Dear Sunflower Families,
You may recall that central office administrators visited Sunflower on December 2 to inform us of the process that will be used for adjusting school boundaries. As you know, all students and families of Sunflower will be affected by the future boundary changes. Our central office administrators will be at Sunflower again this evening to update you on the process and committee work that is scheduled for the months ahead. All Sunflower families are invited to attend this informational meeting about the process that will be utilized to make decisions about boundary adjustments.
Location: Sunflower Library
Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
Thanks,
Dr. Andy Wright
Principal of Sunflower Elementary School
As you know, we are rapidly approaching summer break. We have had an outstanding school year full of fun community building events, exciting learning opportunities and academic accomplishments.
Earlier this week, we reviewed the FastBridge Scores for Math. As you know, the FastBridge program offers assessments to help us measure student proficiency and progress. I am pleased to report that our students achieved something unprecedented at Sunflower.
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FastBridge earlyMath is an evidence based assessment used to monitor foundational math skills for Kindergarten and first grade students.
According to the FastBridge data... 90.7% of Kindergarten and first grade students at Sunflower scored at or above grade level on the spring earlyMath assessment.
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FastBridge aMath (Adaptive Math) is a computer-based universal screener used to measure broad mathematics skills, track growth and identify students needing additional support.
According to the FastBridge data... 83.4% of second, third and fourth grade students at Sunflower scored at or above grade level on the spring aMath assessment.
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FastBridge mathAutomaticity is a computer-administered, timed, curriculum-based assessment (CBM) that measures a student's fluency in quickly recalling basic math facts in grades 1 through 4.
According to the FastBridge data... 93.8% of our first, second, third and fourth grade students at Sunflower scored at or above grade level on the spring mathAutomaticity assessment.
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These impressive percentages are the strongest that Sunflower has achieved on district math assessments. No doubt, the diligent work of our educators, students and parents all have a contribution to the much improved and impressive academic achievement that Sunflower is experiencing. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Wright
Principal of Sunflower Elementary School
Dear Families,
Field Day is coming up on Friday, May 15! Students will be spending a large portion of their day outside, so please help prepare your child for a fun and successful day.
Please keep the following in mind:
Sun Protection: Please apply sunscreen at home before school. Hats and sunglasses are encouraged to help protect students from the sun.
Dress Comfortably: Students should wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes with socks.
Please note: No sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or swimsuits are allowed.
Stay Hydrated: Please send your child with a water bottle labeled with their name. A big thank you to PTO for providing a water bottle for every student!
Extra Clothes: Students may bring an extra set of clothing and a towel for the afternoon activities.
Label Belongings: Please label personal items such as hats, towels, sunglasses, water bottles, and extra clothing with your child’s name.
Volunteer Opportunity: We are still looking for Field Day volunteers! If you would like to sign up, there is still plenty of time—volunteer sign-ups will close on Wednesday.
If you plan on attending you need to stop by the office, to sign in at the upon arrival.
We are looking forward to a fun-filled day! Please encourage your child to come ready to stay active, hydrated, and have fun.
Thank you,
Sunflower Elementary
May Newsletter found here
May Calendar
Field Day
Kindergarten Celebration
4th Grade Recognition and so much more!!!
Upcoming Events | April 27 – May 1
Monday, April 27
No School
Tuesday, April 28
Superhero Day – Let’s celebrate our amazing lunch ladies!
Mrs. Wedel Teacher Experience (Grades 2–4) | 3:30–5:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29
(No scheduled events)
Thursday, April 30
Kentucky Derby Day – Dress in your best derby attire!
Friday, May 1
4th Grade Field Trip
Preschool Field Trip
Principal’s Day
Reminder:
The Field Day flyer is attached. Be sure to sign up to volunteer using the QR code!
Field Day: May 15
Upcoming Events for the week of April 20th - April 24th
April 20th - Kindergarten Picnic 2:15 - 3:00 PM
April 21st - Mrs. Wedel Teacher Experience - Kinder and 1st Grade
April 22nd - Early Release @ 1:55PM
April 23rd - 1st Grade Field Trip - KC Zoo
April 24th - 3rd Grade Field Trip - American Royal
Dear Sunflower Families,
We had a very productive week at Sunflower. Our third and fourth grade students worked diligently to complete the English Language Arts portion of the KAP test. We are proud of their efforts to demonstrate the academic knowledge and proficiency they have achieved this school year. We are optimistic that their efforts will yield impressive individual and collective results... just like we achieved last school year.
