Pine Ridge Prep Update

Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,

Today marks the end of the first quarter of school! It sure has flown by! We are so proud of all the progress students are making and how well they have settled into the school routine. We have a lot of fun events coming up this month so make sure you read the details below carefully!

REMINDER: There is no school Monday & Tuesday, October 11 and 12. We will see you on Wednesday! Since next week is a short week, this newsletter is for this week and next.

Are you looking for a new job that would allow you to match your work schedule with your child's preschool schedule? Pine Ridge Prep is looking to hire a full-time classroom paraprofessional to work in one of our wonderful classrooms. If interested, please apply HERE.

Please ensure your children are coming to school with masks each day. It is a good idea to send a spare mask as well. We appreciate your support in ensuring students come to school prepared to learn and masks are essential to a safe learning environment. Additionally, please be sure your children are seated in the proper car seats, per Kansas law. If you need help with this, see the Family Resources section below!

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

This event will take place on Wednesday, October 13th from 4:30-6:00 on the playground! This will be a fun time with some take home goodies!

Pine Ridge Prep's Picture RETAKE Day is coming up on October 19! If your child was absent on picture day OR you are dissatisfied with your child's portraits, you are welcome to have them retake their picture. If your child did have their picture taken in September and you are wanting retakes, you must return the original pictures you received.

The flyer below provides details on the different packages that are available for order. You may order online, or pay by cash or check. If paying by cash, you must provide the EXACT amount. We will not be able to make change. If paying by check, please make the check out to Strawbridge Studios. Paying online is the easiest! We will collect orders and payments at the school beginning October 13 and ending on picture day, October 19.

This link will allow you to sign up to receive updates via email regarding your child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

Let us know if you have any questions!

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on October 20 from 4:00-8:00 and October 21 from 8:00-8:00. There will be NO SCHOOL for students on October 21 & 22. Your child's teacher has been working to schedule conferences with each family. If you have not scheduled a time with your child's teacher, please contact your child's teacher directly. These conferences will be held in person, but if you need a Zoom conference, please let the teacher know. We look forward to meeting with you and sharing your child's progress!

Stay tuned for details about the Fall Fling, Pumpkin Patch, and Costume Parade!

Please be sure you send an extra set of clothes (bottom, top, underwear, socks) with your student on the first day of school, in case of accidents. Make sure they are appropriate for the current weather.

Please be sure you are communicating with the office or your child's teacher when your child is sick or has been exposed to COVID-19. We are following all Shawnee County Health Department guidance when it comes to evaluating students being at school. We are keeping careful track of students who are identified as having COVID, as a close or household contact to ensure quarantine periods are being followed. Your communication is critical in ensuring we have the information we need to keep everyone safe and healthy! This page on the Topeka Public Schools website provides the most up-to-date COVID information for our families.

Christmas Bureau applications have opened up for this year! Click here for the forms.

The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education voted on August 5th to follow the CDC Universal masking guidelines to start the school year. This means that masks will be required indoors for all staff, students, and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required during outside times. Please be sure you send your student to school with a clean face mask each day. This is part of their required dress code and we appreciate your assistance with ensuring we are providing a safe environment for our students! We will also be continuing with frequent handwashing/sanitation, disinfection protocols, and maintaining a social distance of 3 feet. Follow this link to view the entire "TPS Safe to Return to School Plan".

You can find the 2021-2022 Academic Calendar HERE.

This updated document provides a list of food pantries and food resources available in English and in Spanish.

Family Service and Guidance Center is hosting a 12 session series for parents of an autistic child. The flyer is attached here.

The Nest, Pine Ridge Prep's food and clothing bank, is up and running! Ms. Heather is available to assist families with needs. You can reach her at 785-329-7876.

Are you receiving the amount you should for Child Tax Credit? This tool will help you determine what your payment should be.

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.

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