By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Governor Bill Anoatubby with the Ada Head Start 2009 Graduates, Chickasaw Nation Head Start director, Danny Wells, Chickasaw Nation Division of Education Administrator, Lisa John and others.
The Chickasaw Nation Head Start program conducted six Head Start graduations during the month of May. More than 150 Head Start students graduated from the Ada, Ardmore, Duncan, Madill, Sulphur and Tishomingo Head Start centers.
“Head Start is one of the most important educational stepping stones in a child’s life. Head Start puts students on a path to success by giving them the tools needed to make the transition into the next level of their education and beyond,” said Governor Anoatubby.
Awards were presented to the foster grandparent and parent volunteer of the year at each center. These awards were given to volunteers who went above and beyond in their dedication to success in the classroom.
“The Head Start program is a family oriented program that is parent driven and focused on preparing students with a well rounded education for their transition into kindergarten,” said Lisa John, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education. “The schools they lead into have really seen our students excel in the classroom as well as socially,”
Head Start is a federally-funded education program that serves three-and four-year-olds from income-eligible families. The program offers components in education, parent and guardian involvement, health, social services and services for children with disabilities.
Throughout the school year Head Start students participate in a variety of activities and field trips including trips to area museums, fire stations, libraries, zoos, and the annual Chickasaw Nation festival.
Head Start celebrates annually with “Week of the Young Child,” an event focused around the students including a parade, Little Olympics, parent-child breakfast, field trip day, balloon launch, and a child appreciation day carnival.
“This is the first graduation of many to come for these students and we want to wish them success in their future endeavors,” said Danny Wells, Chickasaw Nation Head Start director, “We want to recognize the parents and volunteers that are an inspiration to these children and thank you for the opportunity we have had to be a positive impact in the lives of these children.”
Graduates from each center celebrated graduation by performing skits and singing songs for family members, friends and guests. Chickasaw Nation officials, center directors, supervisors, teachers and staff members congratulated and awarded diplomas to graduates during the ceremonies.
Applications for the Head Start program are accepted at the Chickasaw Nation Child Care Center or Head Start Centers throughout the service area. Applications may also be mailed or faxed to applicants.
For more information about the Chickasaw Nation Head Start program, contact Danny Wells, Head Start director, at (580) 436-7276, an area Head Start Center, located in Ada, Ardmore, Duncan, Madill, Sulphur and Tishomingo, or visit http://www.chickasaw.net/
