our interests and goals are in sync. I believe that, for the most part, our teachers, parents, and students all wish for the same thing; student growth. During a staff meeting in August, I asked the Sunrise staff members to consider the notion that, “Every child can learn.” Of course there appeared to be absolute agreement with this (sometimes frequently used) statement. Then I asked our staff members to consider that, “Every child wants to learn.” The nuanced difference between can and wants to is not unimportant. If one relies on the former (can), then an instructor/teacher/parent may find themselves creating an environment that is dependent on strict direction, compliance and adherence to a specific structure in order to reach some limited outcome.
Rather, if one is willing to see each child as someone who wants to learn, the environment can allow for much greater flexibility and growth for everyone. To be fair, this is not easy, and it does require some accountability from all members. But, with a dose of autonomy, learning can be much more engaging and enriching.
I am sharing this thought with you because I want our community to know that it is not an accident that we engage in a Dialogic approach to learning. At Sunrise we attempt to create a culture that values a sense of belonging for all members of our community, and we strive to create a sense of competence in all of our learners. By understanding why they are learning, our students build a sense of meaningfulness and become more comfortable having a sense of autonomy (with responsibility). These four senses are cornerstones to building identity and agency in our learners and we ALL play a role in developing this.
These bolded terms are frequently used in our school and help direct a great deal of our work. As we move through the school year, I do invite you to reach out to me (sfitzgerald@kimberly.k12.wi.us or 920-954-1822) or your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Your child’s development is the reason we are here.
Sean
Kimberly Area School District
After 32 years of dedicated service, Dr. Robert Mayfield, Superintendent of Kimberly Area School District, announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
“This community has been more than just a workplace; it has been my home and a special place to raise a family. I am grateful for the unwavering support and countless opportunities provided by this community.” Dr. Mayfield stated. “Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of your children's educational journey. Your trust and support have been invaluable, and it has been an honor to serve both your children and this community as Superintendent.”
In the coming weeks, the Board of Education will begin the process of identifying Dr. Mayfield’s successor. They are dedicated to selecting a leader who will build on the District’s achievements and continue steering it toward a bright and promising future.
Important Upcoming Dates
September 20th: Hearing Screening
September 23rd: Picture Retake Day
September 24th: 5K (Smits & Vircks) Field Trip to Heritage Apple Orchard
September 26th: 5K (Dudek & Prucha) Field Trip to Heritage Apple Orchard
September 27th: Noon Elementary Dismissal
October 4th: PTO Fun Run
October 10th: 4th Grade Field Trip to Heritage Hill
October 11th: 2:00 PM Elementary Dismissal
October 11th: PTO Popcorn Day
October 23rd: PTO Trunk or Treat
October 24th & 25th: NO SCHOOL
Picture Retake Day- Monday, September 23rd
If you were unable to make a picture day in August and your child has not had their photo taken, the Sunrise picture re-take day is scheduled for Monday, September 23rd. Please see the additional retake day information along with a link to order photos.
Welcome New Sunrise Staff
We welcome two new staff members to our Sunrise community.
- Mrs. Jessie Garavaglia- 3rd Grade Literacy Teacher
- Ms. Sophie Rambo- 3rd Grade Teacher
Music News
Welcome back! Your children have been busy with music already this year. Here are the upcoming music concerts for the year.
VETERANS DAY CONCERT - Friday, November 8th in the gym time 10:00am
1st Grade Spring Concert - Tuesday, March 18th @ 6:00pm in the gym
2nd Grade Spring Concert - Tuesday, March 18th @ 7:00pm in the gym
5K Spring Concert - Wednesday, March 19th @ time TBD in the gym
3rd Grade Spring Concert - Thursday March 20th @ 6:00pm in the gym
4th Grade Spring Concert - Thursday, March 20th @ 7:00pm in the gym
Please reach out if you have any questions 🙂
-Mr. Meehl
Testing
MAP Testing
Each fall, spring, and winter, in the Kimberly Area School District, students take the MAP tests in the areas of mathematics and reading. The MAP test is a computer delivered adaptive test. The results identify your child's achievement differently than a typical test. Rather than measure based on grade level expectations, it measures continuous academic growth from fall to spring and from one year to the next. It is one of many tools used to form our instruction to meet your child's needs. The MAP testing window for the 24-25 academic year has been outlined below. Please click HERE for more details. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions regarding testing.
