Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,

Happy New Year! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends. We were excited to welcome students back last week and are quickly jumping back into routines, procedures, and learning activities.

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

• January 10: PTO Meeting @ 3:45 in the Conference Room

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.
  
• We are learning to count with 1:1 correspondence
• 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.
  
• We are learning to count to tell the number of objects so we can name and label groups.
• 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 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 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 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 a story.

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 your 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 about different forces, push and pull so we can demonstrate the force on different objects.
  

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 recognize and name our feelings to help us calm down and manage them.

What is behavior specific praise?

Behavior specific praise refers to praise statements that name the exact behavior being acknowledged. In short, it is spoken acknowledgement used to let your child know they have met your expectations. Behavior specific praise is a strategy used to teach new behaviors and reinforce expected or desired behaviors. When using behavior specific praise, state the expected behavior as opposed to general praise such as “thank you” or “good job”. For example, “Johnny, thank you for washing your hands with soap for 20 second as soon as you came in from playing outside.” While both types of praise help create a positive atmosphere, in naming the specific behavior, your child will be clear about the behaviors you want them to continue. In this example, Johnny will most likely remember to wash his hands with soap upon entering your home in the future because he was clear on the expectation and it was positively noticed and acknowledged by his family. How do I use this strategy at home? Below, we provide the steps for how to use behavior specific praise at home.

Step 1:

Reflect on your current use of general “good job” and behavior specific praise “I see that you cleaned your room today!”

Step 2:

Identify the behaviors you would like your child to do more of in the future. Tip: If you built an expectation matrix for your family, focus on those behaviors.

Step 3:

Practice giving behavior specific praise.

Step 4:

Notice your child’s behavior throughout the day.

Step 5:

Provide behavior specific praise when you notice desired behavior.

Step 6:

Make a mental note of how often you are giving behavior specific praise throughout the day.

Step 7:

Ask your child what they think about receiving behavior specific praise from you.

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.

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.

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