August 2024 ~ Hustler

Friday 30 August 2024

A Parent’s Guide to Macomb County Private Schools

By Aaghaaaz August 30, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

It’s important to search thoroughly when looking for a school for your child. If you’re considering private school options, no doubt you’re in the market for the best private schools in Michigan.

For families who live in the county of Macomb, Christian schools and Montessori schools are abundant. To help you sift through the many great options, we’ve compiled a list of Macomb County private schools.

A note about tuition costs

Private schools don’t receive money from the state school funds, so they are financed through corporate gifts and grants, religious institutions (if they’re parochial) and tuition from those who attend. Fees vary greatly – from $1,000 to as much as $30,000 a year. However, don’t assume that a school is out of your financial range. Most offer scholarships, for both academic excellence or financial need. Check with the school you’re interested in sending your child to find out what the cost will be to attend.

This article was updated on Aug. 30, 2024, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her work included adding Amanda Rahn’s expert research on fact-checking for the latest stats of private schools in Oakland County. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.

Macomb County private schools

Cross of Glory Lutheran School

Address: 61095 Campground Road, Washington Township
Phone: 586-781-9870
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 102
Affiliation: Lutheran

Young 5s program, three or five-day kindergarten, before/after-school latchkey, multi-grade classrooms; childcare available for ages 3-4.

De La Salle Collegiate High School

Address: 14600 Common Road, Warren
Phone: 586-778-2207
Grades: 9-12 (male)
NOS: 537
Affiliation: Catholic/International Baccalaureate

Catholic IB college-prep school inspired by the spirit and tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Educates diverse students in a safe, positive environment.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Schools

Address: 29500 Westbrook Ave., Warren
Phone: 586-574-2480
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 202
Affiliation: Catholic

Academic excellence and traditional values on a 17-acre campus. Students study Ukrainian as part of a dual-foreign language program. Offers a Young 3 preschool class.

Immanuel Lutheran School

Address: 47120 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Township
Phone: Preschool: 586-286-1940, K-8 school” 586-286-7076
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: N/A
Affiliation: Lutheran

Accredited school offering quality education in a Christian environment.

Lutheran High School North

Address: 16825 24 Mile Road, Macomb Township
Phone: 586-781-9151
Grades: 9-12
NOS: 615
Affiliation: Lutheran

Christ-centered education devoted to academic excellence. Of grads, 98% attend college. AP/honors courses; full range of extracurricular programs.

Montessori Children’s Academy

Address: 43521 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
Phone: 586-286-4566
Grades: PreK-6, plus toddler program
NOS: 70
Affiliation: Montessori

Association Montessori International recognized. Use materials, educational techniques and observation for natural development. Students engage in the process, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline and a love of learning.

Montessori Stepping Stones

Address: 174 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens
Phone: 586-465-4260
Grades: PreK-8, infants/toddlers
NOS: 150
Affiliation: Montessori

Positive, success-based, well-established Montessori environment. Older kids attend an annual four-day fall camping trip and sailing trips every other year.

Parkway Christian School

Address: 14500 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights
Phone: 586-446-9900
Grades: PreK-12
NOS: 546
Affiliation: Christian

Cognia-accredited, Christian School International accredited and Cognia accredited. Encourages Christian values and beliefs. Latchkey, art, PE, foreign language, music, computers, extracurriculars.

Peace Lutheran School of Shelby Township

Address: 6580 24 Mile Road, Shelby Township
Phone: 586-731-4120
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 300
Affiliation: Lutheran

Nationally accredited. Personalized education, high academic standards and Christian-based values. Full-day kindergarten, early childhood development from 2 years (parent/toddler to Young 5 program). Bible study options for all.

Regina High School

Address: 13900 Masonic Blvd., Warren
Phone: 586-585-0500
Grades: 9-12 (female)
NOS: 310
Affiliation: Catholic

Macomb County’s only all-female college prep Catholic school. Boasts more than 60 years of faith-based education, 18 honors and AP classes, plus exceptional sports and arts programs. Cognia accredited.

St. Anne Catholic Grade School

Address: 5920 Arden Ave., Warren
Phone: 586-264-2911
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 340
Affiliation: Catholic

Provides a student-centered Catholic education. Seeks to integrate the spiritual, academic, athletic and social development of all students so they become moral, disciplined and respectful individuals.

St. Augustine Catholic School

Address: 67901 Howard St., Richmond
Phone: 586-727-9365
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 190
Affiliation: Catholic

Students work closely with highly qualified teachers in small classes and learn Christian values. Enrichment in art, music, Spanish, PE and computers.

St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School

Address: 21100 Madison St., St. Clair Shores
Phone: 586-771-3525
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 195
Affiliation: Catholic

Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist on staff. Full- or half-day pre- kindergarten, 3-year-old PreK and weekly Spanish for kindergarten-grade eight. Plus, LabLearner science, after-school chess club and garden club offered.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School

Address: 22415 Overlake Drive, St. Clair Shores
Phone: 586-775-8370
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 300
Affiliation: Catholic

A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Received Michigan Green School Evergreen Award. Plus, an anti-bullying program and athletics.

St. John Lutheran School

Address: 16339 14 Mile Road, Fraser
Phone: 586-294-8740
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 250
Affiliation: Lutheran

Faith-based education that continually revises/updates curriculum. Extensive fine arts, weekly chapel worship, kindergarten-grade two iPads and 1:1 computing for middle school.

St. Lawrence Catholic School

Address: 44429 Utica Road, Utica
Phone: 586-731-0135
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 1,085
Affiliation: Catholic

The forensics program for grades five-eight focuses on public speaking. Academic games program, Science Olympiad, many clubs and CYO sports.

St. Mary Catholic School

Address: 2 Union St., Mount Clemens
Phone: 586-468-4570
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 420 (K-8)
Affiliation: Catholic

Academically rich, technology-filled, faith-based education. Small class sizes, community environment.

St. Peter’s Lutheran School

Address: 37601 31 Mile Road, Richmond
Phone: 586-727-9080
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 34 (PreK), 87 (K-8)
Affiliation: Lutheran

Art, computers, Spanish, gym, music, piano lessons and an in-house resource room among extras.

St. Peter Lutheran Church and School

Address: 17051 24 Mile Road, Macomb
Phone: 586-781-9296
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 700
Affiliation: Lutheran

Christ-centered and academically challenging. Small class sizes. Enrichment in art, music, technology, PE and Spanish for kindergarten-grade eight. Chromebooks/iPads for classrooms are 1:1. Gifted and Talented program grades two-six. School athletics and clubs.

St. Thecla Catholic School

Address: 20762 S. Nunneley Road, Clinton Township
Phone: 586-791-2170
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 282
Affiliation: Catholic

Spanish for kindergarten-grade eight, music, PE, computers and a library. CYO sports for grades four-eight includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, baseball and softball among athletic offerings, plus academic clubs.

Trinity Lutheran School

Address: 38900 Harper Ave., Clinton Township
Phone: 586-468-8511
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 100 (Early childhood), 216 (K-8)
Affiliation: Lutheran

National Exemplary School for academic excellence and safe, caring Christian atmosphere. Extracurricular options include athletics, music and clubs. Offers a separate early childhood center.

Trinity Lutheran School Utica

Address: 45160 Van Dyke Ave., Utica
Phone: 586-731-4490
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 388
Affiliation: Lutheran

Small class sizes and Christian education. Childcare begins at 30 months. Strong music, computer and art curriculum starts in kindergarten.

Warren Woods Christian School

Address: 14000 E. 13 Mile Road, Warren
Phone: 586-772-8787
Grades: PreK-8
NOS: 190
Affiliation: Christian

Computer science, art, robotics, foreign language, science lab, fine arts, PE, middle school electives, competitive sports for grades five-eight and summer camp.

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Kid-Friendly Oktoberfests in Metro Detroit

By Aaghaaaz August 30, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Every fall, families in metro Detroit come together to celebrate the rich culture of Germany at a local Oktoberfest. At these events, families can enjoy traditional cuisine, Polka music and more.

My son Jordan and I love the events at Canterbury Village, so we can’t wait to check out their Oktoberfest. We are also excited to go to Frankenmuth this year for theirs in Heritage Park.

