My name is Kathryn Meade and I am a “Head Start mom”. My family and I first became involved with Audubon Area Head Start (KY) when we enrolled our eldest son, Spencer, in the 2004-2005 school year at Hager Preschool. We wanted Spencer to learn, become involved and be a part of something bigger than his own little world. We had no idea how much each of us would become members of the Hager family.
While attending Hager, Spencer received speech therapy with Ms. Melody. I also received a lot of information on how to work with him at home. His IEP carried over to Foust Elementary when he entered kindergarten. Spencer is now a first grader at Foust, has graduated out of speech and is doing wonderfully in all of his classes.
Our youngest son, Andrew, is now preparing to graduate from Hager Preschool and move on to kindergarten. Andrew became a Hager student at the age of three and has learned a great deal. I see the greatest improvement in his social skills.
My husband, Ryan, has been involved as well with Father Factor events, Fall Festival, book fairs, etc. These events are scheduled to fit with our hectic lives and have been a blessing. Our Family Advocate, Erma Blue, has helped us to set family goals each year and achieve those goals.
My three years with Hager have been busy and fulfilling. I have enjoyed volunteering in the classroom, book fairs, graduations and various other events. I try to help wherever I can and feel appreciated doing so. I have been able to put my skills and talents to work for the benefit of my children and their schools (Foust included.) I have also had the privilege of serving on the Policy Council for the past three years as an alternate representative, parent representative/Secretary, and this year as Chairperson.
Serving on Policy Council has afforded me the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Head Start Association Conference in Louisville the past two years and again next month, and to attend the National Head Start Association Conference in San Antonio, TX next month as well. As a PC member, I have realized the impact and responsibility of being the parent of a student, no matter what grade they are in. Policy Council and Hager Preschool have given me the chance to become involved in my children’s education and to use my voice as an advocate for them.
I see how much our family has grown thanks to all that we have received and experienced at, through and with Head Start. We began anticipating great things for Spencer. Ryan, Andrew and I have accomplished great things, too.
Kathryn Meade
Spencer and Andrew’s Mom