Grades 3:
September 16-27
Grades 4:
September 9-20
Counselor News
Click the image for some great information from our School Counselor, Mrs. Frion.
PTO
💕Looking to get more involved in your child's school? Join us for our first Sunrise PTO Meeting of the year!
- Monday, October 21st at 6pm in the Sunrise LMC. Childcare provided by the KHS Key Club Volunteers!
- Click the image for more information about the fabulous Sunrise PTO!
FUN RUN!
The Sunrise PTO will be hosting the Fun Run once again this year. Click the image for more information and to see how each grade is doing.
Trunk or Treat
Mark your calendars for our annual Sunrise Trunk or Treat!
When: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Details will be coming soon!
More PTO...
- Click HERE for the 2024 Sunrise Elementary Directory.
- Click HERE for the latest PTO Meeting Minutes
- If you need to contact the Sunrise PTO, you may email them at kimberlysunrisepto@gmail.com.
Sunrise Needs You... Lunch Room Supervisors
We need you, our Sunrise community, to help us out. We are looking for Noon Hour Supervisors to join us. Being a Noon Hour Supervisor is extremely flexible. You can work 1 day, 2 days, or however many may work for you. Or, we can work week by week to schedule your days. We are very flexible! Hours are approximately
10:45am – 12:45pm and pay is $10.00/hour.
What being a Noon Hour Supervisor entails:
- Assisting students with opening lunch packaging.
- Having the opportunity to get to know your student’s Sunrise friends.
- Supervising students during recess.
- Getting to know other Sunrise community members.
- Being a steward to our Sunrise community.
By becoming a Noon Hour Supervisor, you join the Sunrise Team and become even more entwined in the Sunrise community. We are extremely grateful to our past, present and future supervisors for enabling us in providing a safe and fun lunch and recess. It takes numerous people to run a school community.
Please reach out to me if you would like to join us on a new adventure, or if you just simply have questions.
Thank you!
Melissa DuVal
920-954-1822
School Lunch
September lunch menus are available by clicking on the menu.
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
Click the image for information on Free & Reduced Lunches.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application
Click the image to access the application for free and reduced lunches.
Sharing Information-Fee Waivers
If filling out an application, please consider filling out the Sharing Information form.
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.
2:00 PM Dismissals
Click on the document for a list of 2PM Dismissal dates.
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.
Medication Information
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 physicians signature. You may find these forms on the KASD website by clicking HERE.
When To Keep Your Child Home
Hearing Screening
Sunrise hearing screening takes place on Friday, September 20th. Please click on the flier to access more information about the districts hearing 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.
Important Optional Forms, Fliers & Handbooks
Volunteer Background Check
We appreciate the many volunteers who generously give of their time to make our school a better place for children to learn and grow. It is vitally important that the environment in which our children learn, and in which our employees and volunteers work, is a safe one. For this reason, the district requires background checks be completed by all volunteers working with students and attending field trips. Background checks are good for 5 years following approval. If you are looking to complete one, please click the link to access the background check form, print it, fill it out and drop it off at the Sunrise office to be processed.
KASD Elementary Student & Parent Handbook 24/25
The Elementary Student & Parent Handbook for 24/25 is available to all parents. You may click the link to access it. If you would prefer a paper copy of the handbook, please contact the school office at 920-954-1822.
Student Opportunity Fliers
Kimberly Baseball Organization
Click the flier for more information regarding the Kimberly Baseball Organization.
Substitute Teachers and 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.
Public Nature of School Events
Please click the link below to access the districts Public Nature of School Events memo.
What Families Should Know About the Public Nature of School Events
Public Notices 2024/25
Annual Public Notices 2024-25: Each year the Kimberly Area School District must inform all families and staff of certain information. The updated Public Notices document can be found on our website at https://www.kimberly.k12.wi.us/departments/pupil-services/notices
If you need a printed copy, you can request one from any school office or the District Administration Office.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 954-1822.
This newsletter may contain links to third party sites, which are not within our control. The District is not responsible for the content or accessibility of third party sites.
Some files may require Adobe Reader to open. Adobe Reader can be downloaded here.
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.
The Kimberly Area School District prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Complete Title IX and Nondiscrimination notices can be found on the District’s website.