We rounded up some of the most kid-friendly Oktoberfest options to try this year.

Canterbury Village Oktoberfest

Sept. 14-15, 2024

Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
Cost: Contact for prices

Head to Frankenmuth for German food, drink and music, along with wiener dog races and much more at this Oktoberfest.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest at Heritage Park

Sept. 19-22, 2024

Address: 601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth
Cost: $10/person, free/kids 15 and under, free/Sunday

Head to Frankenmuth for German food, drink and music, along with wiener dog races and much more at this Oktoberfest.

Saline Main Street’s Oktoberfest

Sept. 20, 2024

Address: 100 S. Ann Arbor, Saline
Cost: $10-plus/21 and up, free/under 21 years old

This annual festival will have German food and drinks, live entertainment, games and more.

St. Joseph Oktoberfest at St. Joseph Shrine

Sept. 21-22, 2024

Address: 1828 Jay St., Detroit
Cost: Free

This annual event boasts everything from authentic German food and beer to live Bavarian music, kids’ games, vendors, raffles and much more.

Oktoberfest Run at Stony Creek Metropark

Oct. 6, 2024

Address: 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township
Cost: $45-plus

Runners of all ages choose from a short, long or double course. Enjoy themed running events, a custom event medal, race swag, post-race snack table with Bavaria foods and snacks.

A2 Artoberfest

Oct. 12-13, 2024

Address: Fourth Avenue & Ann Street, Ann Arbor
Cost: Free admission

Explore the work of over 100 jury-selected fine artists at this event. There will also be live entertainment, food, drinks, shopping and more.

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See the Fitzgerald Public Schools 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

By Aaghaaaz August 29, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Schools calendars provide families with a snapshot of the entire year.

Holidays breaks, the first day of school and professional development days vary school by school, so it’s a great idea to keep it handy. Here is the 2024-25 school calendar as approved by Fitzgerald Public Schools‘ school board.

Important 2023-2024 school year dates

A few key dates you’ll want to bookmark:

First Day of School: Aug. 26, 2024
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-29, 2024
Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025
Mid-Winter Break: Feb. 17-21, 2025
Spring Break: Mar. 24-28, 2025
Last Day of School: Jun. 6, 2025

See the full calendar below or visit fitz.k12.mi.us

2024-2025 Fitzgerald Public Schools Academic Calendar

August 2024

Meet The Teacher
- Schofield: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
- Westview: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
- Mound Park: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
- Spartan Night Chatterton: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
- High School: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.: Aug. 21, 2024
First Day of School-Kindergarten-12th Grade Students Half Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-10:35 a.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-11:35 a.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.): Aug. 26, 2024
First Day of School-ECSE: Aug. 27, 2024
First Day of School-GSRP-Parent Orientation and Student Half Day (SCF 8:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.): Aug. 28, 2024
No School-All students Labor Day: Aug. 30, 2024

September 2024

No School-All students Labor Day: Sep. 2, 2024
PLC-Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Sep. 11, 2024

October 2024

Fall Count Day: Oct. 2, 2024
PLC-Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Oct. 9, 2024
High School Parent/Teacher Conferences-Afternoon and Evening
- Chatterton Parent/Teacher Conferences-Afternoon and Evening
- High School Release-11:25 a.m.
- Chatterton Half Day Release-10:40 a.m.: Oct. 16, 2024
No School for ECSE-Parent/Teacher Conferences-AM & PM
- GSRP and Elementary Half Day-Parent/Teacher Conferences-Afternoon & Evening
- Mound Park-11:25 a.m. Dismissal
- Westview-11:35 a.m. Dismissal
- Schofield-12:05 p.m. Dismissal: Oct. 17, 2024
End of 1st Quarter
- All Students Early Release Day (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Oct. 31, 2024

November 2024

No School-All Students
- Teacher Professional Development Day: Nov. 1, 2024
PLC-Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Nov. 13, 2024
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-29, 2024

December 2024

Classes Resume-Full Day of School: Dec. 2, 2024
PLC-Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Dec. 11, 2024
Holiday Break Begins: Dec. 23, 2024

