Founded ten years ago at a small school site in San Francisco 's Sunset District, Sunset Elementary has continued to serve the community in accommodating a growing student population. We moved to our current location six years ago into a considerably larger building, set next to a public library and more easily accessible for families by public transportation. Four years ago, our outdoor science program was started with the school gardens planted and maintained by students, parents and staff.

Our academic program is designed to be challenging; emphasizing literacy, language development, math, social studies, and science. The visual and performing arts program features dance, visual art, rhythm, theater arts, instrumental and choral music, and involvement with the San Francisco Symphony. Emphasis on the Caring School Community program includes class meetings, cross-age buddies and school wide activities. Student enrichment programs have activities for gifted and high-potential learners, participation on the Student Council, and a plethora of activities such as the Outdoor Science Program, Science Fair, and Water Week culminating with an Environmental Fair. These student-centered programs help increase students' level of accountability and involvement in their own education, provide self-esteem and character-building tools, and make students proud to be contributing members of the Sunset Elementary School community. Staff participates in ongoing professional development focusing on increasing literacy, strengthening teaching strategies, and behooving academic learning.

We embrace our cultural, linguistic, and economic differences. Many of our students live in the surrounding Sunset District, known for its diversity of residents. Some of our families are recent immigrants and English Language Learners. Special education services are provided to assist in the identification and the support of students with disabilities. Special support is also provided for those at-risk academically, within general education classrooms.

With the help of our energetic community and PTA, we have undertaken various school improvement projects. Our schoolyard was resurfaced, the interior and exterior of our building were painted, and a new roof and fire alarm were installed. Furthermore, our yard has been beautifully re-landscaped, newly painted tile murals adorn the building's exterior, and last but not least, and we now boast thriving outdoor student garden areas. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the school, Sunset Elementary partnered with Deloitte and Touche for IMPACT Day, a one-day event for comprehensive school improvements. Projects included painting, installation of a wireless network, and gardening. We are extremely proud of our campus and the pride is evident!

But we are not the only ones that think our school is special. In the spring of 2006, we were awarded a California Distinguished School Award as well as the Title I Academic Achievement Award . We have also received many grants to support Sunset Elementary School over the years. Grants for the Library include:

• Nominated for the Library Collection Modernization Project to purchase over 3,000 new library books, bookcases, area rug, and rocking chair for our school library.
• "Literacy Through Creativity" grant of $10,000 to develop language through multi-sensory participation in story plays and to purchase art materials, supplies, and musical instruments.
• "Sunset Stars Advance Toward Library Technology" grant of $10,000 to upgrade our library check out system for automation with an online catalog system.

San Francisco Education Fund grants received include:

• Early Guided Reading team grant of $5,000 to support first grade literacy and professional development.
• "Inquiry-Based Outdoor Science at Sunset" team grant of $7,000 to support our Outdoor Science Program with gardening tools and supplies as well as an Outdoor Science coordinator to work with all classes.

Other Grants include:

• San Francisco School Volunteers selected Sunset E.S. for the 2005 Honor Rolls of School award and gave $1,000 to the school.
• In 2003 through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and After School Learning Program grants, we opened our first after school program.
• Wells Fargo has included Sunset Elementary in their summer grant program in conjunction with the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

We look forward to greater achievements in the future.

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