Sunrise Scoop

This time of year is always one of my favorites because we get to see just how much our students have grown. Walking through classrooms lately, I’ve been so impressed with their hard work, confidence, and perseverance—it truly shows how far they’ve come!

April is an important month as our 3rd–6th grade students take the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA). This is their opportunity to shine and show all they’ve learned this year. No Fooling… Our Lions Are Ready to Shine! 🦁✨Our teachers have done an incredible job preparing them, and I know our students are ready!

You can help your child feel confident and successful by making sure they get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and arrive at school on time each day. A little encouragement from home goes a long way!

Beyond state testing, we’re also beginning end-of-year assessments across all grade levels, PreK–6. These moments allow us to celebrate growth, reflect on progress, and get excited about what’s ahead.

Even with all the important work happening, we’re still making time for smiles, laughter, and fun along the way—because that’s what makes Sunrise so special. Thank you for being such an important part of our school family. Together, we rise! 🦁

🦁With springtime smiles,

Michelle Martelli
Principal, Sunrise Elementary

Wednesday 4/1

• 3rd Grade Oral Reading Fluency AASA

• Grades 3-6 AASA Math Part 1
• 1st Grade Field Trip to the Zoo

• Before and After Care Registration opens for next year
• Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day
• National School Librarian Day

Week of 4/6-Assistant Principal Week- Celebrate our AMAZING Ms. Hines

Tuesday 4/7

• Grades 3-6 AASA Math Part 2
• 7pm DVUSD Governing Board Meeting

• Grades 3-6 AASA ELA Part 1
• 6pm DVUSD Gifted Showcase

• Grades 3-6 AASA ELA Part 2

• 3rd Quarter Honor Assemblies

Thursday 4/16

• 14-5 pm Volunteer Training

Friday 4/17

• Kindergarten Promotion Pictures

• 9am-12pm DVUSD Job Fair

Tuesday 4/28

• Kona Ice at Recess for grades 1-6
• 7pm DVUSD Board Meeting

Due to state testing , there is only one early release day in April.

April 24th

Early release days in the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) are designed to provide teachers with dedicated time for professional development, collaborative planning, and administrative tasks, while also allowing students to be dismissed 60 minutes earlier than a full day of instruction. This dedicated time helps teachers enhance their skills and ensure high-quality education for students.

State testing has officially begun, and we are so proud of our Sunrise Lions for working hard and doing their best! Attendance is extremely important during testing days. To help encourage strong attendance, we are excited to share that we will be raffling off a bike for each grade level!

Every day your child is present during testing = an entry into the raffle!

Please remember: once a student begins a test, it cannot be paused, resumed, or made up if they are signed out early. We kindly ask that you avoid appointments or early checkouts on testing days whenever possible.

We’re excited to welcome Kona Ice back to Sunrise Elementary on Tuesday, April 28th during recess for our 1st–6th grade students!

Along with enjoying a refreshing treat, we will be focusing on our April character trait: Integrity.

What is Integrity?
Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. It’s about being honest, taking responsibility, and making positive choices that reflect strong character.

During this event, students will be encouraged to practice Integrity by:

• Following recess expectations and making responsible choices
• Using respectful language and positive behavior while waiting in line
• Demonstrating self-control and honesty in all situations
• Cleaning up after themselves and helping keep our campus beautiful
• Showing appreciation to staff and volunteers

Kona Ice visits are a fun way to celebrate our students while reinforcing important life skills and character development. We appreciate your continued support in helping your child practice Integrity both at school and at home.

Thank you to Kona Ice for partnering with Sunrise to support our PAWS program and celebrate our amazing students! 🦁

See the pricing chart below for options.

• A valid photo ID is always required for anyone checking out a student, no matter the reason. The person must also be listed on the student’s approved contact list in order for us to release the student.
• Students may arrive no earlier than 7:58 a.m.
• On Full School Days, students cannot be signed out after 2:30 p.m.
• On Early Release Fridays, students cannot be signed out after 1:00 p.m.

