Putnam Early Learning Program
Head Start & Pre-K
As we enjoy the beauty of the fall season, our classrooms are buzzing with learning, laughter, and exciting fall activities! This time of year provides wonderful opportunities for children to explore, create, and grow as they engage in hands-on experiences that support their development and curiosity. This month brings many opportunities for family involvement, hands-on learning, and celebrating the joys of the season. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to nurture each child's development and foster a love of learning.
Celebrating the Leaders of Putnam County Early Learning
This month, we proudly recognize the outstanding managers who lead with heart, vision, and dedication at Putnam County Early Learning. Their leadership is the foundation of our success, and their commitment to excellence ensures that every child and family receives the highest quality care and support.
Our managers are more than administrators—they are mentors, problem-solvers, and advocates. They guide their teams with compassion, foster a culture of collaboration, and continuously strive to improve our programs and services. Whether navigating challenges or celebrating milestones, they lead with integrity and purpose.
We honor their tireless efforts and the positive impact they make every day. Their leadership inspires us all and strengthens the mission of Putnam County Early Learning.
To our community: when you see one of our managers, take a moment to thank them. Their work uplifts our children, empowers our families, and enriches our entire county.
With deep appreciation,
Christel H. Nelson
Director, Putnam County Early Learning
At Putnam County Primary Early Learning Program, we love celebrating the accomplishments of our families! This month, we are excited to recognize Mrs. Phoebe Scott as she takes an inspiring step toward achieving her goals by returning to school to pursue a law degree at John Marshall Law School!
Her commitment to continuing her education is a wonderful example of determination, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. As she begins this exciting new chapter, she is not only working toward a brighter future for herself and her family, but also showing our students that big dreams are worth pursuing.
Our Early Learning Program family is proud to celebrate this milestone with her. Congratulations, and best wishes on your journey to becoming an attorney! 🎓⚖️❤️
Ms. Sanders & Ms. Cobb's Class
Our students had so much fun making their very own Apple Pie in a Cup! They layered crushed graham crackers, diced apples, and fluffy whipped topping to create a delicious fall treat. While scooping, measuring, and layering their ingredients, students practiced important early learning skills such as following directions, sequencing, counting, fine motor coordination, and making independent choices. They also explored different textures, tastes, and smells, helping strengthen their sensory awareness and descriptive vocabulary. This hands-on activity was a fun and tasty way to combine math, science, and life skills while bringing a little taste of fall into the classroom!
Sharing Culture Through Music, Food, and Tradition By Ms. Cardenas
Our class recently enjoyed reading Tortillas and Lullabies, a beautiful story that highlights traditions passed down through generations within the Hispanic community. Through the story, our students learned about meaningful traditions such as making tortillas together, picking flowers for our elders, washing clothes for our little ones, and singing lullabies. The book gave us a wonderful opportunity to talk about family, culture, and the special traditions that connect generations.
After we finished our book, Mrs. James brought in a Mexican sombrero and a guitar, and we had some fun singing the “Blue Song” together. The music and props brought even more excitement to our lesson and gave our students another opportunity to experience and celebrate Hispanic culture.
I was also excited to share one of my own family traditions with our class. My mother taught me how to make a special Mexican dessert called Fresas con Crema, which translates to “strawberries and cream.” Each student had an opportunity to help prepare the crema. Some students poured the ingredients while others helped stir everything together. After lunch, the children assembled their very own cups of Fresas con Crema and enjoyed the delicious dessert they helped create.
Being able to share a tradition that my mother passed down to me made this experience especially meaningful. Just as the traditions in Tortillas and Lullabies are passed from one generation to the next, I was able to share a small piece of my own Mexican heritage with our students.
It was so special being able to share a Mexican tradition with our class.
🌎 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Making Tortillas by Mrs.Selena Bautista
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, our students had the opportunity to explore Hispanic culture through a fun, hands-on tortilla-making experience! The children made corn tortillas from scratch while practicing early math skills by measuring and combining the ingredients.
Students learned about masa harina, a corn flour traditionally used to make tortillas, and explored tools used in tortilla making. They used a tortilla press (tortilladora) to flatten the dough into circles and learned about the comal, a flat griddle traditionally used to cook tortillas. This experience allowed our students to connect classroom learning with cultural traditions in a meaningful and engaging way.
Once the tortillas were finished cooking, it was time for a taste test! Some of our students loved their freshly made tortillas, while others discovered they preferred something different. Either way, everyone had the opportunity to learn, explore, and try something new while celebrating the traditions and rich culture of the Hispanic community. ❤️
Exploring Hispanic Heritage Through Flags by Ms. Williams
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students explored the diversity of Hispanic cultures by choosing and recreating flags from different Hispanic countries. The purpose of this activity was to teach students that Hispanic heritage includes many countries, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and identity. As students examined the different colors, shapes, symbols, and patterns found on the flags, they strengthened skills in color recognition, visual observation, fine motor development, decision-making, and following directions. Most importantly, the lesson encouraged cultural awareness and appreciation by helping our Little Eagles understand that our differences make each culture special and give us many wonderful traditions to learn about and celebrate.
Head Start Awareness Month!
October Is Head Start Awareness Month!
The Putnam County Head Start Program has been a part of the Putnam County Community since 1964, empowering both children and families by delivering essential support in early learning, health, and family well-being. The program is still going strong today serving over 200 local children and families annually!
