My name is Debi Ross-Jones. All four of my children attended Head Start. When my oldest was four I was hired as a bus driver. I had two routes a day for 5 years, so each year I got to know about 40 children and their families. It was always so interesting to get to know the students and families that were here from other countries. I enjoyed each year looking at pictures of the graduating seniors and know I had a small part in their lives. The last of my bus kids have all now graduated.
After my last child was born I took some time off. When she was in Head Start I was elected to the Policy Council. Each month I rode to the meetings with our director, Judy Whitten. During one ride she told me of a position coming open. I applied and was hired as a secretary. A couple of years later I was moved to purchasing. I have been associated with Head Start now for 22 years.
All four of my children loved Head Start and were so ready to go to "big school." But I believe my youngest probably gained the most. She was so terribly shy before entering school that she would get hysterical if anyone, especially men, even looked like they might talk to her. After she was in Head Start for a little while some of the local football players from the high school would come and read to the class. Because one of them had the same name as her brother she was okay with him and slowly came out of her shell. She is now my most outspoken and isn't shy with anybody. Thank you HEAD START!