| Smart Start
On-Line
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Spread the word and help us get 100 fans on Facebook. Fan number 100 will get a special prize!
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MEET OUR INTERN
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Name: Stefania Casalinuovo
Position: Communications Intern
Educational Background: Perkiomen Valley High School, The Pennsylvania State University, Major: Public Relations, Minors: Spanish and Italian
Why did you get involved with Smart Start?
When I first learned about Smart Start's mission, I felt a part of the future mother in me wanting to know more about how to prepare my children for the world. Having been the oldest kid on my block (and therefore the only babysitter), I grew up loving young kids and watching them grow. When I realized I could be a part of such a great cause, I knew Smart Start would be a good place for me to gain some experience in the Public Relations field. I think Smart Start's initiatives are wonderful for the kids in our area and hope to see organizations like it do the same elsewhere.
Favorite Smart Start Projects:
I've taken a large role in the preparation for our Community Café, which is geared to help our local community speak out about issues within our area. For this initiative, I have tweaked the objectives of a larger program, the World Café, and tailored it to the needs our own community so we can begin with a specific cause and grow from there.
What are your goals for Smart Start in the future?
I really hope to see the Community Café succeed and grow into a larger program. I find its goals to be truly important for our community and others alike. Had I the availability, I would love to take part in the events that should follow this summer, but I also hope to stay up to date with the Community Café's progress.
Where you live: I am from the small town of Skippack, PA, which is about 15 minutes from Ursinus College and the King of Prussia Mall!
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MEET OUR INTERN
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Name: Joyce Wrigley
Position: Communications Intern
Educational Background: Villa Joseph Marie High School, Holland, PA. The Pennsylvania State University, Major: Public Relations, Minor: Business
Why did you get involved with Smart Start? I was looking for an internship for this semester where I could utilize my learned skills from my Penn State classes as well as develop new ones. At the perfect time, I got an e-mail from Bob Martin that Smart Start was looking for a communications intern this semester and knew that this was right for me!
Favorite Smart Start Projects: I think that Countdown to Kindergarten is an amazing event by Smart Start. This event is aimed at providing parents with information on Kindergarten registration while promoting a healthy lifestyle for their children. It's only held once a year in February but it is an excellent event that everyone should check out!
What are your goals for Smart Start in the future? Through my internship at Smart Start this semester, I have been working very closely with the Parent Advisory Group. This is a group that gets together once a month to discuss their various parenting concerns and give Smart Start feedback on our publications. As this group has been developing this year, I hope that it will continue to grow in the future.
Where you live: I was born and raised in Southampton, PA, in Bucks County, a cute little suburb just a few minutes outside of Philadelphia.
Family information: My father, Rick Wrigley, recently retired from teaching special education at Abington Senior High School for 34 years. My mother, Alexsandra Wrigley, is a special education teacher for grades K-3 at Churchville Elementary School. I have a 16 year old younger brother (who is taller than me) who is currently a sophomore at William Tennent Senior High school while pursuing his talents of drumming and tennis. I also can't leave out my two adorable dogs, Franklin (a mixed breed, not quite sure what he is),and Zoe (a west highland white terrier.)
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| State Legislators | |
State Representatives
Kerry Benninghoff
Boroughs and Townships served: Bellefonte, Centre Hall, College, Gregg, Harris, Millheim, Penn, Potter, Spring, State College, Walker kbenning@pahousegop.com, 355-1300
H. Scott Conklin: Boroughs and Townships served: Ferguson, Halfmoon, Huston, Patton, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Rush, South Philipsburg, State College, Taylor, Worth 238-5477/ 342-4872
Michael Hanna: Boroughs and Townships served: Benner, Boggs, Burnside, Curtin, Haines, Howard, Liberty, Marion, Miles, Milesburg, Snow Shoe, Union, Unionville 353-8780
State Senators
John Wozniak: Boroughs and Townships served: Philipsburg, Rush, South Philipsburg 266-2277
Jake Corman: Boroughs and Townships served: all other than Philipsburg, Rush, South Philipsburg 355-0477 | |
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| Committee On-line Reporting Forms | |
In-Kind/Volunteer Time:Report your volunteer time spent on Smart Start projects and committees. Transition Activities:Report any meetings, activities, publications, etc. with a goal of making connections for improved transition to kindergarten. |
| Disclaimer | |
Acceptance of advertising, announcements, and postings does not represent Smart Start's endorsement of any product, program, or service, nor is Smart Start responsible for representations made by others. | |
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Dear Smart Start Supporter, Please take the time to fill out the public relations survey you received recently to help us understand your needs and interests in relation to our mission and our work. If you need a copy or link to the survey, email me. Deadline to complete it is May 15. Thank you. Congratulations to two of our local Shining Stars! You can read more about how their early childhood program has benefited them and their families here: Mengyao and Lola from St. Paul's Christian Preschool. And click here to see a video of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's Secretary Gary Alexander talking about the value of quality early learning and Keystone STARS 10 year anniversary. We are very pleased with the article that Centre County Gazette ran about the Art Show reception. If you missed it, click here to view or download it as a pdf.
For the children, Smart Start Staff
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| Join Us For These Smart Start Activities |
May 8: Health and Nutrition Meeting, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., Bennett Family Center, Penn State, contact kbahnsen@homenursingagency.com.
