August 2007   In This issue... Help Build a Child's Future The CEO - What's On My Mind Innovative Collaboration Computer Literacy Nationwide Literacy Event     Welcome to the Head Start Spirit eNewsletter! Now that school is beginning, we have so much happening at Head Start of Greater Dallas. If you like our enewsletter, tell a friend. We will be happy to welcome them to our list.   Join Our Mailing List!   Innovative Collaboration Begins at Brookhaven It's not just a new center but also a first-of-its kind in the nation collaboration between a Head Start center and a college. The partnership provides an unprecedented opportunity to offer a family-oriented program encouraging parents to obtain an education while their children build skills which will allow them to be successful in school. [Full story] Did You Know... Property and personal crime rates in South Dallas are significantly higher than the remainder of the city. There were 35 cases of property crime for every 1,000 South Dallas residents in 2005, twice the rate of the city as a whole. There were 20 cases of personal crime per 1,000 residents, 2.5 times Dallas' southern sector and more than 3 times its northern sector. - 'perspectives' Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 2006   Parents Keeping Up With Their Kids Ask any three or four year-old Head Start preschooler to show you how the Young Explorer computers work, and you will get a lesson. For many parents, however, computers are a mystery, as low-income families have no funds to buy them or, if they own them, connect to the internet.   Thanks to computers from IBM, grants from Microsoft and the George and Fay Young Foundation, Head Start is entering its third year of offering family computer literacy classes to parents.   The agency is seeking an additional $10,000 to fund the program next year, as well as computers in good condition.  For more information or to donate, please call 972-283-6465. [Full Story]   Share a Story - Donate a Book at Starbucks Several Starbucks locations surrounding Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch are holding a book drive for a lending library at the new Brookhaven College Head Start Center. Won't you donate a new or gently-used preschool book for a disadvantaged child? Visit participating location LBJ and Montfort, next to Valley View Mall, 5631 LBJ Freeway, Suite D. For additional participating locations, please click here.   Children to Participate in Read for the Record The story of Ferdinand, the gentle bull, will be the featured book at the annual Read for the Record event planned by September 20 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion. A national literacy initiative, the Hyatt has invited 50 Head Start children to participate in reading the story and completing an art project at the hotel.  The Hyatt is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Sponsored by Jumpstart, more than 150,000 children and adults in 47 states read the same book on the same day last year.      Shop and Earn for Head Start!  Your trip to the grocery can mean extra funds for Head Start children.  If you shop at Tom Thumb, tell the cashier to link the Head Start number, 5174, to your Reward Card.  Each time you use the card, the agency will receive a portion of what you spend!   If you’re a Kroger customer, please call 972-283-6474 and we will mail a Kroger Share Card for scanning at the register when you shop. It’s an easy way to “ring up” dollars for Head Start.            Thank you for your continued support of Head Start of Greater Dallas. If you have questions about the Head Start program, visit our website at www.hsgd.org for more information or contact us at enews@hsgd.org. Sincerely, Your friends at HSGD Help Build a Child's Future Purchase Commemorative Bricks Head Start of Greater Dallas announces its newest facility on the campus of Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch. A special commemorative area called Building Children's Futures is located at the entrance to the new center. You can help Head Start children and honor loved ones by dedicating a brick for this place. [Find out more]         The CEO - What's On My Mind   The Head Start Community has taught me many things over the years that I have worked on the local, state, regional and national levels.  I have met many people from the governors of state, two future presidents of the United States, senators, congressman and the common “Joe”, and I always come back to some very simple ways on how to interact positively with people no matter what status they are in society. Be yourself.   Everyone can determine if you are genuine. Be friendly and smile.  Nobody likes a grouch. Refer to people by their name.  This shows that you appreciate them. Always offer a helping hand.  People appreciate your caring attitude. Be generous with praise.  Criticism is something that should be shared in private; always make sure that it is constructive. Be sure to deliver good customer service.  Social Service clients are our customers. Always show a good attitude.  A positive attitude cures all ills. Not only have I utilized these practices in the Head Start community, but as I have interacted in other settings.  I am sure that if all of us practice these characteristics the world will be much better. - WJS             Volunteer Opportunities! Preschoolers need you! Find out about the many volunteer opportunities available at any of the Head Start of Greater Dallas centers. Read a story, teach an art project - be a kid again with our infants, toddlers and preschoolers. For more information and to download an application, click here.       Coming in September Children Read for the Record Center Dedication Announced Head Start Awareness Month Plans Announced   Quick Links: Home I Programs I Volunteer Opportunities I Success Stories