Top 10 Wayne County Public Schools for Athletes

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

Some schools in Wayne County are better than others when it comes to student athletics. This list has graded some of the best schools for athletes in Wayne County. The results stem from U.S. Department of Education data, student and parent surveys, test scores and other categories.

Read more: Best School Districts in Wayne County

Where do some of Wayne County’s schools rank in the list? Below are the top 10 schools for athletes in Wayne County:

Van Buren Public Schools, Belleville (B)

• Address: 555 W. Columbia Ave., Belleville
• Why it stands out: Van Buren Public Schools is known for its strong community ties and commitment to student growth both academically and athletically. The district offers a wide array of extracurriculars and sports programs, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. A major investment in infrastructure, including a rebuilt Belleville High School, reflects its focus on providing students with modern learning environments.

Serving Belleville and parts of Van Buren, Sumpter and Ypsilanti townships, the district has evolved alongside its growing suburban population. Significant developments occurred in the 2010s with major facility upgrades, including the opening of a new high school. The district has long been central to education in the area, adapting to shifting demographics and educational standards.

Grosse Pointe Public School System, Grosse Pointe Woods (A+)

• Address: 20601 Morningside, Grosse Pointe Woods
• Why it stands out: Recognized for its high standards and academic rigor, Grosse Pointe provides a robust curriculum with an emphasis on college preparedness. It is appreciated for fostering a community where educational success and personal growth go hand in hand.

Grosse Pointe has a storied past of excellence stretching back to its founding in the early 1900s. Over the decades, it has maintained a tradition of excellence, continually evolving to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Plymouth (A)

• Address: 454 S. Harvey St., Plymouth
• Why it stands out: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) consistently ranks among Michigan’s top districts, renowned for its rigorous academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and innovative curriculum approaches. The district offers a blend of strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities alongside a flourishing arts program. Its commitment to holistic education ensures students excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Since its founding, P-CCS has evolved with the surrounding suburban growth. It merged communities of Plymouth and Canton, adapting to demographic changes and prioritizing progressive education models. Over the decades, Plymouth-Canton has become a benchmark for quality public education in Wayne County.

Northville Public Schools, Northville (A+)

• Address: 405 West Main St., Northville
• Why it stands out: Northville Public Schools boasts an impressive array of extracurricular activities and academic programs that prepare students for future success. The district is known for its rigorous Advanced Placement courses and high college acceptance rates.

With roots going back to the 1800s, Northville Public Schools has a long tradition of excellence. The district has grown in tandem with the community, maintaining its reputation by embracing progressive educational practices while honoring its rich history.

Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Detroit (C )

• Address: 1903 Wilkins St., Detroit
• Why it stands out: Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA) is one of Detroit’s highest-performing charter schools. It consistently ranks at the top in English and Math scores citywide and outperforms state averages on the SAT. The school offers a robust academic program, including the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, early access to algebra and a range of after-school activities.

Founded in 1998, DEPSA was the first school in the New Paradigm for Education network. It gained national attention in 2012 as one of Michigan’s first Green Ribbon Schools. The high school campus opened in 2020, expanding its reach through grade 12. In 2022, it was recognized by Oakland University as one of Detroit’s top open-enrollment schools. Today, DEPSA continues to lead in academic achievement, innovation, and equity-driven education in the city.

Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, Woodhaven (A)

• Address: 24871 Van Horn Road, Woodhaven
• Why it stands out: This district shines through a strong emphasis on community involvement and personalized learning. Woodhaven-Brownstown is praised for maintaining smaller class sizes and fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ academic and emotional growth. The district’s preparation for college and career readiness is exemplary, backed by a comprehensive career technical education program.

Established in 1968, during suburban expansion, Woodhaven-Brownstown has steadily built a reputation for cultivating close-knit schools that serve their neighborhoods with pride. Its continuous improvements reflect adaptive leadership committed to student success.

Detroit Public Schools Community School District, Detroit (C )

• Address: 3011 W Grand Blvd., Detroit

• Why it stands out: As Detroit’s traditional public district, DPSCD serves over 51,000 students across preK through grade 12. It has recently focused on rebuilding infrastructure and academic quality post-financial crisis, with renewed community oversight after years of state control. The district plays a central role in Detroit’s educational renaissance amid rising charter enrollment. 

Established in 1842, the district grew with Detroit’s urban expansion. Following fiscal crises and state takeovers from 1999 to 2016, leadership returned to an elected board in 2005. DPSCD underwent major financial restructuring under emergency managers, culminating in the formation of the current district in 2016 to manage legacy debt and operations. 

River Rouge Public Schools, River Rouge (C-)

• Address: 1460 W Coolidge Highway, River Rouge
• Why it stands out: Serving around 3,060 preK through grade 12 students, the district maintains a diverse student body (approximately 80% minority, 54% economically disadvantaged). Academically, it earns a modest C‑ grade but is valued for supporting students with AP offerings, strong extracurriculars and a community‑centered approach.

River Rouge schools date back to at least 1904, with the first high school graduating five students in 1907. A new high school was built in 1922 and replaced via a 1993 bond. Today, the district operates four traditional schools and an online academy.