Next week, our third and fourth grade students will complete the Math portion of the KAP test. Those sessions are scheduled to take place on the mornings of April 14 and 16. Please let us know if your child needs to be absent for either of the math sessions. We will find a time for them to make-up the assessment.
Sincerely
Dr. Andy Wright
Principal of Sunflower Elementary School
P.S. - Our school has a yellow fire hydrant located near the flagpole in front of the school (along the car rider line loop). In many instances, fire hydrants are placed only a couple of feet from the curb. The fire hydrant in front of our school is placed about 15 feet from the curb. For this reason, the fire hydrant is not always noticed easily by drivers.
We ask our guests to avoid blocking the fire hydrant when parking and exiting your vehicle during the school day to attend meetings, eat lunch with your child, or other activities that cause you to enter the building.
April Newsletter can be found here!
- Upcoming Dates
- 1st Grade Musical and "The Grand Event"
- Field Trips .... and so much more!
Dear Sunflower Families,
All is well at Sunflower. Next week, our 3rd and 4th grade students will begin taking KAP assessments for the 2025-26 school year. Last school year, our students scored very well with test scores making significant improvements over previous years.
Our assessment data from this school year gives us reason to feel confident that we will see those kind of results again this year. We are proud of our students for working with diligence and enthusiasm this school year to achieve so many academic goals.
A special thanks to our PTO for providing our third and fourth grade students with snacks to eat on testing days (listed below).
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April 7
08:45-10:00 - 4th grade (ELA)
10:00-11:15 - 3rd grade (ELA)
April 9
08:45-10:00 - 4th grade (ELA)
10:00-11:15 - 3rd grade (ELA)
April 14
08:45-10:00 - 4th grade (Math)
10:00-11:15 - 3rd grade (Math)
April 16
08:45-10:00 - 4th grade (Math)
10:00-11:15 - 3rd grade (Math)
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Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Wright
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One additional announcement... our second grade students will be away on a field trip this Friday (April 3). As a result, we will adjust the lunch time of third and fourth grade students on that day.
April 3
Third grade students will eat lunch at 11:20 (instead of 11:40)
Fourth grade students will eat lunch at 11:40 (instead of 12:00)
Upcoming Events for the week of March 30th thru April 1st
March 30th - Royals Home Opener - Show your team pride - shirts, hats, socks, anything blue and white!
MENU CHANGE - A: Hot dogs, Seasoned curly fries, and cheesy vegetable medley will be served
April 1st - Early Release @ 1:55 - NO KINDERGARTEN!!!!!
April 3rd - 2nd grade field trip - Science City
Welcome back from Spring Break!!!
We are looking forward to reconnecting with students tomorrow (March 23). It's always a lot of fun for educators to see the excitement and hear the stories that students share with one another after long breaks from school. Please know that homeroom teachers will take time to allow students to reconnect with one another and ease in on our first day back.
March 23 marks the first day of the 4th quarter. As you know, the final stretch of the school year tends to get busy with the culmination of many academic goals, field trips, state assessments (grades 3 and 4), Spring Carnival (organized by PTO) and a number of celebratory events.
We have had a very successful school year marked with strong academic performance, desirable student attendance rates and well-attended school events. We look forward to finishing strong.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Wright
Principal of Sunflower Elementary School
Upcoming Events for the week of March 9th thru 13th
March 9th - BOE Mtg @ 6PM
March 10th - Mar10 Day, Major Saver Kick off, Wedel Teacher Experience (2nd-4th)
March 11th -
March 12th - Spring/Class Pictures, Gum Day - 2/$1
March 13th - No Classes
Upcoming Dates:
March 16th - 20th - SPRING BREAK
Get ready… Major Saver time is almost here!
We are excited to kick off one of our favorite school fundraisers, and this year it’s going completely digital! That means no cards to keep track of—everything will be right on your phone.
Students will soon receive information about how to access their personal Major Saver link. With just a few clicks, family and friends can purchase a digital Major Saver and start using awesome buy-one-get-one deals and discounts at many of our favorite local restaurants and businesses.
