Pine Ridge Prep Update

Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,

Happy December! As a reminder, our last day of school for this semester is Friday, December 16th. Students DO NOT have school December 19-January 4. We will see them back for the new year on Thursday, January 5th!

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

• December 6: PTO Meeting in the Conference Room @ 4:00
• December 14: Holiday Celebration @ 5:30-7:00 (see flyer below)
  

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

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. (Ex: buy things at a store, count out toys/treats to share, set the table, etc.)
  
• We are learning to understand patterns to help us predict what will happen next and that adding one more is a +1 pattern.
  

Math - 4 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. (Ex: buy things at a store, count out toys/treats to share, set the table, etc.)
  
• We are learning to count to tell the number of objects so we can name and label groups. (Ex. four friends at a table need four toys, 3 cars in front of us in the drive-thru, etc.)
• We are learning to understand amounts and the numbers they connect to using our math thinking and manipulatives/tools.

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 use new words so we can build our vocabulary. (CL.IT.P3.3)
• We are learning to identify parts of a book so we can understand the importance of books. (CL.L.p3.5)

Reading - 4 Year Olds

• We are learning to ask and answer questions about a text so we can analyze details from the story. (CL.IT.P4.1)
  
• We are learning to identify physical parts of a book so we can use a book correctly.
• We are learning to show our thoughts with words and pictures so that we can write our names.

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 our 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 to observe the changes of the weather so we can communicate about the weather.
  
• We are learning how plants and animals change the environment and in seasons so we can explain how plants and animals change.
• We are learning to observe different weather conditions so we know what clothes to wear when.

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 identify if feelings are the same or different.

What is self-regulation? Children can develop self-regulation through self-awareness and self-management skills. Self-awareness is recognizing one’s own behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and values. Self-management is being aware of one’s own behavior. This includes setting and meeting goals, self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcing.

Considerations:

• Self-regulation can be taught, modeled, and reinforced by focusing on self-awareness, setting goals, selfmonitoring, self-evaluating, and self-reinforcing. For example, at breakfast the family might take turns to share a goal for the day, how they are going to accomplish it, and what they will do after to celebrate their success. Then, at the end of the day they might share an accomplishment and an action plan for the next day.
• Everyone may benefit from self-regulating their thoughts and emotions during this difficult time. This might include developing strategies that support self-recognizing thoughts and emotions, as well as developing activities and exercises that support being present, including practicing mindfulness.

What are relationship skills? Relationship skills support children in learning how to build and keep healthy, joyful relationships. These skills include cooperating, seeking help when needed, and preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts to name just a few.

Considerations:

• Developing and following schedules, as well as setting and teaching expectations can provide structures that help everyone in preventing conflict. Examples to manage and resolve conflicts include showing empathy, problem-solving together, and seeking help when needed. • Children can practice cooperation by engaging in a family project, where each person has a role in the success of the project (e.g., a spring cleaning project at home, building a fort in your living room, building a LEGO project, yardwork, helping a neighbor needing help with yardwork).

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a state of being present in the moment. Mindfulness strategies may promote slowing down, thinking before acting, improved listening, and managing stress, anxiety, and fears.

Considerations:

• Families, including children and adults can use mindfulness when needing to manage their emotions.
• Mindfulness strategies include intentional breathing, connecting with nature (watching fish in an aquarium, watching animals at the zoo, taking a walk, etc.), or taking time for a favorite activity.

Name of Product: Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups (see photos below)

Hazard: The recalled stainless-steel bottles and cups bottom base can break off, exposing a solder dot that contains lead, posing a lead poisoning hazard to the child. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and can cause adverse health effects.

Remedy: Refund

Recall Date: November 23, 2022

Units: About 10,500

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.

January 1: Toss Game

February 5: Valentine's Photo Box

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