The True Value of a Neighborhood School

Parents love convenience, and kids love having friends to play with. These are two top reasons to consider a neighborhood school for your child. If you live in Mount Clemens, your child can likely walk or bike to school, then spend the day with kids who live close to home.

Everyone benefits from new, robust initiatives that engage kids, build relationships and promote positive outcomes, all within Mount Clemens Community Schools.

“That friend piece is so important, but so are the programs, classes and extracurriculars that kids have access to,” says David Lavender, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Human Resources at Mount Clemens Community Schools. He’s proud of the way his district is innovating — and engaging students — with new sports, clubs and electives.

“Students can learn, grow and experience high achievement in any school setting,” he says. Families of students at Mount Clemens Community Schools benefit from the convenience of having their kids close by. The kids benefit from a district that is working hard to meet the needs of the school community.

Community involvement builds skills

Educators at Mount Clemens Community Schools are making connections with community partners. “We’re helping the community recognize how good our students are as people. We are giving our kids opportunities in our buildings and with community organizations to really build leadership skills, too,” says Lavender.

A new collaboration with Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens gives students a voice in Juneteenth activities during a citywide event. A student leadership program is underway through the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice. Middle school students are producing award-winning essays at the Junior Optimist Club. And, Macomb County Clerk’s office is preparing to welcome high school interns to learn office skills and discover how local government works.

“And they can walk there. The County Clerk’s office is two blocks away, right in a downtown area that is really thriving,” says Lavender.

Parents of K-5 students will soon be able to rely on latchkey care for their children. Students who haven’t had the opportunity to participate in school sports or fun electives now have a variety to choose from, including middle school track, volleyball, basketball and wrestling. At the high school level, kids can try dance and cheer, weightlifting, wrestling and holistic wellness — and they can learn the music business in an on-site recording studio made possible by a local rapper and music producer.

Mount Clemens High School is proud to be newly approved to offer career and technical education (CTE) credits for HVAC. “We have the only functioning HVAC CTE class in Macomb County,” says Lavender. “And we will pursue more, including TV broadcasting and others.”

The more engaged students are in their school offerings and extracurricular activities, the more they can build relationships that lead to positive futures. For students, it’s the connections that count — and the fact that opportunities are so close to home.

“We start on a personal level with our kids and help them build connections with others and with their school,” he says. “In the end, this will help them experience success in a positive learning environment and, ultimately, grow as people.”

Parents are passionate, too. “I chose Mount Clemens schools because I believe in using the schools of the city I live in, first of all, but also I think the elementary school is bar none compared to other school choices. The teachers and staff have always been very friendly and helpful,” says a district parent. “I have two children, one with some special struggles. The Mount Clemens staff always made him feel welcome and not a burden. Thank you, Mount Clemens schools, for your dedication to my students.”

Expertise brought to you by Mount Clemens Community Schools. Learn more at mtcps.org.

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Watch This, Do That: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

In the latest animation big-screen movie in the Spider-Man franchise, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is struggling to balance his schoolwork and family life with being Spider-Man.

He’s been thinking a lot about an old friend, Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who visits him when he needs her most. Gwen is Ghost-Spider (formerly known as Spider-Girl) in her universe, so she understands where Miles is coming from.

Unfortunately, Gwen needs to leave abruptly and without her knowledge, Miles follows her into the multiverse. He is in trouble when he meets other spider-man and spider-woman characters at headquarters and realizes his mistakes could cost him everything.

Parents please be aware that this film is rated PG for animated action violence and language.

A few takeaways to discuss with the kids:

• Don’t believe every negative thing you hear people say about you. At Spider-Man Headquarters, Miles is yelled at by Miguel, but he chooses not to believe the horrible things being said about him.
• It’s OK to be honest and ask for help when you need it. Miles had a hard time juggling everything and on top of that, he was lying to his family. His mother kept telling him she is there if he needs to talk and he probably would have felt better if he just told her the truth.
• It’s important to show up for your family and friends. You never know when someone may need you most. Miles was too busy and missed some of his dad’s celebration party. It really bothered his mom and dad and they just wished he would make them and their accomplishments a priority, too.
• You can still have strong friendships if you don’t live near your friend. In Miles and Gwen’s case, they didn’t even live in the same universe and they still remained close friends. When Gwen came to visit, they picked up right where they left off.

