Summer school, spaceships, soup and shrubs- we've had an eclectic spring

May Newsletter 2021

Summer School At Wild Plum Center

We are so excited for what is in store for our little Plums this summer! For the first time in our 56 years of operation, we will be offering a summer school program for our preschoolers who are transitioning to Kindergarten in the Fall.

The classes this summer will be held at our newest site, Longs Peak, and will be STEAM centric. 24 children will benefit from this new opportunity.

We are very grateful to be able to expand our program, yet again, in order to meet the growing needs of our community.

Thanks to each of you for your steadfast support and helping us reach our fundraising goals and be certain that everyone enters Kindergarten with confidence.

Celebrating Our WPC Teachers- Focus on Ms. Sandy

We are grateful for the wonderful teachers that are foundational to our exceptional program and their ability to adapt to the needs of their class in order to provide every student an individualized education.

Last month we interviewed Ms. Sandy, here is what she shared:

"I have worked for Head Start for almost four decades. I initially came to the program because I was passionate about its philosophy on education. Head Start ignited my desire to lead and provide opportunities to individualize education for children, but most of all it allowed me to craft self-guided lessons that spark children’s curiosity.

One of my favorite lessons to teach is when I bring a spaceship into the classroom as a form of dramatic play. The children’s eyes light up when they walk in and see the spaceship that I built for them to explore science through dramatization. We act out a space voyage where the children get to dress up like astronauts and blast off into space. The children we work with at Head Start are imaginative, curious, and ready to explore new ideas.

Another one of my lessons that children really enjoy is when they investigate how air gets trapped and can move objects. The class creates balloon rockets by pumping air into the balloon in a rocket frame, and then we teach them about concepts like speed, movement, and they learn about cause and effect by moving objects with air they release from the balloon.

Over my time at Head Start, I have watched learning models and curriculums change, but what continues to strengthen my passion is watching children learn and express themselves. The children's unique personalities inspire me to challenge, guide, and provide opportunities for them to develop social skills, problem-solving techniques, and explore their interests."

A warm thanks to Ms. Sandy for giving us a window into her classroom, as well as her commitment to Wild Plum Center, Head Start and hundreds of students and families over the years.

‌

Service Spotlight -Heart of Longmont

Did you know that one of our sites is located at the Heart of Longmont Church? They have been a great supporter of our families' needs and we are especially appreciative of the Cinco De Mayo meal kits they provided.

Each bag included ingredients to make a "Chef Hearty" soup and simple salad. Students were encouraged to partake in the festivities by preparing the meal together with their families. Cooking provides children with understanding and reading directions, washing and measuring ingredients, preparing a meal and then time to sit down to enjoy their delicious masterpiece as a family.

Our community partners are simply the best. Thanks for giving Wild Plum families one more thing to celebrate!

The Giving Tree: A Call to our Community!

Do you have extra daffodils, iris or tulips in your yard that could use a new home? How about a friend that deserves a tree planted in their honor?

A big project we are undertaking this summer is landscaping our Outdoor Learning Environment. We are inviting our community to make contributions of trees, shrubs, perennial plant starts and more! If a green thumb just isn't your thing, you can make a monetary donation to this cause instead!

Click Here to Donate