February Newsletter
Sunkist Elementary School
Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating diversity at Sunkist Elementary School is a wonderful initiative that fosters inclusivity, understanding, and a sense of community among students, parents, and educators. At Sunkist we want to create a positive and inclusive environment where students feel proud of their own backgrounds while also embracing and appreciating the richness of other cultures. Therefore we are planning different celebrations during the school year and we are kicking off this iniative by celebrating Black History Month.
Black History Month began as a week-long celebration known as Negro History Week in 1926 by respected Harvard-educated and Black historian, Carter G. Woodsen. He selected February due to the birthdays of 2 Americans who greatly influenced the lives of African Americans: Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The celebration became Black History Month 50 years later in 1976 during the administration of President Gerald R. Ford who urged all Americans to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.
February Parent Reading Corner
When: February 27, 2024. TUESDAY!!!!!!!
Where: Library
Time: 8:15
California Healthy Kids Survey for 5th Graders
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is being asked to be a part of our school’s California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This is a very important survey that will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment, and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. Your child does not have to take the survey. Participation is voluntary and requires your permission.
Survey Content. The survey gathers information on developmental supports provided to youth; school connectedness and barriers to learning, as well as behaviors such as physical activity and nutritional habits; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and school safety.
You may examine the questionnaire at the Cal Schls website using this link: https://calschls.org/survey-administration/downloads/#esm_core
The results from this survey are compiled into district- and county-level CHKS Reports. To view a copy of your district’s report, go to https://calschls.org/reports-data/search-lea-reports/ (Outside Source) and type in the district name.
It is Voluntary. Students who, with your permission, agree to participate do not have to answer any questions they do not want to answer, and may stop taking the survey at any time.
It is Anonymous. No names are recorded or attached to the survey forms or data. The results will be made available for analysis only under strict confidentiality controls.
Administration. The survey will be administered on February 26-March 1.
Potential Risks. There are no known risks of physical harm to your child. Risks of psychological or social harm are very small. None have been reported in 20 years of survey administration. In rare instances, some discomfort might be experienced from the questions. The school’s counseling services will be available to answer any personal questions that may materialize.
For Further Information. The survey was developed for the CDE by WestEd, a public, non-profit educational institution. If you have any questions about this survey, or about your rights, call your site administrator.
President's Weekend
We would like to inform you that Sunkist will be closed on Friday February 16 and Monday February 19. in observance of Presidents' Day.
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. As such, there will be no classes or school-related activities on those two days.
We encourage you to take this time to spend quality moments with your family and reflect on the contributions of our nation's leaders. Regular classes will resume on Tuesday, February 20th.
Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters
Missing a day of school here and there may not seem like much, but absences add up!
When a student misses 2 days a month
1. They will miss 20 days a year.
2. They will miss 30 hours of math over the school year.
3. They will miss 60 hours of reading and writing over the school year.
4. They will. miss over 1 Year of school by graduation.
When a student misses 4 days a month
1. They will miss 40 days a year.
2. They will miss 60 hours of math over the school year.
3. They will miss 120 hours of reading and writing over the school year
4. They will miss over 2 years of school by graduation.