Allen Park Public Schools, Allen Park (B+)

• Address: 9601 Vine Ave., Allen Park
• Why It Stands Out: Allen Park Public Schools emphasizes community partnerships and student-centered learning. The district has taken strides to improve technology access, support special education, and expand fine arts programs. Dedicated staff foster a nurturing learning environment.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the district grew along with the city’s industrial boom. Allen Park Public Schools has worked through economic fluctuations, consistently striving to raise educational standards.

Harper Woods Public Schools, Harper Woods (D-)

• Address: 20225 Beaconsfield St., Harper Woods
• Why it stands out: This smaller district (approximately 100 students per grade) emphasizes community and accountability. Harper Woods faced controversy over opening to non-residents (mostly from Detroit) but now uses open enrollment strategically to support enrollment and diversity. The high school, opened in 1951 and updated around 2007, even served briefly as a film set for the 2012 “Red Dawn” remake.

Harper Woods High School was founded in 1951; current facilities date to around 2007. The district used to restrict non-resident enrollment, but shifted in 2009 to better balance enrollment and community involvement. Its high school has become a focal point of local pride.

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/2x9FLBk

Read More

Top 10 Schools for Athletes in Washtenaw County

A child who loves sports will thrive in a school with a great athletic department.

Some schools in Washtenaw County are better than others when it comes to student athletics. This list has graded some of the best schools for athletes in Washtenaw County in 2025. The results stem from U.S. Department of Education data, student and parent surveys, test scores and other categories.

Where do some of Washtenaw County’s schools rank in the list? Below are the top 10 schools for athletes in Washtenaw County:

Saline High School, Saline (A)

• Address: 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline
• Why It Stands Out: Saline High School is renowned for its academics, ranking 20th among Michigan high schools by U.S. News. The school has a wide array of extracurricular activities, including over 30 student clubs and a robust athletic program. Notably, the school’s auditorium is a hub for cultural and artistic events.

Established in 2004, Saline High School relocated to its current 510,000-square-foot facility in Pittsfield Township. The school serves as a cornerstone of the Saline Area Schools district, which has a rich history of educational excellence.

Chelsea High School, Chelsea (A-)

• Address: 740 North Freer Road, Chelsea
• Why It Stands Out: Chelsea High School is known for its active student body and well-rounded educational experience.

Chelsea High School is part of the Chelsea School District, which has a long-standing commitment to providing quality education.

Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor (A+)

• Address: 601 W Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Pioneer High School is celebrated for its academic programs, including a variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities. The school has a rich history and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Founded in 1856 as Union School, Pioneer High School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The current building, opened in 1956, continues to serve as a cornerstone of education in the Ann Arbor community. 

Dexter High School, Dexter (A)

• Address: 2200 North Parker Road, Dexter
• Why It Stands Out: Dexter High School is distinguished by its high graduation rate of 99% and a diverse range of academic offerings, including 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 19 International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The school also has a strong tradition in science competitions, with its National Ocean Science Bowl team placing second nationally in 2015.

Originally located in what is now Creekside Intermediate School, Dexter High School moved to its current location in 2002 to accommodate growing student enrollment. The school is part of Dexter Community Schools, which has a history dating back to 1950.

Milan High School, Milan (B+)

• Address: 200 Big Red Drive, Milan
• Why It Stands Out: Milan High School is recognized for its strong academic performance, with a 92% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1160. The school offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a notable athletic program.

Established in 2003, Milan High School is the newest high school in the Milan Area Schools district. The district has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, with the first high school building constructed in 1900.

Skyline High School, Ann Arbor (A+)

• Address: 2552 North Maple Road, Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Skyline High School is distinguished by its innovative educational approach, offering a blend of rigorous academics and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The school’s design incorporates geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as onsite stormwater management, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Approved by voters in 2004 as part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Comprehensive School Improvement Program, Skyline High School opened its doors in 2008. Initially serving only freshmen, the school expanded each year, graduating its first senior class in 2012. The naming process involved a diverse committee of students, parents and educators, who chose the name “Skyline” to reflect the school’s scenic views. The mascot, “The Eagles,” and the school colors, Columbia Blue and White, were selected to complement the Skyline theme.

Father Gabriel Richard High School, Ann Arbor (A-)

• Address: 4333 Whitehall Drive, Ann Arbor
• What Makes It Stand Out: Serves as a co-ed Catholic high school focused on spiritual, intellectual and personal growth within the Diocese of Lansing.

Began as St. Thomas the Apostle School, part of St. Thomas Parish, founded in 1868; new building built in the 1920s.

Huron High School, Ann Arbor (A+)

• Address: 2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor
• Why It Stands Out: Huron High School is known for its high performing students and dedicated teachers.

Established in 1969, Huron High School was built to accommodate the growing population in Ann Arbor. The school’s design, featuring a distinctive “H” shape, has become an iconic part of the city’s educational landscape.

Manchester High School, Manchester (B-)

• Address: 710 E. Main St., Manchester
• Why it stands out: As the smallest district in Washtenaw County, it offers a public-school experience with the intimacy often found in private schools. Niche reviews describe “wonderful connections between students … and staff,” noting strong extracurricular support like robotics, athletics and arts.

