AROUND TOWN: CPCD/Head Start youngsters brighten the morning

The bright-eyed, giggly little folks in bright green shirts and glow necklaces caused adults to break into smiles Dec. 5 at the Community Partnership for Child Development’s Open a Window fundraising breakfast.

The students from CPCD/Head Start at Stratton Meadows Elementary School were accompanied by teachers and proud parents, and not only performed for the more than 600 guests but delivered hand-painted desk art to each attendee.

More than $120,000 was raised for the programs at CPCD, which was founded in 1987 to serve several hundred 4-year-olds in Head Start and now is serving close to 2,000 children and their families. The newest early learning center serves 520 children of active-duty military at Fort Carson.

A shock to the audience was when CPCD President/CEO Noreen Landis-Tyson alerted guests that there are another 1,000 children on the Head Start waiting list.

The importance of the program, she said, is, “We turn children into students and parents into teachers. Head Start families are more likely to be involved as parents.”

Among the many table captains: CPCD board member and Head Start alum Tyrone Johnson, Graeme Cloutte, George Martin of presenting sponsor HUB International, CPCD Board Chair Norm Farrar, Judy Casey, Lea Holland, Bobbie Moore, Paul Perea, Hillary Reed, Cheryl Tolley, Tim Trowbridge, Robin and Wally Winiger, Monica and Dave Kowalski, Carmen Abeyta and Lamar Johnson.