This Land is Your Land
Published February 11, 2012
Former Congressman Moore
Last week former congressman Dennis Moore visited Head Start of Shawnee Mission to read, sing and play the guitar to 16 excited preschool children in Ms Vicki and Ms Rachel’s classroom. A fun time was had by the children, staff, former congressman Dennis Moore and Mr. Moore’s former employee, Cynthia Wendt. Thank you to Cynthia Wendt for coordinating this visit. Mr. Moore performed songs such as This Land Is Your Land, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Old MacDonald. He then took requests from the children.
The energy was electric in the classroom. We are so appreciative of the support of our community friends. Mr. Moore shared his talent and sense of fun with the Head Start children. Thank you for demonstrating how a positive male role model gives back to his community.
“We all have equal rights”
Published January 17, 2012
Today while in Classroom 2, I found the class working on an activity to increase diversity awareness. The teachers, Ms Vicki and Ms Rachel, set out various paint colors to resemble skin color. They then asked each child to look at their skin color and determine if the paint matched their skin. If not, the children added and mixed additional paint colors to match their skin tone. The children painted an oval to represent their face and added facial features including yarn for hair.
I asked Ms Rachel what led to the activity and she shared the activity was in response to Head Start of Shawnee Mission’s closing yesterday, January 16, 2012 in honor of Martin Luther King Day.  As the program closure was out of the routine of a typical week for the children, the teachers addressed why we were closed, Martin Luther King’s role and how we are all different. Ms Rachel shared one child stated to the group, “We all have equal rights.”  Ms Vicky shared the following comments from several of the students at her work table:
Sophia-“Girls deserve to have equal rights, so I can be a cheerleader.”
Aubree-“I already know what is wrong with people, that’s why I am going to be a doctor. Then I get money for telling them.”
Carlos-“Hey look my skin is brown; I wish it was green like my car.”
Ahzzis-“Ms Vicky isn’t white like paper. She had to have some brown (added to her paint) too.”
This activity is a perfect example of the research, evidenced based High Scope curriculum used here at Head Start of Shawnee Mission. The High Scope curriculum emphasizes active learning and direct hands on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas. Ms. Vicky and Ms Rachel did just that. They took an event related to the experience of the children and supported the children in their active learning.
May I hug the human?
Published January 6, 2012
Yesterday I had the pleasure of reading Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow to  one of our morning preschool classrooms. I have a monkey puppet Rodney named after my deceased father who was a lifelong educator. Rodney helped me read the book and assisted in engaging the children in the story.
 During the process of reading the book, I asked children, teachers and the parent volunteer to fully participate by standing up and jumping when referenced in the book. The activity focused on literacy and health by having children engage in movement while listening to the book.  To assist with the children transitioning to the next activity, at conclusion of the book, I asked each child if they would like to pet, high five, hug or kiss Rodney the puppet. Â
Throughout the reading, one child was struggling focusing on the book.  His teacher, Miss Mary,helped him be successful in participating in the activity. When it was his turn to decide if he wanted a hug, high five, or kiss from Rodney the puppet, he asked Miss Mary, “Can I hug the human?” Miss Mary directed the child to ask me directly. I asked, “Am I the human” to which he replied yes and we exchanged a hug. You should have seen the smile on my face as I left the classroom and returned to my administrative duties.
This interaction made my day and fuels me for my advocacy of the importance of early learning and intervention.  It brings such joy to my heart to be a part of the learning and growth of young children.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to attend one of our monthly one hour Crayon Box Tours you are missing out on an opportunity to see first hand the positive difference we are having on the lives of low income children living in Johnson County. You too might receive a warm “human” hug while touring our classrooms. Call me at 913-649-9714 to attend one of our upcoming tours on Wednesday, January 11 from 8-9 am or Tuesday, February 7 from 11:30-12:30 pm.
Head Start of Shawnee Mission ensures children are safe
Published December 13, 2011
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a Head Start Safety Report from a May 2009 -October 2010 audit of three Head Start grantees from each of eight States that were most at risk for noncompliance with health and safety regulations and standards.
The following statement should be attributed to Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director of the National Head Start Association:
 “The results of the HHS audit of Head Start programs at-risk for noncompliance with health safety regulations and standards are a testament to the Head Start community’s shared commitment to ensuring the safest, highest-quality programs for the over one million children and families Head Start and Early Start serves every year,” said Yasmina Vinci, Executive
Director of the National Head Start Association.