Schooling in Manchester started in 1867 at Union School. Through the years it evolved, formally consolidating into Elkhardt School in 1914. That school became Manchester District High School in 1924; the graduating Class of 1925 comprised just eight students.

Greenhills School, Ann Arbor (A+)

• Address: 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor
• What Makes It Stand Out: Independent college-prep school (grades six through 12); dedicated from early days to admitting students from diverse backgrounds and offering robust tuition assistance.

Founded in 1968: Established by seven founding families and philanthropists (e.g., Harry & Margaret Towsley) after closure of U‑M Lab School.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/UvqWa8K

Read More

Dinner in a Hurry? Let AI Help

If you’ve ever stared into the fridge at 5:30 p.m. with zero ideas and two hungry kids orbiting you like tiny moons, you’re not alone. Between work schedules and after-school chaos, planning dinner can feel like one more thing you don’t have time for.

Here’s your chance to blend that AI you’ve been hearing so much about with something truly practical: mealtime. 

These smart tools use what you already have — both in your pantry and in your brain — to help pull together meals that are fast, family-friendly and even a little fun.

All you need is your phone, a few ingredients, and a willingness to let technology take a spin at the meal wheel.

What is an AI meal plan, anyway?

AI meal planning tools use your input — what’s in your fridge, how much time you’ve got, what your family actually eats — to suggest recipes and even full weekly plans. 

You can ask something like, “What can I make with ground turkey, pasta, and shredded cheese?” and get a list of options in seconds. The more you use AI, the better it learns your preferences, and the easier your evenings become.

4 easy ways to start

ChatGPT

Type in the ingredients you have on hand — or even upload a photo of your fridge — and ChatGPT will suggest recipes that match your pantry. It’s quick, flexible, and especially helpful when you need something right now.

• Upside: Even your kids can get involved with the “fridge photography” and ingredient scouting.
• Downside: Some suggestions are surprisingly basic, while others may pair ingredients in ways you’d never consider — or eat.
  

Ollie

Ollie builds customized weekly meal plans based on your family’s preferences, schedule, and ingredients you already love. It sends you ready-to-go meals and grocery lists, and improves over time as it learns your habits.

• Upside: Ollie includes smart features like generating meals from a photo of ingredients.
• Downside: When I tried it, one stir-fry recipe included diced potatoes, which didn’t quite work. But the rest of the dish turned out great.
  

Mealime

Mealime offers simple, filtered meal planning based on prep time, ingredients, and diet. Once you pick your meals, it automatically creates a grocery list, saving time and brainpower.

• Upside: The interface is clean and intuitive — easy to use even on a hectic weeknight.
• Downside: Many useful features (like nutrition info and some customization) are behind a paywall at $2.99/month for the PRO version.

Your smart speaker

If your hands are full or you’re mid–snack negotiation, your smart speaker can help. Ask Alexa or Google Assistant what to make with what’s in your fridge, get step-by-step recipe instructions, or add missing ingredients to your shopping list.

• Upside: Totally hands-free.
• Downside: Works best with simpler requests or pre-enabled recipe apps.
  

Staples to keep on hand

The right ingredients make AI meal planning even easier. Try keeping these on rotation and you’ll always have what you need for an easy meal:

• Cottage cheese – great in lasagna, smoothies, or topped with fruit
• Cheese – adds flavor and kid-approval to pasta, casseroles, or veggie bakes
• Yogurt – versatile in sauces, marinades, or as a base for quick parfaits
• Milk – helpful for soups, mac and cheese, and creamy sauces
• Eggs, pasta, rice and greens – flexible basics that pair with just about anything
  

These staples show up often in AI-generated meals and can help you say yes to dinner without a store run.

Does it really save time?

Yes. Especially the kind of time you usually spend wondering what to make, checking the fridge for the third time or texting your partner “any ideas?”

AI tools won’t cook for you (yet), but they do eliminate the mental load of decision-making. They also help you plan around what you already have, so you’re less likely to waste food.

And while tech is great, there’s still room for old favorites. Our go-to recipe sites include UDIM and Undeniably Dairy. Both are full of reliable standbys when your family craves the classics.

Easy ways to try AI meal planning

Not sure where to start? Try these prompts in any of the AI tools:

• “Make a 5-day dinner plan using yogurt, pasta and ground turkey.”
• “What can I cook with milk, broccoli, and rice?”
• “Suggest three 30-minute dinners using what I already have in the fridge.”
  

Treat AI like a helpful tool, not a set of rules. Whether you use it to plan the whole week or just solve one hectic night, it’s a little support in the place most of us need it: the kitchen.

This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org. 

Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy. 

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/4vd5ScK

Read More

How Macomb County Prepares High School Students for a Career

Senior year might mark the end of your child’s K-12 education, but it’s only the beginning of the rest of their lives, which means it is of upmost importance that they know where they’re headed after graduation.

And that’s why the State of Michigan — in particular, Macomb County — works to put kids on the path to their future career as early as seventh grade.

