Sunset Express
May 2016
Sunset Lake Elementary, PreK-5th Grade Building
Enter to Learn, Depart to Contribute
Email: amccaw@vicksburgschools.org
Website: Vicksburgcommunityschools.org
Location: 201 N Boulevard St, Vicksburg, MI, United States
Phone: (269)321-1500
Twitter: @TLIMPrincipal
Principal's Message
Hello Sunset Families,
It seems hard to believe this is our May newsletter and we are headed into the last full month of school for 2015-16. Our students and staff are hard at work with our state assessment testing but to help balance with our assessment season we have many great activities coming up to celebrate our school year.
This newsletter has some links and videos that the state has shared out for families to learn more about our 3-5 MSTEP test.
K-2 Testing is going on this week and students are doing well navigating through the computerized test. We will have additional testing the week of May 16th. K-2 students who are absent do NOT have to remake up the test.
Please be sure to spread the word that we are enrolling our 2017 Kindergarten class now. Children that turn 5 before September 1st may enroll in our Kindergarten program and children turning 5 before December 1st may qualify for our Begindergarten program. Information for our Bulldog Beginnings Preschool program is also included in this newsletter.
We are looking forward to our upcoming PTSO Walk- a-Thon on May 6th. This is the one fundraiser of the year sponsored by our PTSO. We know that so many things for our students would not be possible without the support of our amazing PTSO. We can always count on the their support to help us with field trips, class projects, assemblies, student sponsorships, and so much more. We hope you are able to help support our PTSO with this year's walk-a-thon. THANK YOU!
This month is a great time to set up some summer plans for your child. Be sure to check out our local Vicksburg library for the amazing summer reading programs they offer. Family visits to local zoos and museums are also great learning experiences that bring lots of fun for families. Of course, summers in Michigan are a great time to get our children outside and to encourage an active lifestyle!
Yours in Learning,
Amie McCaw
Sunset Lake Elementary Principal
Test Schedule for M-Step
Bulldog Beginnings Preschool Program
An entirely FREE preschool experience for those who qualify. Application for our preschool program are available at all elementary schools offices, the Administration Building, and the Vicksburg Library. Students must be four years old by September 1st. If you have further questions, please call Alyssa Thompson at 321-1415,or Tonya Nash at 321-1022.
IMPORTANT May DATES
- May 6th-2nd grade Economic Sale/ Walk-a-ton
- May 11th-2nd Grade Historic Village
- May 12th- G.S.R.P. Graduation
- May 16th- Late Start Day
- May 20th-Kindergarten Program- 1pm
- May 26th-Big Race for G.O.T.R- Waldo Stadium
- May 27th-5th grade Fish Hatchery/South Haven
- May 30th- No School-Memorial Day
Classroom Make-Ups
Our Sunset Lake staff collaborates and works very hard to ensure we create balanced classrooms. There are many variables that are considered when creating our class lists and we follow a process that helps us sift through these variables. The final decision on all student placement rests with the building principal after consideration of staff recommendations and parent input. It is NOT necessary in most cases for families to complete a classroom request form. However, for families feeling the need to share their input, you can find our Student Learning Placement form in the office. The form must be completed and returned by May 13th.
7 Habits of Happy Kids Habit 5 and Habit 6
Sunset Lake Families--
Here is a great message to share with your child about habits 5 & 6
I listen to other people's ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. i listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
Habit 6 = Synergize
I value other people's strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even when people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people's ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone. I am humble.
SchoolStore.com
Bike Helmet Opportunity!
APPOINTNENTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
Bicycle Helmets at a Reduced Cost
($10 cash only) minimum donation:
BLITZ:
- CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: Bronson Health Answers at
- (269) 341-7723
- DATE: Saturday May 7, 2016
- TIME: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- LOCATION: Bronson Methodist Hospital - Gilmore Center for Health Education – Classroom 2
Children & Adult Sizes Available: (based, in part, on head circumference)
Toddler - 18.11” to 20.47”
Small - 19.68” to 21.25”
Medium - 21.25” to 22.83”
Large - 22.83” to 24.4”
X-Large - 23.22” to 24.8”
Individuals receiving a helmet must be present.
Colors: Red, Blue, Silver - Toddler helmets available in pink and blue.
Big Sunset Lake News
The Leader in Me
Recycling at Sunset Lake
Family Reading Night
Sunset Lake Elementary PTSO Facebook
Sunset Lake Family School Improvement Committee
Thank you to our Sunset Lake School Improvement Parents that helped us come together this year to discuss our School Improvement Plan. We hope to increase the communication and collaboration even more next year with our School Improvement process.
Feedback from this group as well as our parent survey data plays an important part of our school improvement planning for next year.
We will be reaching out to parents in the fall for interested families that want to participate more in our process as well as become part of Leader in Me family team.