Movie-inspired activities

• Introduce your children to graphic novels. They don’t even have to be superhero related. Some of our favorite graphic novels include Magic Tree House, I Survived, Pizza and Taco, The Baby-Sitters Club and Bad Guys. The story of Miles Morales also comes in a graphic novel.
• Design your own Spider-Man or Spider-Woman outfit like Miles did. When Miles and Gwen were at headquarters, they saw so many different kinds of Spider-Men outfits. It can be literally anything, so use your imagination.
• Miles is Puerto Rican and the movie had parts in Spanish. Play Conversation Jenga with this game by Spanish Mama, using words and phrases in Spanish.
• Try this family adventure idea by Skip to my Lou. Write down some exciting adventures you would like to do as a family and put them in a jar. Some ideas could be cooking dinner together, learning about your city’s history and taking a road trip.
• Watch other Spider-Man movies including, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

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Authentic Relationships Lead to Academic and Life Success

For the typical student, the middle and high school years are as much about social experiences and friendships as they are about academics. But for some students, the traditional school environment is overwhelming and socially challenging. Or worse, it’s hostile.

But given the right surroundings and support, students with learning and social differences can excel, make friends and grow socially, says Michael Earls, Head of School at Aim High School, a private school in Farmington Hills for students in grades 6-12.

“Before they come to us, our kids have had big struggles in school and because of that they have had a difficult time forming meaningful relationships. Most have been ostracized or traumatized by that experience,” Earls says.

Aim High helps students grow personally, academically and socially by fostering authentic relationships between teachers and students and between students and their peers — overcoming barriers and achieving positive outcomes.

“It sounds simple and may be taken for granted by most,” says Kelly Fitzsimmons, Director of Administration and Advancement at Aim High School. “But when I talk with parents that come to Aim High, the concept of their child building positive relationships with teachers resonates. They’ve seen what failure in school settings looks like but know that if their student has a teacher who connects and devotes time to build a relationship, their student can thrive.”

For better or worse, socially awkward kids can find solace in social media and digital devices, affording them even fewer opportunities to build social skills — and that breeds isolation, says Earls. “Think about the 11-year-old who gets dropped off at a school where they have no connections or friends, where they struggle academically. They often act out. It takes courage to walk into a hostile environment day after day. It adds up,” he says.

Getting to know you

At Aim High, teachers who were carefully selected for their skill of connecting with teens reduce students’ isolation by getting to know them and showing an active interest in what makes them tick. “In larger schools, you don’t always have that luxury, but that effort helps our students begin to trust the adults in their life, and they learn to trust their peers,” says Earls.

Through an innovative approach, teachers at Aim High spend extra time with their students. They’re available for extra academic support in the mornings before class, they eat lunch with students, then join them outside to play frisbee or basketball. “In addition to their core classes, most teach an elective that they are passionate about, like digital art or robotics,” explains Earls. “That helps foster relationships and trust.”

Earls says once students know they are safe and connected, they work hard to succeed because they don’t want to let their teachers down. “And they’re more willing to go outside of their comfort zone,” Fitzsimmons adds.

In the hallways of Aim High School, students and teachers make eye contact and acknowledge each other, an act that is largely absent in the culture of large, traditional school environments.

Ultimately, the relationships students build give them the courage to change their feelings about themselves, Earls says. “It changes their trajectory. If they struggled in school and felt like the square peg, that can take a long time to come back from and sometimes it never happens.”

At Aim High School, educators are proud of the students’ success stories. “A parent stopped by just this morning to share her son’s success at college,” Earls says. “When he came to Aim, he had already attended many schools that just did not get him. He found a place here at Aim and is now thriving.”

Expertise brought to you by Aim High School. Learn more at aimhighschool.com.

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3 Ways to Prepare Your Child With Autism for Vacation

Summer is the perfect time to take a break from everyday routines and create lasting memories. No one deserves a relaxing summer vacation more than hard-working parents and kids. Yet, for families raising a child with autism, the concept of a vacation can feel daunting. That feeling often springs from tackling the unknown, says Kate Fritz, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinical Manager with Healing Haven in Madison Heights.

“Children with autism tend to really thrive on routine and with clearly defined schedules, and so their parents do too. Parents haven’t necessarily been to the vacation spot, so there are a lot of unknowns for the child and also for the parents,” says Fritz.

In her role as a BCBA, Fritz supports parents as they plan for their family vacations, and she has many tips to share. She says she often starts by helping parents set realistic expectations.

“A lot of families want to jam-pack the itinerary while they’re on vacation,” she says. “But by building in wiggle room here and there, families can relax and actually enjoy themselves.” A practical way to do this is to schedule space between planned activities or scale back by 30%, Fritz suggests. That way, if one activity doesn’t stay neatly in its allotted time for whatever reason, you’re not rushing to get to the next thing.

