READING IS FUNDAMENTAL IN JEOPARDY

Reading Is Fundamental is in jeopardy of losing its federal funding, as it is not included in the current FY09 federal budget.

If you would like to do something about continuing the program, log on to www.RIF.org or http://capwiz.com/rif/mailapp/ and let the country know children need these books.

The proposed budget eliminates the Inexpensive Book Distribution program, which is managed by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). It is authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act, SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution program for Reading Motivation and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interuption since 1975.

Unless Congress reinstates funding for this program, RIF will be unable to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation's youngest and most at-risk children. This would be devastating to children here in Rockland and to the other 4.6 million chidren and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement via RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the United States.

Head Start of Rockland programs in Haverstraw, Nyack, and Spring Valley serve approximately 411 low income children and their families. Through the RIF program, we have been able to give each child three books. The program brings families into the classroom for RIF events to share the joy of reading and learning with their children. It is an integral part of the education program.

Adopt-A-Road SECOND AVENUE CLEANUPS

Linda Caliman, Family and Community Partnership Supervisor at Spring Valley Head Start, has announced plans for continuation of Head Start of Rockland's Adopt-A-Road Cleanups of Second Avenue in collaboration with the Clarkstown Highway Department. The cleanups are performed by Head Start staff and volunteers, parents, and neighbors who reside on Second Avenue.


Dates for 2008 Adopt-A-Road Cleanups are: April 19, June 14, June 28, September 27, October 4, and October 18. If you would like to volunteer to help on a Saturday morning, please call Linda Caliman at 845-352-6671. Head Start of Rockland is a not-for-profit charitable organization and the leading provider of preschool and early childhood education in Rockland County, and is accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children.

IMAGINE A COUNTY...

Imaging a county where everyone works to end domestic violence. That is the vision of Michael Mandel, the featured speaker for the DELTA S.T.O.P. Fear Coalition at the Rockland Family Shelter, 9 Johnsons Lane in New City on Wednesday, February 27th from 12:00-1;30pm. Domestic Violence: What Employers Need to Know is the theme as you learn what Rockland County business management is doing to help end domestic violence. RSVP by 2/25 to 845-358-9390 or e-mail eileengrimm@hotmail.com.

RTC EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Rockland Teachers' Center Institute is a testing site for College Level Examination Program or CLEP. Students may register to take the exam Monday, March 10 or Thursday March 13 at the RTCI's computer lab at 14 Vanderlip Circle in Thiells.

The process can shorten the path to a college degree. Each 90-minute, computer-based CLEP exam will allow them to get instant score results. Participants can receive credit for what they already know by earning qualifying scores. For information on how this might apply to you, contact Joleen Murray at 845-942-7603 or vist their website at www.rockteach.org.

NEED CASH? United Way Tax Prep Can Help

NEED CASH? United Way of Rockland County Kicks Off Its Free
Tax Preparation Program Focused on Creating Assets, Savings and Hope

The United Way of Rockland County kicked off CASH, its free tax preparation program on Monday, January 28 at 10 a.m. at Key Bank in Spring Valley. CASH – Creating Assets, Savings and Hope - provides free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as well as other tax credits that may be available to them, by filing their federal and state tax returns. Partners in the United Way’s CASH initiative -- including the County of Rockland, Haverstraw Center, the IRS, Key Bank, Palisades Federal Credit Union, Temple Beth Torah and The Herman Goldman Foundation – were recognized at the kickoff as well. Participants in last year’s CASH effort will be on hand to provide testimonials about the program.

CASH is one of UWRC’s Community Impact Initiatives aimed at helping Rocklanders meet their basic needs. CASH is focused solely on providing tax preparation assistance to those families with a household income of $40,000 or less a year (or singles making $12,400 or less). EITC tax refunds are often used by Rocklanders to help meet basic needs including car repairs, medical expenses and more.

This is the third year that United Way of Rockland County is spearheading the CASH effort. In 2007, 55 United Way CASH volunteers helped recoup $307,962 in refunds ($184,839 in EITC) for Rocklanders. The United Way’s CASH program underscores its commitment to help Rockland residents protect and meet their basic needs at a time when the gap between take home wages and essential expenses is growing rapidly. Individuals can learn if they are eligible for the CASH program and schedule an appointment at one of three CASH sites in Spring Valley, Nyack or Haverstraw by calling United Way’s 211 helpline.

United Way of Rockland County is a local, independent non-profit dedicated to building a stronger Rockland community. Here in Rockland, UWRC is focused on the most critical issues including protecting and meeting basic needs, nurturing children and youth and enhancing seniors’ independence. For more information, contact Diane Serratore, UWRC Director of Community Impact, at 845-358-8929, ext. 14.

Health at Spring Valley Head Start

Miriam Kahan alerted us to a video on www.lohud.com that is one of a two-part program on our health program for children and families. The 'program" was inspired by the special picture in The Journal News of two Head Start students brushing their teeth. We are adding a link to www.lohud.com for your convenience. You will need the patience of Job to find it. Enjoy!!

Thank you Bloomingdale's

We appreciate the support received from Bloomingdale's as a result of its Fall shop for a cause day, a growing trend across the region and across the country.

RIF - Mrs. Spider's Tea Party

Haverstraw Head Start will hold "Mrs. Spider's Tea Party" on Tuesday, February 5th from 8am-11:30am and again from 12:30pm-4pm at 138-146 Maple Avenue. This is part of its participation in RIF - Reading Is Fundamental.

Black Dolls: From Mammy to Barbie

January 21-February 28. Black Dolls: From Mammy to Barbie at SUNY-RCC Library Media Center, Rotunda in celebration of African American History Month. See Ouida Dawson's collection of Barbie Dolls. The evolution of portrayal of African Americans in popular culture can be seen in dolls. Early examples typically demonstrate negative stereotypes. However, modern dolls illustrate more realistic and positive depictions of African Americans. Several collectors display their collections, including African American memorabilia, rage and porcelain dolls, and children's toys.

Office Depot is taking care of Head Start of Rockland

We are thrilled to be a member of the Office Depot back to Schools Program. Every time parents, students, and our supporters give our 5% Back to Schools ID number when buying qualifing supplies at Office Depot, we receive credits equal to 5% of the qualifing purchase to use for FREE Supplies. The more you use Office Depot here in Rockland County and turn in our ID Number, the more free supplies we'll receive for our classrooms and programs.

Next time you make a purchase, please give them our School ID Number: 70215048

REGIONAL NEWSMAKER - OUIDA DAWSON

When you read the January 08 Edition of New York Nonprofit Press, you will see "Dawson Selected to Lead Head Start of Rockland" in the People Serving People feature. We appreciate and welcome the tri-state coverage of our new leadership.

We plan to make 2008 an outstanding year for our children and their families, as well as our staff, volunteers, and supporters.

If you are not on our e-blast for episodic news, including the BUILDING BLOCKS newsletter, please send you e-mail address to peterjflierl@gmail.com. Put Building Blocks in the Subject Space.

Pinnacle Technologies Gives Back

On behalf of Head Start of Rockland and the children and families we serve, we wish to thank Christie Penque and Pinnacle Technologies Inc. in Wycoff, New Jersey for
their generous donation of desperately needed technology equipment including: aXerox XC23 Copier, a Microtek MRS-480 OFU2 Flatbed Scanner, an HP 4000 Laser Printer, and an HP 8550 Color Laserjet 8550. All of this qeuipment will directly support our mission in support of low income children and their families.

Gifts of goods are an integral part of our development program and are important in meeting our need for local matching gifts. For information on giving, please call Peter Flierl at 845-358-2234 or 203-273-5168.

Health Advisory Committee

Mary Hurler, RN reports that the Health Advisory Committee of Head Start of Rockland will meet on Thursday, January 24 at 11:30pm at Spring Valley Head Start, One Head Start Circle (end of Second Avenue)in Spring Valley. If you have an interest in children's health or would like to become in health for preschool children, you are cordially invited to attend the meeting.

For more information, please call Mary Hurler at 845-358-2234 or e-mail mhurler@headstartofrockland.org.

Thoughtful Gifts

We are pleased with special gifts of Children's books from Donna Riley and for a Christmas tree from Kathy Campagna and Commerce Bank. Every gift makes a difference and helps us meet our requirement for local contributions to match Federal funds.

If you have a question on charitable giving at Head Start of Rockland, please call Peter J. Flierl, MSW at 845-359-2234 or 203-273-5168.

Thank you for your generosity

We are grateful for donations that will support children and families in Rockland County from the following individuals and companies: Amy Barnett, Jonathan and Carol Brotherhood, Jennifer Di benedetto and La bella Vita Pizza and Pasta, Barbara Kohlhausen and the Cambridge Brokerage Group, and Barbara Williams. The world will be different because you are important in the life of a child, and in this case, many children.

