On Friday, May 21st, the Head Start Program held a virtual Parent Appreciation Celebration to honor Parents that demonstrated outstanding parent engagement throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Each Parent received a certificate, thanking them for their dedication and commitment to the Program.

Newark's own Akbar Cook, kicked off the celebration sharing strategies with Parents on from his newly awaited book, "Focus on the Love." In attendance, to show appreciation for Head Start Parents, were the Office of Early Childhood Executive Director, Samantha Lott-Velez, Vice Principal Lee from Early Childhood School Central, Teachers, and Staff.

The virtual presentation included highlights of the Program's parent-led Policy Council and father/male engagement group (D.A.D. Network). The Head Start Policy Council received a visit from the Head Start Director, individual plaque, and dinner as a token of their leadership in program governance. Policy Council Secretary, Yolonda Stokes, Policy Council Member, Desiree Flournoy, and D.A.D. Network Member, Bashiru Seidu offered reflections on the impact of Head Start this year. Finally, Parents at each location were recognized for their efforts at their schools this year. Parents engage in the Program in many ways, including volunteering their time at the school level, participating on Parent Committees, recruitment, and helping with classroom activities; they became Teacher Assistants through remote learning; they completed the Incredible Years Parenting courses and so much more!

Parents are our students first teachers, and we appreciate you so much!