Sunflower Weekly Update
Week of March 25th - 29th
Please Welcome Mr. Sims to Sunflower
The Andover Board of Education has hired Jake Sims to be the next principal at Sunflower Elementary School.
Mr. Sims has spent the past year as MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Facilitator for Andover Public Schools, leading and supporting district projects such as scope and sequence and the Andover Instructional Framework. He also was junior varsity basketball coach at Andover Central High School. Prior to his time in Andover, he served three years as assistant principal at Augusta Middle School, where he was involved in implementing best learning practices to create a positive culture and improve student learning.
Mr. Sims began his career teaching social studies and coaching basketball in the Canton-Galva, Goddard and Augusta districts.
A native of Augusta, Mr. Sims has a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University, where he also played basketball; a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Emporia State University; and a building leadership certification from FHSU.
He and his wife, Natalie, live in Andover and have three daughters.
This Week's Calendar
Tuesday, 26th
- 5th grade State Science Assessments, 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
- Sunflower Site Council meeting, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Wednesday, 27th
- 5th grade State Science Assessments, 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Thursday, 28th
- PE Club, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday, 29th
- No School, Professional Learning Day
State Assessment Test Schedule
3rd Grade 9:00 am - 10:30 am
ELA April 2nd, 3rd
MATH April 8th, 9th
4th Grade 10:50 am - 12:25 pm
ELA April 4th, 5th
MATH April 10th, 11th
5th Grade 10:45 am - 12:15 pm
SCIENCE March 26th, 27th
ELA April 2nd, 3rd
MATH April 8th, 9th
Calling All Kindergarteners for 2024/2025 School Year
Please spread the word if you know someone with an incoming kindergartner!
Parents should make plans to attend the Kindergarten Preview parent meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 2nd at Sunflower Elementary. You can meet teachers and other staff, and learn about food service, transportation and the YMCA’s Key Academy (latchkey). You’ll have the opportunity to tour classrooms and ask questions.
If they have not notified us already, parents of all incoming Kindergarteners should call our Office so we can add them to our list.
March Family Talk
Healthy communication is a must for strong relationships with our children. Head over to usd385.org/familytalk to find tips for engaging with your child in meaningful ways through all that life brings.
Family Support for Success
We are excited to continue this opportunity for families in Andover this semester! Have you ever had questions about how to support your children or their learning and not been sure who to ask? Take advantage of our program that will connect you with our district’s Family Engagement Consultant, Alysia Rich, for a one-on-one conversation to discuss your specific questions. Some ideas about topics to discuss are:
understanding grades or assessments
how to establish routines and habits at home
how to best support your child’s learning
behavior and responsibility
To sign up for a one-on-one session please complete this form and Alysia will contact you.
Upcoming Events
April
2 - 3rd gr. State Assessments
2 - 5th gr. State Assessments
2 - Birthday pizza lunch with Principal, during regular lunch times
2 - New Kindergarten Parent Preview Night, 6:30 pm, Gym
3 - 1st gr. field trip to Carousel Roller Rink, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
3 - 3rd gr. State Assessments
3 - 5th gr. State Assessments
3 - Snack Shack meeting, 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
4 - 4th gr. State Assessments
4 - PE Club, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
5 - Jag It Up, 8:50 am - 9:15 am, Gym
5 - 4th gr. State Assessments
8 - 3rd gr. State Assessments
8 - 5th gr. State Assessments
9 - 3rd gr. State Assessments
9 - 5th gr. State Assessments
9 - PTO meeting, 6:30 pm, all are welcome, babysitting provided
10 - 4th gr. State Assessments
11 - 4th gr. State Assessments
11 - PE Club, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
13 - SOLAR Family Workday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm