Luau Graduation 2013

Thanks to great support from the community, outstanding parents, wonderful children and a hard working staff we had 70 children complete the 2012-2013 HIPPY program with Eufaula City Schools. On May 18^th we had a Luau Graduation where our participating families came to see their children receive their books of completion that included their certificates and afterwards were able to enjoy outdoor fun and a good meal of hamburgers and hotdogs. It was a cloudy day and had even rained a little but it was not enough to put a damper on the mood or the activities. Everything went on as planned and everyone enjoyed themselves.

We are grateful for the volunteers that helped this activity to be such a success. We had volunteers from Christ Child Circle that helped supply paper goods and served the meal. We had a few volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that helped with set up and take down. Jaxon and Jordan Chapman cooked 168 hotdogs and 128 hamburgers. We are also very grateful for the businesses in the community that donated items or gift certificates to be placed into our special prize pack to be given to a parent that kept all of her appointments without cancellation for the last 10 weeks. Donations were a rotate and balance from Hendon Tire, a cake from Tisa’s, a $25 gift certificate from Piggly Wiggly, $20 in gift cards from Winn Dixie, a $10 gift certificate to Cajun Corner, a windchime from Tractor Supply, and a 5 pack of flash lights from Marvins. The parent that won this great prize pack was Helen Comer.

As we were cleaning up we had family members that were asking if they could donate their time next year as they had no more children to put through the program. There were also family members that wanted to know if they could make monetary donations. We are always glad to accept help in building up our community. HIPPY gives our children the tools they need to succeed in school and it gives families a stronger bond and a bigger investment in their children’s educations.

We are currently taking applications for our 2013-2014 program year to begin in September. These applications can be filled out at Central Office located on 333 State Docks Rd., Monday –Thursday.  If you have a child that will be 3, 4, or 5 years old by September 1, 2013 and are interested in joining our HIPPY family we ask that you do not procrastinate enrolling you child as spots are limited. This will be a first come first serve enrollment. Each year our program gets better and better. We are here to serve you and your family.

2013 Alabama State HIPPY Conference

On March 13^th we began our State HIPPY Conference in Montgomery, Alabama with a stop at the Statehouse. Many of the HIPPY sites across the State had made baskets loaded with goodies and letters from families within our programs for their Senators and State Representatives. We made baskets for Senator Beasley and Representative Forte. We were unable to see Senator Beasley but enjoyed our visit with Forte as you can see in the picture. HIPPY sites make this visit every year to show our appreciation for those that support our programs and to try and rustle up new supporters.

Once we left the Statehouse we went to our conference location to stay until Friday afternoon. Much planning went into this conference as it was most enjoyable; refreshing and renewed in us the sense of dedication we need in order to make our programs and our families so much more successful. We had workshops on Bullying, Building Vocabulary, Early Math Experiences, Why Early Education Matters, The Development of Oral Language, and Reading: Building the Foundation and we received updates on the current Legislative Issues from Rep. Joe Hubbard. There were a couple of sessions where we were all able to share the great things we have done within our own programs so that we may receive new ideas from each other that may help us in improving our successes.

On Thursday we had a luncheon to honor HIPPY Heroes. To our great delight we were privileged to hear Kindergarten students from Wetumpka Elementary sing to us “I like School” and “We Appreciate You.” After that we listened a little girl (current HIPPY child) spoke to us about what she has learned and then we heard from her mother and how the HIPPY program has made a difference in her life. She let us know that HIPPY means Hope. Our Keynote speaker was the Honorable Sue Bell Cobb, first female Chief Justice in Alabama. She praised HIPPY for the great work the program is doing in giving hope to the families we serve. After Mrs. Cobb spoke to us it was then time to honor our HIPPY Heroes. This year two of our very own were nominated for the award, Mrs. Deltonya Warren, Director of instruction/HIPPY for the Eufaula City School System and Catherine Chapman, Assistant Coordinator for the HIPPY Program.

Friday ended with our Site awards. Proudly our program received many awards. We were given awards for Creativity, Outreach, Public Relations, VIP Home Visits, Community Collaboration, Going the Extra Mile, Big Ideas, ETO Extraordinary Efforts, Johnny on the Spot, Good Neighbor, and Most Creative Group Meeting just to name a few. Our program received 15 in all.

HIPPY is truly an amazing program and Eufaula is blessed to have such a program. Our team is dedicated and wants to be able to serve all of the families in the area with children aged 3-5. Don’t let this program be Eufaula’s best kept secret. We are here and ready to serve. Spread the word to your neighbors and friends. We are now taking applications for next fall. If your child will be 3-5 years old by September 1, 2013 and you are interested in helping your child be all he or she can be then we are here to help. If you would like more information please feel free to call 687-1100 ext. 152 or come by the office on 333 State Docks Rd. We are here to serve you and your family.

 

 

Some stats for 2012/2013:

No. of HIPPY Site in Alabama      30

No. of Coordinators                        32

No. of Parent Educators                                151

No. of Children Served in 30 Counties     1778

No. of Home Visits                          56,896

No. of Total Miles Driven              922,984

Percentage of Parents Who Gave HIPPY an ‘A’   96%

Percentage of Parents Who Said HIPPY Was Useful          96%

 

Alabama Power Visits HIPPY from the Eufaula Tribune

     Two representitives from Alabama Power presented an electrical safety demonstration for HIPPY families on January 31. They showd parents the dangers of electrical boxes and downed power lines, and gave out a coloring book to the children.
     The parents enjoyed this demonstration and were able to get many questions answered. Alabama Power also gave parents handouts on how to avoid scams claiming to be from the power company.
     While the parents were watching the demonstration, the children enjoyed craft making with several of the students from Wallace Community College's Early Childhood Development classes in Eufaula. The students read a story and helped the kids make snowmen and penguins.
      "The students from Wallace Community College did a great job and our children realy enjoyed tem,"said Catherine Chapman of HIPPY.

      "This was a great night for volunteers because we also had a few ladies from Christ Child Circle here to help us in serving a meal to our families. Christ Child Cirlce has been a great organization to help with our HIPPY activities. We are grateful for our partnership with them and all of the help they give from month to month.





        The group's next meeting will be combined with a workshop that the Eufaula City Schools system planned for February 26 at 6:00 p. m. in the central office boardroom.

December 2012's Group Meeting

December has been a very busy month for the Eufaula CitySchool System’s HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)program. Amidst the weekly staff meetings to train the Parent Educators and weekly delivery of curriculum to their 80 families, HIPPY staff along with their state mascot, HIPPY “P” Potamus, waved, danced, and cheered to the crowds of people lining the streets of downtown Eufaula in their local Christmas parade on December 4^th. They also continued their preparations forthe monthly group meeting. To get prepared for this group meeting there wasmuch cut out and donations were needed to help in the success of the meeting.We were able to receive a food donation from Subway (Joy Enterprise) to help with the dinner.

This month’s group meeting was special because it was the first big one of this school year, that was long awaited for, and along with the seven crafts to take part in the staff was preparing for two special visitors. As parents and their children walked into the cafeteria they were greeted by HIPPY “P” and were given the opportunity to have their child’s picture taken with stout but friendly hippo. Just before the meal was to be served we had to say good bye to HIPPY “P” as he had to make his way back to Montgomery. Near the end of dinner a most special guest came through the door.Everyone turned as the heard the blustery “Ho, ho, ho’s.” Santa and come all the way from the North Pole. We watched as the children’s excitement level grew with the anticipation of getting their chance to sit with this jolly friend. We split the families into four groups and they made their way from craft to craft, each group making its way back to our Northern visitor where each child was given personal time to let Santa know their Christmas desires and to have their picture taken.

I had the opportunity to go from room to room to take pictures of the families participating in the various crafts. I saw parentsexcited as their children were making Christmas mice, snowflakes, bells,Christmas trees and a couple different Rudolph’s. Parents were enjoying being together with their children and taking part in their excitement. The overall feeling of the group was that we really were one big family. The love and the enjoyment of one another’s company could be felt by all that were present. I watched as many of the adults enjoyed the crafts so much that they had to maket heir own along with their children.

With a Pre-k workshop and an AMMS basketball game going on simultaneously we still managed to have a great turn out. We had 28 of our families to attend giving us an attendance of close to 80 adults and children.All of the preparation that went into this meeting was definitely worth everyminute just to see all of the smiles and to hear all of the laughter. We are so thankful to all that helped and made this wonderful activity such a success.One of our biggest goals of the program is to get parents working together withtheir children and enjoying each other as they expand their child’s education.With this group meeting it was greatly evident that our program is definitely on course.

 

2012 Eufaula Christmas Parade and HIPPY P

 HIPPY "P"Potamus says, "Merry Christmas."







HIPPY "P" posing with one of our wonderful Parent Educators, Mrs. Jeanette Anglin.

HIPPY "P" with Konner Chapman(staff child), Kayla Smith(participant), Sawyer Hurst(Participant), and Alyssa Smith(participant).

 

 

The state of Alabama has a mascot for it's HIPPY programs. This large but lovable hippopotamus is called HIPPY "P" Potamus. On December 6th, HIPPY "P" traveled all the way from Montgomery to Eufaula for a visit and to be in Eufaula's local Christmas parade. He brought many smiles to the faces of adults and children as he waved and danced past the crowds of people. Hippy "P" has also decided to extend his visit and will make an appearance at this month's group meeting. He wants to be able to take pictures with some of the children in our program for his scrapbook at home. 

Testimonials from 2011-2012

Esmeralda Tejeda wrote in her letter about the Eufaula HIPPY Program:

“This is my son’s 3^rd year in the HIPPY program and even though I don’t speak English I can say that we learned some words to share with the activities that are in the books and pages. We have learned much together and I want to give thanks for the opportunity given.”

Nina Williams states:

“Since he has become involved in the program, he has developed an increase desire for learning and reading. …and has developed a greater sense of autonomy from the program as well.”

As a teacher of prekindergarten of 8 years Ms. Williams tells us “the students that participate in the program exhibit a greater sense of awareness and enthusiasm for learning.”

Ms. Helen Comer, grandmother of 2 children in HIPPY writes:

“I am a new member of the HIPPY family and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has given me extra fun time with my children. It has been comfort seeing my children interact with togetherness… while they are doing their exercises. I look forward to seeing Melody each week to go over the activities.

It makes me remember my days when I was in school.”

Terrolyn Diggs Sates:

“I have been in HIPPY with my son since he was 3 years old. HIPPY has made my child an advance reader in his class. HIPPY is a great program and I feel all parents should take advantage of this program.”

My HIPPY Experience

To work as an Assistant Coordinator or Coordinator for HIPPY one must attend Pre-Service which is a 5 day learning experience. Before attending pre-service I knew very little about HIPPY other than it stood for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. I attended my pre-service August 8th-12th, 2011 and I learned quickly that my job, if done correctly, could help change lives. If I would do my job in the way I was being trained while in Little Rock, Arkansas I would be able to make a difference in other people's lives. A great deal of information is fed to us in this 5 day process. I soaked in the information like a sponge. When I go into something I go into it whole heartily and give it more than my all. I could tell by the classes that I was taking I would need every little bit of the information and then some to be successful and have an outstanding program. I met some really great people there and learned from awesome teachers. On the last night of our training we were all taken to dinner where we were the entertainment. We all had to participate in a talent show. I decided to do a poem that I had written while there.

My HIPPY Experience

I left Alabama

     and the ones I hold dear.

I came to this place

    and found nice people here.

I have learned a new Model.

    I have learned to Role Play

I have learned to help others

    in such a new way.

I am really sire now

    that a village indeed

Is what our children will have

    so they can truly succeed.

For this I now see

    and come what may

I have been instructed

    by HIPPY USA!

I know that I will always remember my experience of going to Little Rock and my love for my job will only continue to grow. I have watched as children grew in our program this year. We helped foster a love for learning. I watched children with speech problems excel and become above level readers and their speech get better. I also watched as children became closer to their parents as their parents took an active role in their education. In HIPPY we are changing the world one child at a time!

I can honestly say that I love my job!!! I love the HIPPY program and the fact that it teaches parents how to be effective teachers and guides in their own children's learning experiences. I love that it expresses the importance of family involvement.