eNews Winter Recap

 February 2012 
DCCCD Cedar Valley Volunteers
DCCCD Cedar Valley Volunteers celebrated National Read Across America Day with students from Gannon Head Start on March 2nd in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday!

February 29th marks the end of Head Start of Greater Dallas' fiscal year. What a year it has been. We are proud to report that the organization maintained full enrollment of 4,403 children throughout the school year including our required 10 percent enrollment of special needs children. The organization, through the generous gifts of time and resources from the community and our Head Start parents, once again exceeded our required nonfederal match of 20 percent or $8 million.

 

One of our biggest concerns going into the new fiscal year was the potential for federal funding cuts. As we waited for the results, we were reminded of the importance of Head Start in the community and services so many children would go without if it not for this unique organization. In May 2011, Head Start received the good news that federal cuts would not happen this year. Proper care of our littlest citizens could continue.

 

Thank you to each of you who wrote your congressman, legislators or simply told a friend about the importance of Head Start.

 

As I prepare to retire from this awesome organization, I look back over the period of time that I have enjoyed being at the helm of HSGD Inc. and appreciate all of the support of the staff, parents, board and Policy Council. If it had not been for the dedicated staff the organization would not be an organization of excellence.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wanda M. Smith

 

Honoring a Legacy of Service
  
Smith family
Mrs. Smith's family

Head Start Honors CEO Wanda Smith

 

On February 4, 2012, Head Start of Greater Dallas had the opportunity to thank CEO Wanda Smith for her lasting legacy of service both to this organization and the community. With dinner, dancing and heartfelt thanks, staff, family and friends honored her more than 40 years of service.

 

Throughout her time in the organization she has touched the lives of more than 88,000 children and their families fulfilling the mission of helping children succeed in school and in life and fostering self-reliant families and communities. Thank you Mrs.Smith for your service to our community.

Black History Month
 
Black historyHead Start Kids Learn about the impact of Black History on our world today.

 

Head Start staff and teachers took advantage of this special month honoring the impact of African Americans on U.S. History. Classrooms honored prominent black scientists, writers, and leaders. Children chose a leader to study and presented basic information on their favorite leader to the classroom. Exposing children to the possibilty of what could be by showcasing individuals who have gone above and beyond teaches the value of education and the impact they also can have in their community.

Be My Valentine
  
Friends Dance
Students at Socorro Gonzales danced and posed for pictures with friends!
Head Start Kids Spread the Love this Valentine's Day!

 

We hope you felt the love from your family and friends this Valentine's Day! Our Head Start kids got into the spirit with Valentines dances, card exchanges and much more. Special thanks to our teachers and staff for making it such a LOVEly day!

 

And to our parent and community volunteers - we hope you know how much we LOVE you! Thank you for supporting our efforts because every child deserves a head start!

Support Head Start - Volunteer Today!
Head Start of Greater Dallas' mission is to provide children with the foundation of skills and knowledge they need to be successful in school and life and foster self-reliant families and communities.

 

The agency receives 80 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Head Start of Greater Dallas generates the remaining 20 percent or nearly $8,000,000, through contributions, grants, community donations, and volunteer hours each year. 

 

Your time volunteering is valuable. We can't reach this goal without the support of the community.To become a community volunteer, contact

Deneeco Young at 972.283.6457, or visit our web site.

In This Issue
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Black History Month
Be My Valentine
Quick Links

 
Do YOU qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? 

EITC FACTS:

 

 

* Four of five eligible people claim and get their EITC. See if you qualify at www.irs.gov.

 

* EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy.

 

* You earned it. Now file, claim it & get it.

 

* EITC can make life a little easier.

 

The Gannon Head Start Center is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site. If you need free tax filing assistance, the Gannon site will be open every Saturday from January 28 - April 14 from 9 a.m. - noon. So far 104 tax returns have been processed!

 

 

Cat in the Hat
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
The Head Start family celebrated national Read Across America Day on Friday, March 2nd in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday.

View more photos on our Facebook page! 

Special thanks to our Dallas County Community College District volunteers and our HSGD board members who also joined in the fun and volunteered at more than a dozen of our Head Start centers!

 


 
 
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