Recently the Office of Head Start released new regulations which will raise the already high standards of Head Start programs across the nation. Head Start provides quality early learning and comprehensive support services for children and families in poverty. Kansas has 28 programs providing services to more than 9,000 children and families 86 counties.
The audit targeted 24 grantees with a high risk for non-compliance, 21 of which immediately corrected deficiencies, with the three remaining grantees losing Head Start funding. Each and every one of the more than 1,600 Head Start grantees recognizes that providing a safe early learning environment is a primary goal and remains committed to excellence in the pursuit of quality.
The Head Start community takes health and safety regulations seriously and is committed to ensuring every program meets or exceeds rigorous safety standards and delivers the most efficient and effective services during the critical window of opportunity from birth through age five.
Head Start of Shawnee Mission teaching staff conduct daily health checks for each child enrolled in their classroom and complete daily playground inspections. The teaching staff conduct weekly classroom cleaning which includes sanitizing all toys and disposal of outdated items in the refrigerator. Regular health and safety inspections are conducted monthly at our center located at 8155 Santa Fe and at our collaborating partner, Kids at Heart. We conduct monthly fire and tornado drills and are inspected annually by the Overland Park Fire Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Regulation. National criminal background checks are conducted following an agency approved schedule on all employees, volunteers and board of directors.
 Head Start of Shawnee Mission is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment to children and families.Â
CenturyLink adopts 17 families for the holidays
Published December 9, 2011
It was a joyous morning at Head Start of Shawnee Mission on Friday, December 9, 2011. CenturyLink employees arrived with a truck and trailer driven by Tom McEvoy, CenturyLink Senior Vice President – Business Integration, filled with wrapped gifts for 17 Head Start of Shawnee Mission families. This is the second year for CenturyLink staff involvement with Head Start of Shawnee Mission’s Holiday Family Adoption program.  As the CenturyLink and Head Start of Shawnee Mission staff unloaded the gifts and carried then down the hall to our Multi Purpose Room the children were in the halls on the way to the playground with eyes wide open repeatedly saying, “Wow!”
The families we serve live at or below the poverty level. They often do not have the resources to provide for holiday gifts. Many of our family’s struggle paying for basic necessities such as utility bills, cleaning products, diapers and food. Having beautifully wrapped gifts to open on Christmas morning is a wonderful treat.
CenturyLink’s generosity will truly make a difference in the lives of our families. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has participated in our Holiday Family Adoption program.
Thank you and I wish all of our supporters a safe and happy holiday.
Terrie
Don Harman will be missed by Head Start of Shawnee Mission
Published December 6, 2011
Ten years ago when I was a teacher in one of our preschool classrooms my class regularly reported on the day’s weather. As Don Harman has been my favorite weatherman, I asked him to come and report the weather with my class. Once word spread within the building here at Head Start of Shawnee Mission, all classroom teachers wanted to be a part of Don Harman’s visit. I can still recall a 4 year old girl in my class who asked Don, “How do you make a rainbow?” Don carefully explained how a rainbow was made before 100 young children and staff using a large piece of paper and washable markers. After the explanation Don asked the group, does anyone have another question? This young girl raised her hand again and asked, “How do you make a rainbow?” This brought chuckles from the staff and Don. He politely explained again how a rainbow is formed using paper and markers. He then asked, “does anyone else have a question?” A young boy raised his hand and asked. . . . . .wait for it. . . .”How do you make a rainbow?” Don took this all in stride and laughed at the situation and once again provided the answer. It’s important to note that young children often do not know what a question is and will provide statements such as “I have a red shirt or I just ate breakfast” when asked to put together a question. The good news is the Head Start children knew what a questions was. The fun part was Don’s laughter and reaction to the repeated question.
Since that time, Don also served as an emcee for our Annual Golf Tournament and most recently was a guest reader in December 2010 helping Head Start of Shawnee Mission celebrate our 45th birthday. Don was very giving and had a fantastic sense of humor.
On behalf of the staff and children and families served at Head Start of Shawnee Misssion, we send our condolences to Don’s family and the staff at WDAF Fox 4 News. We will miss him!
Did you know. . . October is National Head Start Awareness Month!
