SHS, INC. est 1968
About SHS - LBJ's Legacy and Our Mission
“For our young friends at Stonewall Head Start with high hopes for your years ahead.
Lyndon was so proud of Head Start, one of the achievements he values most in his Presidency.
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SHS is the continuation of President Johnson and Lady Bird’s historic mission to help children.
Historical Timeline - Then and Now
Our story begins after President Johnson’s powerful State of the Union Address in 1964.
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1964 - 2016
Both LBJ and Lady Bird believed that education should be an inherent right for children and that services to access education should be available to all families, regardless of background. They believed that not only education should be available, but also health, nutrition, and family support.
Their conviction fueled the creation of two programs that launched back to back, in 1965 and 1968, respectively:
One program to serve at the national level (National Head Start)
The other program - a 501 (c) 3 - to serve centrally to his hometown area (Stonewall Head Start)
As such, Johnson intended the two programs to work alongside the other, to reach children at a wider-spread, comprehensive level.
Following Stonewall Head Start’s Certificate of Incorporation in 1968 - the establishment of the SHS Charter - schools were immediately built in Fredericksburg, Harper, and Johnson City.
2016 - PRESENT
In 2016, Stonewall Head Start felt it in best interest to preserve charter integrity and honorary namesake to become a fully independent non-profit organization, and to directly assist children without potential conflicts of interest.
SHS remains advocating for children the same as if LBJ and Lady Bird were still championing our program.
Present to Future
Since its inception over fifty years ago, Stonewall Head Start’s steadfast dedication to nurturing the growth and development of children has remained unyielding. Our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the community while maintaining our core objectives has been a fundamental aspect of our organization’s success.
Guided by core principles and effective leadership from our executive team, we continue to foster an environment where each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Our commitment not only reflects the visionary ideals set forth at our founding but also aligns with the contemporary challenges facing families today, ensuring that we remain a vital resource within the Texas Hill Country.
Guiding Principles
Mission
The SHS Community Preschool program is committed to providing families a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for their children.
Our focus promotes a highly interactive and engaging learning experience, enriching children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, consistent with Christian values.
Vision
Stonewall Head Start’s prerogative is to help young children develop fundamental life skills, and nurture their sense of place and purpose as confident, skillful independents on the forefront of an exciting future.
Values
Through legacy charter framework, SHS provides equal opportunity enrollment for every family and child and access to assistance programs to fulfill preschool education.
OUR TEAM -
Brand Visionary Leaders
SHS is led by a dedicated executive team committed to preserving the historical mission of our founders, while innovatively evolving our programs to shift and remain pillars of support for families in the community.
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![SHS-Paul-Carlyle-Team-Bio]()
Paul Carlyle
CEO
From a long-term tenure of 34 years serving the financial communications industry for international capital markets, Paul Carlyle embarked upon a career transition into early childhood education. In 2011, Carlyle joined Stonewall Head Start as Chief Financial Officer, and in 2013 assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. He enjoys the reward of helping children and their families carve a bright and positive learning future.
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![SHS-Kimberly-Porter-Team-Bio]()
Kimberly Porter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As a true local with ancestral history deeply rooted within the local area, Kimberly Porter knew her calling was to work with children. She began teaching at former SHS location - Stonewall Center - in 2002, and in 2005, received a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After taking a few years off to raise her children, she came back to accept a position on the school board and then shortly after became Center Director in 2009.
What Attributes Would you Like To See in an early learning center?
PAGE & SECTION CONTENTS
SHS BRAND, FOUNDERS
MISSON, VISION, VALUES
EXECUTIVE TEAM
FREDERICKSBURG
HARPER
JOHNSON CITY
NON-PROFIT
SCHOOL FACILITIES
PARTNERS SERVICES
CONTACT PORTALS
FORMS & DOCS
PRE-ENROLL