Jan 2009

Dear Sunset Families,

Happy New Year! I hope that this finds you well and refreshed after an extended winter break. The weather has been rather challenging the past three or four weeks, and I fear that we are not in the clear as of yet. If there is a silver-lining to the snow storms, it is the numerous acts of kindness and service that I have witnessed and have been shared with me. It speaks well of our wonderful community that during difficult times individuals are so willing to extend a helping hand to their neighbor.

As we look forward to the second semester, there are a couple of events that I would like to draw your attention. First, student forecasting for next year’s course will begin in February, starting with in-coming 9th graders during the first week and subsequent grades in the following weeks. I ask that you take the time to review the course catalog with your student and assist in the selection of courses. The information that we gather from these forecasts is critical to the development of our course schedule and will have a direct impact on next year’s class sizes. Inaccurate information will negatively impact our ability to best serve your child’s needs.

Second, I am pleased to announce that we have completed all construction and anticipate opening the new wing of classrooms during the second semester. This will be a tremendous asset to the school, and we look forward to sharing it with you. We are planning an open house for the community in the evening of May 1st. This event will be in combination with our week-long “Purple and White Days” celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of Sunset High School. More details will be forthcoming, but hopefully you will mark your calendars.

Finally, many of us were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a Sunset student during the break. Melody Christie passed away in December from unanticipated health condition. She was a vibrant young lady that brightened the lives of everyone around her, and her greatest goal was to walk across the stage this spring to receive her high school diploma. Our heart goes out to Melody’s family and everyone that knew her well. Her loss will not be forgotten and we intend to honor her memory during the graduation ceremony.

Best wishes,
Todd