Sunkist September Newsletter

Congratulations to Ms. Lisa Ruelas!!!!

I am privileged to introduce this year’s Teacher of the Year for the Hueneme Elementary School District. Our honoree is our very own 5th grade teacher, here at Sunkist; Ms. Lisa Ruelas!!!!

She is a role model for professionalism, maintaining a calm and supportive demeanor in every interaction. She is also a generous colleague, always willing to share her methods and strategies, contributing to Sunkist's collaborative and nurturing environment.

Her passion for education is rooted in her deep care for our community. She often speaks of her vision for her students, imagining them as future doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders who will one day care for our community’s needs. She sets high standards for her students, providing the necessary scaffolding to help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

This teacher is, without a doubt, a "teacher’s teacher." Her 25 years of dedication, commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in her students make her the perfect choice for this honor.

Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Teacher of the Year, Lisa Ruelas!

We are excited to embark on another academic year filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. We are happy to see our students back in the classrooms, ready to learn and thrive.

As we begin this new school year, I encourage all our students to approach their studies with curiosity and determination, and I invite parents to partner with us in supporting their children’s education. Your involvement and support are vital to the success of our students and our school community.

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of our team! As we continue to strive for excellence and provide the best environment for your child’s growth and development, we have expanded our staff with some fantastic new additions.

School Psychologist: Lillian Hernandez

SDC TK/Kinder: Megan Vazquez

RSP Teacher: Olivia Blaich

RSP Teacher: Donna Robertson

4th Grade Teacher: Judith Galvan

3rd Grade Teacher: Sara Valladolid

Multi Lingual Support Teacher: Jose Valdez (not pictured)

Speech SLPA: Jennifer Merida

Occupational Therapist: Sandra Johnson (not pictured)

We started a new tradition at Sunkist. Our "Community Breakfast". This breakfast is for new students in grades 1-5 that started their educational career at another school and have now joined "Bear Country". Welcome to Sunkist

• Breakfast is served at 7:30 daily
• Supervision starts for all other students at 7:45
• Back-to-School Night: TK/Kinder September 5 from 6-7
• Teacher Professional Learning Day: No School/SHINE/Cataylst for students
• Scholastic Book Fair Week: September 17-20
• Back to School Night Grades 1-5 September 17 from 5:30-7:00
• 5:30-6:00: Cafeteria Presentation
• 6:00-7:00: Classroom Presentation
• EVERY Wednesday is Early Out
• TK/Kinder: 12:00
• Grades 1-3: 12:33
• Grades 4-5: 12:38
• OCTOBER 17: PICTURE DAY!!!!!!!

Did You Know?

• Recent research shows that for children younger than 2, hours of screen time can harm their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 2. Limit screen time to 1 hour per day for children ages 2-5.
• Children need and actively seek interaction with their caregivers to fulfill an inborn need for relationships.
• You can prevent developmental delays by talking, reading, singing, and playing games with your children.
• Watch this video to learn more and develop a plan https://tinyurl.com/HealthyChildrenMediaPlan

Source :Takahashi I, Obara T, Ishikuro M, et al. Screen Time at Age 1 Year and Communication and Problem-Solving Developmental Delay at 2 and 4 Years. JAMA Pediatr. Published online August 21, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057

We would like to draw your attention to an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of our students: parking lot safety.

The school parking lot is a bustling area during drop-off and pick-up times, and the safety of our children is our top priority. With this in mind, we kindly request your cooperation in adhering to the following parking lot safety guidelines:

1. Follow Designated Zones: Please use the designated drop-off and pick-up zones within the parking lot. These zones are strategically marked to allow for the safe entry and exit of children from vehicles.

2. Observe Speed Limits: Please drive at or below the limit to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of pedestrians.

3. Stay Alert: Always be vigilant for children and pedestrians in the parking lot. Children can be unpredictable, and their safety depends on our collective awareness.

4. No Double-Parking: Double-parking blocks the flow of traffic and increases the risk of accidents. Please avoid double-parking at all times.

5. Use Crosswalks: Encourage your child to use crosswalks and walkways while moving through the parking lot. Teach them to look both ways before crossing.

6. No Cell Phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while driving through the parking lot. Distractions can have serious consequences.

7. Respect No-Parking Zones: Respect the no-parking zones and areas marked for emergency vehicle access. These zones must remain clear at all times.

8. Follow Staff Directions: Our school staff and crossing guards are here to assist you. Please follow their directions to ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow.

9. Emergency Access: Ensuring clear access for emergency vehicles is crucial.

10. Parking lot is for staff only please

We understand that the safety of your children is paramount to you, and we appreciate your support in following these guidelines. By working together, we can create a safe and secure environment for all students, parents, and staff.

If you have any questions or concerns about parking lot safety, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school administration. Let's make this academic year a successful and safe one for our students.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Ms. Cyndi Delgado

Principal