Youth | PEACE, Inc.

Young Learners Explore Black History Month

by Angel Belford | Feb 28, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Merrick Head Start celebrated Black History Month by learning about important African Americans who have shaped history, culture, and the world around us. Through age-appropriate lessons, classroom discussions, and creative projects, students explored important themes such as leadership, creativity, courage, and perseverance.

Each classroom selected a person to honor and created posters that reflected what they learned. Room 102 and Room 201 focused on Michael Jackson, while Room 103 learned about artist Alma Thomas. Room 104 celebrated the musical legacy of The Temptations, and Room 106 explored the life and music of Nat King Cole. Other classrooms honored civil rights leader Rosa Parks in Room 203, musician Jimi Hendrix in Room 204, actor Chadwick Boseman in Room 206, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Room 211.

Through art, storytelling, and guided conversations, students learned about the lasting impact these individuals have made. We are proud of our young learners for their curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful engagement as they celebrated Black History Month and the powerful contributions of Black leaders and artists.

For more information about the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Community Partners Create a Day of Fun and Fitness

by Angel Belford | Feb 17, 2026 | News and Information

The children who visit PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center enjoyed an exciting winter break adventure filled with movement, teamwork, and fun. The group spent the morning at Sullivan’s MMA for Winter Break Camp, where Dylan and his dedicated staff created an energetic and welcoming environment for all participants.

CWFRC children joined studio students for a full day of activities that kept everyone active and engaged, including dodgeball, gaga ball, kickball, obstacle courses, and games like “the floor is lava.” The Sullivan’s MMA team fostered an inclusive space where every child felt supported and encouraged, with activities that met children where they were at, in terms of their individual interests and abilities.

After camp, the children returned to the Family Resource Center to enjoy pizza for lunch and share their favorite moments from the day while looking ahead to the rest of their winter break. Experiences like this highlight the power of community partnerships in keeping children active, connected, and smiling.

To learn more about the County West Family Resource Center, visit: www.peace-caa.org/cwfrc

Sneak Peek at Lafayette Head Start Activities

by Angel Belford | Feb 15, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Lafayette Head Start have been busy learning, exploring, and having fun each day in a warm and engaging environment. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children are encouraged to use their imaginations, build new skills, and learn through play both inside the classroom and outdoors.

Inside, children expressed their creativity by painting pinecones, diving into make-believe play, and strengthening problem-solving skills through building activities. Quiet moments of reading time helped support early literacy and a love of books, while group play encouraged cooperation and social development.

Outdoor adventures added even more excitement, with children enjoying snow play and active movement outside, giving them the chance to explore nature, stay active, and experience seasonal changes firsthand. These everyday moments of discovery and play are an important part of the Head Start experience, helping children grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing setting.

Learn more about Head Start: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Dancing for Heart Health at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 12, 2026 | News and Information

&Sumner Head Start hosted their Healthy Heart Dance, bringing children and parents together for a fun and engaging celebration focused on wellness and heart health. Families enjoyed a lively day filled with movement, creativity, and learning as they explored ways to keep their hearts healthy through play.

The event featured a variety of interactive activity stations designed to support both physical activity and creative expression. Children created Heart Animals and Heart People, experimented with Sponge Heart Painting, and showed off their moves during Healthy Exercise activities. Families also took part in games like Healthy Food & Heart Toss, and Pin the Heart on the Person, while temporary tattoos added an extra element of fun.

It was wonderful to see families coming together to celebrate healthy habits, active play, and community connection. Events like the Healthy Heart Dance help reinforce important wellness messages while creating joyful, shared experiences for children and their caregivers.

Young Hearts Making a Big Difference

by Angel Belford | Feb 11, 2026 | News and Information

Students and families at Grant Head Start Classroom 1 and Hawley PreK came together to celebrate National Kindness Month in a heartfelt and meaningful way. Across both classrooms, children and their families created Heart Cards for children receiving care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, turning creativity into an act of compassion and community care.

This special activity gave young learners the opportunity to practice empathy, kindness, and generosity while learning that even small gestures can have a powerful impact. By making cards filled with care and encouragement, children explored how thoughtful actions can bring comfort and joy to others, especially to children who may need a little extra support.

We are incredibly proud of our students and families for embracing the spirit of kindness and spreading happiness beyond their classrooms. Their efforts are a beautiful reminder that when communities come together, small acts of love can make a big difference.

Pizza Day at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 9, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 211 recently brought learning to life by transforming their Community Helpers Domain into a pizzeria. Students stepped into the role of pizza makers, while parents joined in to support their young chefs as they created colorful “pizzas” made from construction paper.

This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, and imaginative play while helping children learn about community helpers and how they contribute to everyday life. Sharing the experience with families made the activity even more meaningful, strengthening connections between home and classroom.

Moments like these highlight the value of interactive, play-based learning and family engagement, creating joyful experiences that support children’s development in a fun and nurturing environment.

If you would like to see if your family qualifies for the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

“Dad Read to a Child” at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 6, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 102 recently celebrated male involvement in early learning with a successful “Dad Read To A Child” Literacy Event. Fathers, grandfathers, and other father-figures joined their children for a special storytime experience that highlighted the importance of reading together and building strong family connections.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for children to share the joy of books with the important men in their lives while strengthening early literacy skills. Seeing families come together to support learning created a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for both children and caregivers.

We are proud of our students and families for participating in this special event and for showing how shared reading experiences can support learning, confidence, and lifelong connections to literacy.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer visit: www.peace-caa.org/get-involved/

Exploring Animals Through Art and Observation

by Angel Belford | Feb 5, 2026 | News and Information

Learning came to life in Sumner Head Start, Room 107, as students took part in a creative activity centered around animals. Each child selected an animal of their choice and explored its colors, shapes, and unique characteristics, taking time to observe details before beginning their work.

Using their observations, students carefully worked to draw the animal images they chose. This encourages patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving while allowing children to express their creativity in meaningful ways. Activities like this help children build confidence as they see their ideas take shape.

Through this engaging activity, students strengthened fine motor skills, creativity, and concentration, all while enjoying the learning process. We are proud of the effort, focus, and growth we see in our classrooms every day as children continue to learn through exploration and creativity.

To learn more about the Head Start Program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Tools, Safety, and Teamwork: A Memorable Classroom Visit

by Angel Belford | Jan 22, 2026 | News and Information

As part of their Building Study, children in Baldwinsville JE Head Start Classroom 2 enjoyed a special visit from a community member who helped bring their learning to life. Ray Lessaongang, a Volunteer Firefighter with the Skaneateles Fire Department and the husband of one of our staff members, spent time with the class sharing his knowledge of tools, safety, and the important work builders do in the community.

During the visit, the children explored real tools, learned their names, and discussed how each one is used. Ray also talked about important safety practices builders follow while working, helping children understand why wearing protective gear and following rules keeps everyone safe. The hands-on experience encouraged curiosity, supported early learning goals, and sparked meaningful conversations as children asked questions and shared their ideas.

Experiences like this highlight the value of community connections in early childhood education. We are grateful to Ray for volunteering his time and helping make learning engaging, memorable, and relevant for our students. These partnerships strengthen both our classrooms and the communities we serve.

To learn more about the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

A Big Moment for a Big Making a Difference

by Angel Belford | Jan 16, 2026 | News and Information

Congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor Beth Losty on being recognized as the Amazon Community Hero during a recent Syracuse Crunch hockey game. Beth was honored in front of fans for her dedication and positive impact as a mentor, highlighting the important role volunteers play in strengthening our community.

The celebration was made even more special as Beth was joined at the game by her Little, her Little’s brother, and his Big, turning the recognition into a shared moment of connection and joy. A mutual love of hockey has helped keep these matches engaged and connected, both on and off the ice.

We are incredibly proud of Beth and the difference she makes through mentorship. Her recognition as an Amazon Community Hero is a powerful reminder of how meaningful relationships and shared experiences can inspire confidence, build bonds, and change lives.

To learn more about the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program at PEACE, Inc. visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/