Sheldon Update

Dear Sheldon Families,

A reminder that we will have NO SCHOOL this Wednesday-Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will see students back on Monday, November 28th!

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.

Several parents have reached out and are interested in getting a Sheldon shirt just like their students. If you would like to order one, please complete this form and pay for your shirt by Wednesday, November 30. While the price of these shirts varies based on how many are ordered, we can expect them to be around $10. You may pay by EXACT cash, check (made out to Gabrielle Tanner) or Venmo (@gabrielle-tanner). Please be sure to include your student's name so I know who to get the shirt to.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bus transportation for your Sheldon students, please DO NOT call Kansas Central. The fastest way to get your questions answered and concerns addressed, is to call us at the school.

At Parent/Teacher Conferences, teachers shared information with each family about the Family Engagement piece of our COR Advantage/Kaymbu tool. You were given directions on how to download the app and set up your account. On the last page of those directions was the November Monthly Activity Calendar. Please choose one activity from this month, take a picture or video of your family doing that activity, and send it to your child's teacher through the app. We are so excited to make the connection between learning at school and at home!

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.

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!

Promoting Physical Development

POLICY:

Staff will promote the physical development of all children, including participation of children with disabilities, as a part of promoting school readiness. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.30, 1302.31

PROCEDURE:

1. Provide sufficient time and space, both indoors and outdoors, for active play and large motor development such as jumping, running, balancing, climbing, and riding toys (20-30 minutes AM and 20-30 minutes PM).

2. Provide a sufficient quantity and variety of equipment and materials to meet individual needs.

3. Provide adult guidance and support during activities and use of materials and equipment.

4. Provide creative movement activities using obstacle courses, activity songs, etc. Provide fine motor activities such as stacking, stringing beads, pegboards, puzzles, lacing cards, and woodworking.

5. Utilize child’s ongoing assessment information to assist in planning and accessing appropriate activities and skill development in lesson plans.

6. Integrate development of social skills by including non-competitive large and small group games.

7. All equipment must meet safety standards.

8. The outdoor play area should meet the following criteria to the extent possible:

• There are a variety of activity choices (children can ride, construct, swing, climb, read, pour, dig, kick, throw, pretend, paint, balance, cooperate, and play games).
• There are play opportunities and equipment for children with differing abilities.
• There are grassy, open areas.
• There is a smooth surface for equipment with wheels.
• There is enough room for children to move freely without getting in other people’s way.

• There are a variety of hard and soft textures and surfaces (grass, sand, paved areas, wood chips).
• There are shady areas which include a place for activities such as drawing or working a puzzle.
• There is a storage area to hold equipment and toys.
• There should be a minimum of 75 sq ft of space per child.

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 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