Sheldon Update

Dear Sheldon Families,

When I send messages to all families, such as this weekly newsletter, delayed buses, event reminders, etc., I 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.

Families of OT students, the car line is a RIGHT TURN ONLY out of our parking lot. DO NOT BLOCK intersections or driveways!

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 me!

Thank you for the privilege of serving you ~

Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner, Principal

We will practice a Secure Campus Drill during the month of November.

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

GreatSchools.org is a website that provides families with information about the schools in their area. Many families use this site when buying a new home or researching their options to help them determine the best placement for their child.

Have you had a positive experience at Sheldon? We would love for that to be highlighted on the website! Please take 1 minute to visit GreatSchools.org, search for Sheldon Child Development, click on the Review icon, and share what you love about our program!

Students are encouraged to wear their Sheldon shirts every Friday!

Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Mental Health, Disability, and Child Development and Education. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!

Referral-Evaluation

POLICY:

Children who fail, or have abnormal screening results, will be referred for further assessment/evaluation. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.33; 1302.61; 1302.62; and 1302.63

PROCEDURE:

Step 1: Level 1 screening (ASQ-3) collected at the beginning of the year. A low score on this screening would trigger the process. Teacher submitted Concern Sheets also triggers the process.

Step 2: Develop and implement classroom intervention to target the area of concern for 4-6 weeks (4 weeks for behavior, 6 weeks for academics).

Step 3: Assess effectiveness of classroom interventions. Determine if intervention needs to continue, be modified; or if the child should be dismissed from intervention or referred for GEI or a Special Education evaluation.

Step 4: Consent from Parent/Guardian for Special Education evaluation or GEI.

Step 5: If a GEI referral, the GEI team (Principal, Mental Health/Disabilities Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Classroom Teacher, Parent/Guardian, other providers as needed) will meet to develop and implement a GEI plan to target the area of concern for 4-6 weeks (4 weeks for behavior, 6 weeks for academics). Access effectiveness of intervention and determine if it needs to continue or be modified; or if the child should be dismissed from GEI or referred for a Special Education evaluation.

Step 6: Level 2 screening will take place. A Dial will be completed by Special Education staff. Scores under 7% move forward to a Special Education evaluation. Scores above are reported to teachers for referral to GEI.

Step 7: If a Special Education evaluation, each specialist evaluates their own area. The team takes all scores into account and determines the child’s qualification. This process should be completed within 40 school days.

Step 8: Evaluation meeting is held. If the student qualifies, an IEP meeting will be scheduled. If a student does not qualify, a meeting to go over evaluation results and the team's recommendation not to qualify will be scheduled.

Households with low or no incomes across the country could still get thousands of dollars in federal money with the Child Tax Credit - even if they have never filed taxes before (and have not filed taxes this year).

Families can receive up to $3,600 with the Child Tax Credit if they file for this credit before November 15.

Claim your tax credit at getctc.org. The form takes about 15 minutes to complete, and tax documents are not required. If you want to claim additional money with the Earned Income Tax Credit, you will need your W-2(s) from your employer.

The conference is Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 at the Hotel Topeka at City Center, formerly the Capitol Plaza, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS. Head Start programs have historically had outstanding participation and I know they’re hoping for the same participation this year. Registration is now OPEN and there are a lot of engaging sessions and fun for the whole family. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-leadership-conference-registration-418923650917

Do you have a plan to VOTE?

For the convenience of students and staff, the district will begin offering two (2) over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to each student and staff member, upon request. Please contact Nurse Andrea Ferrell to make a request. You can reach her by email at aferrell@tps501.org or by calling the school office.

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.

November 5: Scarecrow Napkin Holder

November 26: Train Ornament

December 3: Santa Letters Mailbox

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 10:15.

You can find the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar HERE.

The Sheldon Food & Clothing Bank is up and running! If your family has any needs, reach out to your Family Advocate or call 785-438-4530.

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://sheldon.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 1155 SW Seabrook Ave.
Phone: 785-438-4530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheldonChildDevelopmentCenterHeadStart