On June 9, students from Clackamas Education Service District’s Head Start to Success program at Mt Scott Elementary School in the North Clackamas School District brought their families to an end-of-year social hosted by their teachers.
Students arrived holding the hands of their parents, grandparents and siblings before running off to play with their classmates by the bubble machine. The fun was fueled by a playlist of children’s music and kid-approved snacks like Cheez-Its and ice pops. Many students wore fancy dresses and crisp collared shirts to the special occasion.
The celebration gave students a chance to say goodbye to their friends for the summer and parents an opportunity to meet their children’s friends and their parents and thank their children’s teachers.
“Our daughter has grown and learned so much this year,” said one mother. “We really appreciate the community here at Head Start and look forward to bringing her back next year.”
Each family left with a portfolio of photos and all the student’s work from the school year and a gift bag with activities for the summer, including bubbles, paper, stickers and more to promote continued learning.
Families were also given a special gratitude journal made by Lead Preschool Teacher Irum Zia.
“The gratitude journal is a goodbye poem from me with their hand prints and pictures,” Irum explained. “I made the gratitude journal because I wanted to thank each child for all the warmth, the memories and the learning that we have shared this school year. I am so glad that I am a part of this program, where children get the opportunity to develop socially and emotionally.”
The Head Start to Success program provides free comprehensive preschool to three- and four-year-old children experiencing poverty in partnership with local school districts throughout Clackamas County. Every family works with a home visitor who helps them set goals, access resources, and support learning and development at home. Each child also receives free nutritious meals and vision, hearing and developmental screenings as a part of the program.
Thirty-two children across two classes attended preschool at the Head Start to Success program at Mt. Scott Elementary in the 2021-22 school year.
“Preschool is where children first learn to be independent of their parents and start forming bonds with other children and adults like their teachers,” reflects Irum. “As they form friendships with others and experience different social situations, they also experience all sorts of emotions, including joy, disappointment and triumph. With these, they slowly develop their sense of self and build their confidence — things that are necessary as they grow and get more exposed to a bigger world.”
Head Start to Success is accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year on a rolling basis — apply early to save your child’s spot! Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process here.
