Letter from the Director... | |
A Joyful Start to Fall at Rutland County Head Start
Fall has arrived! The children are back in school, and so many wonderful things are happening at Rutland County Head Start. This year, our theme is all about “making space”—and more importantly, making joyful space.
We are thrilled to share that two grants are being implemented this month, both of which support this theme and highlight the incredible community support behind our program.
New Playground at Meadow Street
Playground construction began September 15, 2025…and the excitement is contagious! We know this new outdoor play space will bring endless opportunities for fun, imagination, and adventure. Outdoor play is essential for children’s growth, and the new playground at Meadow Street will give children and families a joyful space for exercise, creativity, and connection.
New Developmental Classroom
Thanks to a grant from Building Bright Futures received by our Disability Manager, Dr. Lauren Weiss, we will soon open a brand-new developmental classroom. This beautiful space is designed to support children as they build skills for kindergarten and beyond. It will be a place where children can learn, practice, and thrive, while also enjoying a welcoming, engaging environment.
Art in Our Classrooms
We are also excited to announce a new focus on art across our sites. At Meadow Street, VTSU's Dr. Angela Sillars will be leading an art class and creating a dedicated art studio where children can explore creativity in a space designed just for artistic expression. At both Discovery Center and Meadow Street, teachers will also receive training and support to bring new art experiences into the classroom.
We are proud that Rutland County Head Start has been named a “hub” by Reggio Inspired Vermont (RIVET!). This recognition connects us to a statewide network of programs committed to bringing the Reggio Emilia philosophy - an approach that values creativity, curiosity, and joyful learning—into early childhood classrooms.
So, when I joked that we’re redecorating our schools “HGTV: Preschool Edition,” I wasn’t kidding! We can’t wait to welcome you this fall for our celebration of the new playground and to share the joyful new spaces we’ve created for children and families.
With excitement and gratitude,
-Donna Barrow, EdD
Director, Rutland County Head Start and Early Head Start
| | Celebrating Our Director Dr. Donna Barrow | We are proud to share that our very own Dr. Donna Barrow, Director of Rutland County Head Start and Early Head Start, has been awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from Portland State University. This honor recognizes her extraordinary service, community engagement, scholarly contributions, and leadership in Early Childhood Education. Dr. Barrow is especially acknowledged for her impactful research and visionary leadership in the field of early childhood mental health. | A Few Spots Remaining in Our Head Start Preschool! | |
Registration is now open for Fall Head Start and Early Head Start classes. Call us today at (802) 775-8225 or
contact us online here!
| | Developmental Classroom Opens Oct 6th, 2025 | Developmental Classroom will open October 6th. Dr. Lauren Weiss in partnership with Rutland City Public Schools and Maple Leaf Clinic will offer expert support and services to children. Dr. Weiss gave a presentation on the project at the Building Bright Futures Regional Meeting. | Playground to be Completed Early October 2025 | September Nutrition Activity: Husking Corn | |
Our Health Program is back with hands-on nutrition fun for every classroom!
This September, the spotlight is on corn on the cob. Children will husk their own corn, peel back the layers, and wonder: How does it feel? Does it smell? Is it tricky to get the husk off?
Then comes the best part—cooking it up and tasting those sweet kernels! Yum… how does it taste? 🌽
| | Self Assessment Community Meeting - Dates TBA Soon | The RCHS leadership team, staff, families, and community members are beginning our annual program self-assessment. In early October, we’ll invite you to our annual community meeting to share ideas on how we can better serve Rutland County. Stay tuned for details! | 2025 Block Party was a Blast! | A huge thank you to Family Services Team (Kristen, Jesse, Alexa), Lead Teacher (Alyssa LeTourneau), and Policy Council President (Hannah Lanning). | |
-Meet Our Classroom Teams- | | Adventures (Meadow Street): Left to right: Courtney Dudley-Classroom Supervisor, Shannah Hier-Teaching Assistant, Alyssa LeTourneau-Lead Teacher, Sara Gutel - Teaching Assistant, Jesse Dodge-Family Advocate. | Innovators (Meadow Street): Left to right: Courtney Dudley - Classroom Supervisor, April Sloan-Lead Teacher, Sara Gutel-Teaching Assistant, Meghan Sirois-Teaching Assistant, Sammi Neilson-Teaching Assistant, Jesse Dodge-Family Advocate. | Visionaries (Discovery Center): Left to right: Lisa Ebbighausen - Co-Lead Teacher, Kelly O'Neil - Lead Teacher, Alexa Ritchie-Family Advocate, Bonnie Wilson-Classroom Supervisor. | | Dreamers Early Head Start (Meadow Street): Left to right: Kylie Moore - Lead EHS Teacher, Joellen Winters -Lead EHS Teacher, Bonnie Wilson - Classroom Supervisor, Alexa Ritchie-Family Advocate. | Explorers Early Head Start (Meadow Street) Left to right: Kylie Constantine - Lead EHS Teacher, Lisa Patterson - Teacher in Training, Melissa Neilson -Lead EHS Teacher, Bonnie Wilson- Classroom Supervisor, Jesse Dodge - Family Advocate. | Discovery EHS (Discovery Center): Left to right: Amber Boutwell-Lead EHS Teacher, Jess Christian-Lead EHS Teacher, Anika Griswald, EHS Teacher in Training, Alexa Richie-Family Advocate, Bonnie Wilson- Classroom Supervisor. | Developmental Classroom/Special Education Staff: Left to right: Courtney Dudley-Associate Teacher, Danielle Sweeney-Specialized Support Assistant, Dr. Lauren Weiss-Disability Manager. | | | -Head Start "First 45 Days"- | |
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What to Know About the First 45 Days at Head Start
For more than 60 years, Head Start has supported children and families by focusing on the whole child. During the first 45 days of the program year, each child receives important screenings and supports to ensure they are healthy, thriving, and ready to learn.
