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.
How can families contact the school?
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
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
Family Engagement Events
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.
How parents & caregivers can help us meet our program goals.
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.
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.
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.
How will the principal communicate with families?
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 newsletters and mass notifications
Peachjar
Sharing age-appropriate community activities
How will teachers communicate with families?
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
How can families contact the school?
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)
