LSF Head Start Kids Take

Field Trip to Aquatic Center

31 August 2009 - TLW

Late last month, 69 three-year-old children from the PEPPI Head Start program of Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) in Belle Grade traveled a short distance to Pioneer Park Aquatic Center for a field trip.  The outing was one of two field trips scheduled to celebrate the end of the Head Start year before the new year began in August.

The outing included playing in the splash area of the park, climbing playground equipment, and eating a lunch in the pavilion prepared by PEPPI teachers and staff.  Parents of students were also invited to attend.

"PEPPI staff worked together, along with the kitchen staff, to buy food for the picnic," said Miriam White, LSF early childhood supervisor.  The picnic menu included cole slaw, baked beans, milk, fried chicken, St. Louis bar-be-cue ribs, watermelon, potato chips, punch, cake, and soda.

"Fortunately, there was no rain, so the children really enjoyed themselves," said White.

The idea for the field trip was spearheaded by PEPPI teacher's aide Shawanda Lawrence.

"She solicited staff input regarding food items and other planning details," said White.  "All the staff pitched in to make sure that the food was obtained for all of the participants and that field trip permission slips were signed by parents."

White contacted Pioneer Park and reserved the pavilion and made arrangements with Sherrie Lockhart, a PEPPI Council member with a Commercial Drivers License, to transport the children and staff.  Eleven staff members participated in the field trip with the children.

“My children had a great time at the park," said PEPPI preschool teacher Helen Wilson, a sentiment that was echoed repeatedly by all the PEPPI teachers and aiides.

The goal of the PEPPI Head Start Child Development Center is to improve the quality of life for at-risk, pre-school children by providing comprehensive services to families in Belle Glade -- a poverty-stricken area populated largely by struggling, low-income families and migrant workers.  A major emphasis in the program is contained in the program name: PEPPI = Preschool Enrichment Program with Parental Involvement.

To read more about LSF's PEPPI Head Start program, click here.

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