January 2025

No School-All Students
- Teacher Professional Development Day: Jan. 3, 2025
Classes Resume-Full Day of School: Jan. 6, 2025
PLC-Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Jan. 8, 2025
High School Half Day-Exams
- (High School Release-10:35 a.m.): Jan. 15-17, 2025
Chatterton Half Day-Exams
- (Chatterton Release-10:40 a.m.): Jan. 16-17, 2025
End of Semester 1/Quarter 2
- All Students Half Day (Records Day)
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-10:35 a.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-11:35 a.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.): Jan. 17, 2025
No School-All students
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 20, 2025

February 2025

PLC- Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Feb. 5, 2025
Spring Count Day: Feb. 12, 2025
Mid-Winter Break: Feb. 17-21, 2025
Classes Resume- Full Day of School: Feb. 24, 2025

March 2025

PLC- Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Mar. 5, 2025
No School for ECSE- Parent/Teacher Conferences- AM & PM
- GSRP and Elementary Half Day- Parent/Teacher Conferences- Afternoon only
- Mound Park- 11:25 a.m. Dismissal
- Westview- 11:35 a.m. Dismissal
- Schofield- 12:05 p.m. Dismissal: Mar. 12, 2025
High School Parent/Teacher Conferences- Afternoon only
- Chatterton Parent/Teacher Conferences- Afternoon only
- High School- 10:35 a.m. Dismissal
- Chatterton- 10:40 a.m. Dismissal: Mar. 13, 2025
Spring Break: Mar. 24-28, 2025
No School-All Students
- Teacher Professional Development Day: Mar. 31, 2025

April 2025

Classes Resume-Full Day of School: Apr. 1, 2025
PLC- Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Apr. 2, 2025
End of 3rd Quarter
- All Students Early Release Day (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): Apr. 4, 2025
M-STEP Testing Window Opens for Students in Grades 3-8, 11: Apr. 7, 2025
Chatterton PSAT Testing for 8th Grade Students
- Late Start for students in Grades 6 & 7 (start time 12:00 p.m.)
- High School PSAT Testing for 9th & 10th Grade Students
- High School SAT Testing for 11th Grade Students
- High School Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.: Apr. 9, 2025
High School WorkKeys Testing for Grade 11
- Late Start for students in Grades 9, 10 & 12 (start time 11:30 a.m.): Apr. 10, 2025
Chatterton M-STEP Testing for Grade 8 (Science/SS)
- Late Start for students in Grades 6 & 7 (start time 12:00 p.m.): Apr. 16-17, 2025
No School- All students
- Good Friday: Apr. 18, 2025
Chatterton M-STEP Testing for 6th & 7th Grade Students
- Late start for students in Grade 8 (start time 12:00 p.m.): Apr. 22-23, 2025

May 2025

PLC- Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): May 7, 2025
PLC- Early Release Day
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-1:03 p.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-1:14 p.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-1:41 p.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-1:51 p.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-2:21 p.m.): May 21, 2025
Fitzgerald High School Graduation: May 23, 2025
No School- All students
- Memorial Day: May 26, 2025
Classes Resume- Full Day of School: May 27, 2025
Fitzgerald Virtual Academy Graduation: May 29, 2025

June 2025

Last Day of GSRP and ECSE: Jun. 4, 2025
High School Half Day- Exams
- (High School Release- 10:35 a.m.): Jun. 4-6, 2025
Chatterton Half Day- Exams
- (Chatterton Release- 10:40 a.m.): Jun. 5-6, 2025
End of Semester 2/Quarter 4
- All Students Half Day (Records Day)
- (FHS 7:30 a.m.-10:35 a.m.; CMS 7:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m.; MP 8:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.; WV 8:20 a.m.-11:35 a.m.; SCF 8:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.): Jun. 6, 2025

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Explore an Enchanted Halloween Forest at Glenlore Trails

By Aaghaaaz August 28, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Glenlore Trails’ annual haunted forest returns with a magical new twist this year. Beginning Sept. 20, families can explore Glenlore Trails Enchanted, an eerie, illuminated forest teeming with fairies, vampire bats, howling wolves, crooning pumpkins and plenty of whimsical, spellbinding spirits.

