Dickinson Iron Head Start

Today we spotlight an employee and highlight an incredible milestone as we honor the retirement of Vicki Schuelke, a truly remarkable member of the Head Start and Early Childhood family/department. For 26 years, Vicki has dedicated her career to serving children and families --and was even a Head Start student and parent herself. She has worked within the ISD supporting students in Special Education, has served as Family Service Coordinator across multiple centers and classrooms and coordinates all of the transportation within the ECE Department. She can always be counted on to step in, lend a hand, use her voice, and help where needed. She will share a silly song, a laugh, a comforting hug or whatever a child needs to ensure their safety and that they feel seen. While her presence in the building will be deeply missed, we are grateful for the countless hours she has worked and the hearts and minds she has molded. Her retirement is well-earned and we wish her happiness, and continued joy in this next chapter! Please join us in congratulating her on an extraordinary career and for making a difference here at the ISD!

Melissa Palomaki has served as a Family Service Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and Program Supervisor...to name a few! She has certainly dedicated herself to the mission of Head Start and Early Childhood education for over 16 years and it shows in her detail-oriented, checking-every-box, thinking-three-steps-ahead leadership. Ensuring safety, security and support is of the utmost importance and doing that while making certain that every child feels seen takes a special person. Whether she is coordinating coverage, solving problems or keeping the department aligned, her dedicated presence is felt by all who know her. Thank you Melissa for all the "hats" you wear and for how much you care!

Pam Wendrick takes care of our Nordic Center and Early Head Start families serving as their Family Services Coordinator and assisting in the classroom. Pam has been involved with Head Start as a parent, volunteer, and staff member and truly embodies the HEART of Head Start bringing an important and unique perspective to the program. Not only is she passionate and consistent-- she is able to show empathy and kindness understanding both the challenges inside the classroom and the realities families face outside of it. We appreciate you, Pam --your commitment and willingness to help wherever needed is truly a treasure!

The role of Education and Disabilities Coordinator means being a strong advocate for children and families -- Andrea does just that and so much more! She is goal-oriented, organized and always willing to go to bat for students and staff. Andrea is instrumental in leading programs and ideas that help children transition, promote staff wellness and ensure our program adheres to the highest of standards. Her ability to balance compassion and understanding with advocacy and structure makes her an incredible human and resource that we are lucky to learn from! Thank you for all you do, Andrea!

As a classroom coach, an Early Head Start Education Coordinator and nearly a decade of experience, Kelsey possesses a fierce knowledge and a leadership that is steady and impactful. She also knows the value of leading with laughter and a sense of humor and is just fun to be around. She's the total package who can truly do it all and her versatility and realness is refreshing and admirable. She is never pretending to be anything other than herself and that garners a lot of respect and trust from her families, students and coworkers. A unique gem of the Early Childhood Education department!

Sadie Huotari is the newest Family Service Coordinator to join the Early Childhood team. From day one, Sadie has been eager to learn, ready to tackle any challenge and instrumental in supporting staff and connecting families to their communities. Her knowledge, willingness and passion to bring a fresh perspective to our program has enhanced our systems and made a difference! We are lucky to have work ethic, energy and empathy like yours in our corner, Sadie!

Ms. Mindy is another integral and valuable Early Head Start Home Visitor. She is a master at building relationships with families and always quick to recognize their strengths and remind them of how far they've come. Mindy has an amazing gift for helping to create structure, routine, and organizational systems within the homes she serves, bringing calm to the every day chaos. When families feel more prepared to take on the daily parenting grind they feel encouraged and capable. Thank you Ms. Mindy for reminding us to appreciate the journey!

Janey Poll is a true team player! As part of the squad at the Bates Center, with her Early Head Start coworkers and her EHS families, she is encouraging, down-to-earth and thoughtful to all. Her creativity and honesty shines through in the way she helps families find the fun, problem solve and have real conversations and connections. The work of a home visitor goes far beyond scheduled visits and lesson plans and we are thankful for your sincerity and heart, Janey!

Emmye Hicks is an Early Head Start Home Visitor that brings connection and authenticity into every home she enters. What makes Emmye special is her ability to make others feel accepted exactly as they are. Allowing families to be themselves creates a space for communication, confidence and collaboration. These things build strong foundations within the home and we are so thankful for Emmye's energy, empathy and dedication and all she does to help families thrive!

Kim is another veteran staff member here at the ISD, serving families as an Early Head Start Home Visitor for over 30 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge, care and compassion to her work that is unmatched in energy and enthusiasm. Ms. Kim is always on the move but never too busy for her coworkers or her families, lending a helping hand or providing a listening ear where needed. Her positive attitude and drive to better herself are infectious. Thank you for your consistent hard work and your humble nature, Ms. Kim! We appreciate you.