Wednesday Word
November 17th, 2021
From the Principal
We hope this message finds you well! As we approach the Thanksgiving Break, we have been thinking about and are so thankful for the many successes of our students during this school year. They continue to make us so proud because of their focus, dedication, work ethic, and resiliency.
In this season of reflection and gratitude, we also wanted to take a moment to simply and sincerely say “Thank You!” for everything you have done, are doing, and will continue to do to help and support our students, our teachers, and our school community.
If you have ever worked in a school during the month of December you will know you have to provide a little extra fun and appreciation for staff. Each year I do a "12 Days Before Winter Break" countdown calendar and each day has a different event planned. Each day on the 12 days leading up to winter break I do something fun for the staff. This year I have some fun ideas and I could use some help to pull it off. I am asking for some help with some supply donations (see below).
Below you will find a couple of Sign-Up Geniuses for supplies:
- The first link is for items I will use to make some treat bars. You can send these items into the office by Wednesday, Dec 1st.
- The 2nd link is for our cookies and milk day and I am looking for people to sign up to send in different types of cookies and/or cookie bars. Please send in your treats on either Tuesday, December 7th or the morning of Wednesday, December 8th.
Please help if you are able and thank you in advance for your assistance with our staff festivities!
As always it is an honor to serve as the Principal of Sunflower Elementary.
Melissa Blevins
No School Next Week!
It's COAT TIME!!!
Winter Weather
From the District Office/Julie Boyle
As you may have heard, the CDC approved a recommendation that children ages 5-11 receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This follows the Food and Drug Administration's grant of an Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccine.
Lawrence Public Schools had already started collaborating with our local public health partners Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH) and LMH Health to plan. LDCPH will offer Pfizer vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 in our four middle schools and in neighborhood recreation centers.
The attached clinic schedule is subject to availability of the vaccine and may change. All clinics require an appointment. A parent or guardian must accompany the child. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions of the provider and help your child feel more comfortable with the process.
You may schedule an appointment for your child at http://www.ldchealth.org/getmyvaccine.
· Use the Registration Code from the clinic schedule that corresponds with the clinic you want to attend.
· You may call 785-843-0721 for assistance.
· When completing your registration, please include your insurance information, if available.
· If you do not have insurance, enter "COVID19 HRSA" as the Insurance Name and your child's first and last name as the Policy Number.
· When you successfully submit your registration, you will receive a confirmation email or text with a QR code.
· Children will receive the vaccine in two doses, given at least three weeks apart.
· LDCPH will provide instructions for signing up for the second dose after your child receives their first dose.
· This list of transportation options around Douglas County also may be of assistance to you: http://dgcoks.org/transportation.
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines may also be available at many primary care providers and local pharmacies. Find a complete list at lmh.org/vaccine, douglascountyks.org/coronavirus, or vaccinefinder.org/search.
You may review Frequently Asked Questions about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 at www.usd497.org/COVID19. We recommend that families direct any additional questions to your primary healthcare provider, pediatrician, or the health department.
Lawrence Public Schools encourages COVID-19 vaccination for all who are eligible to receive the vaccine. The school district does not require it.
Thank you for helping us maintain safe learning environments for all students and staff.
What Parents Need to Know about Squid Game
As we've started to see some students playing games like those from Squid Games, we've decided to share some information for parents who may not realize what this program is about. Please note that the show is rated for 15 years and older. We caution you in allowing your elementary age students to watch without your input. Here's a link to a website you might wish to check out.
November Staff Members of the Month
Please find below the links to nominate a staff member (classified or certified) for Staff Member of the Month! We will keep accepting entries until November 22nd! Thanks!
Classified: https://forms.gle/T9NHdqKy5Lz3G8AZ6
Certified: https://forms.gle/Tg1aaiUnE2otdYUZ7
Student Council Fundraiser/Donation Campaign
The Sunflower Fall Student Council is proud to present our fall fundraiser/donation campaign!
StuCo has voted to support: LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital) and their pediatric and emergency departments to help out children in our community who need medical care!
Monday, November 15th – Friday, November 19th!
StuCo is accepting the following donations:
*please note that all donations need to be “new” not used as these will go to children needing medical care.
-Crayons, markers, colored pencils, coloring books, puzzle books, picture books, stickers, all different kinds of stuffies, party packs, fidgets, etc.
StuCo will have boxes in the rotunda with signs showing where to drop off the donations!! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Julie Heatwole at jheatwol@usd497.org or #785-330-4860. Thank you for your support in helping kids needing medical attention in our community!
Marathon Club
Today we are celebrating our 1st Marathon Club finishers of the year! It is exciting to be having our first finish line in over a year and a half! Want to come join in the fun? Marathon Club has open registration throughout the year. Just fill out the Marathon Club google consent form and come join us on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons for some rewarding exercise, goal setting and fun with friends!
Marathon Club consent form: https://forms.gle/SUgRYZgzWi8JNVG78
RunLawrence is having their annual Thanksgiving Day 5k again this year on Thursday, Nov. 25th. For the past 10 years, this Thanksgiving Day race has been a fundraiser for the local youth running programs including our Sunflower Marathon Club. Sign up to join the fun and help support these programs.
From Sunflower PTO:
Giving Tuesday, 11/30
For Giving Tuesday we ask that you consider a donation to Sunflower Elementary School PTO. Whether you donate $5 or $30 every little bit helps.
PTO Funds go toward music instruments, sports equipment, playground equipment, educational projects/supplies, enrichment materials, updated furniture, books and so much more!
Donations can be made through our Facebook Fundraiser page. The fundraiser starts on Tuesday 11/30 and runs for two weeks. Thank you for your support!
Recruiting for Spring Fun Run!!
Would you like to support our Sunflower community in an active and meaningful way? Well, lace up your sneakers because Sunflower is excited to host its very own 5k fun run/walk this spring…and we’d love to have you and your child’s involvement.
Currently, we are looking for individuals, families, and/or businesses who would like to help out with advertising, sponsorship, food/item donations, and/or volunteering their time.
Contact Becky Armstrong at rarmstro@usd497.org if you’d like to be part of what we’re creating.
**Follow our Sunflower PTO Facebook page. We post a lot of information and events on our page.
https://www.facebook.com/Sunflower-Elementary-PTO-532741010145883/
Important Dates
11/18 - FREE Coat Distribution
11/22 - 11/26 - Fall Break
Looking Ahead...
12/14 - Rock Band Concert, 7pm
12/16 - 3rd Grade Music Program #1 (Kreutzer and Cook), 5:45pm
12/16 - 3rd Grade Music Program #2 (Mockry and Le), 6:30pm
12/16 - Choir Concert, 7:30pm
12/21 - End of 2nd Quarter, No School
12/22 - Winter Break Begins