Quick details about Glenlore Trails Enchanted

Glenlore trails haunted forest — Photo credit: Glenlore Trails

Sept. 20-Nov. 3, 2024
Address: 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Charter Township
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 7-10 p.m.; Closed Monday-Wednesday.
Cost: Tickets start at $20/adults 13+, $15/seniors 65+, $12/children 4-12, free/ages 3 and under. Prices vary by day.
Parking: Free!

Using light shows, projectors and more immersive decorations, Glenlore Trails will transport families to a magical Halloween landscape. The lighted forest trail is fun for all ages, although families with littles may want to visit earlier in the evening if their children (or parents!) are a teensy bit scared of the dark.

Things to do at Glenlore Trails with kids

Take the enchanted fun up a notch by attending one of these special (or spooky!) events at Glenlore Trails this season. Discover live music, kids’ activities, trick-or-treating fun and more fall festivities at these kid-friendly events.

Opening Weekend

Sept. 20-22, 2024

Be one of the first guests to explore Enchanted! Glenlore Trails is kicking off their Halloween festivities with live music, balloon animals, face painting and more. There will be musical performances from 8-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and balloon twisting and face painting from 8-10 p.m. on Sunday.

Kids Craft Night & Forest Trail

Sept. 29 and Oct. 20, 2024

Create a seasonal craft, enjoy balloon twisting and face painting, then explore the magical trail. Crafting sessions are held every 30 minutes from 7-9 p.m., and the trail opens at 7:30 p.m. Adults must purchase an adult companion ticket to accompany their child.

Trick or Treat Night & Forest Trail

Oct. 27

Don your spookiest costume and stock up on sweet treats at Glenlore Trails’ trick-or-treating event. The trail opens at 7 p.m., and trick-or-treating sessions take place every 15 minutes from 7-8 p.m.

Tips for visiting Glenlore Trails Enchanted

Choose your time slot. Tickets are good for the date and time you select at checkout. Earlier time slots tend to fill with young families, while the evening brings out a louder crowd. Whatever time you choose, be sure to give your family enough time to use the restroom and participate in any special activities before you head out on the trail.
Use the restroom. Exploring the enchanted trail takes about one hour, so be sure to use the restroom and stock up on yummy food and beverages before you hit the trail.
Bring a wagon. The trail isn’t paved, but it’s maneuverable by big-wheeled strollers and wagons.
Indulge in concession stand treats. Halfway through the trail, you’ll discover a concession stand and picnic tables, which are perfect for grabbing a snack and taking a break.
Dress for the weather — and dress up! Enchanted is outdoors and the festive fun happens rain or shine! Check the forecast and dress for the weather, and for more spooky fun, consider wearing a Halloween costume or glow-in-the-dark accessories.
Leave pets at home.

Other things to do nearby with kids

Glenlore Trails Enchanted comes to life once the sun sets, but there’s plenty of family fun to be had during the day! Check out these suggestions for places to play, eat and explore before you head to Glenlore Trails.

Play at Scarlet’s Smile Playground. Located a few minutes away, the accessible, barrier-free playground is tons of fun for kids of all ages and abilities.
Spend the day at Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill. It has a corn maze and a fun farm area, which includes giant jumping pillows, goat farm, tube swing, giant slide, straw tunnels, pedal kart track and much more.
Have dinner at CJ’s Brewing Company before you head to Glenlore Trails. The brewery is family-friendly, and kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays!

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Essential Tips for Attending a Detroit Red Wings Game with Kids

By Aaghaaaz August 28, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Hey, Hey Hockeytown! Enjoy a night out with your family to see the Detroit Red Wings play hockey at Little Caesars Arena. You can take in the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game.

If you’re planning to take your kids out to a Detroit Red Wings game this season, then take a look at our family guide.

This article was recently updated on Aug. 27, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the Detroit Red Wings 2024 season. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Quick details about Little Caesars Arena

@metroparent Let’s go Red Wings! We went to to see a @Detroit Red Wings hockey game! #metroparent #MPmoment #metrodetroit #detroitredwings #littlecaesarsarena ♬ New Romantics (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Address: 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Season: The regular season began on Oct. 10, 2024, and goes until April 17, 2025.
Parking: There are 32 parking locations within a 10-minute walk from the arena. If you want to book your parking in advance, visit ParkDistrictDetroit.com. Event parking begins four hours before the event and two hours after the event.

