Early Childhood Services staff held their end-of-the-school-year Staff Wellness Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14

Early Childhood Services staff held their end-of-the-school-year Staff Wellness Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14, at the King Kamehameha Golf Club Ho‘oheno Room in Waikapu.

Staff, which included the team from the Moloka‘i Head Start center, were recognized for their years of service and each spoke about their one GEM (Genuine Encounter Moment) for the school year, which began in August. There were many touching and emotional GEMs this year.

Special gifts were given to staff, including a liquid timer; a stress ball, the book “Because I Had a Teacher,” written by Kobi Yamada; a pen; a notebook; a keychain; a reusable grocery bag; and snacks.

Special guests included MEO Chief Operating Officer Gay Sibonga, MEO Chief Administrative Office Maggie Batangan, MEO Chief Fiscal Officer Monica Takamura and Ka‘iu Galon and Erin Henderson Lacerdo of Kakou 4 Keiki Listening Session, which focused on supporting mental health and wellness of staff services for children and families.

The last Head Start site in Lahaina ended the school year Friday, May 17. The Kahi Kamali‘i Infant Toddler Center remains open year round.

Head Start summer session is right around the corner with Kahului A (Luana Gardens), Makawao A (Eddie Tam Memorial Complex), UH Maui College, Wailuku A (Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center) and Kaunakakai sites opening on Friday, May 31. Kahului B (also at Luana Gardens) starts June 17.