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!

k-1 Microscopes

2- Microscopes

3-5 Book nook multi-media creations

Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well! I am excited to share that we will soon be beginning a new science unit on microscopes with our kinder and 1st graders. This unit will provide students with a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of microscopes and the incredible tiny details that are hidden from the naked eye. It will also give them a chance to deepen their understanding of how scientists use tools to explore and discover new things.

Throughout the unit, students will:

• Learn about the different parts of a microscope and their functions.
• Gain experience using microscopes to view various specimens such as leaves, pond water, and even everyday objects.
• Understand how magnification works and how microscopes help us observe things that are too small to see clearly without help.
• Engage in fun and interactive activities such as drawing and describing what they observe under the microscope.

We’ll also incorporate some important skills such as careful observation, note-taking, and teamwork as students work together to make discoveries and share their findings. We are confident that this unit will not only enhance their scientific knowledge but also spark curiosity about the microscopic world all around us.

Here's how you can help:

• At-home support: Ask your child what they learned each day in class! Encouraging them to share their observations will reinforce their learning and keep them excited about the subject.
• Supplies: If you happen to have any microscope-related materials or science books at home that you’d like to share, feel free to send them in.

If you have any questions about the unit or would like to get more involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to seeing how our students engage with this fascinating topic!

Thank you for your continued 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!