If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child, please send your donation to Head Start of Rockland, Development Office, 85 Depew Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960.

For information on leaving Head Start of Rockland a legacy gift, wheter as a bequest in your will, or through a charitable gift annuity giving you income for life, please contact Peter J. Flierl, MSW at 845-358-2234 ext 43 or 203-273-5168.

Laurence Holland, A Life Well Lived

We join with all of Rockland County in mourning the loss of Lauence Holland, a civil rights leader who left a legacy of leadership, encouragement, generosity, and advocacy. For all of us at Head Start,he allowed us the privilege of sharing his life's partner, Rose Holland, who serves the children of Rockland on our board of directors. We share the grief and hold all of his family and friends in our prayers.

Quality of Life - Rockland Review

Rockland Review in its December 14th issue reports that "Rosie's Foundation funds healthy living," a reference to our $50,000 grant for enhanced nutrition, i.e., healthier meals and snacks for our preschool children in the coming year. We serve over 300,000 meals and snacks over the course of school and summer programs. We appreciate the local coverage and invite others to step to the plate now and in the future. For information on giving, please call Peter Flierl at 845-358-2234.

Hudson Valley Business - Good Things Happening

We are pleased to see that Hudson Valley Business reported our $50,000 donation from Rosie's For All Kids Foundation in its "Good Things Happening In and Around the Hudson Valley" feature. This is indeed a very good thing, as Martha Stewart might say, and will help ensure more then 300,000 healthier meals and snacks for the low income children we serve. The kids and their parents will also take part in nutrition education classes courtesy of Cornell Cooperative extension. And United Way of Rockland was the first to support this special need with a pledge of $15,000 for 2008. Bon appetit. Be well!! be Healthy, Happy & prosperous in 2008.

PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS HEAD START LEGISLATION

President George W. Bush Signs "Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007" Into Law
Yesterday, President Bush signed into law the reauthorization of the Head Start Act. NAEYC strongly urges Congress and the President to provide the increased resources needed to expand Early Head Start and Head Start to all eligible children, and to meet the new requirements for the program. NAEYC will publish a summary of the new law on our website soon.
Statement by President George Bush
Today I signed into law the "Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007," a bill to reauthorize Head Start. Over the past 40 years, Head Start has provided comprehensive child-development services to more than 20 million low-income children and their families to promote school readiness. Because of the National Reporting System, we know that more Head Start programs are helping children gain early reading and math skills. But we must take steps to improve Head Start to ensure that low-income children arrive at school ready to learn.
I am pleased that this bill addresses several longstanding Administration priorities, such as increased competition among Head Start providers, improved coordination of early childhood delivery systems, and stronger educational performance standards. Increasing competition for providers will help ensure that we offer the highest quality programs to our nation's most vulnerable young children. Greater collaboration among Head Start agencies, schools, and other programs serving young children, will help ensure our investments are better aligned and more effective. Stronger educational performance standards and an emphasis on research-based curricula and classroom practices will increase children's preparedness for school. I also support the bill's provisions to strengthen fiscal accountability and program oversight, so that dollars intended to serve children are spent wisely.
I am, however, deeply disappointed that the bill ends the National Reporting System, our only tool to examine consistently how Head Start children are performing in programs across the nation. We should be working to provide more and better data to parents, teachers, and policymakers, not less. I am concerned that the bill authorizes spending levels higher than those proposed in my budget. Approval of this legislation is not an endorsement of these funding levels or a commitment to request them. I am also disappointed that the bill fails to include my proposal to protect faith-based organizations' religious hiring autonomy.
I thank Members of both parties in Congress who worked on this legislation. I will continue to work with Congress to ensure that our neediest children are prepared for success in school and a lifetime of achievement.

FOOD FOR CHRISTMAS, THANK YOU

An Anonymous Donor made a marvelous Christmas contribution of 8 gift certificates of $25 each at ShopRite for a total of $200 for Head Start families in need of food. This is a marvelous donation that exemplifies the spirit of this joyous season.

If you would like to make a donation, please send a check made out to Head Start of Rockland and mail it to: Head Start of Rockland, DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, 85 Depew Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960 or go to our website, www.headstartofrockland.org, and make a donation online.

For information on charitable giving, particularly income for life through a charitable gift annuity, please call Peter Flierl at 203-273-5168 or e-mail peterejflierl@gmail.com. Nothing compares to making a difference in the life of a child. Make your gift today!