Here, we share three additional tips for successful (and relaxing!) summer vacations for families with a child with autism:

1. Air travel tips for your child with autism

Does your vacation involve air travel? Tap into whatever resources are available at the airports you’ll be visiting, suggests Fritz. Detroit Metro Airport and more than 160 airports worldwide participate in a unique Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. According to the airport’s site, passengers can identify themselves with a sunflower lanyard or wristband to alert airport workers that additional assistance may be needed.

Also, visit the TSA Cares program to help your child — and all family members — learn about what to expect during airport security screening. Delta’s news hub provides travelers with additional tips and information about rooms for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families in airports across the country. “These supports exist, but you do have to dig and see what is out there,” Fritz says. Don’t be afraid to contact any transportation company you plan to use. “A lot will be willing to work with you. You might be surprised,” Fritz says.

2. Plan, prepare and pack

For any museums, gardens, amusement parks or other venues in your plan, take some time to prepare your family so you know what to expect. “Use visual images, pictures, social stories or video tours so your child can see what it’s like to go to the venue,” she suggests. “This is good for parents, too, so they can find out what additional resources are available.”

Consider any sensory input or overload that might occur. “This might include heat, crowds or noise. Be prepared for these rather than waiting until a meltdown happens and you have to guess the cause. Be proactive for your child’s sensory needs,” Fritz says. Pack sunglasses, hats, fidgets and headphones if your child is accustomed to wearing them.

Anticipate flight or train delays and extended car rides. “Bring snacks, toys and favorite items in a big bag of fun,” Fritz says. “Offer just two items at a time because kids can satiate quickly. Brainstorm toys that are appropriate for a car or other small space and think beyond the tablet. Variety is encouraged.”

3. Tap into your support team

Reach out to your BCBA as soon as your vacation is booked — or sooner, if possible. “Your BCBA can start brainstorming with you right away, so share your itinerary. For example, if you’re working toward headphone desensitization to help your child during travel, this can take time,” Fritz says.

One fundamental recommendation for all families — which can make a huge difference — is to practice remaining calm. It’s easy to get stuck in being nervous about every eventuality.

“This is a big conversation I have with parents. Consider your own behavior as you head out on a vacation. Are you stressed and anxious? Being overprepared is helpful because if you are walking into a botanical garden feeling nervous, your children will feed off your energy,” she says.

By learning some basic relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, you can relax and remain flexible throughout your vacation, no matter what happens. Call a family meeting to ask everyone how they feel about the vacation and let each member know they all have a part in making it fun.

“Think about what you can model as a parent, and if you are nervous, say it out loud and work on it together,” says Fritz. “When you can exude confidence, live in the moment and have fun, you can better enjoy your vacation, and your children will, too.”

Expertise brought to you by Healing Haven, an ABA therapy center for children and teens in Madison Heights. Learn more at thehealinghaven.net.

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How to Care for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

Many a new mother wonders, “How to take care of my newborn baby?” And one of the scarier things can be newborn navel care. The umbilical cord starts off as your baby’s lifeline, her source of nourishment in the womb. But after your beautiful baby is born, that support is no longer needed.

The doctor snips it and clamps it, leaving a stub for parents to stare at, patiently waiting for it to fall off during the first week of baby care – or a little bit after. “On average, it takes about seven to 10 days for the umbilical cord to fall off,” says Kelly Kirtley, a registered nurse at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

In the meantime, parents still have to worry about all aspects of newborn baby care at home, including bathing around the stub. And for some, that can seem daunting. Not sure how to handle newborn navel care? We’ve got some parenting tips and advice right here.

Clean and infection-free

When it comes to cleaning the umbilical cord, parents don’t need to worry. Years ago, they were advised to use alcohol to dry out and clean the area, keeping it free of infection.

These days, a solution called triple dye is applied right after delivery, taking alcohol’s place as the infection-prevention technique.

“It helps the umbilical cord to dry out and it prevents infection,” Kirtley says.

Take note!

When it comes to you newborn baby care at home, remember these words: Do not immerse the baby into the bathtub! Kirtley says to keep the area dry, only giving your baby a sponge bath, in order for the cord to fall off more efficiently.

“If it gets wet, it will not fall off as easily and may develop an odor to it,” Kirtley says.

Kirtley advises parents to contact their doctor if odor, redness or bleeding occur at the umbilical cord site. These things are not normal and should not be ignored.

Diapering

When it comes to diapering your baby, make sure that the diaper is rolled underneath the umbilical cord, preventing the diaper and the cord from coming into contact.

