The Sunray
Sunset Elementary Newsletter
10.4.24
I never ever wish pain and disappointment on anyone, but after the Student Council elections, I was thinking about this unavoidable concept that we all must face. Whether it's not getting the outcome we hoped for, facing challenges, or experiencing setbacks, disappointment is a part of life. But more importantly, I've learned that it’s a key ingredient in growth.
One of my favorite artists, Andy Grammer wrote the song "I Wish You Pain" and it beautifully captures this lesson. In the song, he speaks about how hardships, though difficult, ultimately shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals. It’s a reminder that moments of struggle or disappointment are not roadblocks but stepping stones in the process of growing up.
When we face disappointments, we also have the opportunity to develop perseverance, empathy, and strength. It’s not easy in the moment, but over time, we can look back and see how those tough experiences helped us become better versions of ourselves.
I encourage everyone to keep this in mind as we are facing obstacles or when we are helping our littles overcome disappointment. Let's teach them to see each challenge as a chance to learn and grow.
Thomas Fletcher
Principal
Sunset Elementary School
Bright Sunrays (UVA)
Brand new"ish" news...
•Read-A-Thon~ Dear Sunset Community, our Read-a-Thon is off to a great start! 125 families have signed up online and almost 6,000 minutes have been logged. A big shout out to Mrs. O'Rourke's kindergarten class for the most active readers signed up online and most money raised thus far. Ms. Ybarra's kindergarten class and Ms. Samonek's 3rd grade class are close behind in money raised. Great job! Keep on reading and logging those minutes.
If you haven't set up an account online, there is still plenty of time. The Read-a-Thon goes through Friday Oct. 11th. To create an account, go to http://pledgestar.com/sunsetelementary/ or keep track of pledges and reading minutes on the paper forms sent home. If you misplaced your forms, please contact Alison and she can get you another packet (aebaroody@gmail.com)
Thank you for supporting Sunset!
•Chili Cookoff~ This Saturday! The Rotary Club of Livermore Valley is hosting their annual Chili Cookoff on Saturday, 10/5 from 11am to 4pm at Carnegie Park. This is a huge fundraiser for an organization that gives back to our schools and educators in a big way. See flier in attachments for more information.
•Livermore Learns~ “Understanding Challenging Behaviors” - Wednesday, October 9 from 7-8pm: This webinar will provide parents/guardians with practical tips to help navigate challenging behaviors. Logical consequences instead of punishment, encouraging children rather than simply praising them, and helping them set up the right structure for success will all be discussed.
•Unity Day~ is October 16 - Wear and Share Orange! Wear orange on Unity Day to show we will stand up against bullying and stand up for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in our school! Any orange will do- shirts, headbands, shoelaces, socks, etc.
•Menus~ October is here! Have you checked out our exciting new menu for the month? You can easily print it in English or Spanish—just follow the simple instructions here. Dive into deliciousness this fall! 🌟
•Fun Runners~ Get Ready for Fun Runners 24/25!
Fun Runners has started!
What is Fun Runners?
Sunset Fun Runners is a program that began in 2006 with the goal to get kids more active. Sunset students, faculty and family members are encouraged to join us and run or walk prior to the morning bell from 8:00 - 8:25 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Every student that participates earns a foot charm for each mile that he or she runs or walks. This year we will be giving out quarterly awards for participation, mile milestones, and fastest mile. We will also have music in the mornings to help get us all moving.
Once your student is registered they will receive a charm for their backpack. This is how they are able to come on campus before school for Fun Runners.
Donations: The program is funded entirely through donations. For a donation of $5 per student, the program will be funded for the entire year. All donations are tax-deductible and can be paid online or dropped off at the office (cash or check - include a note with student's name and reference to Fun Runners)
We need your help!
The program is run entirely by volunteers who need help in the mornings with checking in students, tallying
laps, and handing out feet. If you would like to volunteer to help, please let us know!
Fun Runners started September 25th. All grades welcome. TK and Kinder students must be supervised by guardian and walked to class by guardian. Non-Sunset younger siblings are welcome, but must be supervised. All school rules apply.
Contact us @ surfersfunrunners@gmail.com
•Sunset Bell Schedule and Calendar are both attached below.
Calendar these dates!
10/7/24-10/11/24~ Read-A-Thon
10/09/24~ Walk and Roll
10/16/24~ Unity Day
10/20/24~ Fall Halloween Carnival
Sunset PTO
•Read- A-Thon~ Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Help the Sunset PTO raise funds for our amazing school. See attached Read-a-Thon packet for more information.
•Halloween Carnival~ October 20th The season of spooks and sweets is near, and we’re ready to celebrate with all our cheer! Join the Spook-tacular Fun at Sunset’s Annual Halloween Carnival!
Attached is our **Sunset’s Annual Halloween Carnival Flyer**, your ticket to a day filled with frightful fun and delight! From spooky games to delicious treats, it’s the perfect place for our community to meet.
Dress up in your favorite costume and come out to play, let’s make this carnival a spectacular day!
We can’t wait to see everyone there!
We are looking for volunteers to help make this a Spook-tacular event. Check out the volunteer opportunities at: Sunset Halloween Carnival Volunteer Opportunities
Check out the fliers below.
•Walk & Roll~ October 9th
•Fun Runners~ It is back on Wednesdays before school. Register at: https://sunsetpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/305646
•Kona Ice: October 2th and 16th
Student LVJUSD Gmail Accounts
In accordance with security guidance, IT has updated student passwords to 9-digits. That means students with 8-digit student IDs will need to add a leading zero and students with 7-digit student IDs will need to add two leading zeros to be able to log in. Students with 9-digit student IDs or who had previously changed their password to a personal password were not affected.
If students need help, they can get help from their teachers when school starts.
Sunset Elementary School
Email: tfletcher@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/sunset
Location: 1671 Frankfurt Way, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.5230