Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, Inc.

NURTURING NUGGET

As your child's school year is coming to a close it’s a great time to reflect on all the ways they have grown… and you can make it something you do together.

Our suggestion is to take a moment to look through photos you’ve taken of your child throughout the school year and then let them share the memories they have as you scroll. You can ask them open-ended questions such as "What do you remember most about this day?" or "How do you feel about the end of the school year?" Doing this will give your child an opportunity to develop language skills and keep the conversation flowing.

Whether it's a picture from their first day, or a video of them singing a song they learned in their classroom, your child will love being able to connect with you over their favorite experiences this school year!

Thank you for visiting and learning more about Head Start’s impact in Holyoke and throughout Massachusetts.

Did you know… today is Smile Power Day? If there is one thing our classrooms are full of, it is smiles. From joyful laughter and proud accomplishments to silly moments and new discoveries, the smiles of our children brighten every corner of HCS Head Start each day. Enjoy a few of our kiddos sharing their smiles.

We believe sometimes the smallest smiles can make the biggest impact!

It was our pleasure to host Secretary Zrike at our Churchill Head Start and Early Head Start Center. During his visit, the children had a great time, and our teachers were proud to highlight the wonderful learning experiences they offer to their preschool students. Thank you for your presence at Head Start.

Secretary Zrike stopped by HCS Head Start in Holyoke this week to see some high-quality early learning in action. 🧸✨

Yesterday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration called on the Trump Administration to reverse a proposed rule that would weaken Head Start programs by lowering wages and make it harder to recruit and retain qualified staff.

“Since he got to office, President Trump has continued to attack Head Start programs, which help break the cycle of multigenerational poverty through comprehensive educational programs. Removing wages and compensation expectations does not help solve this problem. In Massachusetts, we will continue to do everything we can to take care of children and families,” said Zrike.

🔗: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-the-proposed-head-start-rule-that-lowers-wages-and-makes-it-harder-to-recruit-providers

At HCS Head Start, every day is filled with opportunities for children to learn, imagine, create, explore, and have fun. Across all of our centers, classrooms are buzzing with hands on activities, creativity, laughter, special guests and meaningful moments that help children grow and thrive. Here are just some of our recent shenanigans:

- Room 1 at Maple St Center had some magical, soapy fun on Bubble Friday
- Holyoke Mayor Garcia stopped by to read to our Maple St Center and after the kids did a reflection painting
- Our Lincoln Grove Center kids let their imagination run wild turning cardboard into cars for a Car Show.
- At our Early Learning Center at STCC the kids had a visit and reading with STCC Campus Police and a Ranger from Springfield Armory National Historic Site
- Our Robinson Gardens Center kiddos enjoyed some outside art

These imaginative experiences are more than just fun. They help build confidence, curiosity, communication, problem solving skills, and joyful connections that support lifelong learning.

RESOURCE ROUND UP

This month, we want to share about a great community resource called Rebekah’s Closet. They’re an outreach mission supporting young families in our community with infant and toddler essentials. From clothing and diapers to other helpful items for little ones, programs like this remind us how powerful community care and connection can be.

Families raising young children should never feel alone and resources like Rebekah’s Closet help make sure support is available when it is needed most.

At HCS Head Start, the heart of our work is our people. Every day, dedicated team members help create safe, supportive, and inspiring environments where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive. Today, we are proud to recognize five incredible members of our team for various achievements:

- Alisha Durocher recently graduated from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute. This was a 12-week leadership development program through Western New England University designed to strengthen skills in communication, strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership in today’s evolving business environment.

- Christina Compton, Site Director for three of our Centers: Parkside (Ludlow), Westover (Chicopee), and Robinson Gardens (Springfield) is retiring after an incredible 25-year career.

- Also retiring, Juana Santiago, started with HCS as a Teacher Assistant in 1995 and grew her career becoming a remarkable teacher leading many of our little ones over the years.

- Diana Learned, a teacher at our Parkside Center, was recently awarded this year’s Janis Santos Scholarship. A former Head Start student, HCS parent, and Policy Council Chair; she is currently pursuing her degree at Bay Path University.

- Nicole Blais, our CEO, was honored at the Human Services Leadership Summit recognizing leadership in human services across the state. She was given the award for Human Services Innovation.

We are so proud of each of these team members on these accomplishments. Thank you for the care, compassion, energy, and commitment you bring to HCS Head Start each day. Our children, families, and communities are stronger because of you and the whole HCS team.

Photo Details:
1) Alisha Durocher receiving certificate of completion from Spfld Chamber/WNE Leadership Institute
2) Mahera Chiarizio, Director of Education with Christina Compton
3) Chiarizio with Juana Santiago
4) [L-to-R] Alison Walsh, HCS Head Start Board Member; Cynthia Normand, Chief Financial Officer, Diana Learned; and Nicole Blais, CEO
5) Nicole Blais, CEO

Tomorrow is World Environment Day and at HCS Head Start, we believe some of the best learning happens outside. From outdoor play and nature exploration to gardening, sustainability activities, and hands on discovery, we encourage children to build curiosity, appreciation, and connection with the world around them every day.

A couple recent examples at our Lincoln Grove Center include:
- During the Week of the Young Child the little ones had the chance to do some planting.
- At a recent MILK (“Men Involved in the Lives of Kids”) event we built a birdhouse for each family to take home.

When children dig in the dirt, explore nature, and care for their environment, they’re not just learning about the planet. They are learning how to grow, care, and thrive within it.

As an organization we love the chance to get out into our community. There is SO much going on and we feel blessed that we get to be a part of so much of what the area has to offer. We hope you enjoy a few photos of some of our recent adventures…

- Dress for Success Gala
- Baystate Family Resource Fair
- Holyoke Rocket Into Reading Community Event
- Churchill Center on Door-to-Door Recruitment Day
- Chicopee Spring Spectacular Community Event
- Spirit of Springfield Pancake Breakfast