Pine Ridge Prep Update

Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,

This is our last week of school for 2022 and the last parent newsletter until we resume in January. 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 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.

Setting up for Success at Home: Using Ci3T Structures to Facilitate Positive, Productive Continuous Learning Opportunities during the COVID-19 Crisis

Scheduling for Success

After creating routines for keeping your family members safe and healthy, another priority is to establish a schedule for the “new normal” at home. The schedule can help ease stress and anxiety for the whole family. During a time of uncertainty, well-balanced schedules create predictability and facilitate normalcy. A schedule also supports feelings of safety and structure by preplanning the major happenings of the day. These often include sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and academic activities. Below we have provided a few examples of schedules for your child based on age group. To create your own schedule, consider and discuss with your family the following questions:

Overall Considerations

• What would you like to retain from your current routine?
• What are the new routines you would like to put in place?
• When creating a schedule, consider your needs as a parent, individual, and a professional.
• When planning your child’s schedule, consider how you can plan time for yourself to work, relax, and spend time with your family.

What changes may be needed in the routines or schedule for...

Morning Considerations

• Wake up time each day?
• First thing after waking?
• General hygiene expectations after waking? (e.g., brushing teeth, showering, taking clothes to laundry room or basket, cleaning technology or other surfaces)
• Breakfast preparation or cleaning guidelines?
• Eating breakfast? (e.g., what? where?)
• Morning chores? (e.g., keeping your space germ free, managing toys, games, materials to share with family members)

Daytime Considerations

• Academic activities for the day?
• Length of academic activities? • when will your child take needed breaks? Will they be scheduled or as your child decides they are needed?
• Taking outside breaks? Tip: Use precorrection to remind your child about social distancing and good hygiene practices.
• Cleaning time before and after meals?
• Screen time and other technology time? Should this time be supervised, if so, consider the location for where this time will occur (shared family spaces, set parental controls on technology).

Evening Considerations

• Cleaning time before and after dinner?
• How your child can participate in keeping your home ‘germ free’ or other housework during the evenings?
• How your child will spend their time during the evenings?
• Family time?
• Relaxing at home in the evenings? S
• creen time and other technology time? Should this time be supervised, if so, consider the location for where this time will occur (shared family spaces, set parental controls on technology).
• Bedtime routines including general hygiene expectations before bedtime? (e.g., brushing teeth, showering, tidying room, wiping down the bathroom faucets, light switches, and doorknobs)
• Bedtime routine and bedtime “lights out”? Once you consider and discuss the above areas and others relevant to your family, you are ready to create a schedule for the day.

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.

Holidays can be a challenge for our loved ones with mental disorders. This presents a challenge for us. We want to help—-but how? Come and meet with friends at the monthly NAMI Family Support Group meeting. We just might have some helpful tips.

Time: Monday, Dec. 12, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Place: Faith Lutheran Church

1716 SW Gage Blvd.

Kay Logan, Susan Barnes - Co-Leaders

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