Events
In addition to special assemblies and field trips which support the curriculum, Sunset Elementary School offers a number of special events throughout the year:
- Water Week/Environmental Fair
- Read Aloud Day
- Science Fair
- Science Night
- Literacy or Math Night
The PTA organizes events that support our community, with fundraising, enrichment programs, and just for fun:
- Garden Days
- Winter Gala
- Book Fair
- Spring Fun Run
- Read-a-thon
- Potlucks and family nights
Programs
Sunset Elementary School & PTA programs include:
Academic
The PTA provides funds for each teacher to support their academic program in reading, math, social studies, and science. Each teacher has the opportunity to write a grant funded through the PTA for special projects in the classroom.
Visual & Performing Arts
Sunset offers dance, rhythms, theater arts, choral music, and visual art. This year the San Francisco Ballet will provide dance classes to students in the 2 nd grade classes.
Outdoor Science / School Gardens
In 2002, Christine Colasurdo, a parent volunteer started the outdoor science program with the school gardens planted and maintained by students, parents and staff. Last year, Sunset received an Ed Fund Grant for a part-time Outdoor Science coordinator who worked with all classes and grade-levels to integrate the gardens into the curriculum. This year the position is fully funded by the PTA.
See Photos and Plant Identification of the School Gardens.
Technology
There are internet connected computers in each classroom, as well as a lab of 30 laptops which can be used in the library. Sunset has a five year technology plan which was developed by a joint committee of the School Site Council and the PTA, including parents, teachers and the princiapl.
In January 2008, we hired a technology consultant (funded by the PTA). This innovative program introduces students to using technology as tools for learning. Examples of successfully implemented Classroom technology projects from Spring 2008 include:
- K: "My Favorite Things about Kindergarten" slideshows
- Grade 1: Life Cycle of a Plant Clay Animations, "Help the Earth" illustrated movie
- Grade 2: Silly Story Clay Animations, Animal Habitat and Ocean Creatures Slideshows
- Grade 3: Animal Habitat Clay Animation Movies
- Grade 4: Animal Research Projects using Powerpoint
- Grade 5: Social Studies Internet Research and American Revolution Powerpoint presentations
Library
We acquired over 3,000 new books in 2005 and an automated check-out system for library books. The five year library plan was developed by members of the School Site Council and PTA. A librarian through Prop H funds will be on board this year and begin implementing the five year library plan.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
The GATE program is coordinated by the GATE coordinator for high potential and identified GATE students. The students will participate in various activities as well as in a ten-week after school class to develop a student newsletter that will be distributed to all families.
Student Store
The student store provides an opportunity for members of the Student Council (student officers and representatives from each class) to learn lessons in finance. The Student Store is open the last Wednesday of the month during lunch time to correspond with Spirit Days. Children can purchase school supplies at that time.
After School Learning Program
This three-hour after school program is offered to eligible 2nd to 5th grade students. It offers homework support, reading and math academics, and enrichment activities on a daily basis.
Before and After School Care
The YMCA offers a before school program from 7:00am to 8:30am and an after school program from 2:40 to 6:30 pm. Please see the Stonestown YMCA for details.
PTA After School Programs
This PTA sponsored after-school program includes language classes in Spanish and Chinese for grades K-4, and a science program. Started in Spring 2006, the classes are taught by Sunset parents or outside organizations, facilitated by volunteers from the PTA. Look for information to come home with your child to sign up for the class. These programs are popular and space is limited, so sign up quickly.