“The Michigan Department of Education requires that every student create an Educational Development Plan (EDP) every single year from 7th to 12th grade,” says Sarah Pilarski,  a career readiness and counselor consultant with the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD). “Whether a student wants to go into college, university, trade school or the military, they still have to have an idea for the end game.”

Macomb County uses a program called XELLO to help students create their EDPs. This program logs a student’s personality, interests, likes, dislikes and other factors in order to develop the student’s career list.

The student chooses a career from the list and works with their school district’s counselors to develop a four-year plan that lays out the proper classes and information for them to build that career.

“When they know what they want to do, and when they have a plan that excites them, they tend to buckle down,” Pilarski adds.

Career Services in Macomb County

Beyond state-mandated EDPs, Macomb County also provides special initiatives and courses to help kids pick a career path and plan for their future.

“(The MISD) has created a website called Macomb Engage, and we created that website so that counselors, students, parents have a place to go to find all the career development information they need,” Pilarski says.

 

“We created videos for students to learn about a career in the Trades, the Military and if  they are Job Seekers,” she says. “It’s a part of our Operation Senior program.

In addition, MISD also hosts monthly career spotlights, which bring counselors and professionals together to provide the counselors with the most up-to-date information on different career paths so they can better help their students, along with career readiness initiatives, career fairs and job training in a wide variety of industries.

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.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/qz1uFve

Read More

Sixth Graders from Wolfe Middle School Present Career-Ready Designs to Macomb County Executives

On June 4, 2025, family members, Macomb County executives and leaders from the non-profits Gleaners Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest heard digital design campaigns from six teams of sixth graders.

The sixth-grade students were part of the Academy Explorer 6 class at Wolfe Middle School in Center Line. This class focuses on a digital design and communications pathway, and worked closely with the marketing and communication department at the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.

All students presented a flyer, a blog and a social media post for either Gleaners Food Bank or Forgotten Harvest – which are both non-profits in Macomb County.

We spoke with Kelli Phillips-Herrick, Career Readiness Coach for Center Line Public Schools, about Academy Explorer 6 and the importance of the school’s K-12 Career Exploration Program overall.

What is Academy Explorer 6?

“Academy Explorer 6 (AE6) teaches the students about careers in digital design and communication from the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Communications Team,” says Phillips-Herrick. “The students learn how to build a digital campaign for a client using Canva to create blogs, flyers and social media posts.”

Although students practice creating marketing materials for Wolfe Middle School’s various activities at the beginning of the course, they then meet with their client (either Forgotten Harvest or Gleaners Food Bank) halfway through the semester.

“On top of learning about digital design and communication careers, our students learned about nonprofits, food insecurity, and how volunteers make a difference (all of which) helps to make our students well-rounded,” says Phillips-Herrick.

Students volunteered by packing boxes for mobile pantries at Forgotten Harvest and watched volunteers packing boxes at Gleaners.

“Since Gleaners hosts a mobile pantry at Center Line High School on the last Monday of every month, our students were able to see how those boxes were distributed to our community,” she says.

Six teams were then selected at the end of the semester to share their campaigns with their parents, the clients and community members.

1 of 6

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

Photo credit: Center Line Public Schools

What is the next step for AE6 students

“AE6 is a semester class, so students who move in after the school year begins have the opportunity to join during the second semester,” says Phillips-Herrick. “Since the students work in teams to create their campaigns, it would be easy to include a new student.”

She explains that taking all of the career exploration classes is encouraged because students may learn skills and tools that they can use in the next program.

“Academy Explorer 7 (AE7) launches in the fall of 2025 and it is a law and justice class,” she explains. “We are partnered with the University of Detroit Mercy Law School.”

The administrators are currently working on the curriculum for AE7, but they are building on the skills the students learned in AE6.

How the pathways work as a whole

“All grades K-7 are assigned a career pathway and those pathways align with the pathways we teach at the high school,” says Phillips-Herrick. “The pathways fall under two academies: Health and Human Services (blue) or Industry, Technology and Innovation (red).”

She explains how it is important for students to get as much experience as possible in the K-7 pathways.

“In Academy Explorer 8 (AE8), the students review all of the pathways offered at the high school through research and presentations from industry professionals,” she explains. “In high school, our students move into the experience phase.”

The experience phase includes choosing a pathway, taking classes in that pathway and working toward a certification and/or college credit for that pathway.

“They work on interview skills, resumes, and begin to create their post graduate plan,” she says.

It’s never too early to introduce careers

“In Center Line, we begin discussing careers with our students in kindergarten,” says Phillips-Herrick. “In grades K-5, they discover different careers within their assigned career pathway.”

She explains that students in kindergarten, first, second, third and fifth grades all get assigned a partner at Center Line High School. The high school students are the experts within that pathway.

“Students also have at least two guaranteed experiences with business partners,” she says. “Also, in high school, students will go to career fairs, go on a college visit and have a job shadow.”

She explains what’s next for the six teams of AE6 students.

“(Macomb County Executive) Mark Hackel and his team discussed bringing our students to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fresh! By Gleaners,” says Phillips-Herrick.

Fresh! By Gleaners should be opening up in Warren in Summer 2025.

