Pine Ridge Prep Update
April 10, 2023

Welcome from Mrs. Tanner & Mrs. Banzhaf
Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,
Keep an eye on evening events - Kindergarten Orientation and Indigenous Family Night are both this week!
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
Upcoming Events


April Events
- April 13: Class Pictures (morning)
- April 14: KCYA Event @ 10:30-11:15 and 11:30-12:15
- April 18: Mufins with My Miss @ 8:00AM
- April 19: Visit to the Advisors Excel Barnyard at Sheldon Head Start
- April 25-28: Jungle Week! Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
- April 26: Parent Rights Advocacy Night @ 5:30-6:30 (at Sheldon Head Start)
You can find all school events listed on our school calendar which you can access on our webpage.
Parent Rights Advocacy Night
Wednesday, April 26th, 5:30-6:30pm
1155 Southwest Seabrook Avenue
Topeka, KS
Presented by: Families Together and Sheldon Head Start
This informational training will educate parents and guardians of their role and legal rights when it comes to the special education process. Attendees will learn how to best advocate for their student(s) and will learn about community resources that are available to help!
**Childcare and dinner will be provided!**
Please RSVP so that we have an accurate count for dinner planning! Click this link to RSVP.
For any questions please call: Haley Mortensen at (785) 438-4545
Items That Need Your Attention
Class Photos
Summer Programs
Pine Ridge Prep students are invited and encouraged to register to attend Pine Ridge Prep Preschool Camp, available only to current Pine Ridge Prep students! Click the link below to see more information and to register your student(s).
Pine Ridge Prep Preschool Camp
In addition, Topeka Public Schools offers multiple summer programs for students. Click on the link below to explore the different programs.

We Are Learning To...
This Week We Are Learning To...
Math - 3 Year Olds
- We are learning to compare numbers and explain our answer so we can talk about what we want or need.
- We are learning to precisely describe and compare measurable attributes so we can compare objects.
Math - 4 Year Olds
- We are learning to compare numbers and explain our answer so we can talk about what we want or need.
- We are learning to precisely describe and compare measurable attributes so we can compare objects.
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 illustrations so we can compare and contrast texts.
- We are learning to speak clearly so others can understand our ideas, feelings, and needs.
- We are learning to speak clearly so others can understand our ideas, feelings, and needs.
- We are learning to draw pictures so we can share information with others.
Reading - 4 Year Olds
- We are learning to ask and answer questions about a text so we can analyze key details from the story.
- We are learning to use details so we can compare and contrast text.
- We are learning to use words to express our thoughts so we can verbally express what we know.
- We are learning to use words to express our thoughts so we can verbally express what we know.
- 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 identify positive actions in the classroom so we can create a better learning community.
- We are learning to recognize events that have happened in the past, present, and future so we can understand changes in our daily lives.
Social Studies - 4 Year Olds
- We are learning to identify positive actions in the community so when we grow up we are a part of a nice community.
- We are learning to recognize historical figures so we can understand the changes that affect our daily lives.
Science
- We are learning to recognize the difference between helpful and harmful actions toward the natural environment.
Social/Emotional Learning
- We are learning to use fair ways so that we can have fun when playing with friends.
- We are learning to say the problem so that we can think of solutions.
Ci3T Weekly Parent Newsletter
Using Precorrection at Home
What is precorrection?
Precorrection is a proactive strategy to support behavior. The strategy is used when adults identify predictable times when children and youth may benefit from additional guidance or support. With the use of precorrection, adults can shift from responding after a challenging behavior occurs with negative consequences (e.g., a reprimand) to preventing the challenging behavior by reminding students of expectations before entering an environment or activity. One example of using precorrection is when an adult reminds a child to leave their phone in their room or other location before coming to the table for dinner.
How do I use this strategy at home?
Below, we provide the steps for how to get started with precorrection at home. Following the steps are two examples, one for younger children and one for older youth.
Step Description
- Step 1: Identify a time during the day or a specific activity when your child tends to need more of your direction or supervision.
- Step 2: Determine the expected behavior you would like to see from your child.
- Step 3: Check the space to see if the environment needs some adjustments to set the stage for the desired behavior to occur.
- Step 4: Provide opportunities for your child to practice the desired behaviors.
- Step 5: Acknowledge your child when they engage in the expected behaviors.
- Step 6: Develop a plan to remind your child about the expected behavior before they begin the activity or enter the location.
- Step 7: Watch to see how your child responds when you “precorrect” to see if it is helpful. Ask your child what they think about “precorrection.” Is it helping them have a more positive day?
Time to Eat!


Informational Items
Late Start
Academic Calendar
FutureNow: Finance!
Communities In Schools of Mid-America is hosting two FutureNow: Finance events this spring. The first event is at Topeka High School on April 26th and 27th, followed by Topeka West High School's rescheduled event on May 4th.
Sign up for the event at Topeka High on April 26th and 27th here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094DA5A92CABFA7-futurenow7
Sign up for the event at Topeka West event on May 4th here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094da5a92cabfa7-spring#/
FutureNow: Finance is an interactive financial literacy simulation. Students receive a profile detailing their life at age 26, including their profession, salary, family status, and more. They use this information to navigate through stations representing all the expenses they must account for in a month, such as housing, transportation, child care, groceries, etc. Volunteers are positioned at each station to help students determine what they owe and help them with their budget. Students leave the event with a better understanding of creating and balancing a budget.
The success and lasting impact of these events depend on volunteers like you. We hope you will join us for this incredible volunteer experience. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Miranda Carpenter at Miranda.Carpenter@cismidamerica.org.
Family Resources






Food & Clothing Bank
Community Resources Council Directory
If in need of resources, you can also contact the United Way by dialing 211.