MARCH Sunrise Elementary
Family Newsletter
March Newsletter 2024
Principal Reflections
The pace at which technology has advanced in the past thirty years is remarkable. What is even more remarkable to me, is that this pace has increased exponentially in the past five to ten years. Certainly, these advances are generally beneficial to all, but there are examples that deserve a closer look at the pros and cons they bring to our lives. After all, even the massively popular app, TikTok is being scrutinized by U.S. legislators this month.
My reflection here is immediate to the role of technology in the elementary school and more specifically, Sunrise. I will cut to the chase and mention that there are pretty specific guidelines related to the possession and use of technology in our (Kimberly Area School District) policy manual. In case anyone would like to look this up, it can be found on our district website under Board of Education Policies, # 5136 - Personal Communication Devices, and 5136.01 - Technology Resources and Other Electronic Equipment.
Ultimately it is important to know that our policies are written for the K-12 system, and very purposefully give some leeway for the benefits of several personal technology devices. There are two main values that should be noted when considering the use of such equipment in the school; the benefit to learning versus the distraction such devices may cause, and the potential for invasion of privacy for other students and staff.
To be fair, I have rarely experienced students bringing cell phones to school, but as our students get older, it is helpful for parents to understand the parameters that come with certain devices. I have though, observed a rise in the possession of smartwatches at school. I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the two policy concerns I mentioned earlier, “distraction to learning,” and “privacy.”
The age of our students plays an important role in their ability to maintain academic focus in the classroom when they are wearing a smartwatch. I have witnessed several students attending to messages or sending messages while their teachers are teaching lessons. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed students making audio contact with others (generally their parent) during a lesson. The problem with this second example is that recording voices of other students creates a student record and thus an invasion of privacy.
I do understand that many parents have invested in smartwatches in the spirit of safety, however there are alternative devices to help create a sense of security without interfering with learning or with other students. Therefore, if Sunrise students are found to be wearing a smartwatch in class, they will be asked to remove it and place it in their backpack.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me here at Sunrise (920-954-1822) or by email (sfitzgerald@kimberly.k12.wi.us). Enjoy the mild weather we are experiencing!
Sean
Important Upcoming Dates
March 22nd: 2PM Dismissal
March 27th: 2nd Grade Field Trip to Barlow Planetarium
March 28th: 4th Grade Field Trip to Madison
March 29th-April 7th: NO SCHOOL
April 12th (NEW DATE): Career Dress Up Day
April 16th: Kids Heart Challenge Envelopes Due
April 16th: 4th Grade Field Trip to Woodland Intermediate for Band & Choir Concert
April 21-27th: Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 24th: 1st Grade Field Trip to Barlow Planetarium
April 26th: 2PM Elementary Dismissal
May 1st: 2nd Grade (Hintz & Meulemans) Field Trip to 1000 Islands
May 2nd: 2nd Grade (Heppe & Leverson) Field Trip to 1000 Islands
May 2nd: 4th Grade Field Trip to Ledgeview Nature Center
May 3rd: Kids Heart Challenge
May 3rd: PTO Popcorn Friday
Forward Testing
Grades 3 & 4
March 18 - April 26, 2024 (specific dates of testing will come from the classroom teacher)
Counselor News
Click on the flier for more information on Career Day!
Kids Heart Challenge
The 2024 American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge is coming up. We kicked off this great event on March 11, 2024, be sure to mark your calendars. Click the flier for more great information about this amazing event.
Music News
Enjoy some pictures from the Sunrise Spring Concerts. Thank you Mr. Meehl, Mr. Arboleda and students for all of the hard work and putting on such a great show!
Art Show
Thank you Mrs. Medema and Sunrise students for the fabulous Art Show.
Pop Tab Collection
Click the flier to find out more about the pop tab collection happening at Sunrise.
2024/2025 PICTURE DAYS
Click on the picture flier for more information about the KASD 2024/25 Picture Days.
4K & New 5K Registration is Now Open!
Please click the flier for more information on registering a 4Ker or a new 5Ker. Please note that if your child currently attends the 4K Center for Literacy, there is no need to register them for 5K.
2024/2025 School Year Enrollment
We have started to work on our enrollment numbers for the 2024/2025 school year. If you know your child will not be attending Sunrise Elementary, please notify our office as soon as possible. Thank you
Open Enrollment 24/25 School Year
The timeline for submitting open enrollment applications is February 5—April 30, 2024. A link to the open enrollment application is available on the Kimberly Area School District website Enrollment Page. For more information about open enrollment, please contact Heather Peterson at the Administration Building at 423-4167 or hpeterson@kimberly.k12.wi.us.
Summer School
Click on the Summer School flier for more information about 2024 Summer School.
PTO
- If you need to contact the Sunrise PTO, you may email them at kimberlysunrisepto@gmail.com.
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.
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.
Food Service
March Lunch Menu
Please click the flier for the March lunch menu.
March Food Service Newsletter
Click on the flier to access the March Food Service Newsletter.
Health Room Information
Medication Consent From
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 physician's signature. You may find these forms on the KASD website by clicking HERE.
When to Keep Your Child Home Sick NEW
Is your child feeling ill? Click the image to find out when you should keep your child home.
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.
Testing
Reading Readiness
Grade KG:
April 22--May 3
Grade 1:
April 22--May 3
MAP Testing
Grades 2-4:
May 15--24
School Fliers
Tri-County Dental
Please click the flier to find out more about a Free Dental Care program for your child.
Weather Cancellations & Delays
Substitute Teachers & 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.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 954-1822.
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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.