Preschool Press
December 1, 2023
A Message from our Principal
I hope you enjoyed the recent break and now the cooler weather! The calendar year of 2023 is quickly coming to an end as we are just a few weeks away from our winter break. We are excited to spend the next few weeks wrapping up 2023 and all its success and looking ahead to 2024.
We have some wonderful news to announce for 2024! We will be adding another classroom at Terrace to start off the new year. The classroom will open on Monday, January 8, 2024! This is a great opportunity for your child to access skills and routines that will be similar to their upcoming kindergarten school year. Children must be four years of age on or before September 15, 2023 of this current school year. We are excited to meet our new students! There is additional information below in this Newsletter. Please call the Terrace office if you have any questions at 515-965-9670.
The registration is open now by simply following this link:
23-24 Ankeny Schools Registration
A reminder that our Winter Break is from Saturday, December 23, 2023 – Tuesday, January 2,
2024. I will miss all our students over the break and will look forward to seeing them back on
Thursday, January 4, 2024.
I wish you and your family a very happy Holiday Season and a happy New Year! May you have a
safe and heartwarming break with your child(ren), family, and friends. As we look
forward to 2024, my wish for you all is that it is filled with joy, hope and love.
Sincerely,
Yours in Education,
Sheila Schmidt
Principal
New Classroom Opening in January at Terrace!
We have some exciting news for after Winter Break!! On Monday, January 8, 2024, Terrace Learning Center will be opening an additional classroom. This will be a great opportunity for your child to participate in new learning in preparation for the upcoming Kindergarten year.
When: Classes begin Monday, January 8, 2024
Registration Begins: Today! Simply follow this link. Completed applications will be timed stamped to determine eligibility.
Registration link: 23-24 Ankeny Schools Registration
Registration checklist: Registration Checklist
How many students in a class:
Morning Session: 8:15 am-10:45 am - 10 spots available
Afternoon Session: 11:45 am - 2:15 pm - 10 spots available
Our preschool program is funded through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Grant. Our program is free to families and available to students who meet these eligibility requirements:
Age: Children must be four years of age on or before September 15, 2023 of the current school year.
Children who qualify for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for Special Education services, with goals beyond speech only, are eligible at the date of their third birthday.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, register today to guarantee your spot. We are looking forward to meeting our new Terrace students.
If you have any questions, please call the Terrace office, at 515-965-9670. We would be happy to help.
How do I let Terrace know my student will be absent?
If your student will be absent, late, or leaving early for any reason, please contact Jessica in the Terrace office using one of the following methods:
- Call 515-965-9670 (feel free to leave a message if outside of school hours!)
- Email preschool@ankenyschools.org
- Utilize the absence reporting tool in Infinite Campus
- Main Menu > More > Absence Requests
Any absences must to be accounted for by informing the Terrace office using one of the methods listed above. While we encourage open communication between families and teachers, kindly note that our office handles all attendance matters.
As a reminder - if the school is not notified of your student's absence, office staff will reach out to household contacts listed in Infinite Campus.
December Dates to Remember
12/1 - Picture retakes
12/6 - PTO Meeting 6PM
12/7 - PTO Winter Ornament Night 6-7PM
12/11 - No School
12/12 - Chick-fil-A Spirit Night 5-8PM
12/22 - Winter Parties (see below on how to volunteer!)
12/25 - 1/2 Winter Break - no school
1/4/24 - Classes at Terrace resume
A Note from Nurse Katie
Terrace families,
With the change of weather, so sets in virus and germ season. While we take conscious efforts to keep all of our friends healthy and safe with routine cleaning, hand hygiene, and reminders to cover coughs, illnesses can still arise. There may be students or staff within our school community who have compromised immune systems, so it is especially important that we do all we can to be thoughtful about each other’s health.
With that in mind, this is a friendly reminder to keep your student home if they are not feeling well or are symptomatic (diarrhea, vomiting, rash of unknown origin, constant cough, sore throat). Colds are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until fever free without the use of fever reducing medications, for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring them to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
In health,
515-965-9670
How do I volunteer in my child's classroom?
Terrace welcomes any and all parent volunteers! If you are interested in being a volunteer, please visit the Volunteer Portal at this link.
In order to be come a fully vetted volunteer, please ensure you complete all three steps:
Once you receive email notification that your Better Impact profile has been created and you are a fully approved volunteer, you may sign up for volunteer opportunities on the Better Impact website. Only volunteers who have registered for an activity or event within Better Impact after completing all three steps listed above will be permitted to enter the building and volunteer. Be sure to bring a photo ID when you arrive.
Contact Jessica in the Terrace office at 515-965-9670 with any questions!
What's for snack?
Community Resources
Below are brochures full of information to assist Ankeny residents in finding community resources. If you're in need, these resources can assist with food, clothing, diapers, transportation, therapy, and more. Families may also continue to reach out to Terrace Social Worker Tracey Campo-Westergaard at 515-965-9604 ext. 58887.
Friday Backpack Food Program
Address: 310 NW School Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
Tel: 515-965-9670
Facebook: facebook.com/TerracePreschool
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Ankeny Community School District does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, military affiliation, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Inquiries or grievances may be directed to Kenneth Morris, Jr., Director of Equity, 306 SW School Street, P.O. Box 189, Ankeny, IA, 50021-0189, (515) 965-9600, kenneth.morris@ankenyschools. org; or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661.