Sunset Express
December 2017
Sunset Lake Elementary, PreK-5th Grade Building
LifeLong Learners, LifeLong Leaders
Email: amccaw@vicksburgschools.org
Website: Vicksburgcommunityschools.org
Location: 201 N Boulevard St, Vicksburg, MI, United States
Phone: (269)321-1500
Twitter: @TLIMPrincipal
Principal's Message
Hello Sunset Lake Families,
As a building we are continuing on practicing Habit #2 Begin with the End in Mind. This habit is all about creating goals and making an action plan to help reach that goal. To help embrace this habit at home we encourage you to think of some December goals your family may want to make and as a family plan out some steps to help reach your goal.
Some examples may be:
*Sit-down family dinners at least a few times a week
*Family service project
*Outdoor play 30-60 minutes a day
*Volunteer hours at a local organization
Whatever your family cherishes we hope you take the time in December to Begin with the End in Mind, make that plan and spend some quality family time together during this magical month.
THANK YOU families for participating in our fall family survey. Our Family Lighthouse and School Improvement Team are reviewing the results and we will share out the data in our January SMORE.
You may have noticed that our school calendar has our Winter Break running from December 25th-January 5th and school will resume January 8, 2017. Yes, this means we will be in school for the full day on December 22nd! Please help us keep our students in "school mode" by keeping consistent bedtimes and healthy eating habits. We know December brings many extra festivities, but regular sleep and a healthy diet are important for our young students to maximize their learning.
Yours in Learning,
Amie McCaw
Sunset Lake Elementary Principal
Family Lighthouse Update
We are excited to share some opportunities for family involvement that may interest you. Our Family Lighthouse is a group of family members that work with our Staff Lighthouse and School Improvement Process to help us continue our school-home connections. Our November's Family Lighthouse meeting was very productive in organizing specific action parent teams in which we could strengthen our school.
The following five action teams have been created:
1.) Family Survey and School Improvement Process
2.) Lost and Found
3.) Family Leader Night
4.) Career Day 2019
5.) Summer Learning
If you are interested in being part of any of the action teams listed below, please contact our office and we will be able to connect you with the Chair of each action team.
Please Remember!!
We are also in need of some winter items. If you like to donate new or gentle used please bring them to the office. Thank you!!
IMPORTANT December DATES
- December 2nd- Village of Vicksburg Holiday Parade
- December 11th-Late Start-School starts at 10:50am
- December 12th-2nd &3rd Program 7pm
- December 13th-PTSO Meeting in the library at 6pm
- December 18th-20th- Santa Shoppe
- December 25th thru January 5th- No school Winter Break
2nd and 3rd Program Information
"The Incredible Reindeer" 2nd & 3rd Grade Winter Music Program:
Wednesday, December 12, 2015 7pm VHS PAC
*students are to be dropped off to the HS choir room between 6:30-6:45 the program begins at 7pm.
Most students will be an elf or a reindeer with accessories to represent their character.
Please contact Mrs. Heintzelman if you have further questions at pheintzelman@vicksburgschools.org or 269.321.1523.
Front Doors
NEW ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM
Dear Sunset Lake Families,
Vicksburg Community Schools continues to look for ways to ensure the security and welfare of our students and staff. As part of this practice, we will be implementing a new access control system at all of our school buildings.
Starting in the new year all exterior doors will be locked throughout the school day.
Exterior doors will be unlocked in the morning from 6:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. for the morning arrival of students. After 9:15 a.m. all doors will automatically lock and visitors will be required to “buzz in” to gain access to the building through a closed circuit monitoring system. The doors will reopen at 3:15 p.m until 9:00 p.m..
Procedures to enter the buildings at either of the above locations:
1. To the right of the door is an intercom/camera.
2. Press the button on the intercom.
3. Place yourself in front of the camera on the panel.
4. Someone will see you and will respond verbally.
5. They can then release the door for you to enter the building.
6. You will then report to the office.
We need your help and cooperation for our system to work effectively. Our office staff is handling multiple tasks and although they will work diligently to help you gain access into the building as quickly as possible, there may be a short delay until someone can view you on the monitor and allow access. Please help by identifying yourself and providing your child’s name. Again, all visitors must come to the office immediately after gaining access to the building to receive a visitor’s badge.
We ask for your patience as we all get acquainted with this new system and remember that we have your child’s best interest at heart.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Amie McCaw Sunset Lake Elementary Principal @TLIMPrincipal
The Leader in Me -Staff Book Study
If you are interested in reading this book--please contact the office to check out a copy for yourself!
Christmas Gift Idea
Message from our Food Service
Good Morning
It’s time for…
BREAKFAST!
$1.25
If you are currently receiving free or reduced price lunches, you qualify for a free breakfast.
Breakfast is NOT offered on days where there is a delayed start to the school day!
Food Allergy
ALLERGY ALERT!
Free and Reduced
You can save up to
$445 per child a year
if you qualify for
free or reduced
priced meals (lunch).
All grade levels are
included.
Applications may be turned in
any time during the year and
are available from your child’s
school or from the Food
Service office.
Call Maureen Ouvry at 321-1031
with questions.
Winter Sports Helmets
WINTER SPORTS HELMET For Children & Adults
(Ski, Snowboard, Sledding, Ice Skating)
– $25 cash minimum donation per helmet
BLITZ
CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:
Bronson HealthAnswers at (269) 341-7723
DATE:
Saturday December 9, 2017
TIME:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
LOCATION:
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Gilmore Center for Health Education - Forum Room A
Children & Adult Sizes Available: (based, in part, on head circumference)
XS - 18.89” to 20.47”
Small – 20.47” to 21.65”
Medium - 21.65” to 22.83”
Large - 22.83” to 24.01”
X-Large - 23.28” to 25.19”
***Individuals receiving a helmet must be present***
Colors: Matte Black, Matte Silver, Matte Dusty Blue & Matte Maroon
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MONTHY APPOINTMENTS Available
Call 269-341-7959 to schedule your appointment
Or email: EveA@bronsonhg.org
DATES: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month
TIME: Noon - 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Bronson Methodist Hospital - W308
4th and 5th grades Ski for Free
Details and online registration is www.goskimichigan.org.
Sunset Lake Elementary PTSO Facebook
Our Santa Shoppe is Monday 12/18 thru Wednesday 12/20. It a time where students can go and shop for parents, grandparents and siblings. The price range from $0.25 thru $20.00.
Please be sure to check out our Sunset Lake Elementary PTSO Facebook Page. This is a great place for updates and the most recent news that affect our school. Here is the new web site for our PTSO.Setting Goals
The middle of the school year is a great time for families to check in with students on goals. Setting academic and personal goals helps motivate, energize, and focus students, and it is a valuable skill that will benefit learners throughout their lives. Parents can help students set and achieve these goals.