Throughout October, join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of the Head Start program! Please visit go.nhsa.org/HSAM to learn more about the program’s success!
#HeadStartAwarenessMonth
#CelebratingHSAM
Head Start Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During October, our Head Start program proudly recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month by coming together to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and show support for families affected by breast cancer. As part of this special recognition, our students placed pink pinwheels outside our school as a beautiful symbol of hope, strength, and unity. This meaningful activity provided an opportunity to introduce our Little Eagles to the importance of kindness, compassion, and supporting others. Through this simple but heartfelt gesture, our students helped spread awareness and remind our community that even the smallest hands can make a big difference! 💗🎀
🍂🍁Fall Shenanigans!🍂🍁
Our students had a wonderful time at Fall Shenanigans, enjoying an exciting day filled with seasonal fun, laughter, and memorable experiences! Children participated in festive games, activities, music, and special treats while celebrating the joys of the fall season with their classmates and teachers.
This special event provided opportunities for students to build friendships, practice social skills, and create lasting memories in a fun and engaging environment. The smiles on their faces said it all!
Thank you to everyone who helped make Fall Shenanigans a successful and joy-filled celebration for our little learners. 🍁🧡🍂✨
Guest Service Appreciation Day!
We proudly celebrated Guest Service Appreciation Day by recognizing the hardworking individuals who help keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Their dedication and attention to detail create an environment where children can learn, play, and grow each day.
From maintaining our classrooms and hallways to ensuring our facilities are cared for, our custodians play an essential role in the success of our program. Their efforts often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is seen and felt throughout our school. We extend our sincere gratitude to our custodial team for their commitment, hard work, and service. Thank you for all you do to make our school shine!
🍎🏈 Teacher Appreciation Night Celebration! 🏈🍎
We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout for Teacher Appreciation Night at the Putnam County High School football game! It was a special evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Congratulations to PCPS for winning the school spirit award!
Featured Ga Pre-k Book: Every Amazing Song
This year, our students received a copy of Every Amazing Song, written by Coy Bowles and Malcolm Mitchell. The book takes children on a fun musical adventure that celebrates creativity, confidence, and self-expression through music and storytelling. As students journey aboard the "Magic Music Machine," they discover how different sounds, rhythms, and instruments work together to create something amazing, just like people do! The story encourages children to find their own voice, express their ideas, and understand that everyone has something special to contribute. Through engaging reading, music, and movement, Every Amazing Song helps inspire a love of literacy while building listening skills, creativity, and self-confidence. We encourage families to read, sing, and explore the story together at home! 🎶✨📖
😊🎭 Alliance Theatre Presents All Smiles 😊🎭
Our Pre-K students had the exciting opportunity to experience All Smiles, a special performance presented by the Alliance Theatre. This engaging production encouraged students to explore emotions, self-expression, and the importance of kindness and connection through the performing arts.
The performance captivated students with its creativity, energy, and meaningful messages, providing a unique learning experience beyond the classroom. Educational events like these help foster imagination, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the arts.
We are grateful to the Alliance Theatre & PCMS for bringing this enriching experience to our students and helping create lasting memories through the power of live theater!
🍨Sweet Learning at The Crooked D Creamery! 🍦
Our Head Start students had a wonderful time visiting The Crooked D Creamery in Eatonton! This exciting field trip gave children the opportunity to learn about a local business while enjoying a fun and memorable experience with their classmates and teachers.
During their visit, students explored how ice cream is made, learned about the importance of supporting local businesses, and engaged in hands-on learning that connected classroom concepts to real-world experiences. The trip encouraged curiosity, exploration, and community awareness.
We are grateful to The Crooked D Creamery for welcoming our students and providing such an enjoyable and educational experience. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats! 🍦
🚜🌻 A Day of Learning at Washington Farms! 🌻🚜
Our students enjoyed an exciting educational field trip to Washington Farms, where they explored the wonders of agriculture and experienced hands-on learning outside the classroom. During their visit, children learned about farming, crops, and the important role farms play in providing food for our communities.
The trip provided opportunities for students to observe nature, engage in interactive activities, and strengthen social skills while making memories with their classmates and teachers. From exploring the farm to discovering new sights and experiences, the day was filled with learning, laughter, and adventure.
We are grateful for the opportunity to provide enriching experiences that connect classroom learning to the world around us. The trip to Washington Farms was a wonderful success and an unforgettable experience for our young learners!
🚜🌾 Exploring Unity Grove Farm! 🌾🚜
Our students had a wonderful time visiting Unity Grove Farm right here in Eatonton! This exciting field trip provided children with a hands-on opportunity to learn about farm life, agriculture, animals, and the importance of local farming in our community.
Throughout their visit, students explored the farm, observed nature, and participated in enriching experiences that brought classroom learning to life. The trip encouraged curiosity, discovery, and a greater appreciation for where our food comes from.
Field trips like this help create meaningful learning experiences while allowing children to connect with the world around them. We are thankful to Unity Grove Farm for providing our students with a fun, educational, and memorable day on the farm!
Connect With Us
Website: https://hdst.putnam.k12.ga.us/
Location: 162 Old Glenwood Springs Road, Eatonton, GA, USA
Phone: 706-485-8081
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCELCProud