Sheldon Update
Sheldon's Weekly Family Newsletter ~ April 6, 2026
Welcome from Mrs. Tanner
Dear Sheldon Families,
We hope you had a great 3 day weekend! The next few weeks until the end of the school year are going to fly by!
You will receive a weekly newsletter from me highlighting all upcoming dates and events. The weekly newsletter will also include reminders and important information. Please make sure to read the newsletter each week so you stay informed! This is the number one way I communicate with all families. This newsletter will be sent via email, text, and posted on our Sheldon Facebook page. Speaking of, haven't followed us yet on social media? Please do! We love to share pictures of all the fun we are having!
If you have further questions after reading, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Thank you for the privilege of serving you ~
Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner, Principal
Preschool Summer Camp
CORRECTION: All preschool summer camp takes place at Shaner. Summer camp options are available to Topeka Public Schools Preschool students! Take a look at the link below. Please note, Sheldon is NOT a host site for preschool summer camp.
A-Z Summer Countdown
See details below!
Kindergarten Orientation CHALLENGE!
Week of the Young Child
We will celebrate The Week of the Young Child with a spirit week April 13th-17th. See details below!
Spring Class Pictures & 4 Year Old Promotion Pictures
Class Picture Day will take place on April 9th. All students will receive one free group photo of
their child's class. No orders are necessary.
Strawbridge will also be taking cap & gown pictures of our 4 year old students who will be promoting to Kindergarten next year! These photos will be available for purchase. See the flyer below for ordering details. A paper order form will be sent home with students as well. We are excited to offer families this opportunity this year! Please be mindful of student hairstyles to ensure the cap fits on well, stays on, and doesn't mess up their hair-do when taking it off.
This link will allow parents to sign up to receive updates via email regarding their child's school
portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more
pictures at a later time. When entering student information, parents should be sure to enter the
student's name as it is on file at the school.
26-27 Preschool Application
Kindergarten Orientation
See the flyers above for information on Kindergarten Orientation. ALL FAMILIES with students who are going to Kindergarten next year should plan to attend. You will attend this event at your home Kindergarten school. We will provide information at Parent/Teacher Conferences on your child's home Kindergarten school.
Upcoming Events
Important School Information
Sheldon Head Start Policies & Procedures
As a federal Head Start program, Sheldon implements policies & procedures to ensure a safe and effective program. Each week, one will be posted here for review. This quarter our focus is on Program Management & Governance.
Program Evaluation/Self-Assessment
POLICY: 1302.102
The program will conduct an annual self-assessment to evaluate the effectiveness and progress in achieving program goals and objectives, as well as in implementing Federal regulations.
PROCEDURE:
- The Head Start program evaluation is performed by all program management, staff, and policy council/governing board.
- The team will use various resources to determine a list of strengths and weaknesses. A parent survey will be given to parents to get their input on any changes they feel are necessary to improve the program.
- The team will take the information they have gathered from staff and parents and create a self-assessment plan that identifies specific weaknesses that need to be addressed, strategies that will be used, and a timeline on when to expect completions to occur.
- All improvement plans will be submitted to the Policy Council and TPS School Board for review and approval.
Time to Eat!
Sheldon Head Start School Day Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:15 AM - 4:00 PM
- Arrival begins: 9:00 AM (drop off through car line)
- School starts: 9:15 AM
- Arrival ends: 9:15 AM (Students will be considered tardy after 9:15 AM. Students arriving after 9:15 AM will need to sign in at the main office)
- Dismissal begins: 3:45 PM (pick up in the car line)
- Dismissal ends: 4:00 PM (all students must be picked up by 4:00 PM)
Late Start Fridays (every Friday): 10:15 AM - 4:00 PM
- Arrival begins: 10:15 AM (drop off through car line)
- School starts: 10:15 AM
- Arrival ends: 10:30 AM (Students will be considered tardy after 10:30 AM. Students arriving after 10:30 AM will need to sign in at the main office)
- Dismissal begins: 3:45 PM (pick up in the car line)
- Dismissal ends: 4:00 PM (all students must be picked up by 4:00 PM)
TPS 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Sheldon Head Start follows the Topeka Public Schools Academic Calendar. The only exceptions are a later start date and earlier end date. The first day of school for Sheldon students is Wednesday, August 20th. The last day of school for Sheldon students will be May 18th.
Follow Sheldon Head Start on Facebook
Our Sheldon Head Start Facebook page is active! We use this as a way to communicate with families and share many pictures. Please follow the page to stay updated!
Community Resources
Kansas Food Source
Check out this link for Kansas Food Source. This link provides a map of all of the KS counties and indicates what food resources are available in each county.
Topeka Resources Checklist
Community Resources Council Directory
If in need of resources, you can also contact the United Way by dialing 211.
Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center
Website: https://sheldon.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 1155 SW Seabrook Ave.
Phone: 785-438-4530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheldonChildDevelopmentCenterHeadStart