Sunshine Smiles Academy

09/12/2026

Here’s the backdrop for fall pictures on the 15th and 16th! Attached is also a price sheet. 🤍

09/11/2026

09/01/2026

🧡 Going Orange for Childhood Cancer Awareness 🧡

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and it is personal for our Sunshine Smiles family. One of our students, Ethan, is currently battling childhood cancer, and we are wrapping him and his family in love and support.

This September we will Go Orange on Thursdays.

We invite our families - and our community - to send the kiddos in wearing orange each Thursday this month: Sept 3 • Sept 10 • Sept 17 • Sept 24

A simple orange shirt, accessory, or splash of color is all it takes. Together we can fill our hallways with encouragement for Ethan and shine a light for every child fighting cancer.

Thank you for standing with us.

08/13/2026

A couple of updates from our SSA crew: one from Ken Martin’s family (Mrs. Kayla’s dad) + the other from our Riddle family (Ethan + Miles Riddle in our 4yo class).

The update on Kayla’s dad is that the tumor on his pancreas did not respond much to the last rounds of chemo. Unfortunately, the tumor grew slightly, and he has been dealing with a blood clot in his lungs. He has since then started a new chemo, and thankfully he has seemed to tolerate it better than the kind before! So that’s a blessing. They will go this coming Tuesday for more scans to see how the tumor responded to this new treatment. Everyone *please* join us in praying that the treatment has done exactly what it was designed to do, and that the tumor has shrunk significantly. We KNOW God can do it, and we’re believing in a miracle. 🤍

For our Riddle family, I will attach a message from Ethan’s dad, Chris, that I got this past Saturday:

“Things are for sure easier at home. Day to day he is still hooked up to a pump for a 24 hour infusion. We have that in a backpack so he can get around carefully. He is here until Tuesday and then we are back in the hospital, hopefully for a short stay if the numbers look good.

Our next real time we will know something significant is at the end of the 28 day period we start Tuesday. So another month of the pump and then they do a spinal tap and bone marrow probe again and we will know what happens next from there.”

Friends, let’s all rally around our SSA families and support them like none other! Our hearts ache with and for both of these families (because we consider them family of our own), but we believe in miracles around here! If you think about them, please pray for them and lift them up. If you would like any additional updates or would like to continue donations/look for more ways to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

-Carleigh F 🤍

07/16/2026

The 4yo class had some fun in the garden today! They picked cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and some okra. 😗🤌🏼

07/16/2026

We wanted to share a quick update on Ethan and continue asking for your prayers.

Ethan was able to go home for a few days, but when he returned to the hospital this week, his doctors found that his bloodwork wasn’t quite where they were hoping it would be. They are looking for his cancer levels to continue decreasing while also seeing his white blood cell count come back up, and unfortunately his numbers weren’t progressing the way they had hoped.

Because of that, Ethan will now be participating in a two-month clinical study using a different medication. This treatment can be challenging, as every child responds differently, but we are praying that it is exactly what Ethan needs. If, after these next two months, his doctors aren’t seeing the progress they’re hoping for, the next step in his treatment journey would likely be a bone marrow transplant.

Please continue to lift Ethan, the Riddle family, and his medical team up in prayer. Pray for strength, healing, comfort, wisdom for his doctors, and that this new treatment works beautifully for Ethan.

We have also had many people ask how they can continue to help. At this time, gift cards are one of the most helpful ways to support the family, as they provide flexibility for meals, travel, and unexpected expenses throughout Ethan’s treatment.

As always, Sunshine Smiles Academy is still very much wanting and willing to help coordinate support for the Riddle family in any way we can. If you would like to help or have questions about donating, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for continuing to surround this precious family with so much love, generosity, and prayer. Every kind gesture makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for this amazing community. ❤️

07/16/2026

SSA PRAISE REPORT:

After 135 days spent in the NICU at Big Duke, Daniel is finally with his family at HOME!

The Beraldo family wants to let everyone know how thankful they are for all the love, prayers, and support given to their family over the last 135 days. God is good! 🤍

06/25/2026

SSA June Spotlight: MRS. JUNE! ☀️ 🤍

1. What inspired you to work in child care?

I’ve always enjoyed being around children and have spent many years working with them through church ministries and camps. When I was told that I would never be able to have children of my own, it strengthened my desire to work with and care for children even more. Being able to positively impact their lives has been an incredible blessing and one of the greatest rewards of my life.

2. What’s your favorite children’s book to read during story time?

Goodnight Moon is my favorite children’s book to read. I also love letting the children choose their favorite books and reading those with them. Seeing their excitement and hearing them talk about the stories they love makes story time even more special.

3. Do you have a favorite memory from your time working here?

My favorite memories are watching children grow and learn as they move up through the classrooms. I love seeing them learn their animals, shapes, colors, and ABCs, and watching their confidence grow along the way.

One of my most special memories was working with a little boy who learned to recite the Pledge of Allegiance word for word. After he learned it, we shared a video of him saying it on Sunshine Smiles’ page. Knowing that I helped teach him something he was so proud of, and seeing the joy it brought to so many people, is a memory I’ll always treasure.

4. What’s your go-to activity to keep the kids engaged and happy?

My go-to activities are songs, dancing, and marching because they keep the children active and engaged. I love incorporating movement into the classroom throughout the day. The children especially enjoy activities like “Going on a Bear Hunt” and “Going on a Reindeer Hunt.” Watching them participate, have fun, and learn at the same time is one of my favorite parts of the job.

5. What’s a fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?

A fun fact about me is that I love watching true crime shows and movies. I enjoy programs like 20/20 and Dateline, but I also love a good romantic movie. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax when I’m not at work.

6. How do you like to spend your weekends?

I love spending time with my family most of all. I especially enjoy spending time with Kim, Wendy, Pam, Amber, and Erin—my girls. We love going shopping, finding great deals, browsing different stores, and just enjoying each other’s company. Whether we’re bargain hunting, sharing a meal, or simply laughing and making memories together, those moments are what make my weekends so special.

7. What’s the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?

One of the funniest things a child ever said to me was that my skin was “spongy.” Children are so honest and say exactly what’s on their minds, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It completely caught me off guard! Moments like that are part of what makes working with children so much fun—they have such a unique way of seeing the world.

8. What do you love most about being part of our daycare team?

What I love most about being part of this daycare team is that it truly feels like family. Family is very important to me, and I enjoy working with people who support, encourage, and care about one another. We work together, help each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. Being part of a team that feels like family makes coming to work enjoyable and creates a positive environment for both the staff and the children. That’s one of the greatest rewards of working here.

06/22/2026

“Poppin’ with Pops” is live now in our foyer. SSA dads, please stop by between 2:30-5:30 for your popcorn + soda of choice 🍿🥤 We appreciate you all, and Happy Father’s Day!

06/21/2026

Tomorrow from 2:30-5:30!! Dads, make sure to pick up tomorrow afternoon- we have a special treat for you guys 🍿🥤