Purchasing Tickets for a Detroit Red Wings Game

Photo credit: Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

Take a virtual tour of Little Caesars Arena before booking your tickets.
Purchase single-game tickets or 10-game plan. They also offer student rush discounted tickets, which are available for students with a .edu email address up to 48 hours before select home games.
Check out the special ticket offers to see what prizes the Red Wings are giving away for specific games.

Tips for families attending a Detroit Red Wings Game

Little Caesars Arena has adopted a no-bag policy – bags, purses and clutches cannot be larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5”. Medical necessity bags, including insulin, oxygen, epi-pens, diaper bags and breast pumps, must measure smaller than 14” x 14” x 6” and they will be X-rayed upon arrival.
Sensory items are available at the Guest Service Offices at Portals 10, 20 and 67. Items include sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards and fidget tools. Strobe-canceling glasses and weighted lap pads are also available. These sensory items are available on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge.
Little Caesars Arena is a cashless venue. You can convert cash into a VISA card at a Reverse-ATM at Portals 9 and 58 on the concourse.
There is a Mothers Room on the Street Level Concourse outside Portal 20 for nursing mothers. There is also a family restroom inside this area.
Sign up for the Red Wings Mobile App to easily purchase, manage and scan your tickets, get breaking news, see the schedule and stats and more.

What to do at a Detroit Red Wings Game with kids

Make sure to check out the themed home games – including Teacher Appreciation Night on Oct. 17 and Star Wars Night on Oct. 24, among others.
There are four in-venue restaurants at Little Caesars Arena – Mike’s Pizza Bar, UWM District Market, Pointset Sports Bar and The Mixing Board.
Sign up for the Kids Club for $30. You can sign up online or at the booth outside Portal 15 at Detroit Red Wings home games. The membership merchandise kit comes with a tons of exclusive merch, like a beanie, tote, collapsible water bottle, flying disc, monthly newsletter, ice skating opportunities, birthday card and an official member credential & passport.
See the Red Wings Drumline perform at home games.

Things to do near Little Caesars Arena

A shot of the tree at Campus Martius Park from the ice rink — Image courtesy of Flickr.com

Eat before the Red Wings game at Hockeytown Café. You can’t miss it – it has a huge hockey puck on top of the building. Enjoy Detroit-style pizza, coney dogs and more. The kids menu features tenders and fries, cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza and mac and cheese.
Shop at the official store of the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena Team Store.
Go ice skating (when weather permits) at Campus Martius Park. Also, make sure to grab a family photo in front of the large Christmas tree.
Grab some more Detroit gear at Detroit Hustles Harder

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Talking to Kids About Their Career Path and Backup Plan

By Aaghaaaz August 27, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Life after high school can be challenging, but having a future plan can put young people on the road to success. Of course, that’s easier said than done — especially if students don’t know what they want to do after they graduate.

That’s why it is so important for parents to take an active role in the development of their child’s desired career path and back-up plans. Here, Sarah Strohbeck, a career readiness and counselor consultant with the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), offers insight on why having a career path is important for everyone, and how you can be more involved in the process.

Why it’s important

According to Strohbeck, students who develop a career path while in high school tend to have the drive to excel in their schoolwork and do what needs to be done in order to graduate.

“When a student has a plan or vision for life after high school it serves as a huge source of motivation while the student is actually still in high school,” she says. “Thinking about their futures and being able to connect the need for good attendance, course performance and behavior can help a student get through those tough days in which they lack drive or do not see relevance to their course work.”

In addition, students with a post-high school plan also typically have better mental health outcomes while navigating their way through their last years of K-12 school.

“Students have less anxiety, depression and engage in less risky behaviors when they can see that there is a meaningful life full of great opportunity waiting for them once they cross the graduation stage and they will more likely be able to overcome tough times and think before they act because they know there are better days ahead,” she adds.

