Wednesday Word
December 4th, 2019
From The Principal
I hope you all had a restful and fun holiday break! It is hard to believe we have a little over two weeks until our next extended break. Our scholars are currently working hard on their winter assessments, reading this week and math the next. In January, staff will use this data to determine where our scholars are currently performing and make instructional plans to meet their needs.
Last night the safe routes team from the city presented to our PTO. They are working with the district and other organizations to determine our current needs to insure our students have safe routes to and from school. They could use your input. Please check out their website and complete their survey at http://lawrenceks.org/safe-routes/.
As always it is an honor to serve as the principal of Sunflower Elementary.
Melissa Blevins
From The Office
Marathon Club: Today is the last day for Marathon Club and will resume after Spring Break!
Winter Parties: Sunflower's Winter Parties will be held on December 20th at 11:15am. If you do not want your child to participate please notify the office as other activities will be provided, or you may pick them up.
SCHOOL WILL DISMISS AT NOON ON DECEMBER 20TH, AFTERNOON BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WILL NOT BE IN SESSION.
From The Counselor
LGBTQ+GATHERING FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
The KU Office of Diversity and Equity offers a new opportunity for parents and caregivers of children with LGBTQIA+ identities. The gathering is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 14, at S&S Artisan Pub and Coffeehouse. Goals are to provide a safe space for parents/caregivers to share their experiences and concerns and receive support from each other.
How to Take the Stress Out of the Holidays
FROM: CHILD MIND INSTITUTE
We are reminded, every year at this time how difficult holidays can be for people who are lonely or alone. But let’s be honest: even for families rich in children, holidays can be stressful. -both for parents and kids. Why are holidays so fraught? Because expectations are heightened, and holidays can feel like a test of how happy and successful your family is. Here are some tips to help minimize stress and make the holidays more fun and fulfilling.
1. Be open to change.
Talk with your kids about your traditions — which ones they love and which you might evolve to make them more fun or memorable for everyone. This is especially important when family dynamics have changed because of divorce, a new marriage or sibling, or a death in the family.
2. Be realistic.
Factoring in kids’ limitations when you make plans will reduce stress on everyone. Kids who are anxious about meeting new people — or even encountering the extended family — will need support and realistic expectations. Kids who have trouble with organization will need help to succeed at gift-giving. Children who tend to be impulsive need structure to minimize disruptive behavior. Not overestimating your kids’ patience and ability to focus will help you enjoy yourself more, too.
3. Prep kids for changes in routine.
Holidays represent a change in a family’s normal schedule, and for some kids that’s unsettling. Preparing them for changes in their routines — what to expect and what you expect of them—will help head off meltdowns. If you’re traveling, bring familiar toys and books, and make sure you have quiet one-on-one time like reading before bed.
4. Give yourself a break.
Don’t stretch yourself too thin trying to create the “perfect” holiday season. Decide what is important, prioritize, and say “no” to what you can’t handle.
5. Be sure to laugh.
Kids pick up their parents’ stress and tension, so they’re more likely to be irritable if you are. Have a sense of humor, enjoy your kids for who they are, and keep in mind that what you’ll all remember when it’s over is likely to be the unexpected moment when everybody was relaxed, not the brilliantly choreographed party, dinner, or outing.
From PTO
Parent volunteers are needed for the upcoming event. Please use the link below to sign up!
Ice Cream Social
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49adac2ba4fb6-icecream5
Lend A Hand Project
Please consider helping to give a Sunflower Family a great Holiday Season this year! This is also an excellent opportunity to teach giving to your student(s). We have partnered with the Ballard Center to be matched with families belonging to Sunflower Elementary to assist this year. There is a display next to the winter bulletin board that contains mittens with a gift listed on it from the families wish list. Should you wish to participate, take a mitten and then go shopping!! Once the gift has been purchased, please bring the UNWRAPPED gift, attach the mitten SECURELY to the gift, and then return the gift to Mrs. Heatwole. All gifts must be returned by Wednesday, December 11. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sarah Meinershagen at 785-218-8103 (call or text) or smeinershagen@gmail.com (email). Thank you for helping bring the spirit of the Holiday Season to Sunflower Elementary!
Upcoming Events
December Calendar
- 5- ESL Women's Group- 4:15 pm
- 10- 5th Grade Choir to Crown Center- 10:45 am performance
- 12- 4th Grade Choir Caroling- 9:00 - 11:30 am
- Lend A Hand Gifts Due
- 17- 1st Grade Music Program- 6:00 pm/ Ice Cream Social to follow
- 17-Choir Winter Program- 7:15 pm/ Ice Cream Social to follow
- 18- Food Pantry- 3:15- 4:45 pm
- 19- 4th Grade Caroling at Hyvee- 6:00pm
- 19- 5th grade Caroling at Hyvee- 6:45pm
- 20- Winter Parties- 11:15 am
- 20- Noon Dismissal NO AFTERNOON BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
- 23- Jan 7 Winter Break
SCHOOL RESUMES JANUARY 8TH
January Caldendar
- 6- NO SCHOOL
- 7- NO SCHOOL
- 8- School Resumes
- 9- Spelling Bee- 1:45pm
- 9- ESL Women's Group 4:15 - 5:15 pm
- 20- NO SCHOOL
- 21 - Food Pantry 3:15 - 4:45 pm
- 29- Kansas Day