  Welcome to "The Valley Connection," our monthly family newsletter! This communication will come out on the first Sunday of each month, replacing our typical "Need to Know" weekly bulletins. Each issue will feature a message from the admin team, school-home connections with tips for supporting your learners, and School Spotlights.
We've had a fantastic start to the school year! Students are adapting to their new routines, rekindling old friendships, and forming new ones. The excitement is evident as classrooms come to life with classroom commitments and students' personal touches through their artwork.
Thank you for joining us on Wednesday evening for Back-to-School Night. This event was just the beginning of many opportunities to connect with your child's teacher and engage with the classroom. We hope you visited our PTA table to learn about how you can get involved and discover the great support our PTA provides to the Sunrise Community.
Recognizing that the start of the school year can be busy, we hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend with some well-deserved rest and relaxation!
Ashley Younger, Principal & Jody Delaney, Assistant Principal
 A message from our Family Liaison, Adrienne Burton; School Counselor, Jen Savory; and School Social Worker, April Bowman.
Helping your students build a strong foundation for a great school year!
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Big Feelings
Parents and children can feel anxious about going back to school. When children express anxiety about returning to school, don’t dismiss their feelings or say “everything will be fine”. Ask the child why they feel this way and allow them to talk about it. Being anxious about starting the school year is normal, but providing emotional validation helps students start the school year strong. You can think of a new school year as a fresh start, a time to embrace the “what-ifs” and potential for growth. Though new beginnings (new teachers, new classmates…) can be scary, we ask students to open their minds and look at the new year as an opportunity to approach change with a positive attitude!
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Routine & Structure
Although they might protest, children need structure. Routines help children feel prepared and relaxed; they want to know what to expect. Elementary students can struggle with how to approach tasks in an organized fashion. Sometimes inside, they feel chaotic and need their environment to provide some much-needed structure. Building routines into your child’s daily schedule, like regular bedtimes-prioritizing 9-12 hours of sleep, designated areas to put their belongings, and a morning “getting ready” checklist, can help students know what to expect each day and help them start the new school year strong.
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Communication and Partnership
Building positive relationships with teachers, classmates, and school staff is essential. Partnering with your child’s teacher and being involved in their learning is key to their wellness and academic success. Building positive relationships with the people your student sees daily will give them a support system that’s invaluable throughout the school year.
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Unplug from Technology
For parents, finding that tech balance may be having your children unplug for a while once they’re finished with their school day. Limiting video games and screen time (this includes us, the parents!) and getting outside to play is essential for elementary aged children. Walking the dog together can also be a great time to connect and chat with your child.
We know schedules are busy, but having meals as a family whenever possible and simply talking about your days can provide an opportunity for your child to share about their day and learn about yours!
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We kicked off the school year with our Annual Open House, and it was wonderful to see our students and families after the summer break! The smiles and energy were contagious! |
Ms. Claessen, our art teacher, invited students to design a "patch" for the "You Belong Here" banner. At Sunrise Valley, we believe every student matters and strive to create a culture where each student feels seen, heard, and valued. |
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Our front entrance garden received a beautiful refresh, thanks to Maggie Booth and her family, who continue to care for this space and make Sunrise Valley a welcoming place for our community! |
At Sunrise Valley, we value celebrating our school community. In our staff newsletter, The Sunrise, we highlight the exceptional work of our colleagues. We invite you to contribute by using this form to shout out someone at our school. Send a note of appreciation and tell us how they’re AWESOME!
*This link will be added to the SVES Quick Links section in our weekly bulletins.
Have photos to share from SVES or PTA events? 📸Submit SVES Photos via Dropbox and we will showcase these on our TV located in the Main Office.
*This link will be added to the SVES Quick Links section in our weekly bulletins.
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