1. March 2011 “The love of a family is life’s greatest gifts.” Family Night will be on March 16th. We’ll serve dinner at 5pm and move into our program following the meal. The focus of Family Night this month is Literacy. Join us for a great night of fun and activities as our parents and children join in workshops together and make projects to take home. The workshops will consist of Dad’s in Literacy, I am Moving and I am Learning: Fitness for Every Age, Getting Ready for School, Science and the Environment, Mathmatazz! What your child needs to know, and The Sound of Literacy by Joanna Lawson. Our new application is available and copies sent home to every family. Help us spread the Head Start, Virginia Preschool and Early Childhood Education word. Please share your application or send a note to your Family Services Coordinator for more applications to share with friends and family. The first selection for next fall’s classes is scheduled for late March. Reminder: Please do not board the bus unless you are coming to or from Head Start. The bus monitor will buckle and unbuckle your child or children. The next ELL playgroup will meet on March 14 th from 10:30- 11:30. The next PACT playgroup will meet on the 15 th from 10:00- 11:00. Come join us in the classroom with your child. Restoration of Rights: If you have lost the right to vote as a result of a felony conviction in a Virginia court, a U.S. District or a military court, you must have your rights restored in order to qualify for voter registration. The restoration of rights restores the rights to vote, to run for and hold public office, to serve on juries and to serve as a notary public. It does not include the right to possess or transport any firearm or to carry a concealed weapon. In order to be eligible for restoration of rights by the Governor, an applicant must: Must be a resident of Virginia, and/or have been convicted of a felony in a Virginia court, a U.S. District court or a military court be free from any sentence served or supervised probation and parole for a minimum of two years for a non-violent offense or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense, any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense. have paid all court costs, fines, penalties and restitution and have no felony or misdemeanor charges pending. not have had a DWI in the five years immediately preceding the application. Not have any misdemeanor convictions and/or pending criminal charges 2 years preceding the application for non-violent felonies or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense, any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense. You can download the appropriate application below and, when completed, mail it to this office. Or, if you prefer, we’ll send you a form if you provide a mailing address. On your application, be sure to provide the specific offense(s) and the exact date(s) of sentencing. If you do not have this information, you can get it by requesting a Criminal History Record through the Virginia State Police at (804) 674-6718 or online at their website, www.vsp.state.va.us. See your Family Services Coordinator for some additional resources and assistance. www.vsp.state.va.us Tax Reminder: Many places are still filing taxes for free. If you have misplaced your package, see your Family Services Coordinator for tax information. Women’s Forum: A Community Service Project by and for the Women of Fredericksburg Area is hosting a day of workshops, networking and exhibits. Saturday, March 19 th from 8:30-3:30. The program will pay for a limited number of parents. If you are a Head Start parent or grandparent and interested in going, See your Family Services Coordinator to sign up.