“Besides presenting at the event in June, our students have had the opportunity to present in front of our board of education and the Ford NGL steering committee,” she says. “It included many of our business partners, the mayor of Center Line, as well as other community members.”

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.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/bjDQuya

Read More

Metro Detroit Museums’ Free Admission Days You Don’t Want to Miss in 2025

Metro Detroit offers a variety of museums for families to enjoy all year long. As much as we love going back in time and getting hands on with science exhibits, museums can put a dent in your family budget.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of free admission days to take advantage of throughout the year. As much as I love free things to do with kids in metro Detroit, you must be prepared for big crowds! I suggest arriving early and checking ahead if you can reserve your free ticket online to avoid lines. 

Here’s a complete calendar of free museum days you can enjoy in 2025. Note: Free admission days may change, so it’s always best to check ahead before heading out!

Free admission days metro Detroit

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Photo credit: Cranbrook Institute of Science

Check back for dates!

Cranbrook Institute of Science visitors can enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 

Detroit Institute of Arts

Photo credit: Detroit Institute of Arts

• Always free for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County residents

The DIA also offers free admission for kids ages 5 and under. Plan your family day out with our DIA guide.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Kids ages 6 and under are always free.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Detroit (MOCAD)

• July 2025: 12
• August 2025: 10

MOCAD visitors can enjoy free admission on the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Museum of the Natural History at University of Michigan

Photo credit: Leisa Thompson, courtesy of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

• Always free

The museum offers free admission all year round. Donations are appreciated. 

More Free Museum Admission Opportunities

Bank of America Free Days

Have a Bank of America card? Simply present your card on the first full weekend of each month and get free admission to various metro Detroit museums. One per cardholder, so it won’t be free for the entire family (unless each of your children has a credit card), but a free adult admission is nothing to sneeze at.

Michigan Activity Pass

Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) connects Michigan library card holders with free or discounted access to their favorite museums, attractions, parks and campgrounds. 

Museums For All Initiative

A fun day out at the museum isn’t always super fun for your wallet. Through Museums for All, families that receive food assistance can take advantage of free or significantly discounted admission for up to four people when they present their SNAP EBT card. With plenty of participating museums in Michigan, there’s no shortage of exciting discoveries to be had.

This article was recently updated on June 27, 2025 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her adding the latest free admission days for metro Detroit museums. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/Sjol9xD

Read More

Campus Kids Days Bring Free Family Fun to Downtown Detroit

There’s always something magical about a summer day at Campus Martius Park, whether you’re catching a flick under the stars during Movie Nights in the D or digging your toes into the sand at The Beach. Here’s another reason to make a trip — Downtown Detroit Partnership is back with their Campus Kids Day!

This annual and free series features exciting themed kid-friendly activities and entertainment on select Sundays in the heart of Detroit. Presented by Corewell Health and supported in part by The Detroit Zoo, the event kicks off on July 13.

Attendees can also expect cool and educational activations by the Michigan Science Center and more. Plus, families can enter to win Detroit Zoo tickets, score show passes from 313 Presents, and enjoy fun giveaways from Corewell Health, McDonald’s, DMCU and the Detroit Zoo.

2025 Campus Kids Day schedule

What else can families can expect for upcoming Campus Kids Days? Check out the full schedule below:

• July 13 (Baby Shark Bonanza): This one-hit wonder transforms Campus Martius to an inspired family day! Snap a photo with Baby Shark (appearing 2-3 p.m.), make waves at the Bubble Dance Party with DJ Bri (1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.), enjoy glitter tattoos, lawn games and more. Doesn’t that sound like a fin-tastic start to Campus Kids Day?
• Aug. 17 (Back to School Bash): Celebrate a new school year with this themed Campus Kids Day! Expect fun activations and giveaways to make your kids even more excited for school.
• Sept. 21 (Autumn Adventure): Kick off autumn with fall-tastic activities at Campus Martius. Don’t miss out on Detroit CHEMpreneurIST’s “Detroit Builds Basketballs” innovation statues where attendees can design their own basketball games.
• Oct. 5 (Lil’ Boo Bash): Dress up in your family Halloween costumes for a spooktacular day of interactive activities. Detroit CHEMpreneurIST will be back with a “Spooky Start-Up Lab: Brew Your Own Brand” station where attendees can brew their own body scrub.

Visit Downtown Detroit Partnership’s website closer to each event for more details on what you can expect.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/pVl2xBo

Read More

A New Indoor Play Space in Livonia Gives Families What They Really Need

At the new Wonder World Play Cafe in Livonia, creating a space for parents to unwind and connect was just as important as creating an engaging play space for little ones. 

Owner Naadean Ibrahim, mom of a 4-year-old Ramez and 3-year-old Zahraa, says creating a mature space for parents, especially moms, was especially meaningful for her.

“The play places I used to take my kid to, there wasn’t a space for me to feel like I belonged,” Ibrahim says.

Read more: Top Metro Detroit Indoor Play Places for Kids to Jump Around

Now, parents who come to Wonder World to give their kids a chance to play are given a special space for themselves. A fully functional cafe is built into the experience, so moms can leave feeling refreshed. 

