Sunflower Patch April 2024
Headlines & Happenings at Sunflower Elementary
Calendar of Events
April
5 - School Store
7 - Kansas Teacher of the Year Banquet Honoring Mrs. Chappell
8 - Solar Eclipse Day (See Details Below)
12 - 5th Grade Earth Day Field Trip
18 - 4th Grade Zoo Field Trip
18 - 5th Grade Music Program
19 - Inservice/No School
22-26 - Book Fair
30 - Disability Awareness Day (4th Grade)
May (More details to come in May newsletter)
2- DARE Graduation-5th Grade
3- School Store
8- Bike to School Day & All School Bike Ride
10- PTO Teacher Appreciation Lunch
16- PHS Graduate Walk
16- 2nd Grade Move Up Day
16- Glow Party Celebration
17- 3rd Grade Field Trip to Mahaffie Farm
20- Field Day
21- Attendance Skate Party Celebration
22- Last Day of School (8:30 Talent Show, 10:30 Sunflower Celebrations, 12:00 All School Picnic)
******1:00 Dismissal for All Students on Last Day******
2024 Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, our area will experience a 90% total solar eclipse. This rare celestial event has captured the interest and imagination of people throughout the district and area. In order to support the learning environment in our schools, Paola USD 368 will focus on the following learning objectives for the day as it relates to the eclipse:
1. Student and staff safety
2. Kansas State Science Standards
The district has secured enough solar filter safety glasses that meet the specifications and requirements outlined by NASA. As your child(ren) prepare for school in the next week please take a few minutes to talk with them about the eclipse and safe viewing. NASA offers the following resource to guide conversations: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/. Teachers will be reviewing and reinforcing this information with students as well before viewing.
As a safety precaution during the timing of the eclipse, schools will not be scheduling outdoor recess when the eclipse is at its strongest viewing in our area (approximately 12:40-3:10).
For classes planning to go outside to view the eclipse, staff will take precaution when supervising students to ensure solar filter glasses remain on each student while viewing. The Sunflower student body will be going outside 12:30-1:00 as a school. Depending on schedules some classes may come out for more observation later in the afternoon.
Parents have the ability to opt their child(ren) out of outdoor viewing. Please email staci_wokutch@usd368.org if you would like to opt your child out of the outdoor viewing.
BOOK FAIR
The Buy One Get One Free Book fair will be held in the Sunflower Gym from April 22 -26. This is a great opportunity to purchase books for summer reading. Without volunteers, we will not be able to be open before school or during lunch. Please consider volunteering so we can offer this opportunity to our students.
Book Fair Hours
Monday-Friday 7:30-8:00 AM (Students with all forms of payment)
Monday-Friday Lunchtime (EWallet only)
Monday-Thursday 3:05-5:00 (Families-all forms of payment)
FAQ
Q. How much money should I send or put on the EWallet?
A. This is a BOGO book fair. Since students receive two books for the price of one, you don't need to send as much as you would in the fall.
Q. What happens to the money left on the EWallet?
A. We try to help students spend all of the money on their EWallets. However, if any is left, they can use it for future book fairs or the online Scholastic store.
Q. Is the BOGO for all items?
A. Yes, it is for books, trinkets and posters. Any item that is for sale.
Q. Do we have to pay tax on our items?
A. Yes, this year we have to charge tax. You can plan on approximately a dime for each dollar spent.
Q. Can I volunteer to help at the book fair?
A. Yes, just click on this link: Volunteers
Q. Is there a website for the Book Fair?
A. Yes! BOGO Book Fair
We are excited to continue our Little Star, Big Talent Show this year with a few minor changes.
This year auditions will only be open to 4th and 5th grade students. We will have one show, which will be on the last day of school. Parents of the performers will still be able to come and watch.
If your child is interested, please click the link above and read the document carefully.
You will need to fill out 2 forms. One form will be permission to audition and the other will be signing up for an audition time. If your child is performing in a group, please only sign up for one time for the group.
Questions can be directed to michelle_haley@usd368.org.
Thank you for your interest!
"Game On! Grab A Book!" will end on May 9th, and the final brag tags will be handed out on May 13th during Monday Mindset. So far this year over 200 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 Thursday, May 9. Students with all of their library books returned or paid for will earn a popsicle and extra recess.