YACAC Headstart program wins praise from parents

YACAC Headstart program wins praise from parents
EDITOR:
I would like to take a moment of your time to bring attention to an often overlooked segment of education, the Youngstown Area Community Action Center Headstart preschools. My youngest son is currently enrolled in his second year at the McCartney Road Learning Center. He will be graduating this month and is more than fully prepared for his first year of kindergarten.
I simply cannot say enough good things about the programs at this school. The educational curriculum is geared to make learning fun so that the atmosphere is enjoyable for the students while at the same time they are receiving the required knowledge that they will need to begin elementary school. The class learns a letter, number and color every week. They regularly have visitors to the class. Volunteers from Jo-Ann Fabrics donated supplies and staff to do a special project with the children. A local dentist came to visit for a day. Finally, my son's favorite, an area postman, who described the basics of where the mail comes from and stayed to do a special mailbox project with the children. This only names a few of the wonderful individuals who assisted with the program this year.
In addition to education the children also learn basic life skills such as hygiene habits, basic dressing skills, buttons, snaps and such, and proper nutrition. I know I have only touched on a handful of the valuable lessons that the children learn in this school, but I would like to mention what I feel really makes the school stand apart from all others. My son's teachers, Ms. Penny and Ms. Gough, simply have a way with the children. The students are taught positive self esteem and respect for themselves and others. In games they cheer one another's triumphs and if someone suffers a minor setback, they encourage them to try again. Mistakes are never penalized, and the children walk away with an attitude that it is all right not to be the best as long as they try and have fun. This environment of warmth and positive reinforcement is one that I know my son will carry with him for a lifetime.
I cannot emphasize enough to any area residents who may have children who are eligible to enroll them in the coming year. Though it is a program that is geared to low-income families, I speak from experience when I say those who do not qualify are missing out on a good thing. I strained my budget with my oldest son's first year of preschool, entering him into a private school, and I lived to regret it. The educational system and the teachers simply do not compare with what he finally received at McCartney Road Learning Center. I would like to sincerely thank them for a job well done.
GEORGE AND ADRIANNE JOHNS
Campbell
Youngstown, you did well
EDITOR:
This is an open letter for all the people in Youngstown. With all the problems our town has experienced in the past, when one of our fine officers is taken away from us, it is wonderful how our whole city banded together to help the police department get the evilness so quickly.
Youngstown can be a good place when all the people work together for the good of all. Maybe this can help rebuild the poor image that has plagued this city for tool long. Keep up the fine work, Youngstown.
JOHANNA PALADENECH
Youngstown
YSU made the right choice
EDITOR:
I truly believe YSU Athletic Director Ron Strollo should be roundly applauded by the Youngstown community and the Mahoning Valley for the fine example he has set in the hiring of (African-American) Tisha Hill as the new YSU women's basketball coach.
I believe and hope that such an example set by YSU in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, with its growing minority population, is a great and fine example that will be followed by the Valley's public and private business community.
WILLIE JAMES RICHARDS
Youngstown