Sometimes it is just about having Fun

NEWS RELEASE

Osage Nation, Pawhuska, Okla. (April 28, 2015)—In 1979, the Osage Nation began its Head Start program. During those thirty-six years of different events, the last twenty-five years have included their annual Little Olympics. There were some years the activity was conducted at each of the sites rather than everyone coming together. But this past Friday all the locations met at the Pawhuska High School football field where 210 Head Start students participated in various sports where each child took home a ribbon.

The activities included soccer kick, basketball shoot, and an obstacle course. There were a variety of races which kept the kids moving from flag relays, dashes, and a sack race. The Head Start’s mission includes ensuring “families and children grow and participate in life with confidence and awareness.” The program’s staff develop different activities with the student in mind, but for the kids sometimes it is just about having fun.

Another activity the kids took part in before riding their buses to Pawhuska, was to decorate their bus. Education Leader Joe Tillman served as judge. The Pawhuska Head Start bus was the winner.

Theresa Buffalohead, from the Skiatook location, said, “The children are always ready to take a trip on the bus even if it’s just around town to look at the leaves changing colors.” Riding the bus gives the small kids the sense they are a “big kid” like their older siblings.

Once the Little Olympics concluded for the morning each facility did their lunches separately and extended the day’s fun. Some groups such as Hominy/Barnsdall had healthy sack lunches of PB&J sandwiches, bananas, carrot sticks and milk.

The Skiatook center stayed in Pawhuska and visited William Park where the children had more opportunities for play as they checked out the different playground equipment. Parents and staff prepared sack lunches.

Osage Nation Head Start operates from August to May. This year the last day of class will be May 8th. The program uses developmentally-appropriate curriculum which meets the requirements and expectations of local schools the children will be attending. Special activities include a health and safety fair and field trips along with visits by special guests. Classroom activities use the Osage language plus Indian dancing and cultural crafts.

(Photos courtesy of Osage Nation Head Start and more can be seen on the multimedia gallery, click here https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/multimedia/galleries/2515