Sheldon Update
Sheldon's Weekly Family Newsletter - 1.4.24
Welcome from Mrs. Tanner
Dear Sheldon Families,
What a wonderful morning welcoming students back! We hope you've enjoyed the holidays with your families.
Click here to access the 2023-2024 Family Handbook.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me!
Thank you for the privilege of serving you ~
Mrs. Gabrielle Tanner, Principal
New Proposed Head Start Performance Standards - Comment Period Open
The Office of Head Start is proposing changes to the Head Start Performance Standards, which are the set of regulations that programs are held accountable to. On November 20, 2023, the proposed standards were released and are open for public comment for 60 days. The comment period closes on January 19, 2024 and a determination on whether to implement these changes will be made after that date. You may click this link to read the proposed standards and access several items, including documents and webinars, that make these changes clear.
Upcoming Events
January Events
January 4: Beginning of 3rd Quarter
January 4: TSCPL StoryTime
January 4: Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30
January 10: Policy Council Meeting @ 11:30
January 15: NO SCHOOL - MLK, Jr. Day
January 17: Fire Safety Lesson
January 18: Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30
January 29: Kansas Day
January 30: TSCPL StoryTime
School Information
FCC Grant for Chromebook
Does your family have a need for a computer in order for you student to continue learning activities or engage with the school? USD501 has Chromebooks available for families through a grant with the FCC. If you are interested, please reach out to Mrs. Tanner.
Sheldon Shirts
All students should have received their blue Sheldon Sharks t-shirt. We encourage students to join us in wearing their Sheldon shirt EVERY FRIDAY of the school year!
School Day Hours
Monday through Thursday: 9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Arrival begins: 9:15 a.m.
Arrival ends: 9:30 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 9:35 a.m.)
Dismissal begins: 3:45 p.m.
Dismissal ends: 4:00 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 4:00 p.m.)
Late Start Fridays (every Friday): 10:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Arrival begins: 10:15 a.m.
Arrival ends: 10:30 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 10:35 a.m.)
Dismissal begins: 3:45 p.m.
Dismissal ends: 4:00 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 4:00 p.m.)
Time to Eat!
Important Information
TPS 2023-2024 Academic Calendar
Sheldon Head Start follows the Topeka Public Schools Academic Calendar.
Policy & Procedure Review
Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Family Service and Parent Involvement. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!
Family Needs Assessment
POLICY:
Identified family needs will be addressed through support, information and referral. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR Part 1302.34, 1302.50, 1302.52, 1302.53, 1302.102
PROCEDURE:
1. In an effort to begin collaborative partnership building with parents concerning their long-term goals, it is imperative to address the family in relation to their immediate concerns. Therefore, the family needs assessment will be initiated during the initial home visit with the teacher, followed up by the Family Advocate.
2. The Family Advocate will attempt to complete a family assessment twice each school year.
3. The information provided will assist the Family Advocate in determining how best to maximize and maintain family strengths while focusing on needs and/or concerns.
4. While the Family Assessment form is a questionnaire, it will serve as a conversational guide to engage families in discussion in what they perceive as their needs.
5. Once the family’s strengths and needs have been identified, the next step is to prioritize. At this point, services will then be made available to meet the needs of each family. If the family chooses to set a goal, a Family Partnership Agreement form outlining their goal is completed. All parents will be encouraged to complete the Family Partnership Agreement.
6. To the extent possible, family assessment and goal setting will be developed with the family in a home setting. However, in no case will home visits be a condition of the child’s enrollment in Head Start.
7. The Family Advocate will document as follows:
a. Family Assessment form.
b. Visits and additional contacts.
c. Referrals and resources given to the family.
d. Any follow up that needs to be done and completed.
Community Resources
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