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Student School Hours:

9:05a-3:45p

(students cannot be dropped off before 8:55a

& have to be in classrooms by 9:05a)

Office Hours:

8:00a-4:00p

Dear Sun Path Families,

It is hard to believe it is already October. Students and teachers have settled in with their routines and expectations, and we have had a great start to the year.

We are currently in the middle of the PTO’s Fundraiser, leading up to our final event, the Fun Run, this Friday. Your child’s teacher should have shared the schedule with you but you can also find it later in the newsletter. We are getting close to our goal, so please keep the pledges coming. Additionally, the PTO will hold their second meeting of the year tonight at 7:00 PM in our cafeteria. Their special guest will be Superintendent Mike Redmond, who will discuss the upcoming renewal of the existing Capital Projects Levy and answer any questions about the district. We hope to see you tonight.

Students who have not learned their student number have been given a tag with their number attached to their backpack. This tag helps them through the breakfast line in the morning. Please leave the tag on your child’s backpack if you want them to eat breakfast. Remember, breakfast and lunch is free for all students.

As October begins, we have had some questions in regards to Halloween. I wanted to clarify that Shakopee schools and Sun Path Elementary do not observe Halloween, so please no costumes at school.

We are looking forward to a wonderful October at Sun Path. Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,

Patrick Leonard

Principal

October 2024

1 - Homecoming/Spirit Week - “Positivi-Tee” Tuesday (wear a shirt with a positive message)

1 - PTO meeting 7pm with Superintendent Dr Mike Redmond

2 - Homecoming/Spirit Week - Pajama/comfy clothes day

3 - Homecoming/Spirit Week - Hawaiian Day

4 - Homecoming/Spirit Week - Saber pride - wear black, red, and white

4 - Fun run

9 - Picture Retake Day with Lifetouch

14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day

16 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

17 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & STAFF

18 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & STAFF

16-18 - YMCA school release at Red Oak

November 2024

1 - 2 HOUR EARLY RELEASE

5- Election Day -polling place for general election

6 - PTO meeting 7pm

7 - 1st Quarter Ends

8 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

8 - YMCA release day at Eagle Creek

11 - Veterans Day

11 - 2nd Quarter begins

11 - PTO Blizzard of Wishes begins

19 - FALL CONFERENCES 4-8pm

21 - FALL CONFERENCES 4-8pm

25 - FALL CONFERENCES 4-8pm

26 - PTO dinner night

27- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

28 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

29 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

27- YMCA release day at Eagle Creek

Each month, students at all grade levels will be learning more about a specific positive character trait. They will read a book with their class and do an activity related to this theme. Individual classrooms may also expand upon this theme on their own. All character education themes will tie back to our school wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, Positive, and Safe.

For the month of October, our theme is Cooperation. Students will learn that cooperation means working together as a team to support all of our individual hopes and dreams, as well as our shared goals. They will also discuss how good teams are:

• Welcoming of other’s ideas (positive)
• Respectful listeners (respectful) – this includes resolving disagreements calmly and respectfully, and trying to find a compromise
• Active contributors (responsible)

Our kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will read the book “Up the Creek” by Nicholas Oldland. This story about a stubborn, bickering group of animal friends teaches us the value of listening to all ideas and working together to accomplish our goals.

Grades 3, 4, and 5 will read the book “Going Places” by Peter and Paul Reynolds. This book describes a contest to build a go-kart for the Going Places Race. However, the rules never said it had to be a go-kart, or that the contestants couldn’t work together. Two children learn that by working together and thinking outside of the box, they are more successful.

We encourage you to talk more with your child about this month’s theme of Cooperation. Below are some ideas for ways to continue this learning at home:

• Ask them to identify the kinds of teams or communities they are a part of.
• Ask them to identify the unique talents, interests, passions, and skills they can offer to make their teams better.
• Encourage them to share their hopes, dreams, and future goals so that other people on their teams can find ways to help support them.

If you have any additional questions about our character education programming, you can reach out to Tammy Doyle, dean of students (952-496-5899, tdoyle@shakopee.k12.mn.us) or Stephanie St Peter, school psychologist (952-496-5812, sstpeter@shakopee.k12.mn.us)

As part of Sun Path Elementary's ongoing goal to support student learning and overall well-being, students in grades K-3 will have the opportunity, each quarter, to provide feedback on their comfort level and support needs at school through a brief, teacher-directed survey.

This information will be used by the building’s school psychologist, behavior interventionist, and school social worker to provide extra student support, when needed, while also identifying areas of need within our school community. This information will also be reviewed at the building-level to better understand how we can improve our school culture and connection with students. General comments or specific student information will not be shared outside of the support professionals noted above.

The questions asked in the survey are: "How do you feel at school most days?", "Is there an adult at school that you feel comfortable going to if you need help?", and "Is there anything you want us to know to help you at school?"

You as a parent/guardian have the choice to opt your child out of this survey. If you choose to have your child NOT complete this survey, please fill out this online form. Please submit one form per child in grades K-3.

We look forward to continuing to support our students in their educational journey, and appreciate your trust and partnership!

Shakopee Public Schools’ current Capital Projects Levy, often referred to as a ‘technology levy’ or ‘safety & technology levy’, was approved by voters in 2015 for ten years. Renewal of the existing Capital Projects Levy was approved on June 24, 2024 to be on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot. Early voting starts September 20, 2024.

This levy is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2025-26 school year, unless voters approve to continue the same levy at the same tax rate and same terms, for another ten years. If renewed, the levy will continue to provide:

• Strong safety and security for all schools.
• Critical support that allows staff to provide quality instruction.
• Tools students use for learning today, and leading tomorrow.

The Sun Path PTO is excited for our annual Fun Run on Friday, Oct. 4. This event raises money for the PTO to help us offer fun events and activities, recognize teachers and staff, purchase playground equipment, support classrooms, and so much more! We appreciate everyone who has helped us raise money so far and look forward to pie-ing some teachers at the closing ceremony!

The deadline to submit information to our school-wide directory is Oct. 9. There is a QR code on our Facebook page and the directory will only be made available to those who have contributed to it. This is a great way to connect with other Sun Path families for birthday parties and playdates!

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Papa Murphy's is hosting a fundraiser for us. Pick up a take-and-bake pizza and support our school! Papa Murphy's will donate 20% of sales from the day for those who use code "SUPPORT" at checkout. This is only valid at the Shakopee location and no other coupons or discounts can be used.

The PTO's November meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7 pm in the Sun Path cafeteria. (This is a date change due to Election Day.) All are welcome to learn more about how we make an impact at Sun Path. If you have questions, email sunpathpto@hotmail.com or send us a message on Facebook (Sun Path PTO).

Thanks for helping Sun Path shine!

All Shakopee Public Schools staff, students and family members have the opportunity to participate in the 2024 fall flu shot clinic led by Homeland Health Specialists. All persons should bring their insurance card. If you do not have insurance, free shots are available for children aged 18 months to 18 years of age.

Four (4) vaccine options will be available:

• Quadrivalent flu shot
• FluMist (limited supply)
• Senior Dose (limited supply)
• COVID

Adults without insurance can purchase a vaccination for $40, FluMist (if available) for $45 or Senior Dose (if available) for $70. The COVID vaccine is available for $185. Those over 18 years of age, and are uninsured, may qualify for the UUAV program to receive their vaccination(s) at no cost. Homeland Health is a MN Vaccines for Children Provider and will offer flu vaccine to uninsured children 6 months to 18 years of age.

There are also a few flu shot clinics at Red Oak Elementary on 10/8 and at the high school on 10/9. To sign up or for more information check out the Shakopee public schools website: https://www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/Page/10600 As a reminder, please remember to notify the health office if your child tests positive for a communicable disease (examples: strep, influenza, Covid, etc....).

General exclusions from school include: Must be fever free (100 degrees or less) for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and 24 hours after last episode of vomiting or diarrhea. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the health office or the health services department page on the school website.

Please follow this link for information on what is happening in the Learning Commons:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zFpOZel7Xh606g9mGZ19_1ZA5pX5_MBm7b6NJ3U3LLM/edit?usp=sharing

Five Schools. Endless Opportunities.

Come experience the Shakopee difference!

ALL incoming families are welcome. Learn more about routines and activities, obtain important dates, engage with staff and feel at ease about the upcoming Kindergarten transition!

FREE future Saber bag. Children welcome. Cultural Family Liaisons will also be onsite.

When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:45 - 6:45pm

Where: Host Site - Sun Path Elementary (lower entrance, back of school)
Please note, Sun Path is the host site due to its central location but all five schools will be represented.

Additional Details:
Activities will be available to keep our future Sabers smiling.
Registration/RSVP is not required but encouraged to provide the best experience.

The session is open to all interested families and future Sabers. Children must be five (5) years of age by September 1, 2025 in order to enroll for Kindergarten in the 2025/26 school year.

● Busses-Busses will be on the upper level.

● Walkers for the Quail/ French Trace Area-Students who live in the Quail and

• French Trace neighborhood will leave through the upper-level doors. Only students who have an address in the Quail/French Trace area will be dismissed through the upper-level doors.

• ○ Families if you would like to meet your child(ren), Please meet them at the end of the sidewalk by the crossing guard.

● Car riders will be picked up on the lower level and will leave through the lower- level main doors.

• ○ All car riders will be picked up on the lower level.

• ○ All cars will need to get in line and wait until they are in-between the car

  riders’ signs before the students can get into their vehicle.

• ■ Families may not park and get out of their car to get their child. Parents will be asked to get in the car line.
• ○ Families will need their PINK sign posted in their windshield with their family/child(ren)s’ name. If you do not have one, you will need to walk up to the office and then, return to the car rider line to pick up your child. Please contact the office if you do not have and need a car rider sign
• ■ Students who are not picked up by 3:55 will be brought upstairs to the office.

● Soccer Field Walkers- Will leave through the lower-level doors with the car riders.

● 17th Ave Walkers- Will leave through the lower level doors by 17th Ave

● YMCA- Will go down to the cafeteria

● Other Information and Reminders.

• ○ If you are making a change to your child’s normal dismissal, please call the office before 3:00 PM

• ○ If you are picking up early, you will do this on the upper level.

  • Please park in a parking spot and come in.

  • We ask that if you are picking up early, please do so before 3:30 PM

    to avoid the buses upstairs.

  • Students are not called down from their classroom until their family

    checks in at the office.

• ○ Car riders who are not picked up by 3:55 will be brought upstairs to the

  office.

Please click the attachment below to view the traffic pattern for dismissal