11.1.24
Whew! It’s been quite a week, and I can’t thank you enough for the ongoing support and encouragement you give to your children and our school community. We’re all dedicated to creating a warm, positive environment where students feel safe, inspired, and ready to learn.
In my past work with leadership students, I’d often ask them if they saw themselves as a thermostat or a thermometer. The question always left them a bit puzzled at first, so I’d explain: a thermostat reads the room and adjusts the climate, making changes to improve it. In contrast, a thermometer simply reads the temperature without influencing it. Applied to school life, a “thermometer” might focus on what they don’t like—perhaps the class is hard, or the cafeteria lunch doesn’t appeal. A “thermostat,” however, reads the situation but then takes steps to make things better. This concept helps students approach challenges with a proactive, positive attitude.
I often compare this idea to being a firefighter, inspired by the powerful words of boxing coach Teddy Atlas: “The fire is coming.” The “fire” represents any intense or uncomfortable challenge that inevitably comes our way. As firefighters, we’re trained to meet difficulty head-on. Instead of running away, we enter the fire, control it, and put it out. By welcoming challenges with courage, we gain mastery over them.
This mindset of resilience isn’t just about getting by; it’s about thriving in a world full of challenges and using each as an opportunity to grow stronger. We hope to help each of our students adopt this attitude as they face obstacles and opportunities alike.
Thank you for all you do to support this growth at home. Together, let’s continue helping our children become “thermostats” in their own lives, embracing challenges and building resilience every step of the way!
Thomas Fletcher
Principal
Sunset Elementary School
Bright Sunrays (UVA)
Brand new"ish" news...
•By Trustee Area Election Draft Maps Available on Website~ The next two public hearings on November 7th and November 18th will review and discuss draft maps of proposed trustee areas for future school board elections. Each draft map also includes the proposed election sequencing for both the 2026 and 2028 elections. Four draft maps are currently available for review on our website: www.livermoreschools.org/areamaps. Feedback can be shared in person at public hearings or online on this form.
•New Website~ YAY! Our new website is up and running. We will start to funnel most of our information through that as a "one stop shop". Check it out if you get a chance.
https://sunset.livermoreschools.org/
•SEL Survey~ Parents/Guardians of 4th and 5th graders. I’m reaching out to emphasize the importance of the upcoming Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) survey. While the questions are somewhat general, they provide us with valuable insights into how our students are feeling—whether they feel safe, supported, and connected at school. These results help guide us in creating a positive and nurturing environment for every child.
In past years, many families have opted out, which limits our understanding of how to best support all of our students. I kindly ask that you consider allowing your child to participate this year. Your child’s voice matters, and their input helps us make Sunset a better place for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support! I've included a few sample questions there and there is a link with more information on the LVJUSD District NEW website under Student Services under CORE SEL.
Sample 1. Do adults at school encourage you to work hard so you can be successful?
A. No, Never
B. Yes, Some of the Time
C. Yes, Most of the Time
D. Yes, All of the Time
Sample 2. Do your teachers work hard to help you with your schoolwork when you need
it?
A. No, Never
B. Yes, Some of the Time
C. Yes, Most of the Time
D. Yes, All of the Time
Sample 3. Do you feel like you are part of this school?
A. No, Never
B. Yes, Some of the Time
C. Yes, Most of the Time
D. Yes, All of the Time
•Sunset Bell Schedule and Calendar are both attached below.
Sunset Elementary School
Email: tfletcher@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/sunset
Location: 1671 Frankfurt Way, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.5230