Every child will receive:
- Vision screening
- Hearing screening
- Developmental screening
- A home visit
- Support from Family Services and Lead Teachers in connecting with doctors, dentists, and specialists
Our Family Advocates, Jesse and Alexa, also work closely with families to connect them with community resources—whether for immediate needs or long-term goals. It’s all about partnership, and it works.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Advocate or Classroom Teacher. To learn more about the “45 Day Requirements,” visit the National Head Start Association’s article here.
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-Get Ready: Rutland Halloween Parade!-
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Last year, over 100 staff, families, and friends marched with us in Rutland’s famous Halloween Parade—and it was a blast! 👻
This year, we’re taking it to the next level… we’re building a Head Start Crayon Float!
Our family service program and teachers are leading a special Halloween Float Committee, and we’d love for parents to join in the fun. Whether it’s helping to build the float, marching in the parade, or cheering us on—there’s a way for everyone to be part of this boo-tiful and spook-tacular tradition.
Check out these photos from last year’s parade, and imagine how much fun this year will be with our colorful Crayon Float!Want to help?
If you’d like to join the planning committee or help build the float, please email Kristen Nugent, Family Services Manager, at knugent@rmhsccn.org.
Stay tuned—more details about the float construction and parade day are coming soon!
| | -Partners and Supporters- | | |
Grants
- The Bowse Trust
- Building Bright Futures
- Let's Grow Kids
- Delta Dental
- Vermont Arts Council / Vermont Arts Exchange
- Vermont Head Start Collaboration Office
- Rutland Health Department
- Vermont Child Development Division
Donations & In-Kind Support
- Teresa and Ethan Berkowitz
- Michael Drew
- Child Plus
- Jeff Fleming
- Goodwill Rutland
- Hickory Street Housing
- Hannah Hutchins
- Operation Dolls
- Rutland City Schools
- Rutland Housing Authority
- Salvation Army
- Stewarts Shops Ice Cream
- Ashley Stone
- Christina Sweet, Tooth Tutor
- Alan Wilson
- Wonderfeet Kids' Museum
Training & Organizational Support
- Dr. Leigh-Ann Brown, VTSU-Castleton
- Dr. Angela Sillars, VTSU-Castleton
- Reggio Inspired Vermont RIVET
- VTSU-Castleton ECE/Special Education Students
- Vermont Head Start Association Board of Directors
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Parent/Policy Council Volunteers
- Hannah Lanning, Parent/Policy Council President
- Stephanie Atwood, Parent Policy Council
- Leslie Burg, PhD, Northeastern Emeritus Faculty
- Samantha Daly, Parent Policy Council
- Hazel LaFleche, Parent Policy Council
- Justin Pomykala, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Health Advisory Committee
Rutland Community
Programs Board
- Jay Slenker, Principal, West Rutland School
- Renee Bousquet, Public Health Services Rutland District Director Vermont Department of Health
- Dick Courcelle, CEO, Community Care Network
- Erynn Hazlett, Parent Representative
- Tim O’Connor, Certified Financial Planner
- Shane Protivansky, Attorney
- Justine Ruhlin, Principal, Northeast Primary School
Read More...
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Sharing Warmth This Coming Winter:
Seeking Donations: Gently Used Clothing, Blankets, and Toys
Rutland County Head Start and Early Head Start are stocking up for the colder months, and we’d love your help! We’re looking for gently used or new clothing, blankets, and toys to keep our children cozy and ready for play.
As a hands-on, play-based program, little ones often need extra clothes after adventures in art, mud, or snowy forts. Your donations make those moments possible!
If you’d like to contribute, please reach out to Kristen Nugent, Family Services Manager. RCHS is a tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Email Kristen here
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