May 11: Join Smart Start in saying THANK YOU to early childhood teachers on Provider Appreciation Day. Click here for information and resources including thank you cards and certificates you can print and personalize.
May 14: Parent Advisory Group AND Parenting and Literacy Meeting 9:30-11:00 am at Schlow. Topic: Parenting the Second Child and Beyond. Parents of children birth through age 8 are welcome. Childcare and light refreshments are provided to children and adults. RSVP to Connie Schulz at ces11@scasd.org or 231-1070.
May 22: Early Care and Education/ Transition to Kindergarten Meeting, 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Child Development and Family Council Office, 2565 Park Center Blvd., Ste 100, State College, contact awible@cenclear.org.
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Smart Start in Action: One Book, Every Young Child Project
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This year, Smart Start's interns and Parenting and Literacy Committee volunteers helped distribute about 120 copies of the One Book to preschool classrooms throughout the county. Additional copies were given to families through Nurse-Family Partnership and the WIC program.
Several of our volunteer readers carried on our One Book tradition of reading the book and doing related activities in local early childhood programs. A big thank you goes out to Ed Strong, Linda Domin, Connie Schulz, and Sudha Babu for arranging their reading places and times to promote this valuable early literacy program. Here are some pictures of Smart Start Board and PCC member, Sudha Babu, reading at a family daycare home in Bellefonte:
 
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| Local News & Events | |
To submit items for "local news" email kelly@smartstartcc.org.
One Book Author Party, May 2, 6:30 PM at Schlow Library featuring games, food, prizes and the author of St op Snoring Bernard.
Free Developmental Screenings for children birth to age 5, Friday, May 4, Schlow Library Children's Department
Kidz Rainbow Center at 1400 Fox Hill Road is having a business open house Friday, May 4 with tours of the facility and their new community center. Hours are 9:30 - 10:30 and 2:30 - 3:30. For info call 353-7777 or visit www.kidzrainbowcenter.org.May 5: State College Friends School annual FUN FAIR. Kids of all ages will enjoy games, arts and crafts, a bounce house, petting zoo, live music and more. Our fair also features a variety of local foods, a huge bake sale and silent auction. Affordable fun for families. Proceeds support the school's Annual Fund. Rain date: May 12.Parents of Students entering 5th-8th grades: State College Friends School is offering a limited number of scholarships to newly enrolling students. Middle School at Friends offers a vigorous academic program within an inclusive, nurturing learning community. In addition to core academics and electives, Middle School students have an opportunity to gain leadership skills and participate in year-long service programs. Deadline to Apply: May 31, 2012. Call Admissions Director Mary Ziegler for application and details 237-8386.
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| Resources | Literacy Resources: Sign up for "Growing Readers" monthly tips for parents or c heck out the resources for teachers here.
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PBS LearningMedia helps you find video clips for teaching specific concepts to specific ages of children. Sign up here.
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Updated brochures are now available for the CHIP program. They have been revised reflect the March 2012 increase to the FPG income guidelines. To receive a materials order form, contact
Lisa Bellito - Product Specialist, Highmark Blue Shield,
Phone: (610) 573-5415
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| Advocacy This Month: Action Day is May 1 |
As you know, Pennsylvania is in the midst of its budget season to determine the state budget for 2012-2013. The state's investments in early childhood education impact the quality of and access to programs in every community. It is important to understand how the budget may impact your community and stay informed on the budget process.
Several organizations that represent early childhood education and young children are hosting an Early Childhood Action Day on Tuesday, May 1. Hundreds of families, teachers, providers, and leaders who care about quality early education in Pennsylvania will come to Harrisburg for a rally and visits to their elected representatives. Those who cannot come to Harrisburg that day will be encouraged to contact their elected representatives on May 1 to show their support.
Now is the time to fill your toolbox with tools to make the case for quality early education. Here are some tools that can help, whether in Harrisburg or in your community:
- Fast facts on early education- Includes key statistics that show why quality early education is so important to brain development, reducing costs for special education, and preparing our future workforce. You can also download the PA's Promise wallet card so you can keep these facts with you.
- Building the case for early education- You can help build the case for early education through our Building Blocks action alerts. Each alert provides important research, data, and the latest results of Pennsylvania's early education programs, as well as tips on how you can add your own personal experience and local examples for the most impact.
- The Office of Child Development and Early Learning also released a chart of the appropriations for its programs for 2011-2012 and proposed for 2012-2013.
Thank you for being a champion for children!
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| Smart Start Is ... | |
Smart Start-Centre County is a network of early care and education professionals, parents, and community leaders committed to giving children in Centre County the best possible start in life through education, information, activities, and outreach.
Staff and Interns
Eileen Wise, Executive Director
Kelly Johnson, Project Manager Nicole Murray, Intern Joyce Wrigley, Intern Stefania Casalinuovo, Intern Committees Early Care & Education
Early Childhood Mental Health
Health & Nutrition
Parenting & Literacy
Transition Teams
Parent Advisory Group
Professional Coordinating Committee
Board of Directors
Charlene Friedman, Chair
Rebecca Ardoline, Secretary
Sudha Babu
Patricia Best, Vice Chair
Melissa Clark, Chair-Elect
Doug Coatsworth, Vice Chair
Linda Duerr
J. Hugh Dwyer
D. Richard Francke, Treasurer
Rob Huffard
Levent Kaya
Denny Nau
Roxie Nestlerode
Joseph Webber
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