PRE Newsletter
September 10, 2021
Important Dates
September 13-17 Soles 4 Souls Shoe Collection
September 16 Watch DOGS Meeting 6:00 P.M. (see details below)
September 17 Lap-a-thon
September 22 Two hour late start--students report between 10:30-10:40 A.M. with tardy bell at 10:45 A.M.
September 23-29 Book Fair
September 29 Half-day with Dismissal at 12:10 P.M.
September 29-30 Parent/Teacher Conferences
September 30-October 1 No School
COVID Communication
Since we are in a new school year during a pandemic, there have been a few changes around exposure communication. Last year I would send a message to the entire school community, a grade level, or a specific classroom communicating the possible level of COVID exposure. This year, contact tracing and communication was turned over to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE). What we have experienced is delay in communication due to the high number of cases that the health department is handling. In order to provide as up-to-date information as possible to families, I will now communicate possible exposure as soon as there is a known positive case within a particular grade level. The health department will notify parents if their child is identified as a close contact.
You can access the district website for COVID-19 information https://www.usd232.org/Domain/4076. For current information and facts regarding COVID-19 in Kansas, refer to KDHE’s COVID-19 webpage at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/ or the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s website at: https://www.jocogov.org/coronavirus-covid-19-update.
4th & 5th Grade Choir
It is time to enroll for choir! Choir is open to any 4th or 5th grader who chooses to join. Click this link to learn more and sign up!
PRE Lap-a-thon
With your help we are getting closer and closer to reaching our fundraising goal. Just one more week to go!!! To help us make this year successful please remember to log into your PledgeStar account and share your students fundraising page on Facebook, text messages and email. Sharing your fundraising page has shown to double contributions.
Donate today at: http://pledgestar.com/prairie
We also accept PayPal (prefamilies@gmail.com) and checks made payable to PRE PTO (please send checks to school in an envelope marked PRE LAP-A-THON). Please do not send cash.
All donations are tax deductible.
Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on September 29 in the late afternoon and evening as well as all day and evening on September 20. Families have the option of meeting in person or virtually. If you choose to meet in person, masks are required. Please use the link below to sign-up. Scroll across the tabs at the top to find your child's teacher's sign-up page.
Fall 2021 Book Fair
Save the date for our Fall 2021 Book Fair! We will be having an IN PERSON fair during school hours September 23, 24, 27 & 28! Students will be scheduled to shop with their classes during those days. Want to shop but can't make it during the day? We will be open on Wednesday, September 29 from 4-7:30pm for family shopping.
A flyer with more specific information will be sent home soon. Questions? Contact us at prebookfair232@gmail.com or visit www.scholastic.com/bf/prefall2021.We look forward to seeing you!
Build a Mascot Night
Join us at Prairie Ridge Elementary on October 14th as we take a virtual trip to the Topeka Zoo. We will get to go behind the scenes of the cougar exhibit with the help of the cougar caretakers.
After the virtual trip you will get a chance to build your very own mascot! Purchase an unstuffed 16” cougar kit at the link below. Students will also make a craft and get their photo taken with their cougar. If you are unable to join us on October 14th, you can still purchase a kit and stuff your cougar at home. Deadline to order is September 20th - we will not have cougars available to purchase at the event!
SEPTEMBER 22--TWO HOUR LATE START
Make Plans Now
The Board of Education approved three (3) delayed start days for the 2021-22 school year. The first delayed start date is Wednesday, September 22. Students will begin school two (2) hours later than normal. Students will need to be at school for their first class at 10:45 a.m.
Students who ride the bus will simply add two hours to their normal pick up time. For example, if the normal pick-up time is 8:05 a.m., the pick-up time on September 22 would be 10:05 a.m.
Teachers and support staff will report for duty at their normal time on September 22. Schools will utilize time with staff for needed training and professional development. The other two dates for delayed starts will be October 10 and April 6.
Double Diamond Award
We are happy to bring back the Double Diamond Award last week. This award will be given out every Friday to a class that has exemplified specific expectations during their specials classes. Specials teachers have explained what students need to do in order to earn this award.
•Listen AND follow teacher directions
•Only talking during appropriate times
•Use an inside voice when working
•Show RESPECT to everyone and to property
•Enter and Exit the classroom appropriately
•Give YOUR personal best effort during class
Mrs. Robertson's kindergarten class won the Double Diamond Award this week. Congratulations!!!
Golden Spoon Winners
K--Peterson
1st--Lawyer
2nd--Zymball
3rd--Mulder
4th--Shaffer
5th--Mantel
Community Service Opportunity
Our first service event will be held after school on Sept 21st – Please use the Sign up Genius to participate!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABA823A7FC1-prepto1
We will be supporting SOLES4SOULS, an organization that turns unwanted shoes into opportunity. At the after school event kids will sort, organize, mate, and pack for shipping all the shoe donations received (1hr of service). At HOME kids could spend time cleaning out closets to locate unused shoes, collecting from neighbors unwanted shoes, and bringing the shoes to school the week of lap-a-thon for donation (many possible hours of service). We hope families enjoy the service opportunities this year! See more about our first event at www.soles4souls.org
WATCH D.O.G.S.
Join us at Prairie Ridge on Thursday, September 16th at 6pm for Watch D.O.G.S. orientation. This orientation is mandatory for all new volunteers, but open to all. Pizza will be provided and masks are required! Look forward to seeing you!
WATCH D.O.G.S. is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement organizations in which fathers and father-figures make a positive impact by volunteering at their local schools. At PRE Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer for 1-half day per semester to assist with school safety, car loop, and playground duties as well as acting as a positive male role model for all students.
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Community partner Country Club Bank is providing support to ensure this service is available in USD 232.