At Sunrise Elementary, we believe that by reinforcing these core values, we create a positive and supportive school environment where every student can thrive. Through our PAWS program, students earn Dojo points for demonstrating these behaviors, helping them to build strong character and succeed both academically and socially. Students can then spend their Dojo points in our classrooms and at the PAWS shop. (If you would like to donate to our PAWS shop, check out our Amazon wishlist.) We’re proud to celebrate our students’ achievements and encourage them to keep showing their PAWSitive behavior every day!

We will be serving Grilled Cheese as our monthly featured Entree. Our Grilled Cheese is rich in whole grains, provides 19 grams of protein, and is a good source of Iron and Calcium! Come and enjoy a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with us 🧀

https://sunrise.dvusd.org/our-school/cafeteria

Sunrise is pleased to announce that through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, we will be providing breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge.

All students enrolled at Sunrise may receive one breakfast meal and one lunch meal at no charge every school day. Additional meals and a la carte items will continue to be available at regular pricing.

You are receiving this benefits form because your student attends a Community Eligibility Program (CEP) school but does not qualify for meal assistance at home through programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR or, as a Migrant.

Completing and submitting this form is necessary for your school to secure funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) which may be used for after school activities, tutoring, technology, staff development, and parent classes.

Thank you for helping us continue to provide valuable support to our students and schools!

This month at Sunrise, we are focusing on Problem Solving—the ability to figure things out, make thoughtful decisions, and work through challenges. We are teaching students that problem solving is like being a detective: using your brain, asking questions, and trying different ideas until you find a solution.

Each week, students will build these skills in age-appropriate and engaging ways:

Week 1: Making Decisions
Students will learn how to make thoughtful choices by considering options and outcomes. Through lessons, discussions, and the story The Empty Pot, students will explore honesty, responsibility, and decision-making.

Week 2: Solving Problems
Students will practice strategies for working through challenges using the book What Do You Do With a Problem? and supportive classroom discussions and videos.

Week 3: Asking Questions
Curiosity is key to problem solving! Students will learn how asking questions helps them better understand situations and find solutions.

Week 4: Asking for Help
Students will learn that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Through stories like Just Ask! and engaging lessons, we will reinforce the importance of seeking support when needed.

We encourage families to support this learning at home by talking with your child about challenges they face and helping them think through possible solutions. Together, we can empower our students to become confident problem solvers!

Together We Rise! 🦁✨

We’re excited to announce School Spirit Fridays at Sunrise! Every Friday, wear your Sunrise spirit wear or school colors to show your love and pride for our amazing school. Whether it's your Sunrise swag or red and gold, let’s fill the halls with school spirit and show off our Sunrise pride!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our Sunrise community! Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Sunrise Elementary will officially offer a Before & After School Care program right here on campus.

We know how important it is for families to have access to safe, engaging, and convenient childcare. Whether you need a little extra time in the morning or a reliable, structured environment after school, this program is designed with your family’s needs in mind. Students will have opportunities to learn, play, and connect in a supportive setting beyond the school day.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Registration Opens: Friday, April 3, 2026
• Register Here: https://dvusd.arux.app/
• Program Details: https://www.dvusd.org/departments/community-education/before-after-school-care
• Questions? Contact Traci Piccoli at Traci.Piccoli@dvusd.org or (623) 376-3979

⚠️ Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly, so we encourage families to mark their calendars and register as soon as enrollment opens!

We are incredibly excited to bring this highly requested program to Sunrise and to continue supporting our families with meaningful opportunities for our students—before and after the school day. Together We Rise! 🦁✨

Student Council still has spirit shirts available for purchase! Get yours in Ms. Shade’s room for $15 — cash only, please.

Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Gifted Summer Camps! These full-day camps are designed especially for gifted and talented students, offering exciting opportunities to explore creativity, build critical thinking skills, and have a whole lot of FUN!

🚢 Week 1: Cruise Into Summer

📅 June 1 – June 5

🌎 Week 2: Passport to the Park

📅 June 8 – June 12

📍 Location: Union Park School

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and lunch provided daily

👕 Bonus: Each camper receives a camp T-shirt (with a unique design for each week!)

💲 Cost: $195 per camp

🎉 Special Offer: DVUSD Title 1 students attend Week 2 for FREE!

Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss out on this incredible summer experience!

🔗 Learn more and register here:

https://www.dvusd.org/departments/cia/gifted-servicescia/gifted-summer-camp

To promote a safe and distraction-free learning environment for all students (and in alignment with Arizona House Bill 2484 (2024)), the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), including cell phones, is strictly regulated for students during the school day. This policy applies to all DVUSD students and is enforced during instructional hours across all areas of the school campus, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, lunch areas, recess, assemblies, and any school-sponsored activities taking place on campus during the regular school day.

Students are required to keep their personal electronic devices (such as phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and similar items) turned off and stored away throughout the school day unless they have received explicit permission from a DVUSD staff member for instructional or health-related and nurse approved purposes. Use of electronic devices is not allowed in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, lunch areas, or other common spaces during school hours. In addition, messaging, phone calls, and social media use are strictly prohibited during instructional time.

Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are not permitted on campus. Only wired headphones may be used, and only when connected to school-issued Chromebooks for approved instructional activities. This ensures appropriate use and limits classroom distractions.

Students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal electronic devices (including cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and gaming systems) to school or school-sponsored events. The Deer Valley Unified School District is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

Misuse of electronic devices may result in disciplinary consequences and may also result in confiscation of the device. Devices that are repeatedly confiscated will be held in the front office until they are retrieved by a parent or guardian.

Make the Most of Spring Together

As the weather warms up and we head into the final stretch of the school year, spring is a great time to slow down and reconnect.

Simple, free activities can go a long way in supporting your child’s mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Taking a walk, visiting a local park, having a picnic, playing outside, or even setting aside time to talk and laugh together can help children feel more relaxed and supported.

These moments do more than create memories. They help children build important self-regulation skills they use every day at school. When kids have time to relax and connect, their overall stress levels decrease, making it easier to handle frustration, follow directions, and navigate challenges in the classroom. Unstructured time also builds skills like patience, flexibility, and problem-solving.

Strong, supportive relationships help children feel safe and grounded, so they come to school more ready to focus, learn, and engage in positive ways.

As we move through spring, look for small opportunities to slow down and enjoy time together. When children feel calm, connected, and supported, they are better prepared to succeed at school.

Happy Spring! Now that we are in Quarter 4 for our school year, hope that your child is feeling successful and ready to gradually close out the year! During this process, please help your child to continue their healthy study habits. Please remind them that at this point everything that they are learning is still very valuable. When they feel that we are mostly done and don't need to focus, you can say, "The skills that you are learning now are going to be great for finishing this school year and will help to have a strong start for the next school year". Happy Fourth Quarter!

Hi families! As we prepare for Spring, our School Clothing Closet is running low on items. If your kiddos have outgrown some clothes, we’d love to take them off your hands! Our School is currently in need of extra clothes for when potty accidents, major spills, or rainy day muddy messes happen!

We need: Clean gently used or new pants, shirts, and shorts (sizes 4-12, Small to Medium)

Also any new underwear or socks.

Where: Drop in the blue bin in Front Office or Student can bring to Nurse Office

When: All Month of April!

We will be focusing on health and wellness this month to help our students in the classrooms and AASA Testing. We encourage you to speak with your child about daily bathing, daily teeth cleaning and wearing clean clothes to help them feel confident and ready to learn. If you're in need of clothes or daily hygiene items- Please reach out to Nurse Penny for Resources. Thank you for your support and help with our school community.

As we head into spring, many students will begin taking important assessments. While tests can sometimes bring stress, your support at home can make a big difference in helping your child feel calm and confident!

Here are a few simple ways to help your child succeed:

• Keep routines consistent – A good night’s sleep and a calm morning help kids focus.
• Encourage a positive mindset – Remind your child to try their best and that mistakes are part of learning.
• Practice calm-down strategies – Deep breathing or positive self-talk (like “I can do this”) can help when they feel nervous.
• Make sure they eat breakfast – A healthy meal helps with energy and concentration.
• Avoid pressure – Focus on effort, not just scores.
• Remind your child:
• “Just do your best—that’s enough!”

If you have any questions or would like additional ways to support your child, feel free to reach out.

Wishing all of our students a successful and stress-free testing season!

Did you know that good attendance sets the foundation for lifelong learning habits? When students are in school consistently, they don't just keep up with lessons-they build confidence, strong routines, and social connections. We do realize that things happen. In the event that your student cannot be at school please call our 24 hour attendance line 602-467-5990, to let us us know your student will be absent. Every day counts! Let's work together to ensure our students are present, prepared, and ready to succeed.

Ms. Patty is an incredible advocate for students, families, and staff. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every child receives the support they need to be successful. Her dedication extends not only to her students, but also to her colleagues and paraprofessionals, whom she supports with care, collaboration, and intention.

One of Ms. Patty’s greatest strengths is her ability to build strong relationships with students and create a calm, structured environment. She has an exceptional gift for de-escalating challenging situations and helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Her classroom is often recognized as a model of excellence and is used as an exemplar for others across the district. Ms. Patty is also highly data-driven, spending many hours analyzing student progress, developing schedules, and adjusting supports to ensure that all students’ needs are met. She thoughtfully plans paraprofessional schedules as well, ensuring that support is purposeful and effective.

Beyond her classroom, Ms. Patty is always willing to lend a helping hand. She celebrates students, supports her colleagues, and contributes positively to our entire school community. While she serves as a special education teacher, her impact reaches all students across campus.

We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Patty’s dedication, leadership, and heart. She truly represents the very best of Sunrise Elementary.

Congratulations, Ms. Patty! 🦁❤️💛Together We Rise!

Our school is collecting Box Tops—and the best part is, it’s all digital now! We’ve already raised some money this year, and every little bit helps.

Sign up easily using this QR code or click the link: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=X37Z0KB0&school_id=72514

Reach out the Kelsey Shade if you have any questions or need assistance, kelsey.shade@dvusd.org.

Please check to make sure you are enrolled. It is easy.

1. Log on to your Fry's account.
2. Click on My Account.
3. Click on Community Rewards.

There is nothing else to do! Once your Fry's VIP reward card is linked, just shop as normal and Fry's will track a percentage of your purchases and we will get a donation!

We would love for you to join us as a volunteer at Sunrise Elementary—whether it's for a school event, field trip, or helping around the campus! There is a simple process through Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) to get started.

Please visit DVUSD Volunteering Information for full details. A few important points to note:

• In-Person Volunteer Training: All volunteers must complete an in-person training, which we will offer four times throughout the year. However, you are welcome to attend training at any DVUSD school. You only need to attend this training once!

• Returning Volunteers: Thank you for your continued support! To register as a returning volunteer, please reach out to either Holly Kuhn (holly.kuhn@dvusd.org) or Hedy Rastedt (hedy.rastedt@dvusd.org).

• Volunteer Eligibility: Volunteers must be family members of a current student unless you hold a valid fingerprint clearance card.

• Important Reminder: Please ensure you complete the training at least 30 days before you plan to volunteer to allow time for processing.

We can’t wait to have you on board as we work together to support our Sunrise Lions!

Volunteer training can be attended at ANY DVUSD campus.

Website: Sunrise.DVUSD.org

Instagram: sunriselions_dvusd

Also, be sure to connect with us on Class Dojo!

We are currently in need of a monitor and a part time night custodian.

If you are interested in any of our open positions, please apply at https://jobs.dvusd.org/ and email Hedy at Hedy.Rastedt@DVUSD.org.

At Sunrise Elementary, we are excited to announce our theme for the 2025-2026 school year: "Together We Rise!" This year, we are focusing on the power of unity—working hand in hand with our students, families, and community to elevate every learner. By fostering collaboration, celebrating each other’s successes, and supporting one another through challenges, we will rise to new heights of achievement and growth. We invite you to join us on this journey as we build a stronger, more connected school community. Together, we can make this a year to remember!