The Sunray
Sunset Elementary Newsletter
9.16.22
It was another amazing week here at Sunset. Lots of smiles, high fives and enthusiasm. The "honeymoon" is definitely wearing off as some students are getting a little squirrely. Our teachers and staff are working hard to reinforce our positive behavior strategies and we will be starting grade level assemblies next week so that I can connect with them in a smaller group setting and talk about what we expect from our students. Thanks again for all you do to support us here at Sunset.
Thanks again,
Thomas Fletcher
Principal
Sunset Elementary School
Bright Sunrays (UVA)
Brand new"ish" news...
•Read-A-Thon is here!~ We are excited to announce that the week of Sept 19th will be our Read-A-Thon. See attached flier for specifics.
•Apple Watches~ I get it...It's 2022 and communication is key. However, calling students directly out of class or asking them to step outside their classroom to take a call is not in alignment with our district policy. I know you can see how this could be chaotic if we allowed unlimited cell phone usage. Attached is the District policy if you are curious.
~Electronic Communication Devices~
Use of communication devices such as cell phones and pagers are permitted on campus and at school sponsored activities under restricted conditions. School administration also has the discretion to impose additional conditions. Standards: (1) Use of cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices on campus is permitted only during the following times: before and after school; during passing periods (grades 9-12 only); and during lunch. (2) At no times are students permitted to use cell phones or pagers during a class or instructional period. All electronic devices (to include, but not limited to cell phones and pagers) must be turned off during class time. (3) The schools will not be responsible for the damage or loss of electronic communications devices brought on campus or to school sponsored activities. Violations of these standards will result in consequences consistent with the District’s discipline policy. BP 5131.3 is available on the District’s website.
•Raptor is LIVE!~ Volunteers, please read! The Raptor link went "live" on the district website. There are a few major changes to the clearance process.
Please familiarize yourself with these new policies by visiting the District website. I have found it to be very informative. For more info, please select this link...Volunteers
•Chess Anyone?~ Chess has returned to the Sunset Shores. Please see the attached flier for information.
•SAFETY NET~ Students and Families Emergency Training for Youth with Neurodivergence Experienced through Tactile will be held Saturday October 1, 2022 9am -12pm at the Pleasanton school district parking lot at 4665 Bernal Street in Pleasanton.
There will be first responder vehicles from multiple tri valley police, fire and ambulance agencies, staff in uniform, safety handouts and social stories, refreshments and a calming corner for participants. In addition some vendors will also have informational booths for families.
The intention is to provide a calm environment where students can interact with first responder staff and see them in uniform, see the vehicles and touch items/ get tactile and visual experience with the sites and sounds in the event of an emergency.
Sign up link for students/ families:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4da9a923a0f94-trivalley
•In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month~ Included are resources to share with your students to help them learn about different cultures from Latin American Countries. Video, Virtual Exhibit, Activities, Activities 2, Activities 3
Books for Hispanic Heritage Month--Elementary
Dimmer Sunrays (UVB)
Not brand new news...
•Sunset PBIS Silver Award~ Sunset Applied for the Positive Behavior Intervention Strategy Award last Spring and I am pleased to announce that we were awarded the Silver Medal this week. Kudos to our staff and PBIS team (Eaton, Persaud, Piazza, Riba, Thompson and Vanderhorst) for all their hard work.
•MakerSpace~ It looks like the QR code for the Amazon Wish List for the makerspace is not working. If you are interested in supporting the students endeavours with STEAM projects, please check out the following link. Maker Wish List
•Rotary Chili Cook-Off~ Rotary Club of Livermore Valley is hosting their 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 1st from 11am-5pm at Carnegie Park. The event will include live music, food and drink booths, arts and crafts booths, and a kids area. Proceeds raised during the event will help the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley support our local community through their fall and spring grants and their community service projects
•Free Community Booths at Rotary Chili Cook-Off~ If you are part of a Sunset school program, club, or student group that might be interested in a free community booth at the Saturday, October 1, 2022 event, please see the attachment below and register by September 15, 2022. These booths can feature information, activities, or items for sale.
•Lunch~ Our teachers ask the students a day before if they plan to eat lunch the next day. That helps the Food Service plan accordingly, as they could serve up to 770 lunches in one day. In reality, we all know that is not a perfect system. Who wouldn't raise their hand and ask for a corn dog tomorrow? (=
We want everyone who wants to eat a school provided lunch to be able to eat. This is just a reminder for you to ask your kids to try and stay to the lunch count. We had about a hundred extra students ask for lunch today and that makes it hard for the Food Service crew to keep up.
LVJUSD Menus~
September Breakfast
September Lunch
•Aloha Friday! As many of you know, I love Hawaii, and therefore, will make an effort to celebrate the Island on Fridays. I am sensitive to the Hawaiian culture and want to celebrate the vibe that comes with the Aloha Spirit. It's more about an attitude than anything else. Wear your Sunset Spirit gear or a Hawaiian shirt and show the shaka as a way to say hello. We are Ohana here at Sunset.
•Traffic Safety Reminder~ Please go slow, plan ahead, be patient and responsible when picking up and dropping off. Our students safety is priority #1 and the first few weeks it's imperative that we start off on the right foot. We appreciate your attention to safety.
•Sunset Gates~ Our gates will be opening at 8:15. Please be advised that there is limited supervision on the blacktop and the play structures will NOT be open. Please respect the teachers' ability to prep for their morning duties and avoid random parent teacher conferences at these early AM times.
•Lost and Found~ We gather A LOT of lost items as the year goes on. Please be mindful to check our lost and found periodically.
•This Year's (2022/2023) School Calendar~ The District calendar is attached below.
•Joke Suggestion Box~ Sarah Borjon's class was kind enough to create a "joke suggestion box" for me last year. If you have a joke or have a student who has a joke, write it down and send them on up to the office. The box will be by the check in computers.
•Sunray Archive...See below
Fading Sunrays (UVC)
News that's been around a while...
We use these three statements to reinforce our positive behavior with our students and would love for your help and support as we teach our students how to behave in all situations.
•PLEASE label your child's water bottle and/or lunch box with a first and last name. We have had several misplaced items with no name.
•The Sunset office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm. If you have questions please do not hesitate to call us or stop by and speak to Julie, Colleen or Tara.
•Please note the attached SSC information page, campus map, bell schedule and LVJUSD calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
Calendar these dates!
9/16/22~ Movie Night
6-8pm, MPR
9/19/22-9/23/22~ Sunset Read-A-Thon
9/21/22~ Kona Ice
10/14/22~ Picture Day (11/29/22 is make up day)
10/23/22~ Sunset PTO Fall Carnival 11-2
10/31/22~ Halloween Parade (Details coming soon)
11/1/22~ No School
Gate and Drop off information
Gate Entry and Exit for Sunset Elementary
Gates Open at 8:15 am
School Starts at 8:30 am
We are moving away from the 8:25 entry process we instituted during the pandemic. While you are allowed and welcome on campus, we ask that you be cognizant of teachers time and student behavior while we work to instill a culture of kindness and integrity. While you value you and want you to know you are a vital part of our community and are welcome here, we are still asking that you help your child take steps to becoming independent as they find their own way to class as they enter campus.
One nice byproduct of the pandemic has caused an increased level of independence. I saw Kindergartners walk to class, hang up their backpacks, grab what they need and head into class...all on their own. Awesome. At 8:15 in the morning, students and parents are welcome to enter.
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.
PTO Website
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I volunteer in the classroom?
ASAP! Please register through the new Raptor System which is coming soon. Check our website for details. Please connect with your child's teacher if you are interested and let the teacher set up a plan. We ask that you do not show up unannounced.
How much longer will parents need to stay outside the gates? Gates will now be opening at 8:15. Please monitor and decide what works best for you and your child. We like parents and like seeing you as part of our community.
Where shall I pick up my child? It would be wise to have a plan for pick up and drop off. Grades 1-5 get out at the same time this year.
Sunset Elementary School
Email: tfletcher@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/sunset
Location: 1671 Frankfurt Way, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.5230