Pine Ridge Prep Update
April 17, 2023
Welcome from Mrs. Tanner & Mrs. Banzhaf
Dear Pine Ridge Prep Families,
Happy Monday! If you would like your preschooler to attend summer school at PRP, please complete this form or call the school office at 785-329-7870 ASAP! We will be attending the Stephen Fite concert next week. Keep an eye out for permission slip 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 18: Mufins with My Miss @ 8:00AM - Conference Room
- April 19: Visit to the Advisors Excel Barnyard at Sheldon Head Start
- April 21: GraceMed Dental Clinic @ 10:00
- 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
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
Time to Eat!
Using Active Supervision at Home
What is precorrection?
Active supervision is an effective strategy to support children in engaging in expected or desired behavior. To use active supervision, the adult or caregiver frequently monitors children in specific settings or during activities before problems occur. Active supervision keeps children safe, minimizes behavior problems, and promotes the learning and use of desired behaviors. Active supervision involves a few key steps: set expectations, frequently looking around (scanning), positive interactions (verbal and nonverbal precorrections and reminders), reinforcement of desired behavior, and, when necessary, correction to help children learn the expected behavior.
How do I use this strategy at home?
Below, we provide the steps for how to get started with active supervision at home. Following the steps are two examples, one for younger children and one for older youth.
Step Description
- Step 1: Identify the setting or activity that would benefit most from active supervision.
- Step 2: Ensure that your child understands the routines and expectations for the setting or activity. If not, routines and expectations must be established.
- Step 3: Remind your child to get started with the next part of their day (e.g., transition) or to begin an activity.
- Step 4: As the activity unfolds, look around and monitor you child’s behavior.
- Step 5: Use proximity (physical closeness), verbal cues, and other non-verbal communication (e.g., smile, wink) to let your child know you are paying attention to what they are doing.
- Step 6: If a problem comes up, talk with your child privately, in a non-emotional way, and give opportunities for positive interactions between you and your child.
- Step 7: At different times throughout the activity, and at the end of the activity, praise your child’s desirable behavior with positive comments and gestures.
- Step 8: Provide your child with an opportunity to give feedback.


Informational Items
Kansas Education Enrichment Program
The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) is a program approved by the State Finance Council, as recommended by the SPARK Executive Committee, to support Kansas families and children recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning. KEEP provides qualifying parents and guardians with a $1,000 award per eligible student to pay for a variety of education goods and services that promote educational learning recovery and facilitate academic enrichment opportunities. Beneficiaries can spend their award funds in an online education marketplace that offers a variety of approved education goods and services.
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.