Sundance has four annual themes, which serve as the springboard for monthly and weekly themes throughout the year. Two of the annual themes are geared to broad social studies topics, and two are more science-oriented. After the 4-year rotation has been completed it starts over again. Each year the staff brainstorms new and more creative ways to enrich this thematic program. Each theme is celebrated by and culminates in the Happening. While the school is closed to children, staff and parent volunteers transform the entire 500-square-foot auditorium into a multi-sensory, interactive, child-centered learning environment. The Happening crew works all week creating small buildings and scenes, adding props, decorations and costumes. When the children return to school they find the auditorium completely transformed. Everywhere you look are displays of the work the children did all year. Each group spends two full morning or afternoons actively participating in experiences which bring the ideas and information they have explored all year to life.