“Seeing moms sit down and watch their kids play and grabbing a cup of coffee and working on their laptop or reading a book–that’s something I craved so bad,” she says. 

As for the kids’ space, little ones can explore six themed stations with names like wonder, experiment, explore and unwind. There, kids will find developmentally appropriate toys with a STEM or Montessori focus.

“One of my personal favorites is the unwind section,” Ibrahim says. “My son was very reserved when he was younger and when he would go to places, he would stay by my side for awhile, and observe.” 

“So for kids like that, there’s books and Toniebox Headphones and it’s just a calming corner,” she adds. 

Built by a family, for families

Photo credit: Wonder World Play Cafe

Ibrahim’s whole family worked together to make the space what it is. Her dad and brother constructed the playhouses and her two children “helped” with their play tools and swept up. 

Naadean’s mother is also involved as an unofficial expert consultant, bringing her more than 25 years of teaching experience to the project.

“I did my own research, but my mom went to school to teach kindergarten students, so she really helped me design the spaces and what toys would benefit which age groups,” she says. “Every time I have a question she is so excited when I come to her–she’s very knowledgeable.” 

Incorporating Montessori principles and STEM ideas into the space was extremely important to Ibrahim. 

“We really offer a place for like-minded moms to connect and unwind,” she says. “Parents who really care about what goes into their kids’ play and the benefit of it, where they can eat healthy snacks with nontoxic ingredients.” 

Since Wonder World’s opening last month, parents are already forming relationships.

“On Father’s Day, two moms came in and connected and took each other’s numbers and set a date to come back,” she says. “It’s so nice to offer that to other moms.” 

Parents can bring their kids for a 2-hour open play session with CPR and Montessori-trained staff. There’s also the option to purchase a membership for unlimited play, 10 percent off cafe items and other perks. 

The business offers the option for parties and events, too. A package includes fun themes, food, drinks, a dedicated party host and options for add-ons like hands-on activities. 

Quick details about Wonder World Play Cafe 

Photo credit: Wonder World Play Cafe

• Address: 39325 Plymouth Road, Suite 106, Livonia

• Hours: Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Cost: Open play $17.99, but free for 0-18 months and $10 for 18-24 months; memberships $60/month or $450/year; parties and events start at $400.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/9P2yrYl

Read More

How Aim High School Helps Students Succeed Each Day With Plans That Fit Their Individual Needs

A child’s day at Aim High School in Farmington Hills begins like any other. But for these students in grades 6-12 with learning differences, every day comes with unique challenges — and a plan to meet them head-on. 

Here, individualized accommodation plans (IAPs) provide structured support, blending academic tools, behavioral guidance, and self-reflection to help students build independence. 

“We don’t want any of our students to fall through the cracks,” says Molly Urquhart, Dean of High School. “When a student is struggling academically or socially, we design a written, targeted plan that focuses on accommodations and incentives.”

This ensures that parents, students and all the teachers are on the same page, working toward the same goals. “It’s like an all-encompassing IEP — with student-specific incentives, without all the paperwork.”

And the IAP outlines their entire day with their goals in mind. “These goal-oriented plans are meant to be temporary — and celebrated when met,” she adds. “They serve as guardrails for students until they can complete goals independently.”

Here’s how one student might move through their day with an IAP guiding the way.

Photo credit: Aim High School

Morning routine sets the tone

The student flips open their planner, skimming the notes from yesterday. Today’s focus: turning in assignments on time and staying engaged in class. These goals, outlined in their IAP, shape their day.

Their first challenge? Tracking progress. A quick glance at the past week’s scores gives them confidence — they’re making strides.

“Sometimes they have one bad day and think, ‘I’m never going to be able to do this,’” Urquhart explains. “We say, ‘We know you can. Let’s look at your planner and see all these great scores you had on previous days,’ and go from there.”

• The 5-point system helps students measure progress on their individual goals, with teachers assigning a score from 0-5 for participation, following directions, and completing work or other specific objectives outlined in their IAP.
• Five or more missing assignments means electives are paused until the student makes up work. “We don’t see it as a punishment,” Urquhart says. “It’s an opportunity to catch up at school instead of struggling to do it at home.”

Photo credit: Aim High School

Classroom strategies keep students on track

In math class, the student pulls up MathType on their laptop, which helps them type equations instead of handwriting them.

This student also struggles with organization, so OneNote, another virtual tool, acts as a digital binder, keeping all their work in one structured place.

At another point, the teacher gives the child a subtle cue: “Look at part three of your binder.”

The student checks their visual checklist, a guide that helps them recognize and adjust behaviors — like interrupting or losing focus — before their frustration builds.

• Stoplight cards let students nonverbally communicate their needs so they don’t interrupt the class — green means they are good to go and know what they are doing, yellow signals they need a break, and red indicates they are stuck/need assistance.
• Consistent teacher cues help reinforce self-reflection. “Teachers are constantly communicating to keep each other informed on the students,” Urquhart says. “We are working as a team with a cohesive message as the day progresses.”

Midday check-ins and motivation

The student checks their scores from the morning. They’re on track — but they know the real incentive is coming. 

