In SP4K-Early Learning, We Believe…
- In developing, trusting, lasting partnerships between schools, families, caregivers, and the community.
- Families and caregivers will be treated as full partners in the educations process and in decisions that affect their children.
- Schools will be open, helpful, and friendly. Resources and expectations will be clear and easily accessible to all families.
- Communication is a shared, two-way responsibility that is regular, meaningful and relational.
SP4K Family Engagement Guide
The goal of sharing this guide is to help you find the pathways to partnership that your school has set up for families. You are essential to student success and that you belong as a part of your student’s school community. All parents and caregivers are essential partners in every child's educational journey. The collaboration of our staff and families is fundamental to supporting students in achieving their highest potential.
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How to contact our school
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Classroom teachers are the first contact when you have questions/concerns regarding your student and/or 4K site. For other inquiries, please reach out to the SP4K office.
SP4K Office:
Administrative Associate: Danielle Linton
General 4K inquiries, busing, site placement
sp4k@sunprairieschools.org, 608-478-5145
SP4K Program Supervisor: Elizabeth Knudten
SP4K Program or SPASD school district questions or concerns
elknudt@sunprairieschools.org, 608-478-3776
Early Learning Program Manager: Rebecca Penticoff
Special Education inquiries
rcpenti@sunprairieschools.org, 608-478-3778
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Volunteer opportunities at our school
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SP4K is held in multiple sites across the Sun Prairie School District. Please inquire with your students' classroom teacher and/or site administrator in order to learn more about volunteer opportunities at your specific 4K location.
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Invitation to attend school-wide events
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Each 4K location will have different engagement opportunities throughout the school year.
SP4K will host a week of events throughout our community during the Week of the Young Child in early April. Details will be shared via classroom teacher communications, Facebook, district emails, our WOYC webpage, and via Blackboard.
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Help us meet our goals as a school community
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Attendance
- Prioritize Consistency: Ensure the child arrives on time every day, helping them feel secure in routines and ready to learn.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Communicate Absences: Notify the school promptly if the child must be absent, and help them catch up on missed work.
2. Communication
- Stay Connected: Read school messages, newsletters, and emails so families are aware of important updates.
- Two-Way Dialogue: Share any changes at home that might affect the child (e.g., illness, family stressors) and ask questions when unsure.
- Partner Mindset: Approach teachers with curiosity and collaboration, focusing on what’s best for the child.
3. Support of Learning
- Home Engagement: Read daily with the child, encourage curiosity, and talk about what they are learning in school.
- Create Routines: Provide a calm space and a predictable schedule for school, rest, and play.
- Encourage Independence: Celebrate effort and progress, fostering a growth mindset and love of learning.
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How the principal will communicate with you
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You will receive:
- A welcome newsletter (August and September) sharing back-to-school information
- Monthly e-newsletters October -May
- Reminders of upcoming events shared via S’more and Blackboard Connect
Peachjar
- Sharing age-appropriate community activities
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How our teachers will communicate with you
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You will receive:
- A welcome letter from your classroom teacher
- An invitation to Ready-Set-Go, where students will meet their teachers and visit the classroom.
- Weekly newsletters from classroom teachers
- Classroom/Student updates in the form of emails, phone calls, online platforms (ex., Seesaw) - this is determined by the 4K site
- Invitations to attend the fall and spring conferences
- Invitation to learning celebrations and other events
- If applicable, a communication from your Special Education Case Manager to welcome your family, as well as progress reports shared in October, February, and May
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How do families know how their student is doing?
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- Families will hear from classroom teachers on how their student is doing. Families can also reach out to classroom teachers and specialist teachers for specific information about their child at any time.
- Check your child’s backpack/folder and home communication tools daily or weekly to see completed activities and gain an understanding of their experiences in the classroom.
- Conferences will be held twice a year to discuss student growth (Typically in October and February)
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