New this year – Digital Major Saver!
We encourage families to click here to familiarize themselves with the digital app ahead of receiving the full launch guides. This will give you a quick look at how the digital platform works and how easy it will be to access and share deals once the fundraiser officially begins.
Why the digital Major Saver is awesome:
• Deals are available instantly on your phone
• Easy to share with family and friends
• No cards to lose or keep track of
• Supports programs and opportunities for our students
We can’t wait to see our students get excited and help make this fundraiser a big success!
Stay tuned—more information will be coming home soon with step-by-step launch instructions so you can get started.
Thank you for supporting our school!
Upcoming Events for the week of March 2nd - 6th
Read Across America Spirit Week (flyer attached)
Monday 2nd -
Tuesday 3rd - PTO Mtg @ 7 PM
Wednesday 4th - Early Release @ 1:55 PM
Thursday 5th -
Friday 6th -
Upcoming Dates
March 9th - BOE Mtg @ 6PM
March 10th - Mar10 Day, Major Saver Kick off, Wedel Teacher Experience
March 12th - Spring/Class Pictures, Gum Day
March 13th - No Classes
Upcoming Events for the week of 2/23 - 2/27
Monday 23rd -
Tuesday 24th - Mrs. Wedel Teacher Experience - K & 1st Grade - 3:30-5 PM
Wednesday 25th - Early Release @ 1:55 PM
Thursday 26th - 2nd Grade - Craft and Cookies 1 PM - 1:45 PM and Musical "Squirm" 6:30 PM @ Sunflower
Friday 27th - PTO Movie Night @ 6:30 PM
Upcoming Dates
March 2nd thru 6th - Read Across America
March 3rd - PTO Meeting
March 4th - Early Release
Monday 16th - No School
Tuesday 17th - Math and Reading Night 6PM-8PM
Wednesday 18th - Ø
Thursday 19th - Ø
Friday 20th - Art Day
Upcoming Dates
February 25th - Early Release
February 26th - 2nd Grade Grandparent Event and Musical
February 27th - PTO Movie Night
March 4th - Early Release
Upcoming Events for the week of 2/9 - 2/13
Monday 9th- Pajama Day (see attached flyer) - Preschool Valentine's Day Parties (times attached)
Tuesday 10th - Early Dismissal @ 11:25 - K thru 4 Valentine's Day Parties (times attached)
Wednesday 11th - Parent Teacher Conferences (sign up here if you are still needing to sign up)
Thursday 12th - Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday 13th - No School
Upcoming Dates
February 16th- No Classes
February 17 - Math & ELA Night
February 20 - Art Day
February 25th - Early Release
February 26th - 2nd Grade Grandparent Event, 2nd Grade Musical
Repeated Information
26-27 Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child who is new to the district and will be attending Kindergarten at Sunflower Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year, please complete the online form here. This form helps us collect contact information so we can share important details about Kindergarten Registration on April 1st and welcome your child as a Sunflower Eagle next school year!
Your February Newsletter can be found here!!
Important Upcoming Dates
Math - ELA Night
Book Fair ... and many more things happening during the month
Dear Sunflower Families,
In December, administrators from our central office attended the Sunflower Site Council Meeting to inform us of the process that would be used to make boundary adjustments. We had a strong turn out with many parents and staff members in attendance. The gathering was informative with a lot of good questions from our families.
All members in attendance at the Site Council Meeting in December seemed to agree that another gathering to keep us updated on the process would be beneficial. Our central office administrators have been visiting Site Council Meetings at other schools in USD-231 over the last two months. At this time, there is not a lot of new information to share about the boundary adjustments. As a result, we are going to move the Site Council Meeting that was scheduled to take place at Sunflower on February 3, 2026 to a new date.
We will not have a Site Council Meeting at Sunflower on the evening of February 3, 2026. That Site Council Meeting has been rescheduled to take place on the evening of May 20, 2026. By that time, our school district should have more information to share about the progress we are making in the boundary adjustment process. The meeting on May 20 will take place in the library at Sunflower. It will begin at 5:00.
We look forward to seeing you at the Site Council meeting on the evening of May 20.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Wright
Principal of Sunflower Elementary School
P.S. - The PTO meeting scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. on February 3 will still take place in our library.
