Parents and guardians recently gathered at the Baldwinsville JE Head Start location for an informational meeting focused on nutrition and healthy habits. The session was led by Leah Grace McCaskey, MPH, BS, Senior Nutritionist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, who shared practical guidance to support healthy eating and active lifestyles for young children.

Families learned more about the nutrition lessons their children have been exploring in the classroom, including the importance of balanced meals, limiting added sugar, and staying active through regular movement. The discussion helped reinforce how these healthy habits can be encouraged both at school and at home.

To make the experience hands-on and engaging, families sampled oatmeal balls that the children had prepared earlier in the day. Sharing this snack helped connect classroom learning with healthy choices at home. Events like this strengthen partnerships between families and educators while supporting children’s overall health and well-being.

Families from Grant PreK Classroom 1 recently joined their children for a special Pajama Day, filled with story time, crafts, and family fun. Students and families enjoyed listening to The Gingerbread Baby together, sparking conversation and excitement around the story.

After story time, the children decorated their own Gingerbread Babies to take home, adding a creative and hands-on element to the day. The event provided a cozy and engaging environment, fostering family connection, creativity, and a love of learning in the classroom.

For more information about our Head Start program, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Classroom 105 at Sumner Head Start recently received beautiful afghans from a generous anonymous donor. The children loved wrapping themselves up, carrying their blankets, and staying cozy throughout the day.

These thoughtful gifts brought warmth and joy to the classroom, creating smiles and comfort for the children. We are grateful to our kind donor for brightening the students’ day and supporting a nurturing, welcoming environment for learning.

PEACE, Inc. is always greatful for all the donations that the community provides. If you would like to support the work we do, visit www.peace-caa.org/get-involved/

Children in Hawley Youth Organization PreK recently enjoyed a special morning at Pancakes with Seniors held at the Hawley Community Center. Dressed in their pajamas, the students shared breakfast with seniors from the community, creating a fun and heartwarming intergenerational experience.

The event provided an opportunity for children and seniors to connect, enjoy a delicious breakfast together, and strengthen community bonds. Smiles, laughter, and shared stories made the morning a memorable celebration of connection and togetherness.

For more information about our Head Start program, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Quinn Gardner, Children’s Librarian at Petit Branch Library, recently visited our Sumner Head Start classroom to share the joy of reading and music with the children. Quinn read Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and led the children in singing songs, creating an engaging and interactive learning experience.

During the visit, children participated by identifying animals in the story and discussing the emotions they observed, helping to strengthen literacy, comprehension, and social-emotional skills. The students did a wonderful job listening, interacting, and answering questions, making the visit both fun and educational.

To learn more about our Head Start programs, visit https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

In Merrick Early Head Start Classroom 106, caregivers and toddlers recently joined together for a fun and creative art session. The activity encouraged collaboration as children and adults painted side by side, fostering both creativity and meaningful connections.

The event highlighted the special bond between caregivers and children, giving families the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and shared experiences. By the end of the session, smiles and paint-streaked hands reflected a joyful morning of creativity, connection, and cherished memories.

For more information about our Head Start program, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

The PEACE, Inc. Merrick Head Start team recently brought the gym to life with a colorful Multicultural Festival, celebrating the rich diversity that makes our community special. Families and students explored exhibits representing countries and regions including Italy, Barbados, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Afghanistan, Ireland, Belize, and Africa, learning about traditions, food, music, and art from each culture.

A highlight of the festival was the energetic African drum performance, where everyone joined in to dance, laugh, and share in the joy of cultural expression. The event was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of diversity and the power of coming together as a community to learn, celebrate, and enjoy meaningful experiences together.

For more information about our Head Start program, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Merrick Head Start recently hosted a pumpkin decorating contest, and the classrooms brought incredible creativity and imagination to the event.

Room 211 took home first place with a pumpkin inspired by The Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly, while Room 206 earned second place with a Snoopy pumpkin based on It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

All the classrooms participated enthusiastically, making the activity a fun and festive experience for children and their families. Events like this help foster creativity, teamwork, and community at Merrick Head Start, providing children with joyful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

For more information about PEACE, Inc. Head Start programs, visit: https://www.peace-caa.org/hs/

This October, children and families at PEACE, Inc. Head Start had fun with pumpkins. They painted, carved, and learned together.

At Roxboro Head Start, families joined their children to paint pumpkins. The pumpkins were donated by Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. Nurse Ryan talked to the children and parents about the differences between candy and medicine to help keep children safe.

At Merrick Head Start, Room 211 children and their parents carved and decorated pumpkins. Each child took home their pumpkin. In Room 106, infants and their parents painted and decorated paper pumpkins. These activities helped families spend time together and have fun while learning.

At Sumner Head Start, Classroom 104 explored pumpkins in a hands-on way. Children touched and scooped the pumpkins. They also made a Fruit & Pumpkin Dip together.

PEACE, Inc. Head Start pumpkin events are a fun way for families to learn, create, and enjoy time together.

To learn more about our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

PEACE, Inc. Genesee Head Start is excited to share two special projects happening at our school. Tim Gardner, Room 4 teacher assistant, helped with creating a new walkway made of stepping stones from all four classrooms. Each classroom contributed a stone, and one special stone honors our beloved friend, co-worker, and “work mom,” Ms. Toni Blackmon. This new walkway provides students and visitors with a colorful, meaningful path to enjoy every day.

On the other side of the building, near the parking lot, students and families can meet Roscoe the snake. Thanks to Samantha Olson, Room 4 teacher, children and their special friends painted rocks during our September Male Involvement Event to create Roscoe’s body. Each rock was decorated with bright colors and unique designs, making Roscoe a fun and growing part of the school.

The next time you visit Genesee Head Start, stop by to see Roscoe and feel free to add your own painted rock. We hope Roscoe will continue to grow and bring joy to everyone who passes by.

To learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start, visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs