ICS News Center
Our Philosophy
At the Institute of Community Services, INC., Project Head Start Preschool (ICS) developing tomorrow's leaders is a top priority. We are excited to announce the opening of our first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) room at the Marjean Taylor Myatt Head Start Preschool in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The grand opening was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
This achievement is made possible by the incredible support of our community partners and friends, whose generous contributions reflect their commitment to the education of young children. Local artist Lamartre’ez Lowery has created a stunning accent wall in the STEAM room, showcasing the solar system in its full beauty.
The STEAM room will emphasize various areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. The incorporation of STEAM at the preschool level plays a crucial role in fostering cognitive development in young children. Participation in STEAM enriches the educational journey, igniting curiosity, sparking creativity, and improving problem-solving skills in our students.
Crenshaw Family Farmers Market
Crenshaw Head Start presents a Family Farmers Market on Friday, October 24, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, in collaboration with Higher Purpose Hub through the Mississippi Farm to School Network’s Mississippi Sprouts Program.
We are so proud of the work happening at Crenshaw Head Start bringing families and the community together around health and nutrition. Their efforts to host events like the Family Market show the power of connecting children, families, and local communities through food and wellness.
Let’s recognize the dedication of the Crenshaw team for going above and beyond to support children’s health, encourage family involvement, and strengthen community ties. Together, we are planting seeds of health and growing stronger communities!
ICS Fatherhood Program - Jeans, Jersey, and Sneakers
Tracey Jeffries was the guest speaker for the fathers at the Early Head Start Center-Central Office, and it was a good day for all the men attending. Mr. Jeffries noted the importance of men being involved in their children’s lives., and how children watch what their parents do. He touched on bullying and being careful how you live your lives before children. Mr. Jeffries noted several stories but highlighted one of having to hand cuff a young man who had bullied his classmates, and the feeling that rose up in him about that negative behavior. This is why he stated the reason we must be careful how we act around our children, because you may see that behavior later in your own children. Tracy, shared with the men that it was his grandfather who made a
difference in his life growing up, and how he is so thankful that he was present.
“Always practice love and respect, he stated, children watch what we do.”
“Always be respectful to others and if you can help, share the respect in love to one another. He challenged all the men who were present, fathers and grandfathers, to be careful of their actions, remembering that little eyes are always watching and wanting to be like them. He urged that they continue to model positiveness and be a father in the most powerful way that they can, showing compassion, respect, courtesy and love always, because that little boy or girl will be modeling what
they see in their dads and grandfathers as they grow up.
Males Present: Demont Washington, Tracy Jeffries, Darron Hunter, Fred Welch, Joe Stevenson, Kadarius Crane, LeDarius Neal, Jeffrey Hurt, Duwayne Holloway, Travian Jeffries, Evan Taylor, Anthony Gulledge Jr., Goston Glover, Xavier Stephenson, Lakeith Faulkner, Colton Farrow, Shamori Marsh, Dewayne Heffner, Rodrickus Anderson, Tracy Gatewood, Jean-Luc Martin, Laderion Tunstall, Chartez Tucker, Dwight Harris, Luther Jones, Larry Barksdale, Steven Jones, Jeremy Reed,
Kevin Shipp, Brandon Johnson, Bobby Barksdale Sr., and Chadarius Faulkner
Mothers Present: Mercedes Wicks, Jaleeza Reed, and Ashley Rooks
Staff members present: Carlos Jones, Robert Batts, Linda Edwards, Brenda Snow, Rosie Wiliamson, and Fannie Lampley