Founded ten years ago at a small school site in San Francisco 's Sunset District, Sunset Elementary has continued to serve the community in accommodating a growing student population. Four years ago, the outdoor science program was started with the school gardens planted and maintained by students, parents and staff.

With an emphasis on developping a strong caring school community, some of the programs include a plethora of activities such as class meetings, cross-age buddies, the Outdoor Science Program, Science Fair, and Water Week culminating with an Environmental Fair.

These student-centered programs help increase students' level of accountability and involvement in their own education, provide self-esteem and character-building tools, and make students proud to be contributing members of the Sunset Elementary School community. Staff participates in ongoing professional development focusing on increasing literacy, strengthening teaching strategies, and behooving academic learning.

In the spring of 2006, Sunset Elementary was awarded a California Distinguished School Award as well as the Title I Academic Achievement Award . They have also received many grants to support the school over the years including:

"Literacy Through Creativity" grant of $10,000 to develop language through multi-sensory participation in story plays and to purchase art materials, supplies, and musical instruments.

Early Guided Reading team grant of $5,000 to support first grade literacy and professional development.

"Inquiry-Based Outdoor Science at Sunset" team grant of $7,000 to support our Outdoor Science Program with gardening tools and supplies as well as an Outdoor Science coordinator to work with all classes.

You can find out more about sunset Elementary by visiting them on line at www.sunset-pta.org

Save a Snowman is proud to take part in the achievements and development of Sunset elementary's students. Here are some greening efforts already put in motion:

Environmental Science Water Week - Grades K-5
The environmental science-themed Water Week involves the whole school in lessons focusing on all aspects of water. As a culminating event, teachers, parents, volunteers, and local community-based organizations offer all students an afternoon of many hands-on water and science activities and learning stations at our Environmental/Water Fair.

Family Projects Fair - Grades K-5
Students are involved in class projects as well as family projects focusing on the scientific method of inquiry.   Families participate in our annual Family Projects Fair of interactive displays.   Students come to this exciting event for an evening of fun and exploration as young scientists.

Outdoor Science - Grades K-5
This science-based curriculum fosters ecological awareness, land stewardship, and greening efforts.   Student activities include nature study, schoolyard gardening, and science lessons.   Students are learning gardening as well as learning about their natural surroundings with sensory experiences to see, feel, smell, and listen.   They participate in hands-on learning experiences in the school environment.   They develop an awareness of and appreciation of living things in nature around them.   The students develop language skills through activities that focus on the school gardens and learn environmental education within the curriculum.   There are eleven garden areas at the school site.

Garden Days
The school had its first Garden Day in January 2003, breaking up the weedy, compacted sandy soil, weeding, piling mulch, and planting donated plants.   A group of parents and staff developed a master plan for the bare and weedy areas of the school's grounds.   We procured over $2,000 worth of donated plants, tools, and garden supplies.   Our thriving outdoor garden areas include a Mediterranean herb garden, vegetable planter boxes, fruit tree orchard, and a native plants garden.    We continue with four Garden Days each year on a Saturday where staff, parents, and children come together to beautify our gardens.

Solar Panel Grant:
We received a PG&E Solar Schools Grant.    The Photovoltaic System will be installed in the fall of 2008.   There is science and solar curriculum that will be integrated into our academic program.   The PV system and NEED curriculum will enhance our Outdoor Science Program by providing a new resource for learning about how energy is produced and what we can do to conserve energy through solar energy and everyday conservation strategies.

 

Recycling and composting:
  • Recycling bins for paper, cans, and bottles in each classroom and throughout the school
  • Composting food, milk cartons, and trays in the lunchroom
  • Composting paper towels in all bathrooms and all classrooms

Field trip K-5 includes:

  • Scroungers Center for Reusable Art Parts (SCRAP)
  • Transfer Station - Recycling Program
  • Fort Funston - Environmental Education Center
  • Muir Woods - Into the Redwood Forest Program
  • Beach Clean-up

Fundraising Recycling Projects:

  • e-waste (computers, radios, appliances, etc.)
  • ink cartridges
  • batteries
  • cell phones
Choose your favorite snowman and help green a school!
All proceeds go directly to student-led greening projects
 
 
 
Tango
Sunny
Moineau
Bilou
Rosie
  
 
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