How to get involved

Young people can start working on their career plan as early as preschool, and Strohbeck encourages parents to help their children start developing their career as early as possible.

“We want students as early as possible to make the connection to working hard in school will help them transition to whatever they want to become,” she says. “The earlier we expose students to goal setting, dreaming and planning the better.”

All school districts in Macomb County and beyond, offer counselors and resources to help students decide what they want to do, but parents can also help by simply talking to their children about what they want to be when they grow up and looking for opportunities for them to explore the areas that interest them.

“Parents should not worry as much about honing in on one specific plan for their child, but to create many opportunities for their child to job shadow, explore and see out a variety of career and post-secondary options,” Strohbeck explains.

They can also work to teach their children soft skills that are valuable in any career, such as communication or networking skills, and should encourage them to constantly learn and relearn.

And, if your child is struggling to find their path, parents should avoid panicking and instead stay positive and focus on motivating your child and exposing them to a variety of career options.

“Your student may take a path that is outside of the dream or vision you once had for them when they were little, but that does not mean they will not find success,” Strohbeck says, “Parents have to take a step back and not execute the plan for their child. Parents need to encourage and support their students, but truly we need our graduates to have more independence and learn how to navigate on their own.”

For more information on helping your child choose a career path, visit the MISD website. For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.

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School Safety Is Top Priority in Macomb County

By Aaghaaaz August 27, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Backpacks, permission slips, lunchboxes — parents sending kids off to school each morning have a lot to think about. One worry parents shouldn’t have is about safety in their child’s school. In Macomb County, parents can feel confident that school safety is the No.1 priority — for school officials and for the county.

In fact, the Macomb Intermediate School District, local public safety and Macomb County officials have been working together for more than 20 years to ensure that Macomb County Schools are safe, according to Brandon Lewis, Director of Macomb County Emergency Management and Communications. And, as school safety situations have evolved, Macomb County has taken action.

“In 2018, we hired three school safety coordinators using funding from a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to assist Macomb County schools with safety planning,” Lewis explains. “Among the initiatives supported by our school safety section is the development of a standardized risk and vulnerability assessment, which are based on nationally accepted best practices.”

When initial grant funding expired, Macomb County recognized the need to proactively support its 21 public school districts and private schools. The county made the department a permanent part of the government structure. Having a team dedicated to ongoing school safety is very important, says Jim Burke, School Safety Coordinator with Macomb County Emergency Management and Communications.

“I have three kids myself who went through Macomb County schools, and I’m a retired police chief from Harper Woods. I understand parents’ concerns about safety,” says Burke. “Macomb County is the only county that I am aware of that has a dedicated school safety division through the Emergency Management Office.”

Safety in Macomb schools

By law, all schools in Michigan must have active violence protocols in place and Macomb County’s Emergency Management and Communications offers additional risk and vulnerability assessments to schools that go beyond mandated safety requirements.

“About 60% of districts in Macomb County have adopted Run, Hide, Fight as their active violence protocol, while another 40% have adopted a commercially-developed program such as ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate),” Lewis adds. “The county and the MISD’s school safety committee, which represents all the districts in the county, do not recommend one program over another, as long as the adopted program is consistent with accepted best practices.”

In addition to assisting in the implementation of these protocols, school and county officials work together to develop training exercises in case of an active shooter and have increased collaboration between schools and first responders to ensure quick response to emergency situations.

Some school districts have even entered into agreements to integrate their internal camera systems into the county’s Communications and Technology Center (COMTEC), which allows responders to view school camera feeds live during emergency response operations. This is a significant aspect of school safety that helps reduce response time when it counts most.

Support for safe school environments

Schools in Macomb County can also opt to use grant funding for the school safety team to conduct comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessments, and this is available to every school in the county, says Burke. About 200 schools in Macomb County have taken part, and the department is currently following up with schools for routine repeat assessments.

“The risk and vulnerability assessment is very intensive,” he explains. “We generate a 30-page report of data we’ve gathered about the school, including geographic and location information.”

The assessment begins with a comprehensive interview with school staff on-site. “A big part of it is we are able to meet with each principal and key staff and other individuals in the buildings for an intensive interview process,” says Burke. “We develop relationships, not just with the superintendents, but with the staff at the school. We are interested in what they have to say, what they know and what drills take place.”

