Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we continue to explore new ways to enrich your child’s learning experience, I want to take a moment to share with you the many benefits of introducing coding to our kindergarten through second-grade students.

At first glance, coding might seem like a skill reserved for older students or adults, but the truth is that even young children can begin to engage with coding concepts in fun, interactive ways. Coding helps foster essential skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey and beyond. Here are some key benefits of coding at an early age:

1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Coding encourages children to think logically and break problems into smaller, manageable steps. It teaches them how to identify challenges and think creatively to find solutions.

2. Building Resilience: In coding, not everything works perfectly on the first try. Young learners quickly learn the importance of persistence and adjusting their approach when faced with setbacks.

3. Boosting Creativity: Coding isn’t just about numbers and logic—it also allows children to express their creativity. They can design characters, create stories, and build their own digital worlds, all of which tap into their imaginative thinking.

4. Improved Collaboration and Communication: Working on coding projects often involves teamwork, where children practice communication and sharing ideas with their peers. This fosters collaboration and social skills that are valuable in all areas of life.

5. Early Exposure to Technology: In a world that is becoming more technology-driven, introducing coding at an early age helps children feel comfortable with digital tools. This knowledge is foundational for future learning, whether it's in science, engineering, or other subjects.

6. Mathematical Skills: Coding also strengthens basic math skills. While coding, children work with patterns, sequencing, and logic—skills that directly support their math development in the classroom.

7. Building Confidence: As children work through coding challenges and see the results of their efforts, their confidence in their abilities grows. The sense of accomplishment when a project comes to life is incredibly rewarding.

We will be introducing age-appropriate coding activities through games, puzzles, and interactive lessons in our classroom. These activities are designed to be fun and engaging while nurturing key cognitive and social skills.

Thank you for your support in fostering your child’s love for learning. We are excited to see them develop these important skills that will benefit them for years to come!

We are excited to share some wonderful news about a new initiative that will enrich our students' learning experience—our gardening program, made possible by the innovative Geodome greenhouse at our school!

Gardening is more than just planting seeds; it’s a hands-on, engaging way for children to explore the natural world, develop responsibility, and foster a sense of connection to the environment. With the help of our Geodome greenhouse, students will have the opportunity to grow a variety of plants, from vegetables to flowers, all while learning valuable lessons in science, math, and even art.

The Geodome greenhouse provides a unique environment that allows our students to observe plant growth up close, understand the role of sunlight, water, and soil, and witness the entire lifecycle of plants. This experience strengthens their understanding of ecosystems and the environment, helping them develop a deep respect for nature and sustainability.

In addition to science learning, gardening encourages the development of key skills such as teamwork, patience, and problem-solving. Students will also enjoy the sensory experience of working with soil, plants, and fresh air, which has been shown to improve mental well-being and boost creativity.

We hope this program will not only deepen our students’ academic understanding but also inspire them to become stewards of the earth and develop a lifelong love of nature. We encourage you to talk with your child about the exciting experiences they’ll have in the garden and perhaps even try out some gardening activities at home together.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a vibrant and enriching place for learning. We look forward to seeing the wonderful growth, both in our plants and in our students, throughout this year!

Dear Parents,

We’re excited to share a creative project with your child that combines art, technology, and design! We will be exploring book nooks—miniature, decorated spaces that fit between books on a shelf and bring stories to life.

As part of this project, students will:
🎨 Use paints and other artistic techniques to personalize their book nooks.
💻 Learn basic CAD (computer-aided design) programs to create custom elements.
🖨️ Experiment with 3D printing to add small, detailed objects to their designs.
🔆 Utilize our Glowforge laser cutter to craft intricate wood and acrylic pieces.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to mix creativity with STEM skills while making something they can treasure! If you have any questions or would like to support the project, please let us know.

Thank you for your support!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well! At Sunset Elementary, we are always looking for meaningful ways to connect classroom learning to the real world. With that in mind, I would invite you to participate in an exciting opportunity to inspire our students.

We are inviting parents to visit our classroom and share insights about their careers. This is a wonderful chance for students to learn about the variety of professions that exist, the rewards of pursuing a passion, and the challenges that come with different occupations.

Here’s what we’re asking for:

• A brief presentation (10–15 minutes) about your career, including the daily responsibilities, education/training required, and skills that are important for success.

• Insight into the rewards and challenges you experience in your job.

• Time for a short Q&A session where students can ask questions.

Our goal is to give students an understanding of the many paths they can take in the future while highlighting the importance of education and hard work.

If you are interested in participating, please email me at jkrubeck@park6.org and we will find a time that works for you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to enrich our students’ learning. Your stories and experiences could be the spark that ignites a student’s future career!