 | | Head Start students at Sunnyview had a summer safety and fun day to reinforce safe summer tips listed below. |
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The end of the school year is upon us and what a year it has been. Our Head Start students have once again shown significant gains in their math, science and language skills development from the beginning of the year to the end. The children who are entering public kindergarten next year are truly prepared for success in school thanks for our dedicated staff and teachers and the positive impact of involved parents.
For me personally, after 42 years in early childhood education, it has been a pleasure to visit each of our centers and see the continued success of the Head Start program. From performances and homemade gifts to special songs and warm hugs, I have been blessed beyond measure by our children and staff who have gone above and beyond to make my last year one full of cherished memories. I will forever hold Head Start in my heart as I go forward in my life. I know Head Start of Greater Dallas will continue on as the premier early childhood education organization in the Metroplex.
I would like to personally thank my family, my husband Elbert and my
children and grandchildren for allowing me the opportunity to work hard and with purpose all these years. Your sacrifice should also not go without recognition. I am a better person and Head Start is a better organization because I had your love and support. To the teachers and staff, you are the backbone of this organization and any successes I received over the years are yours as well. I am so proud to have been CEO of Head Start of Greater Dallas and look forward to seeing continued growth and success from this vibrant organization.
Sincerely,
Wanda M. Smith
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Continuing the Legacy Celebration |
 | | Wanda Smith and Texas A&M Commerce friends stand outside the newly renamed center |
Continuing the Legacy Renaming and Dedication
Head Start of Greater Dallas recognized CEO Wanda M. Smith for 40+ years of service to the children of Dallas County by renaming the Gannon Head Start Center and the central office complex in her honor. The space is now the Wanda Meshack Smith Educational Complex, located in South Dallas. The event was hosted by the Head Start Board of Directors and the program included former Head Start student success stories and tributes by community and national leaders.
The program included an invocation given by the CEO's pastor, Bryan Carter of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, performances by the preschool students of the newly renamed Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center, and success stories by former students and Head Start parents. Civic leaders also paid tribute to Mrs. Smith including Senator Royce West, Representative Helen Giddings, and Garland Mayor Ronald Jones. The Chairman of the National Head Start Association and longtime friend of Mrs. Smith's, Ron Herndon, was in attendance to give words of congratulations. The program closed with a special presentation by Board Member Julie Weissert of the Wanda Meshack Smith Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M Commerce to "Continue the Legacy" in perpetuity. Special Letters of Acknowledgement were also presented on behalf of the City of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson who were unable to attend. |
| Summer should be FUN and SAFE |
 Check out these tips to keep your summer FUN and SAFE!
1) Prevent bites and stings by spraying you and your children with insect repellent when playing outdoors. Repellents that contain picaridin or oil of lemon are great alternatives to DEET.
2) Stay safe at the pool. Don't let your children run or roughhouse around a pool and never leave your child unattended under any circumstance.
3) Playground safety. Children should wear closed-toed shoes and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the equipment.
4) Bike riding is great summer fun, but children should wear a safety helmet and have 1 to 3 inches of space between the bar of their bike when their feet are flat on the ground.
5) Heat-related illnesses can be avoided by staying hydrated and indoors during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave a child alone in a car.
6) Keep children hydrated with water or sports drinks containing electrolytes. Avoid sodas, juice and other fruit drinks.
7) Prevent sunburns by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and one that prevents against UVA and UVB rays everyday. Use enough to fill a shot glass and reapply often. |
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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 $9 million 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 corporate volunteer, contact Deneeco Young at 972.283.6457, or visit our web site. |
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 | | Consider Volunteering at a Head Start Center this summer! | |
Getting children involved in a volunteering activity at an early age is a great way to keep them involved in the community as they grow up. Head Start centers are looking for volunteers, ages 13 and up so contact our Community Development Department to schedule a tour and discuss options!
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 | | Ideas for summer educational activites! | |
1) Reinforce the basics - colors, shapes, letters and numbers can be found everywhere!
2) Pick a theme every week. Teach your child about the ocean, the sun, or even camping by choosing a craft, food, color or book.
3) Read! Don't forget the importance of daily story-time with your child! Pick up a new book at your local library.
4) Enjoy them! Summer is a great time to bond as a family. If they see you excited about learning, they will enjoy whatever educational activity you decide to choose!
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 | Mark Your Calendar
The last day of school for Head Start of Greater Dallas is June 1st. See you in August! For more information on enrolling a child in our program, visit our web site at www.hsgd.org. | |
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 | | Head Start Statement | |
In light of recent events concerning nine Head Start centers and delegate locations, please see the statement from Head Start CEO Wanda Smith by clicking here.
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