The second half of the assessment is a walk-through of each school building to assess the existing security profile. “We look at locks, cameras, everything related to the physical security of the building. We offer considerations based on national best practices,” Burke says.

The result is a comprehensive security profile of the school, including physical security, systems, policies, procedures, emergency plans and more. When individual schools are aware of additional ways they can improve safety in and around the school, they can use the risk and vulnerability assessment as a guide for future safety enhancements, even in millage proposals says Burke.

“Schools across the county have done an incredible job with school safety policy plans,” Burke says. “School safety is the No.1 priority of everyone involved here in Macomb County.”

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.

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5 Things to Know About Utica Community Schools

By Aaghaaaz August 26, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Utica Community Schools is a growing district with a commitment to offering students education options they couldn’t find elsewhere in southeast Michigan.

Students at Utica schools can choose to learn in a classic school environment or in a specialty center focused on an interest in subjects like math, science and engineering.

Here’s a breakdown on everything parents should know about UCS.

1. Overview of Utica Community Schools

Phone number: 586-797-1000
Number of schools: 35
Number of students: 25,528
Pupil to teacher ratio: 23:1
PPE: $14,553
Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
Claim to fame: Utica Community Schools is known for its student achievement. Their students consistently score above state averages. Students in this school district have access to a diverse selection of clubs, sports and specialty programs. Plus, the school district’s graduation rates are among the best in all of southeast Michigan.

2. Athletics

Sports at Utica Community Schools are offered at both the junior high and high school level and are a celebrated part of student life. Sports offered include dance, swim and dive, baseball, football, soccer, wrestling and more.

High school athletics are part of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) as well.

3. Specialty Programs

Utica Community Schools offers students options when it comes to their education.

The district offers the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies (one of four International Baccalaureate World Schools in the state) and one of the top scoring schools in the state. All teachers hold a Masters, Specialist or Ph.D. degree and have been extensively trained in brain/mind research in conjunction with the Caine Learning Institute of Idyllwild, California. More than 99 percent of students attend college after graduating.

There’s also the option to study at one of the district’s specialty centers for math, science, technology, health and human services and more.

4. CTE

Top notch Career and Technical Education offerings are a priority for the district in order to dually prepare students for college and a career. Students can take classes in courses like woodworking, welding or medical health sciences and earn college credit through Macomb Community College, Davenport University and Baker College.

Career information centers are located in all four high schools.

5. Pathways to Success

To keep parents and students informed of the many programs and benefits of being a UCS student, the district holds information sessions as part of its Pathways to Success initiative.

Pathways to Success offers informative meetings for more than 30 topics related to life as a student at their schools, including athletics, the art department, theater programs, specialty programs and world languages.

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Top 13 Oakland County Public Schools for Athletes

By Aaghaaaz August 26, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

A child with a talent for sports thrives most in a school with a good athletic program.

Some schools in Oakland County are better than others when it comes to student athletics. Niche, a data-analyzing website focused on schools, has graded some of the best schools for athletes in Oakland County. The results stem from U.S. Department of Education data, student and parent surveys, test scores and other categories.

Where do some of Oakland County’s schools rank in the list? Below are the top 13 schools for athletes in Oakland County, according to Niche:

Best Schools for Athletes in Oakland County

Clarkston Community School District, Clarkston (A-)
Lake Orion Community Schools, Lake Orion (A)
Birmingham Public Schools, Beverly Hills (A+)
Rochester Community School District, Rochester (A+)
Huron Valley Schools, Highland (B+)
West Bloomfield School District, West Bloomfield (A+)
Troy School District, Troy (A+)
Novi Community School District, Novi (A+)
South Lyon Community Schools, South Lyon (A-)
Walled Lake Consolidated School District, Walled Lake (A-)
Farmington Public Schools, Farmington (A-)
Clawson Public Schools, Clawson (B)
Brandon School District, Ortonville (B)

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See the Lake Shore Public Schools 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

By Aaghaaaz August 24, 2024 Metro Parent No comments

Schools calendars provide families with a snapshot of the entire year.