Published October 13, 2011
On October 22, 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month. Twenty-nine years after the proclamation, his words still inspire us to celebrate this great program:
“Since its establishment in 1965, the National Head Start Program has helped over …[twenty-five]… million low-income pre-school children and their families. In so doing, it has earned recognition and support for its success in early childhood education and development.
Equally important, the health and nutrition aspects of the program have improved the prevention, detection, and treatment of children’s medical, dental, and nutritional problems, thereby removing barriers to growth and learning. Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of Head Start has been the involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community. Their commitment and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a “head start” in life.”
In recognition of Head Start Awareness Month, I visited elected leaders in Washington, D.C. on October 5th to reinforce the mission of Head Start programs. I had the pleasure of meeting with Congressman Yoder, Senator Moran, Joshua Yurek, Legislative Assistant with Senator Roberts and Megan Taylor, Legislative Assistant with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins.
In addition, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, Senator Moran and Legislative Assistant Brandon Kenig visited Head Start of Shawnee Mission. Senator Moran participated in a classroom
activity of freeze dancing and talked with children as they brushed their teeth.
At one point, the children surrounded the Senator each sharing how old they are. Imagine, fifteen 3, 4 and 5 year olds surrounding you saying, “Guess what, I’m 5, I’m 4
or I’m 3.” The Senator warmly responded to all.
As we were leaving this particular classroom a young boy walked up to the Senator and said, “You know what?” to which Senator Moran replied, no and the little boy said. . .”I have on underwear today.” Out of the mouths of babes. The reality for this young boy could have been he had a cool new pattern on his underwear and wanted to share or maybe it was his first day wearing underwear versus a pull up or diaper. At Head Start of Shawnee Mission we do not require the children to be potty trained-we help the child and family with this important
milestone.
Comprehensive services and support is what we do at Head Start of Shawnee Mission. We provide supportive, comprehensive services to help children and families maximize their success. Services such as health, mental health, social services, nutrition, parent education and yes. . . underwear.
Head Start of Shawnee Mission is highlighted in Johnson County Government United Way Campaign Video
Published September 21, 2011
I am pleased to share Head Start of Shawnee Mission is highlighted in the 2011 Johnson County Government United Way campaign video. Thank you to Anne Keller, Johnson County Health Department employee for speaking on behalf of our program in the video. Anne is a nurse with the Johnson County Health Department and served as a member of Head Start of Shawnee Mission’s parent governing board for 3 years! Take a moment to check out the video at  http://unitedway.jocogov.org/ to see some of our adorable children.
It is United Way Campaign Season in Kansas City
Published August 31, 2011
The United Way of Greater Kansas City is working to improve our community by providing the building blocks for a good life;
- Education
- Health
- Income
In 2011, the United Way of Greater Kansas City is investing in 74 programs at area nonprofits that assist children and youth in attaining their full potential. Head Start of Shawnee Mission is currently receiving two grants through United Way totaling $110,500 a year for our early childhood education and family services programs-a $34,475 increase from last year.
We are so appreciative to the United Way of Greater Kansas City for their increased support this year allowing us the opportunity to open an additional afternoon preschool classroom on August 15th.
The support will have an impact on our hearty wait list of 300 children and prepare Johnson County children for kindergarten. We truly count on the support of our community to fully serve low income children and families. It is a common misperception that as a Head Start program we are fully funded by the federal government. That has never been the case. As a matter of fact, we are required to raise a $25 match for every $100 we receive in federal funding.
Thank you United Way of Greater Kansas City for your investment in a better future for low income children and families. And thank you to our community for helping us build a better future for Johnson County one child at a time. Your contributions to the United Way truly make a difference!
Head Start of Shawnee Mission staff are movin’ and groovin’!!!
Published August 3, 2011
Monday, August 1st was day one of two weeks of staff training in preparation for the 2011-2012 school year.
Guest speaker and motivator, Mary Pinizzotto with Dance Kansas City http://www.dancekansascity.com spread her mission of Sit Less and Dance More while energizing Head Start of Shawnee Mission staff with joyful movement. Check out the Head Start of Shawnee Mission staff video as we move and groove to the Jackson Five song ABC; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Usi-9UUBk
We are so excited and delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of low income children and families that you may just see us dancing in the halls! We would love to have you come and visit and.. . .. .dance with us. Our next one hour Crayon Box Tour is Wednesday, September 7th from 8-9 am. Call 913-649-9714 and schedule a tour date to see the positive impact our program is having on the lives of children and families in Johnson County.
