Second grader painting a Head Start student's hand.

The Pre-K Head Start program at Haw Creek Elementary hosted some special visitors this week. Second graders from Ms. April Gragg’s class stopped by to spend some time with these future Haw Creek Hawks.

Art teacher Mary Hunnicutt planned a hands-on art project that the big and little kids could work on together. The older students painted the pre-K kiddos’ hands in green and red paint and helped them design a unique wreath with their hand prints. They spruced up their work of art with lots of glitter glue.

Head Start teacher Ms. Felicia Lytle said her little ones looked forward to this visit all week!

“I think it’s great to see the older and younger kids interact with each other,” she said. “The older students have a chance to work on their mentorship skills, and the little ones get a peek at what life is like as a second grader and beyond! 

Ms. Lytle got a surprise of her own when one of the second graders, Louis, walked through the door. She was his Head Start teacher and was delighted to reconnect with a former student.

As a memento, the Head Start students also received colorful chalk and a color changing bowl to bring home, along with their handprint wreath, to remember this sweet and collaborative lesson. 

Over a dozen BCS elementary schools host a Head Start classroom. Managed by Community Action Opportunities, it’s a Pre-K program designed to prepare little ones to be ready to succeed in Kindergarten.

Students holding up their painted hands for a photo.