Submitted by Heather Reynolds, Teacher, Alexander County Head Start Taylorsville, North Carolina

Before Hubert entered Head Start, he was enrolled in a preschool classroom for one day, which followed with a two-month stay at Baptist Hospital. Since he had been hospitalized before he entered Head Start, we were concerned about his level of immunity in the Head Start classroom. However, Hubert’s steadfastness for life and joy for learning helped him to build up his immune system, He has almost perfect attendance for this school year.

Hubert has made great strides since entering the Head Start program through the help of his classmates in his regular Head Start classroom, speech therapist, special education teacher, OT/PT sessions, his nurse that assists him, and the wonderful family support group he has. Since entering Head Start, Hubert has shown interest in trying new things that he was hesitant about doing before his enrollment in the program, such as putting head phones on at the listening center, playing in the water center with other children, and painting during art. His signing has improved, as well. His endurance in walking and climbing has improved, and he is in the process of learning how to sign his name. His alertness and attention span has increased during school and at home as the school year has progressed. Thus, Hubert has been very successful at Head Start.

As Hubert’s Head Start teacher, I have been absolutely elated with the progress he has made in the program. It has been a rewarding experience working with Hubert and his family. As a Head Start teacher, I have been through many years of school, and numerous hours of training. As a five-year-old child, Hubert has really been the greatest instructor in the classroom this year. He has taught everyone at Head Start, especially his classmates, lessons on acceptance and how to love and appreciate others unconditionally. Many of our Head Start students face adversity in their lives, but in spite of these disadvantages, when they come into our Head Start classroom, they know that they are respected and honored by their best fried and guardian angel, Hubert, who has really made their Head Start experiences empowering and taught them life long skills and ideas that no one else could have taught them. Hubert Montenegro Jr. has made a great impact on all of our lives.