From the Director’s Desk

Dear Sunset Academy Families,

As the new school year kicks into full gear, we’re excited to share some important updates and reminders with you. Thank you, as always, for being a valued part of our community.

🍎 Open Enrollment for Preschool & Pre-K

We are currently in open enrollment for our Preschool and Pre-K programs! If you know friends, family, or neighbors who are looking for a caring and engaging school for their little ones, we’d love for you to refer them to us. As a thank-you, we offer referral incentives for current families. Please see the front office for details.

🌟 Kids Connect Mental Health Support

We are excited to announce that Sunset Academy is now receiving weekly services from Kids Connect mental health consultants. These specialists support both children and teachers by providing guidance on social-emotional development, classroom strategies, and overall well-being.

You may see our wonderful consultant, Alyssa, in classrooms conducting observations and offering support. These services are a valuable resource, helping us ensure that our students are thriving not only academically but also emotionally.

🍂 Weather Changes & Cubby Checks

As we move into cooler September weather, we ask families to check their child’s cubby and swap out summer clothing for fall-appropriate layers. Please ensure your child has a full set of extra clothes, including socks and underwear, as the weather can change quickly here in Colorado.

🧩 Classroom Learning Themes: All About Me

This month, all classrooms will focus on the theme “All About Me.” Children will be exploring who they are, their families, and their unique qualities.

• Infants & Toddlers: Learning about faces, body parts, and responding to their names through songs and stories.

• Preschoolers: Sharing family photos, drawing self-portraits, and learning about similarities and differences.

• Pre-K: Creating “All About Me” posters, discussing family traditions, and practicing early writing skills to share about themselves.

📝 CACFP & Annual Paperwork Updates

As part of the Colorado Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), we are required during September and October to update mandatory paperwork. Families may receive Procare messages asking you to see the front desk to review and sign forms. We appreciate your prompt attention to these updates—it helps us remain in compliance and continue offering nutritious meals daily.

🤒 Illness & Exclusion Policies

We need to share another reminder regarding illnesses. While we understand the importance of families working, it is equally important to protect the health of our students and teachers. Recently, we have seen a surge in illnesses such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as stomach viruses.

Please remember:

• Children must stay home when sick.

• Exclusion policies are state-mandated and must be followed.

• A doctor’s note saying your child “may attend” does not override the state exclusion policy.

For your convenience, Exclusion Guidelines (“How Sick is too Sick”) are now posted outside every classroom. Please review them regularly. Your cooperation helps keep our community safe and healthy.

Our staff take proper daily measures of sanitizing all surfaces, toys, and materials, and go even further with enhanced classroom disinfections during outbreaks. These extra steps, combined with families keeping children home when sick, are crucial in preventing the spread of illness and protecting our school community.

🥛 Milk Caps for Moola

Don’t forget! Sunset Academy participates in the Milk Caps for Moola program. Families can drop off milk caps in the collection box in the front lobby. Every cap helps support our school—thank you for participating!

Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for your children. Together, we can make this fall a wonderful season of growth and learning.

Warmly,

Samantha E.
Director, Sunset Academy