Head Start programs registering now for 2005-2006 school year

By Staff
From staff reports
Head Start promotes community and family participation in children's education. The program does this through the fatherhood initiative program, Kiwanis Club RIF reading program, and high school students interacting with children and staff.
If any other organizations would like to participate in the Tharptown Head Start, contact Melissa Montgomery at 446-8354 or Selina Moon at 332-9741 for the Phil Campbell and Russellville programs.
The Fatherhood Initiative Program advocates males of the family to get involved in their children's lives. Head Start makes this possible by encouraging fathers to visit the classroom, reading, and spending more time with their child.
The Kiwanis Club sponsors the RIF reading program. Club members come into the classrooms three times a year and read to the children. Each child is permitted to take a book home. The family is urged to continue the reading.
Some of the local high schools allow their students to come and interact with the staff and children. They talk with the children about education, sports, school and why these things are important. The Head Start children admire and enjoy the attention they get from the High School Students.
The community recently contributed to a dinner entitled " A Date with Daddy and Mommy," to promote family and developmentally appropriate activities for families to do at home with their children. It was held at the A.W. Todd Center. The entertainment was Ron Collier with the Fatherhood Initiative Program. He talked with the parents about the importance of both parents working together and the being involved with their children. Suzanne Langcuster, a retired teacher, also spoke at the event. She read two stories and talked about the importance of parents reading to their children and how much fun it could be.
Head Start Program officials said they sincerely appreciate the donations from the community to support this special event. Special thanks in no particular order went to Valley State Bank, Citizens Bank, McDowell &Beason, P.C., Kiwanis Club, Ben Richey, Robert L Seeley, Wal-Mart, First Metro Bank, Roger Bedford &Bowling P.C., Country Cottage, A.W. Todd Center, Five Star Pizza, Buffalo Rock Pepsi Cola Co., Roden Surplus Imports, Subway – Russellville, Pizza Hut, Food World, Sandra Pace, Discount Warehouse Jewelry and Accessories, Connie's Creations, Colonial Bank, Thorn's Florist, Radio Shack, Franklin Co. Sheriff's Department, Flower World, Royal Furniture, and Joe's Plumbing.
Head Start is a free educational program for low-income preschool aged children. The program helps prepare children for kindergarten and offers a safe and exciting learning environment.
Head Start is presently Pre-Registering for the 2005-2006 school year. Special needs children are served as well.
For more information call Russellville 332-5912 or 332-9741, Tharptown 332-9370, Phil Campbell 331-6203.