“Some students need to have rewards hour by hour. Others need longer,” Urquhart says. For example, if a student gets all “5s” this week, they can join a favorite elective or earn a customized reward that especially motivates them.

Personalized incentives make motivation feel positive, not punitive.

• Scoring determines rewards and consequences, but flexibility is key. If a student struggles, accommodations shift — like reducing homework or adjusting expectations.
• Rewards vary, from movement breaks to extra elective time, keeping students engaged.

Photo credit: Aim High School

End-of-day reflection builds independence

At the end of the day, the students flip through their planner one last time. Were they on track? Did they meet their goals? Teachers also do this examination — and, often, patterns emerge. For example, they may see that second hour is a consistent challenge.

That’s where Urquhart and the teachers problem solve, identifying why the student is struggling and working together to find a solution.

This approach also provides parents with a clear snapshot of their child’s day through the scoring system, tracking both academic and behavioral progress.

“I think it’s effective because students know they’re cared for,” Urquhart says. “They feel heard and can add input into the IAP. We clearly identify a change that needs to be made instead of just disciplining. The goal is progress, not perfection.”

Finding unique solutions for each student

IAPs are one core way Aim High School provides an individualized education to students, Urquhart says, but there are many others. What’s key? Being creative in responding to and supporting each student.

“Our students are all unique,” she says, “so the approach needs to be as well. That is exactly how the Aim High School educational team works.”

This content is sponsored by Aim High School, a school for kids in grades 6-12 with learning needs, including autism, ADHD and anxiety. Learn more at the Aim High School website.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/IAGp92l

Read More

What Is ‘Functional Freeze’? Why You’re Exhausted, Disconnected and Still Getting Things Done

You’re crushing work deadlines and leading Zoom meetings with ease, but when it comes time to decide on dinner, you freeze. Or maybe you can easily make it through a jam-packed work trip, but as soon as you have a weekend to yourself, you scroll TikTok or rewatch Schitt’s Creek for the third time instead of completing the art project you’ve put off for months.

If any of the above resonates, you may be experiencing functional freeze, a state where you have a “high-functioning” lifestyle but feel numb or shut down internally. Here, Thriveworks explores what happens during a functional freeze and ways to feel better without adding even more to your to-do list.

What is functional freeze?

Illustration credit: Thriveworks

Functional freeze is a mental state where a person continues daily activities—such as going to work, answering emails, fitting in a workout, and showing up at social events—yet feels emotionally numb or disconnected. Functional freeze typically occurs as a response to intense or ongoing stress and overstimulation.

“It’s not a complete shutdown, but rather a kind of survival mode where a person operates on autopilot,” says Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD, a nutritional psychologist in Pasadena. “They’re doing just enough to function, but emotionally, mentally, or physically, they feel stuck.”

The reason for feeling stuck stems back to how our brain and nervous system operate. When we receive a stressful or dangerous cue from the world around us, our amygdala (the fear center of the brain) sends a message to the hypothalamus, which controls the nervous system. Our nervous system then reacts to the cue with what’s known as the fight-or-flight response. This response is ancient, as in it helped our ancestors decide whether to fight or run away from lions in order to survive.

Today, most of us aren’t on the run from lions, but we do navigate situations that cause ongoing stress, like a demanding job or caregiving for an aging family member and kids at the same time. In either scenario, your mind knows it can’t run or fight.

What does it do instead? Enter: functional freeze.

“When your nervous system perceives danger and neither fight nor flight is available or safe, it hits the freeze button,” says Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety. “Not the ‘play dead’ kind you might picture, but a functional freeze—one that keeps you moving while emotionally shut off.”

What causes a functional freeze state?

Anyone can experience functional freeze, but certain patterns increase the risk. “People who tend to be high-achieving, perfectionistic, or overly responsible are especially prone to functional freeze,” Tovar says. “These individuals often ignore their own needs and override signs of stress or overwhelm.”

That doesn’t mean all high achievers will experience functional freeze. Usually there’s a direct cause that sets off freeze mode. Common triggers of functional freeze include:

1. Specific jobs. “Jobs that involve high stakes, constant urgency, or caregiving roles can also push people into this state,” Tovar says.
2. Feeling unsafe being vulnerable. Those who experienced situations in the past where it was unsafe to open up or express themselves are more likely to enter freeze mode, Groskopf explains. If, for example, someone didn’t have a safe space to express their feelings as a child, they may find it more difficult to be vulnerable as an adult.
3. Unresolved trauma. Unresolved trauma refers to a difficult event or multiple events an individual has either suppressed or failed to process. This often results in nervous system dysregulation, which is when our nervous system doesn’t work as intended and has difficulty regulating and responding to emotional and environmental cues. When this happens, there’s a higher potential to go into freeze mode, Tovar says.
4. Unhealthy relationships. Relationships that make you feel unsafe or like you can’t express yourself increase the likelihood of functional freeze, says Groskopf, whether this occurs in a romantic, platonic, or workplace relationship.
5. Overwhelm from the modern world. “When life becomes too overwhelming, that’s when we go into the functional freeze response state,” explains Alexandra Hoerr, LCPC, a licensed therapist and founder of Optimum Joy Counseling. “It’s so prevalent today because many of us are overwhelmed by modern life and all of its demands and stimulation.”

