Sunflower Patch May 2024
Headlines & Happenings at Sunflower Elementary
May Calendar of Events
May 1-2 - Sunflower House Presentations to All Grades
May 2 - 5th Grade Dare Graduation @ 8:15 - 5th Grade Parents are invited to attend.
May 2 - 4th Grade Field Trip to the Zoo
May 3 - School Store
May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation (See info below from PTO)
May 8 - Bike to School Day (Click HERE for more details.)
May 15 - Last Day to Charge School Lunch Account
May 16 - Glow Party for Qualifying Students
May 16 - 2nd Grade Move Up Day
May 17 - Third Grade Field Trip
May 20 - Field Day (See Info Below)
May 21 - Skate Party for Qualifying Students
May 22 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - ALL students will need a sack lunch.
🍎STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS MAY 6-10🍎
Prevent Summer Slide
The summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur when school isn't in session. Statistics show that kids in grades 3 to 5 lose about 20% of their school year gains in reading and 27% of their gains in math. (Source: Scholastic) Students lose about a month's worth of learning on average over the summer.
Click HERE for more information about preventing summer slide.
Game On, Grab a Book!
Game On! Grab A Book will end on May 10, and the final brag tags will be handed out on Monday, May 13. So far this year approximately 570 brag tags have been earned. Great job!
The first week of May, students will be able to check-out only one book. All library books will be due by Friday, May 10. Students with all of their library books returned or paid for will earn a popsicle and extra recess.
Field Day-May 20-Volunteers Needed
Sunflower's Field Day will be May 20 at Sunflower Elementary.
- We will run two sessions (am & pm) this year and are asking for parent volunteers. To help make this fun day a success we are needing almost 25 volunteers for each session.
- Students will need to bring a sack lunch or purchase a school sack lunch for Field Day.
- Please click HERE to select your lunch choice and/or to volunteer. (School sack lunch orders must be received by May 5.)
Last Day of School
Please note that the district has early dismissal on May 22. Sunflower students will be dismissed at 1:00. Parents may check their children out during the picnic. More detailed information will come home at a later date.
Lost & Found
All items left unclaimed will be donated on May 10th.
Please contact the office for pickup, if needed.
Sunflower House will be coming to Sunflower to present grade-level appropriate presentations about personal safety May 1st and 2nd. Sunflower House, a child abuse prevention center, has provided personal safety education for more than 40 years in area schools. A trained Sunflower House educator will be visiting your child’s class at the date listed below to present the program, Think First & Stay Safe: Safe & Healthy Boundaries which uses lessons that emphasize it is a crime for anyone- even a peer- to overstep personal or digital boundaries.
Personal safety programs help children recognize they get to decide when/if they feel uncomfortable, private parts are to be kept private, and they are not to give unwelcome touches to others (ask before sharing touches). It helps children identify trusted adults and assures them that bullying and abuse are never a targeted child’s fault. Students learn that they can play an important role in keeping their bodies safe. The Think First & Stay Safe™ program aligns with recommendations in the guidelines for personal safety programs established by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), as well as National Health Education Standards.
By talking with our young children about these important safety issues, we will create a safer community for all children. If you have further questions about the program, please contact Sunflower House at 913-631-5800 or visit www.sunflowerhouse.org. Sunflower House staff is also available to support you in discussing personal safety with your child, contact us for developmentally appropriate discussion ideas, books, and support.