Sussex School

Sussex has many traditions and activities that are an integral part of the school. Most of them occur every year; however, we try to remain flexible so that new ones can be added or old ones dropped.

Event When Description

New Parent Meeting August Orientation meeting for new parents with staff and Board members.

Buddy Families August New families are paired with returning families. “Older” families help with introductions and questions.

Parent Cleaning Party August Clean the school in preparation for the new year.

Bigs/Littles Ongoing Younger students are paired with older students. They get together for Samling an other special times. Small gifts and/or mementos are sometimes exchanged.

Samling Daily Students and staff start each day together at 9:00 a.m. in the gym. Family members are welcome to join.

PIR Days Monthly Half-day staff meeting for school-wide curriculum planning and professional development.

Parent Meetings Monthly or Parents and staff from each as neededlearning group get together to share information and discuss classroom curriculum and upcoming events.

Fall Camping Trip SeptemberAll-school camp.

School Pictures Fall and Spring Individual student pictures taken in the fall. All-School group picture taken in the spring. Buying pictures is optional. The school picture is free.

Middle School SoccerFall6th-8th graders are coached by volunteers and play in citywide matches with other middle school kids.

Hank & Nancy Harrington Memorial Run Late fall1 mile, 5 K, & 10 K run; proceeds benefit the P.E./Outdoor Program.

Art Raffle / AuctionLate fall - Art Raffle Committee collects and even yearsdisplays art. Families sell tickets. Proceeds benefit the Art Program.

Musical Play Late fall - Grades 5-8 produce and perform in odd yearsmusical. Families get advertisers for the program and sell tickets. Parent volunteers help produce the play.

Pumpkin Carving October An all-school Big/Little activity.

Halloween October 31 Students and teachers put on costumes after lunch. Parents (in costume or not) are welcome to join kids for fun afternoon stations.

Pajama Day November 1 Students and sometimes teachers come in PJs (optional) for quiet morning activities and/or movie for the first hour & a half of the morning.

Conferences Late Fall and Spring Teachers meet with parents and students for a student-led portfolio review to discuss the child’s academic and social development.

Kris Kringle December Students secretly exchange homemade or inexpensive (not to exceed $5) presents.

Annual Fund Drive December Direct mail appeal.

Winter Holiday Program December Musical celebration of winter holidays.

Kiwanis Basketball January-March5th-8th graders are coached by volunteers and play in citywide matches with other middle school kids.

Mathcounts February Bente oversees the 7th & 8th grade students in the annual math competition.

Groundhog Day Social February Evening social event featuring staff-parent talent; 60’s & 70’s polyester attire encouraged!

Valentine’s Day February Kids decorate boxes for Valentine cards. They distribute cards to every member of their class, as well as friends, teachers, and staff in other classes. Bring box from home.

Leprechaun Traps March K-3 kids create a trap for leprechauns. Bring box from home.

Block Week Winter/Spring School-wide theme chosen (e.g. nutrition, Japan). Multi-age classes or activities in lieu of regular classes.

Spirit Week Winter/Spring 6th, 7th, 8th graders lead this activity week; days are designated for certain clothing styles (formal, Hawaiian, etc.).

Ecothon April Community Service projects and Fundraiser for school transportation and field trips. Kids collect pledge money for picking up litter in Missoula. 4th-8th graders also work on various community projects around Missoula.

River Bank Run April Interested kids and parents are encouraged to run in YMCA run.

Field Trips April, May Learning groups go on spring field trips with staff and parent chaperones. Length of trip dependent on age.

International Wildlife Film Festival May All students attend a morning or afternoon showing of wildlife films.

Buddy Day May Incoming K’s meet and have fun with the current K’s.

Move Up Day May As arranged by the teaching staff, kids have an opportunity to see what classes will be like in the next grade up.

Yearbook May A group of parents and staff members put together the annual yearbook.

Last Day of Class May or June All are invited for end of year festivities, including water play (kids may bring swimsuits) and a candy drop from Zap building. Older kids play Langbold, a Danish game.

Graduation June Program and potluck to celebrate graduates; all-school event including alumni, friends, and family