By Kendall S. Cable
Contributing Writer
Newport, OR. Just as the sound of children’s laughter faded
from the hallways of Community Services Consortium’s (CSC) Head Start program and
into the summer, thunderous rumbling and scraping echoed against the colorfully
- painted walls. A bulldozer, challenging the height of the NE 1st
Street building, broke ground Monday for what is to become a new expansion.
The school will gain a new classroom as well as much-needed
storage and teacher preparation space, stated CSC Executive Director Martha
Lyon. Head Start won a federal grant that covers most of the costs to increase
to full-day classes for one program at each of the three CSC Head Start
locations: Toledo, Newport, and Lincoln City. Only Newport needed additional
space immediately.
“I am excited for the kids, families, and especially our
teaching team and kitchen helpers who have been squeezed into preparation space
that was not ideal,” Lyon said during Monday’s ceremonial ground breaking.
Celebrated during the commemoration of the 52nd anniversary
of Head Start’s creation by Former President Lyndon B. Johnson, the ground breaking
was attended by many, including Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall.
“It is wonderful,” said Hall. “It is expanding opportunities
for students to access full-day school year programs through Head Start. Head
Start is changing for the community and families. That is why I am excited to
see this project started.”
In addition to a growing floorplan (designed by Crow/Clay
Architects and constructed by Hoffman Construction of Lincoln City), Miller
said more staff will be hired and teaching hours increased. In three classes
hours will be doubled, and another month added to the school year.
Lincoln County Head Start Director Suzanne Miller urges
families interested in applying for the upcoming school year to come to any of
the three sites as soon as possible, especially if they are interested in the
full-day classes.
“We will be open all summer for applications. Don’t let the
construction in Newport keep you from coming in and applying,” Miller stated. Office
hours will be finalized next week and posted at each site and on the phone
message.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and are
free to apply at any of the three sites. For further information, contact Newport
Head Start at (541) 574-7690, Toledo Head Start at (541) 336- 5113, and Lincoln
City Head Start at (541) 996-3028.
Photo credits:
Photo by Kendall S. Cable: A ceremonial ground breaking was held
behind Newport Head Start building Monday. Construction is expected to be
completed prior to the first day of school.
