NESD Head Start Program

Welcome back! Pre-service to get us ready for the school year!

Classes may not start for a few weeks but we are getting ready for an awesome year with the kiddos! Screening days began last week in Huron and Mobridge, this week in Aberdeen, Sisseton, and Webster, and continue through next week in Redfield.

Congratulations to Rebecca Tesch, Family Services Coordinator for the Huron Center, on her graduation from Leadership Huron! Supporting her are Krista Anderson, Family Services Manager and Juli Schultz, Executive Director. Way to go Rebecca!

Stay cool, stay safe! ☀️

Remember to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and never leave kids or pets in a parked car. Let's keep each other safe from the heat!

HELP! - looking for items for make-and-take (to be dropped of at Aberdeen site):
- creamer bottles with lid on the top like coffee mate
- pringles containers,
- Parmesan cheese containers,
- coffee cans
- egg cartons
- Things like puzzles, or loose pieces that can be sorted by color or dropped into a container can be saved in a spot.
- "Junk Drawer Items" poker chips,
dice. and colored straws.
THANKS for saving items for us to use creatively! Please drop off or let us know and we can schedule pick-up before August 1st.

Along with focusing on education and families, Head Start supports nutrition and provides resources to families. We are proud to support WIC in helping families.

Attention Aberdeen and surrounding area families!

Meet the Staff/Meet the Board

Krystina Hauck, Office & ERSEA Manager spoke to the NESD Head Start Board of Directors to introduce herself and discuss her many responsibilities within the program. ERSEA is eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance. Pictured with Krystina is Board Member, Katie Crawford. Katie recently joined the Board and serves as our fiscal expert. Thank you ladies for your dedication and love for Head Start!

Free meals available for youth in many locations

South Dakota families can access nutritious, tasty food at summer feeding sites throughout the state. The Summer Food Service Program provides meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session.

The meals are free for all children under the age of 18, with no sign-up necessary at eligible sites. Families can find sites by texting “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744, by calling 1-866-348-6479, or by going to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s summer meals website at fns.ucsda.gov/summerfoodrocks.

“These sites are a great resource for families who rely on school lunch programs during the school year,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. “The meals are prepared and served by members of the community, and they ensure that kids are able to stay healthy during the summer break.”

Sponsors such as schools, private non-profit organizations, and government entities participate in providing meals throughout the summer months.

The Summer Food Service Program is an equal opportunity provider.

We honor all of the fallen heroes who served our nation. Today, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

A wonderful service honoring a wonderful woman. Charlotte, your impact on families, children and Head Start will live on for a long time. We are forever grateful to have known you, both professionally and personally. (A few of the past and current Head Start Staff who were blessed to honor Charlotte today).

A big THANK YOU to Dakota Decor Event Planning LLC for donating the backdrop for our Aberdeen Center graduation. We appreciate your time and generousity to help us make this event special!

Meet the Staff/Meet the Board

Carol Rice, Nutrition Manager spoke to the NESD Head Start Board of Directors to introduce herself and discuss her many responsibilities within the program. Carol has been with NESD Head Start for over 20 years and is the go-to person for all things food related! Pictured with Carol is Board Member, Alice LaFontaine. Alice joined the Board in December 2023. Thank you ladies for your dedication and love for Head Start!

We are saddened to share that long-time employee and friend of Head Start, Charlotte McMahon, passed away after a courageous battle with Choroidal Melanoma. Charlotte held several roles during her 40 years with the program, most recently as Family Services Coordinator in Huron. She was key in establishing the home base program, helped establish the Huron Preschool Partnership, and helped expand the NESD program to its current 13-county area. She was known as a "go-getter", was a well-known professional, and was very passionate about helping children and families reach their fullest potential. Even after her retirement, Charlotte continued helping as a "Friend of Head Start" and served on the Policy Council / State Board. Her impact will forever be felt by the program and she will be greatly missed.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.welterfuneralhome.com%2Fobituary%2Fcharlotte-mcmahon%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3S6EAJg4x8N3S4mr5A9gCPC9CkVrTGYDWVS8IVZyq6KXDPhkNsg1ip4iQ_aem_AWzvu3r8_ZiwkteBA8ePy-YmShhkjLKi_mSArmBNGy1J-1oR1kKehIP7azGzBxfLOMNDKmIup6MVpSInlCmUnRc6&h=AT16bz5VpHKQ3Ve04vij5KqmYIlajjQb-XmuAxwjAUDNXe6gqeSPpFeNt3o5rzW_61-97SfoKcTIfOyBssA9ChrWQ-KgNgmYllAy0i7-IXfhBJiRlRwMEAmff-PcXA7xEak

Obituary for Charlotte McMahon at Welter Funeral Home Charlotte McMahon of Huron / St. Onge, aged 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at her daughters home near Huron on May 18, 2024 after a courageous battle with Choroidal Melanoma. Her Funeral Service will be held at 1030 a.m., on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Mt.

Aberdeen families, summer meals for kids available!

59 years of empowering young minds! 🎉

Since 1965, Head Start programs have been dedicated to giving children from low-income families the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Today, as we celebrate its 59th birthday, let’s honor the large impact Head Start programs have made and continue to make in shaping brighter futures for all. 🎉✨

End of year rainy days call for popcorn and a movie (for a little bit of the day, anyway 😄). Thanks to our teachers and staff for planning special things for the kids (and to our popcorn makers too!)!!!

A great big THANK YOU to Jamie Simon of J. Simon Photography for donating her time and talent to the Aberdeen Head Start graduates and capturing this special transition to Kindergarten!! We appreciate you so much! (Enjoy some pics of just a few of our many lifelong learners ❤️)

This , let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible teachers, assistant teachers, and home visitors who dedicate their hearts and minds to shaping the future every single day!

Thank you for your tireless efforts, endless compassion, and delightful inspiration! 🍎✨

Share with us the Head Start educators and support staff who make a significant impact for children and families in your community!

Create a post on social media and tag and use the hashtag .

Attention Aberdeen Families!

Calling all Current and Past Head Start/Early Head Start Parents and Caregivers:Please sign this letter asking Washington, D.C. leaders to ensure that Head Start remains strong!

Families Want a Strong Head Start! NHSA drafted a letter on behalf of Head Start parents and caregivers, asks our country’s leaders to continue the national commitment to providing all children the foundation they need to thrive, regardless of their circumstances at birth.

Just a few highlights of the SD ECE Conference in Oacoma! Learning and Leading for our children and families! And Congratulations to Sandy Hargis (15 Years) and Jese' Meyer (5 Years) on their Years of Service Awards!!

Join us in celebrating NAEYC's Week of the Young Child.

Today is Autism Awareness Day! Let's celebrate the incredible accomplishments, strengths, and contributions of individuals with ASD. 💙

Attention Aberdeen Families with Kindergarteners this Fall!!! If you missed the Signing Day in January, here is your next chance.

Happy !

On May 18, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson unveiled Project Head Start with a historic announcement from the White House Rose Garden.

Dive into the past and watch this pivotal moment here: https://buff.ly/3n6YdtA

Meet the Staff/Meet the Board

Kristie Fliehs, Education and Disabilities Manager spoke to the NESD Head Start Board of Directors to introduce herself and discuss her many responsibilities within the program. Kristie has been with NESD Head Start for over 20 years and is the go-to person for all things education! Pictured with Kristie is Board Member, Barb Magera. Barb is the Special Education Preschool and Autism Facilitator for the Aberdeen School District. She has assisted Head Start children with services for many years and joined the Board in October 2022. Thank you ladies for your dedication and love for Head Start!