Sheldon Update

Dear Sheldon Families,

Reminder - there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 27th!

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we are excited about the many upcoming events and celebrations planned for our students. This is a special time to recognize their hard work, growth, and accomplishments.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing the importance of finishing the year strong. Please encourage your child to continue making positive choices and follow the expectations outlined in our student handbook focused on good citizenship and conduct. Doing so helps ensure that all students can safely and fully participate in our end-of-year activities.

Our expectations are in place to support a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. When these expectations are met, it allows everyone to fully enjoy the celebrations and experiences that make this time of year so meaningful.

We are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made this year and look forward to celebrating a positive and successful close to the school year together. Thank you for your continued support!

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

Did you know that T-Mobile offers free 200GB of internet per year for 5 years, a free hotspot per household, with no fees, costs, or annual re-certifications for families with students in Kindergarten-12th grade? Check out more information and apply here.

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.

• Preschool Summer Camp @ Shaner

See details below!

The Preschool Application for next school year is open. ALL preschool students, including those who will be returning for their second year, MUST complete the online application.

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.

Confidentiality

POLICY: 1303.20

All personal information related to the child, family, center, and agency will remain confidential.

PROCEDURE:

1. Staff members must secure all information related to children, families, and fellow staff in a locked file. Each staff member is responsible for having a key stored in a designated area, accessible exclusively to staff. Access to these files is permitted for the management team and family service personnel. Parents have the right to view their own child's file.
2. Family files will include completed enrollment forms, health documents, Family Partnership Agreements, referrals, follow-up reports, records of contacts with families, and pertinent information about other agencies and community resources. Any documentation regarding suspected child abuse or safety concerns, such as domestic violence or other abuse issues, must be stored in a separate confidential locked file.
3. Information must not be disclosed to anyone outside of program staff or used on social media without obtaining written consent from the parent or legal guardian. Conversations about children and families should occur privately, away from others.
4. Records about children with disabilities, which include diagnoses or test results, will be kept in a locked file. Additionally, mental health test results for children will also be stored in a locked file.
5. All staff and volunteers are tasked with maintaining the confidentiality of any information they come across while at the center or during center events. This responsibility extends to information about staff, parents, volunteers, children, families, or other agency matters. Violating confidentiality may result in termination.
6. All computer systems must have password protection. Users are expected to log off, shut down, or activate the locked screen feature when leaving their computers unattended for an extended period.

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)

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.

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!

@SheldonChildDevelopmentCenterHeadStart

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.

Take a look at the Topeka Resources Checklist. This is very helpful for planning! This is a list of possible resources to help you stretch your dollars and avoid economic emergencies. Place a check beside the ones you are using or have used.

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.

English and Spanish

Website: https://sheldon.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 1155 SW Seabrook Ave.
Phone: 785-438-4530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheldonChildDevelopmentCenterHeadStart