Not brand new news...

•Play Structure~ Many of you already are aware of this, but the play structure is only open during the school day to students for recess and lunchtime. It is not open before or after school. As you can imagine there are liability issues without supervision and the nice thing is that there is a play structure at Karl Wente. Please be respectful of this policy and know that we do want what's best for your kids, but playing on the structure is not allowed outside the school day.

•PTO Wave of Kindness~ Stop by the MPR the next time you have a chance and check out the really cool "Wave of Kindness" wall.

•Yearbook anyone?~ Yearbooks on sale now! Yearbooks are now for sale through our new vendor!

Use this link to order: https://buytheyearbook.pictavo.com/

School Code: 712150

https://buytheyearbook.pictavo.com/PictavoSchool/FindSchool

•Phonics Instruction/Sonday~ Sunset has adopted a school wide reading curriculum entitled Sonday. (Pronounced Sunday) It was created by Orton-Gillingham expert Arlene Sonday who carefully crafted the lessons to teach the essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension) and it also includes a systematic spelling component.

As I have been observing Sonday lessons in classrooms, I am absolutely blown away by the level of growth and knowledge the students have of the English Language. In a 1st grade classroom this week students were correctly identifying digraphs and identifying consonant, vowel, consonant patterns. 3rd graders were explaining the difference between open and closed syllables and they also reminded me that the "g" and "c" sounds were soft when followed by an "i" an "e" or a "y".

There were example after example of high level phonological awareness that will absolutely translate to better spellers and higher reading fluency. It was exciting and if you know anyone who volunteers in the classroom, ask them what they have witnessed. It is encouraging. It actually can be a little discouraging as I realize how little I know about the English language. lol

If any of you are interested in looking into the Sonday program for some activities to do at home, I've attached some "Parent Empowerment Kits". Please know these are not required for you to use, but they are helpful for me. (A High School Civics teacher who did not teach reading)

News that's been around a while...

•Amazon~ Support Sunset with Amazon Smile. Did you know that Amazon Smile offers the same prices and selection as Amazon, BUT when you shop using Amazon Smile your purchases can benefit Sunset? How simple is that? You do your usual Amazon orders, but use the Amazon Smile program, and Amazon Smile will donate a percentage of your purchase to Sunset's PTO! Just follow the quick steps below:

From the Amazon Shopping app:

- Tap the Main Menu

- Tap Settings

- Tap AmazonSmile

- Follow the instructions on the screen to turn on AmazonSmile.

- Select "Sunset PTO"

From your browser, visit: "smile.amazon.com," login to using your amazon.com information, then select "Sunset PTO"

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.

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.

Latest PTO Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Sunset Gala?

March 24th

Where is the Sunset Gala?

@ The Palm Event Center

What is this year's theme?

Rodeo!

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.

March 17th

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