Celebrating What We've Overcome

Director’s Corner

Hello Parents,

It is my hope that everyone is having a wonderful spring and that you enjoyed some time together as families over the Easter holiday.

Can you believe that we are in the month of May 2022? When I began to write this, my mind just couldn’t comprehend how quickly this year has gone by. This will be the last newsletter for this program year, so I have decided that this is going to be a celebratory piece!

We are, hopefully, moving toward the end of the pandemic and I want us to celebrate the accomplishments made during a very difficult couple of years for all of us. Below I have listed some things that I think are worth celebrating given all of the restrictions the pandemic brought. Let’s celebrate that:

We were able to keep staff, children and families safe. We did this through the implementation of PPE equipment and sanitization practices. We used some COVID-relief funding to purchase sanitizing machines such as the one pictured above.

We didn’t have to shut down permanently. Many child care centers and businesses did, and we wish them all well and hope they get back up and running.

We, along with your help, were able to keep children active and learning, through both virtual and in-person programming. According to our child assessment data, children grew in their knowledge.

Workforce issues have been challenging but we are now seeing an increase in hiring.

COVID-relief funding allowed our agency to provide extended services in all programming. It also helped us to get new equipment, vehicles and space. We will be opening the Central Plaza building soon as well as our new kitchen on 8th Street.

These are just a few examples. I can think of many more. I am so grateful to the best staff and managers any program could ever have. It was their hard work that allowed us to persevere through such a challenging time.

We are extending the school year again through June 9. I pray that you all have a wonderful and safe summer.

Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. Head Start Director