Sunset Monthly Newsletter

Sunset Families,

As we approach the end of the school year I want to give a shout out to all our students! It is a busy time of year and students have handled all the things we ask of them well. Students have completed state assessments, went on field trips, dealt with weather changes, and continue to meet our expectations throughout the day. I want to also thank all of you, parents, families, guardians, and community members who support Sunset and the students who attend here. I look forward to continue to grow together as a school community next year. Finally, I want to thank our volunteers throughout the year who have supported our building. Your contribution to our building helps make Sunset an even better place for our students to learn. I hope everyone has a great end of the school year!

-- Michael Kirkpatrick, Principal

Here is important information for the month of May:

1. Spring Fling

2. End of Year Signing Party

3. A Reading Reminder

4. Volunteers

5. Pick Up Reminders

6. Upcoming Event Dates

7. Important Reminders

This year Sunset has added a new last day event for students. Students will have the opportunity the morning of 5/22 to get autographs from not only their friends but favorite Sunset adults! Students will receive either the yearbook they purchased or an autograph book made at school to participate in our signing party! We are excited to share this experience across our building!

When skills aren’t practiced over the summer, children often lose some of the gains they made the previous school year. Please remember to encourage your child to read books this summer! The Newton Public Library often has a fun summer reading program or you can do your own thing to get your kids reading. Encourage your child to read by having a reading time built into the day, taking them to the library to get books, taking turns reading a book with your child, and/or offering a reward for reaching a book reading goal. Twenty minutes of reading a day can keep your child on target for success in the next school year.

- Renee Wiens-Evangelista and Sarah Hershberger

Sunset is looking for volunteers to come support our students and teachers! This could be engaging with students at lunch, listening to students read, or helping with class activities. If this is something you would be interested in please contact the school as well as complete an application online!

During the application process all potential volunteers will need to pass a background check. If you have questions please call Sunset at 316-284-6570

- If you are getting out of your vehicle please park in a parking spot within the parking lot. If in the pick up lane you must remain in your vehicle.

- If you are in the pick up lane please pull forward when space is available. This helps with the street congestion. This is especially true for our circle drive.

- When you are in the pick up line please do not block entrances or exits to the parking lot for those trying to park.

- This has been a continued issue for the Kindergarten pick up in the staff parking lot.

- Please be conscious that many families might be in a rush to pick up their students and give grace to those around you. Remember our students are watching and learning from how you interact with other adults during this time.

- Finally, please be patient and cautious during this time for the safety of everyone.

May 1st: 1st Grade Field Trip and Spring Fling

May 2nd: Kansas Kids Fitness Day (3rd)

May 7th: Field Day

May 14th: Early Release @ 1:10 PM

May 16th: 2nd Grade Field Trip and 3rd Grade Field Trip

May 20th: 4th Grade Gold Rush

May 22nd: Last Day of School

• Attendance: Here at Sunset we want to see and work with your students every day! This is important to your students well-being and growth. If you are needing support in getting your student to school please reach out to myself or our building social workers. We can help brainstorm ideas and supports for that process.
• If your student(s) is absent, please let the office know. The office will need to enter that absence reason in our system.
• Our normal release time is 3:10 PM. At 3:20 PM we will move all students to the front for pick-up and begin making phone calls to families. If you are running behind for any reason, please let the front office know as soon as possible!

• We love having visitors and volunteers in our building! Prior to volunteering in your child's classroom, arrangements must be made with the office staff and the teacher. All guests will be checked in at the front office in our Raptor system. Please provide us with your ID. If you plan on volunteering to go on field trips you will need to fill out a background check on the district's website. They only need to be completed one time and are good for three years. Check with the office if you have any questions.