Pine Ridge Prep Update

Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,

This Friday is our 100th Day of School! See the flyer below for a school-wide celebration. Each classroom will do activities to celebrate as well!

With the weather expected to be much colder this week, I wanted to remind you of our outside time policy. As with the rest of the district, we do go outside, if only for a brief period of time, if the wind chill is 20 degrees or warmer. Please send students in weather appropriate clothing.

Click the link to access the 2022-2023 Family Handbook.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Thank you for the privilege of serving you ~

Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner, Principal

Mrs. Shelley Banzhaf, Building Leader Intern

• 2/7 PTO Meeting @ 4:00
• 2/8 P/T Conferences @ 4:00-8:00
• 2/9 NO SCHOOL!!! P/T Conferences @ 8:00-8:00
• 2/10 NO SCHOOL!!!!
• 2/14 Valentine's Day Parties @ 2:30
• 2/21 Math Family Event @ 7:45AM-8:30AM

You can find all school events listed on our school calendar which you can access on our webpage.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on February 8th from 4:00-8:00 and February 9th from 8:00-8:00. There will be NO SCHOOL for students on February 9th & 10th. Your child's teacher should have reached out to schedule a conference for a time that best works within your schedule. If you have not heard from your child's teacher to schedule, please reach out to them directly. These conferences will be held in person. We look forward to meeting with you and sharing your child's progress!

Preschool can be messy! We play outside, use fun materials like paint, Play-Doh, shaving cream, and sometimes have accidents. Every Pine Ridge Prep student should have 2 extra sets of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) at school. Please ensure these clothes are weather appropriate. The upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences would be a great time to restock the classroom with your child's extra clothes!

When we send messages to all families, such as this weekly newsletter, emergency alerts, event reminders, etc., we send those via email and text. If you have not been receiving them via text, it could be that you have not yet opted in to that service. If you would like to begin receiving messages this way, text "YES" to 86088.

Math - 3 Year Olds

• We are learning to know number names and count in order so we can use numbers to get what we want and need.
  
• We are learning to use patterns so we can find the answer to a number problem.
  
• We are learning to understand and create patterns and how it’s made so we can identify and grow patterns in the world around us.
  
• We are learning to understand addition using the +1 pattern in everyday activities.
  

Math - 4 Year Olds

• We are learning to know number names, count in order, and write numbers so we can use numbers to get what we want and need.
  
• We are learning to use patterns so we can find the answer to a number problem.
  
• We are learning to understand and create patterns and how it’s made so we can identify and grow patterns in the world around us.
  
• We are learning to understand addition as putting together and adding to so we can find out how many there are of things.
  
• We are learning to understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from so we can find out how many things are left.
  
• We are learning to use appropriate tools to model situations and solve problems with addition and subtraction.
  

Reading - 3 Year Olds

• We are learning to ask and answer questions about a text so we can understand a text.
  
• We are learning to identify similarities between texts so we can understand information presented.
  
• We are learning to use new words so we can build our vocabulary.
  
• We are learning to identify parts of a book so we can understand the importance of books.
  
• We are learning to speak clearly so others can understand our ideas, feelings, and needs.
  
• We are learning to draw pictures so we can share information with others.
  

Reading - 4 Year Olds

• We are learning to ask and answer questions about a text so we can analyze key details from the story.
  
• We are learning to identify the connection between two individuals, events or ideas so we can understand information in a text.
  
• We are learning to ask and answer questions about words we don’t know so we can understand a text.
  
• We are learning to identify physical parts of a book so we can use a book correctly.
  
• We are learning about the author and illustrator of a text so we can explain how information in our book is presented.
  
• We are learning to show our thoughts with words and pictures so that we can share what we know.
  

Social Studies - 3 Year Olds

• We are learning to name places in our home and classroom so we can recognize our location in the world.
  
• We are learning to recognize how we impact our home and school environment so we can have a positive impact on your community.

Social Studies - 4 Year Olds

• We are learning to name our city and state so we can recognize our location in the world.
  
• We are learning to recognize a community as a place where people live, work, and play so that we can understand our role in the community.

Science

• We are learning about different forces, push and pull so we can demonstrate the force on different objects.
  

Social/Emotional Learning

• We are learning to recognize clues in our bodies so that we know when we are having strong feelings.
  
• We are learning to recognize and name our feelings to help us calm down and manage them.

Self-Awareness and Self-Management: Calm down corners help children to practice identifying feelings and emotions to better manage stress, self-regulate and control their impulses. Having a space designed to support them emotionally and physically helps them feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to let down their guard to process different feelings.

Relationship Skills: Learning how to communicate one’s feelings and emotions can be difficult, but calming spaces such as this help children practice mindfulness and develop skills they need to identify their emotions and communicate them when necessary. Stronger communication skills help them form stronger relationships with others and develop skills in empathy.

Tips:

• Some children find calming music to be helpful in regaining control of their emotions. In classroom settings, try having headphones available so the music doesn’t interrupt other students.
• Add artwork to your space – some ideas that may work well for your children or students include nature and landscapes, or happy family photos.
• Try out a basket with sensory play objects. For many kids, using and exploring sensory play can help them deescalate when they’re feeling overstimulated. Check out our Game On activity all about sensory play for more details.
• For calm down corners in the classroom, make sure the space is inclusive and accessible to all your students. Although there may be students that need or want to utilize the space more than others, it’s important that all students know they’re welcome to use it, as well.
• Don’t think of it as a “time out” or punishment – there shouldn’t be any stigma associated with the calm down corner. Although you may encourage a child to spend some time in the space when you feel they’re starting to become distressed, the goal is that eventually the child will recognize when they want to be there and will go there on their own in order to self-regulate and calm down.

Each month, Home Depot offers a fun workshop for kids! Show up toward the beginning of the session to ensure there are enough materials for your child. Children must be present to receive a kit. They get to keep their project, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin (while supplies last). Can't make it to Home Depot for the kids' workshop? Why not bring the party home! Here are just a few of the ready to assemble kits you can buy and build at home. Homedepot.com also offers great kids' activities, videos, and how-to's!

Workshops take place the first Saturday of each month from 9:00-12:00.

February 5: Valentine's Photo Box

March 5: Airship

Please be sure to review both the COVID Update and the information on the Parent Resources page for the latest information from the CDC. Masks are encouraged, but not required. We will maintain strict sanitation protocols.

Late Start is on FRIDAYS for this school year and the arival time will be at 9:30.

You can find the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar HERE.

The Pine Ridge Prep Food & Clothing Bank is up and running! If your family has any needs, reach out to Ms. Heather Hayden at 785-329-7876.

You can find the link to the 2021 Community Resources Council Resource Directory here. This directory provides contact information for a variety of community resources.

If in need of resources, you can also contact the United Way by dialing 211.

See the following links for Food Pantry resources available to families.

English and Spanish

Website: https://www.topekapublicschools.net/pine-ridge-prep
Location: 1110 SE Highland Ave.
Phone: 785-329-7870
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineRidgePrep/
Twitter: @PinePrep