Signs you might be experiencing a functional freeze

“Unlike the ‘fight or flight’ response, functional freeze doesn’t look dramatic from the outside, which is why it’s often overlooked, even by the person experiencing it,” Tovar says. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t functional freeze symptoms to look out for.

Warning signs of functional freeze include:

1. Overthinking everything. Even small decisions like what to wear to the gym or whether to watch a movie or TV show feel like they deserve an entire pros and cons list.
2. Feeling disconnected. Your day-to-day feels like you’re just going through the motions or doesn’t bring you joy.
3. Experiencing constant fatigue. Each day, you wake up exhausted without any clear cause—and even coffee or eight or more hours of sleep doesn’t seem to shake the fatigue.
4. Not tasting meals. Those with functional freeze may remember everyone else raving about the Korean BBQ place the other night, but won’t remember what their meal tasted like. When the nervous system isn’t working properly (as is the case with functional freeze), food may taste more bland because part of the nervous system’s job is to facilitate taste and smell.
5. Difficulty deciding what you want. Deciding what to eat for dinner feels impossible, much less mapping out a plan for your career. Those in functional freeze often feel paralyzed, unable to make a decision and take action.
6. Despite these symptoms, medical tests come back normal. Even though you’re exhausted and fatigued, medical tests don’t show anything wrong, and doctors say you’re perfectly healthy.

7 ways to get out of a functional freeze

If any of this resonates, your next question is probably how to get out of functional freeze—without taking on a highly impractical wellness routine. The good news: Thawing comes from small steps, not a drastic change.

“You don’t want to try to force yourself to feel everything at once; that would be overwhelming and counterproductive,” Hoerr says. “Instead, we want to do small things to tune into the present moment.” Start here.

1. Move your body gently.

“Repetitive, rhythmic movements such as walking, gentle yoga, or dance can help bring the body out of freeze and into a more regulated state,” Tovar explains. “These types of movement are especially powerful because they don’t overwhelm the nervous system—they meet it where it is and gradually create a sense of internal safety.”

2. Draw for 20 minutes.

A 2024 study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal suggests that when we draw or create something by hand, such as pottery or a bracelet, our body and mind build resilience and are better able to respond to stressors, not freeze. This could be as simple as buying an adult coloring book and setting a timer for 20 minutes.

3. Eat more fiber.

“From a nutritional standpoint, fiber is often overlooked but critically important for thawing. It feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut, which produce short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters like serotonin that directly influence mood and emotional regulation,” Tovar explains.

Women should aim for 25 grams or more of fiber per day. For men, aim closer to 30 grams per day. Some good sources of fiber include:

• Artichokes: 9.6 grams per cup
• Raspberries: 8 grams per cup
• Lentils: 7.8 grams per 1/2 cup
• Oats: 5.8 grams per cup
• Chia seeds: 4.1 grams per tablespoon
• Spinach: 4.3 grams per cup

4. Cut back on screen time, even by just a few minutes.

“Disconnecting from screens helps with functional freezing because it allows a person’s brain to actively register more stimulus from the outside world,” says Hoerr, adding that more time away from screens lets us feel more present.

For those of us who find it hard to log off, Hoerr recommends starting with small adjustments:

• Call someone instead of texting.
• Set time limits on your most used apps.
• Pick up a physical book over your phone before bed.
• Set reminders to take five-minute screen breaks throughout the day.

5. Hum along to your favorite song.

The next time you’re listening to music, try humming along. Humming calms the nervous system, making space for you to thaw. In fact, a 2023 study published in the Cureus journal found that daily humming for 15 minutes or longer was more effective than exercise or sleep for lowering certain stress indicators.

6. Take the cold plunge.

Despite the irony, an ice bath or running an ice roller over your face may help you “thaw.” A 2022 study published in Scientific Reports found that applying a cold substance to the face, such as an ice cube or ice roller, for five to 35 seconds lowered cortisol levels and calmed the nervous system.

7. Give yourself permission to want something.

When in functional freeze, we focus on what we need, not what we want. “Giving ourselves permission to want something can be a signal to our body that we are thawing out,” Groskopf says.

She adds that wanting something small, like an iced coffee from your favorite cafe, or something big, such as quitting an unfulfilling job, will work. And this tip doesn’t mean you have to act right now. Thawing happens when we allow ourselves to feel the desire. “It’s not about doing more, but feeling more,” Groskopf adds.

When to seek professional help

“People should seek professional help for functional freezing when it starts to impact their ability to take care of themselves or function in their daily lives,” Hoerr says. If there are large chunks of time where you cannot remember what happened or you regularly feel like you’re going through the motions, speaking to a therapist can help you thaw and tune back into life.

Since functional freeze isn’t an official medical condition, there’s no specific training or therapy style to treat it. The most important thing is to find a provider you feel comfortable with, which may take some trial and error.

This story was produced by Thriveworks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/t1JI3hV

Read More