SPCAS Trojan News
April 2021
Principal’s Pen
Please see the important date and note below.
Wednesday, March 31- Kona Ice during lunch times
Thursday, April 1- Virtual WishTree Family Night @ 6 pm (Zoom link to follow)
Friday, April 2- Light it Blue (Wear Blue and Dress Down)
Monday, April 5 - Friday, April 9- SPRING BREAK (No School for students and staff)
Saturday, April 17- Outdoor Classroom Beautification from 8 am - 12 pm
Monday, April 19- SIC/PTO @ 6pm (Zoom link to follow)
Friday, April 23- Kona Ice during lunch times
The School Improvement Council (SIC) will be holding an Outdoor Classroom Beautification workday and we need your help! The SIC invites volunteers to drop in anytime between 8 am and 12 pm on Saturday, April 17. We have been working with the school district and generous community members to get some of the items crossed off our to-do list but at this time, we expect to spend the morning clearing out the garden areas, pulling up old plants and placing mulch around the trees. Thank you in advance for your help!- Mr. Johnson, SIC Chair
Children and Teachers First!
Dr. Barnes
School Library
Our One School One Book, Wishtree by Katherine Applegate was an awesome reading experience! Special thanks to everyone who helped to make this a rewarding experience for our students! The virtual reveal, 3D tree/bulletin board, student reflections, and the family night presentations are a few of learning opportunities for students.
The month of April has its own reading challenges and invitations. There are two celebrations that deserve to be highlighted: National Poetry Month and School Library Month. Our school library has a large poetry collection that is accessible to our school community. The 800 section in the library includes books by well-known authors such as, Alma Flor Ada, Kwame Alexander, Ashley Bryan, Eve Bunting, Nikki Giovanni, Nikki Grimes, Mary Ann Hoberman, Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Marilyn Singer, Janet Wong, Jane Yolen, and many more. You can also check out Reading Rockets website (https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/poetry#interviews) that has some fabulous interviews with some renowned children’s authors/poets as they talk about their poems and craft.
April is also National School Library month; the time to celebrate School Libraries and School Librarians. What would a school be like without a school library? Although the pandemic altered the way library services and resources were delivered this year, the school library is a place where all are welcome. One of the joys of being a librarian is helping students foster a love for books and reading. It is rewarding to watch students grow, share their excitement, and make personal connections as they begin their journey to come Lifelong Readers and Learners.
~Mrs. Gray
Friday, April 2-Light it Up Blue for Autism Dress Down Day for Students and Staff!!!
Music
I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather as it continues to make its way in this season. Most recently, our students have been participating in our “Music Madness 2021” tournament. We are “competing” 16 various songs against each other just like the NCAA March Madness tournament, and each class will declare its own winner based on their votes of approval. The students are enjoying the competition and are gaining more exposure to a lot of different styles of music. I think they have even surprised themselves by what styles of music they actually like!
Also, I would like to say an official congratulations to the new and returning members of the Stars at Sunset Chorus (Virtual Edition). They are: Azyah Adams, TJ Scott Agdaca, Skye Baxter, Maddie Blackwell, Lauren Curenton, Victoria Eiler, Gavin Fields, Evangelina Garza, Alexandra Hopkins, Gage Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Ailema Land, Hayzon Lumpkin, Bryston Martin, Chloe McClure, Kingston McCrorey, Jaclynne Potvin, Kristian Shaw, Ava Walls, Christopher White, and J’Kai Whitehead
You may have gotten a little preview of their singing excellence via our Black History Virtual Video Presentation. You will be hearing more from them after spring break. Thank you for all you do to partner with us to provide a great learning experience for our children!
~Mr. Simon
Art
The Teachers’ Choice Art Show is over and it was a huge success. We are so proud of our artists and their hard work this year. Many 5th graders have submitted entries for the York County Solicitor’s Office Anti-Drug/Violence/Making Good Choices
Art Contest for their 20-21 Calendar. We wish them lots of luck.
~Mrs. Gifford
PE
Spring has sprung in PE at Sunset Park!
Each day that weather permits we are getting outside for physical activity and games. Our fifth graders are performing Fitnessgram activities and we are in the process of looking into planning a field day that can adhere to CDC guidelines (more info on this will be forthcoming).
With spring bringing warmer temps and longer days it is a perfect time for children and adults to Get Up and Get Moving. With that being said, and knowing that all children are not into sports, here are some “Kid Fitness Tips” from creative fitness experts as expressed through the WebMDwebsite (https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kid-fitness-when-your-child-wont-exercise#1)
Kid Fitness Tip #1: Think outside the playing field. Not everyone is drawn to organized sports so look for other activities your child will enjoy. Have patience -- it may take some trial and error before your kid finds the right fit.
Kid Fitness Tip #2: Join in the game. Kids love it when their parents play with them.
Kid Fitness Tip #3: Limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids get no more than one to two hours of screen time a day.
Kid Fitness Tip #4: Lead by example. Check your own behavior and serve as a role model by incorporating physical activity into your everyday life.
Kid Fitness Tip #5: Offer positive feedback. Praise your child.... children need to hear encouragement for reaching small goals. Acknowledge your child’s effort -- rather than the outcome. Children who aren't naturally athletic may be self-conscious about their physical skills (or lack of them). They may also fear public failure, embarrassment, or teasing. A child may just be physically cautious.
Kid Fitness Tip #6: Bring a friend along. Kids love to hang out with their friends. Invite friends to go to the park to chase, climb, swing, slide, and run. Encourage fitness fun and learning new skills rather than competition and winning
Kid Fitness Tip #7: Use exercise as a reward. Exercise should never be used as punishment! Instead, try using a favorite physical activity as a reward.
Kid Fitness Tip #8: Establish a regular routine. You and your child are more likely to stick to an exercise plan if you incorporate it into your life on a routine basis.
Kid Fitness Tip #9: Take a non-negotiable position. Getting regular exercise is good for your mental and physical health. Stand firm from the get-go and don't let your child argue the merits of playing computer games versus playing ball games.
Kid Fitness Tip #10: Instill the idea that exercise is in. Children, older in particular, may have strong opinions about what's hip and what isn't. If it's safe and active and encourages your child to get in shape, then allow your kid to pick an activity that appeals to their sense of style.
Kid Fitness Tip #11: Put your child in charge. Let each kid take a turn choosing an active weekend pursuit or after school activity.
Kid Fitness Tip #12: Make it fun. Whatever the activity, you want to keep the fun in kid fitness.
~Ms. Bundy
Guidance
SPCAS will be having our Career Day for grades K-5 on Thursday, May 27, 2021. We have already started gathering career videos/resources. However, we would love to have a few parents and/or community members record short videos of their selected career choice. If you or someone you know are interested in participating in this event, please contact me to express your interest and to learn more about our upcoming event. Flyers with further information will be sent home soon.
Please note, if any families are in need of assistance with receiving clothes and shoes, I am here to support. Likewise, we have several donors who have made themselves readily available to help assist families also. If you require further assistance, I can be reached on my office phone at (803) 981-1272.
Lastly, if you feel your child has a need for individual counseling services, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. The goal is to help our students succeed in school—I am here to help us reach that goal. As always, please know that I am available should you wish to speak with me regarding your child’s needs at Sunset Park. Have an Amazing April!
~Ms. Woods