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Dear Head Start & VPK Team Members,

We have reached the end of the first nine-weeks and home visits are on their way! I have seen so many rich print environments and wonderful lessons thus far this school year! Head Start and VPK Teachers rock! Students completed the beginning of the year/first 6-week unit and now students are studying pets. Mrs. Walker and I have good baseline CLASS data that will be used for coaching purposes and good STAR baseline data. I think this will be the year that every school will meet their school readiness goals!

There are a myriad of curriculum materials and I look forward to seeing all of them in action. "Power Hour," has begun again using "Brainspring" and Al's Pals as resources for the 4-year-old and 3-year-old students respectively. Thank you to those Mentor Teachers and Managers that facilitate the planning of this hour. I have seen "Imagine Learning," in use and I understand it is a little different than the pilot, but the students are certainly benefiting from instruction in their home language. In Head Start, with the longer day they are able to utilize Marco Polo educational videos and "Kindermusik."

Enjoy this newsletter as there are so many wonderful happenings in each service area. I cannot thank the Managers enough for always planning and facilitating so many events: recruitment, Family Fun Events, professional development, and more!

Yours in education,

Marla Russell

The first quarter of the school year has flown by, with students settling into routines and building relationships with teachers and classmates. Teachers kicked off the year by participating in a two-day preservice training that focused on curriculum, program review and updates, and new student programs including Imagine Learning, Marco Polo, and Kindermusik. Tony Chaidez of Lakeshore Learning, provided support, mentorship, and instruction to pre-service teachers, through a dynamic workshop, filled with high energy activities and hands-on learning experiences. Each teacher was given resources and materials for their classrooms, courtesy of Lakeshore and one lucky winner received an Outdoor Play Set for their site.

Classes celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin American flags, field trips to the pumpkin patch and fire station, and guest speakers. Four-year-old students completed the STAR Early Literacy assessment in September, and teachers are scheduling and meeting with parents for home visits to discuss student progress and goals.

Implementation is underway for new programs, Imagine Learning, Kindermusik, and Marco Polo. Imagine Learning is a digital education platform that provides personalized learning experiences for students, primarily in the areas of literacy, math, and language development. The platform is designed to support our pre-K students and may be used in both classroom settings and for individual learning at home. It tailors lessons based on students' skill levels and learning needs, offering interactive, engaging content to help them master key academic concepts. Kindermusik is a music and movement-based educational program designed for young children, typically from infancy to age 7, to foster early development in areas like language, cognitive growth, physical coordination, social skills, and emotional expression. The program incorporates singing, dancing, instrument play, and storytelling, all aimed at helping children develop important skills while engaging in fun, interactive activities.Marco Polo is an educational platform designed for young children, offering a variety of interactive, engaging, and curriculum-based content to support early childhood education. It focuses on making learning fun and accessible for kids ages 3 to 7 through digital resources, including videos, games, and activities. The platform covers key subjects such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), aiming to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Thank you for all of your diligent work with regard to baseline assessments, units of study, and integrating our units of study by making dog biscuits at Family Fun Events!

Our ERSEA/PFCE Manger and School Social Worker, Mrs. Ellen Masters and our lovely Family Advocates are actively supporting our staff as we work with our children and families. We have new opportunities to strengthen our community, and they look forward to working alongside all of you as we help our children thrive. Whether you’re a returning teacher or new to the program, Mrs. Masters wants to remind you that she and her staff are here to support you, your classroom and families.

Parent Family and Community Engagement (PFCE):

Head Start believes that families are children’s first and most important teachers, and together we can create meaningful opportunities for growth. Thank you teachers and staff for making our first Family Fun event a success! Family Engagement is "key" to helping our families grow! Your involvement makes a difference, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to make this a fantastic year for our families!

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA):

As a program, our focus remains on maintaining full enrollment, promoting consistent attendance, and providing individualized services that meet the unique needs of every child and family. Please reach out if you need support with a student/family who has attendance concerns.

Attendance Matters, even in Pre-K! Establishing good attendance habits early sets the foundation for your child's long-term academic success. Regular attendance in Pre-K helps children build strong routines, develop social skills, and engage in critical early learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Every day counts, as each day brings new opportunities for growth and learning. Let's work together to ensure that your child is present, engaged, and ready to thrive!

Nurse Ashley would like to remind you: we have 2 weeks left in October! With being in the midst of fall, this would be the time to get your flu shot if you so choose! There are so many viruses going around so please protect yourself by washing your hands often, cleaning high traffic areas, getting good sleep, eating well and taking time for yourselves!

The 45-day vision and hearing screenings have been completed, and we are now approaching the 90-day deadline for dental. We are off to a great start!! Thank you to everyone with assisting in the communication with parents!

Don't forget our resources with the school district for health, nutrition, and mental health. There is also a Wellness Day event this November brought to you by the MCSD, Monroe County Health Department and AHEC. Please check your emails from Elena, Benefits Manager, with all the upcoming dates!

Please let Mrs. Ashley know if you need anything!! She is here for you and the kiddos!!

The new school year is well underway and student supports are coming into focus. With the completion of ASQ questionnaires, home visits and STAR PM1, those in immediate need are in the beginning phases of additional screening and evaluation. Continue to monitor those students that may seem to be "late-bloomers" or "very shy". Extra support strengthens your relationship with your students and their confidence at this, the very beginning of their academic career!

The recent storms have caused a lot of disruption and stress for students, families and staff. Although we were not directly impacted, many have family and friends throughout the state that were. Everyone deserves a little extra grace while we reset and move forward. Pack extra patience and kindness to pass out each day. Children display the stress they feel from adults in the form of challenging behaviors that range from aggression to heightened emotions. Communicate with your teaching partners or managers when you are feeling overwhelmed. At some point we all need a life-line so remember to ask for help! There are many resources available through the district and community. You can reach out to me, Ashley or your on-campus contacts.