Sunnyside Union School District - Education Is Not the Filling of a Pail, But the Lighting of a Fire

Listed below are some of the major student activities offered at Sunnyside.

Parent-Student –Staff Orientation Night
Sunnyside holds an annual Parent-Student-Staff Orientation Night. The night will be an introduction of staff, activities, and fun for all. The event will be sponsored by the District and local vendors seeking to create a three way triangle of success between all stakeholders.

Back to School Night
Back to School Night provides an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher in an informal setting. This event is usually held in late August or early September.

Parent Conferences
Conferences are held three times per year. Parents AND Students are expected to attend.

Winter Concert
The band and music program presents the sounds of the season.

Turkey Trot
Annual event held the day before Thanksgiving Break. This race is for fourth – eighth grade students (male/female). The winning students are awarded certificate for a turkey, ham or chicken.

Grandparent’s Day
Each November prior to Thanksgiving Break, those special folks are invited to attend Sunnyside’s Annual Day in honoring Grandparents! It is a day of classroom presentations, visitations, lunch and fun.

Junior High Science Day
This event usually held the day before Winter Break allows students in junior high to work with unknown partner(s) on a science challenge. The students are giving all materials, objectives and set amount of time. Winners of the competition receive awards.

Spelling Bee
We have a local spelling bee (3rd – 8th) with our winners moving on to the Three Rivers Small School’s Spelling Bee. Our top spellers then advance on to the Tulare County Spelling Bee, in Visalia.

Math Bowl
Our top math students are invited to compete (individually and team) in the Math Super Bowl held every spring at the Visalia Convention Center.

Poetry and Prose
Students who enter Poetry and Prose demonstrate their skills and abilities by reciting different pieces of poetry. Our top performers then head off to the Tulare County Office of Education to participate in the countywide Poetry and Prose event.

College Trip
All 8th grade students and a parent are invited to attend a college field trip. It is our goal to introduce parents to college life, provide guest speakers (hopefully Sunnyside alumni) and allow the parents and students to bond together in a higher education setting.

Marathon Madness
Each spring students in Fourth – Eighth Grade practice building endurance to run in Marathon Madness. This event is 26 miles run in 26 school days, culminating with an evening activity in which the runners complete their Marathon. It is the goal for all students so “Survive Marathon Madness.”

Blue – Gold Track Meet
It is our goal to revisit the Blue-Gold Track Meet. This event is a school wide activity that splits the school into two teams (Blue versus Gold). The track meet is designed to help build teamwork amongst peers.

Fall Carnival
The annual Fall Carnival usually held the last Thursday of October is a time of fun and excitement by all. It is an evening of games and food in a carnival style. Many of the booths are sponsored by classrooms and other organizations.

Student of the Month Celebrations

Each month each teacher selects a Student of the Month. These students are recognized at the next Governing Board Meeting and are awarded a certificate which is preceded by an Ice Cream Social for their parents and themselves.

Flower Show
The annual flower show, which has been going on for over fifty years, is held every spring. This event is for all students. On the day of the competition, the students bring in flowers, and then design an arrangement on campus. Sticking to tradition, awards ($1 for first, $0.50 for second, $0.25 for third, $2 for sweepstakes) are given in each classroom.

Talent Show
Over 70 years of talent has been performed in the school auditorium. This event draws friends and family for all distances to watch our students perform.

Eight Grade Awards Dinner
Sponsored by the Parent Teacher Support Group and other donors, the Awards Dinner an evening consisting of dinner, academic awards and entertainment. This is a semi-formal themed event is open to all staff and eighth grade parents and students. The event signals the culmination of the 8th graders and kicks off graduation activities.

Spring Concert
Join the band and choir for an evening performance on the graduation stage. Those who attend are treated to some good music, while relaxing on their lawn chairs.

Open House
Come and visit your child’s classroom during Spring Open House. This is a great opportunity to add for staff, students and parents to share items from throughout the school year. The evening will culminate in Classroom themed presentations.

Career Luncheons
Career Luncheons are held throughout the year for sixth thru eighth graders. The luncheon takes place in the school auditorium during lunch time featuring a keynote speaker (lawyer, veterinarian, architect, etc.) who shares their experiences with college and career success. Those who show great interest in the field presented are able to stay and meet the speaker in a small roundtable session.

Cinco de Mayo Carnival
Join the staff, students and Parent Teacher Support Group in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The Carnival is held on the closest Thursday evening to May 5.

On Stage Performing Arts
Twice a year students are giving the opportunity to participate in two week practice sessions and performances of well-known Disney stories (i.e. The Jungle Book, AristoCat’s, Etc.). Students work afterschool with members of the Tulare County Office of Education Theater Group.

Eighth Grade Graduation
Graduation is the culminating event of the year for the school. Watch as we honor those who are leaving our school with diplomas in hand. This event draws great interest and allows the many, many alumni to visit and catch up with one another. The highlight of the night is the singing of the Sunnyside School Song, as presented by the graduating class.