Some newborn diapers, such as Pampers Newborn Swaddlers and Huggies, have u-shaped cutouts, designed to keep the diaper and the cord from touching.

Relax

New parents should have no fear when caring for their baby before the umbilical cord falls off, so don’t fret over it.

Kirtley says parents shouldn’t be intimidated for caring for their baby’s umbilical cord area. She says they should look at it like a scab, and just as scabs heal and then fall off, cords fall off, too. Just remember that you should not try to force the cord to come off.

Jennifer Schuman, a certified nurse midwife who formerly worked at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, advises parents to ask questions and raise concern to their nurses.

“Trust your nurse to teach you well,” Schuman says.

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Best Family Shows and Movies to Stream in June

Here comes summer! The kids are about to end their school year, and it’s time to get excited for the season of sun, fun and lots of family time. Watching a show or movie together is one of the easiest ways to chill with your crew after a busy summer day. 

From animated adventures to new Disney comedies, this month is bursting with family-friendly entertainment. When you’re ready to take a break from all the outdoor activities, check out some of these shows and movies streaming this June. 

Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising 

Streaming June 1, 2023

Where to watch: Netflix

Chances are, you’ve got some Lego lovers in your house. This new Netflix animated series is right up their alley. Two teens from completely different worlds must use their ninja powers to defend dragons from villains and protect the planet. 

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Streaming June 1, 2023

Where to watch: Hulu

The Dreamworks animated classic that spawned two Netflix shows is coming to Hulu. Follow Spirit, a mustang who is captured by a Lakota brave, as he goes on a journey to escape a brutal military colonel and protect his homeland. 

Avatar: The Way of Water

Streaming June 7, 2023

Where to watch: Disney+

The epic sequel to 2009’s “Avatar” is a great pick for movie night with your teens. The film takes place 16 years after the events of the original movie. Main character Jake is living as chief of the Omatikaya clan on Pandora with Ney’tiri and their children. When the RDA threatens to invade Pandora again, Jake will have to wage a war against the humans. 

Pretty Freekin Scary

Streaming June 16, 2023

Where to watch: Disney+

Based on the book series of the same name, “Pretty Freekin Scary” is a new comedy show hitting both Disney Channel and Disney+ this month. 14-year-old Frankie Ripp has a pretty normal life. That is, until she dies in a freak accident. The Grim Reaper sends Frankie back home, with the agreement that her Underworld guardians, Pretty and Scary join her. Your tweens will be entertained by the show’s unconventional premise. 

Not Quite Narwhal

Streaming June 19, 2023

Where to watch: Netflix

This cheerful Netflix series for preschoolers is based on an award-winning children’s book. Main character Kelp has been living his life thinking he’s a narwhal, but discovers he’s actually a unicorn. Now Kelp has two worlds — the sea and the land — to explore. 

Marvel: Secret Invasion 

Streaming June 21, 2023

Where to watch: Disney+

Marvel fans, here’s a new miniseries to get excited about. Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role from the Avengers movies as Nick Fury. Fury uncovers a group of shapeshifting Skrulls that are trying to destroy the world. In order to stop the invasion, he recruits allies, including  characters from the Avengers universe, like Maria Hill and Talos. 

World’s Best

Streaming June 23, 2023

Where to watch: Disney+

This hip-hop musical is hitting Disney+ at the end of June. When 12-year-old math genius Prem Patel finds out his late father was a famous rapper, he decides that he wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Prem is inspired by imaginative daydreams where he raps with his dad. The comedy adventure puts a South Asian family at the center of a Disney movie.

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8 Fun Ways for Kids to Make Money This Summer

Growing up, how many times did you hear the phrase,”money doesn’t grow on trees?” Helping kids understand financial literacy, money management and even where money comes from is no easy task. 

Sometimes, the best way to learn about something is to try it out for yourself. Once your child has their own money and must pay for toys, tech, snacks or outings with friends on their own, they’re sure to start seeing money differently — or at least begin taking it more seriously. 

Encourage your kids to earn their own money this summer. Becoming a little entrepreneur will teach them important lessons in hard work and responsibility, and they’ll likely learn about money management and budgeting along the way, too.

Looking for creative ways to have fun while earning some coin? Here’s a few ways for them to get started. Just make sure that they work hard, but play even harder this summer! 

Start a lemonade stand 

This classic business for kids can be transformed to go beyond serving lemonade in a plastic cup. Your child will learn all the factors that go into a successful business plan, like location, price, branding and service. To sweeten the deal (and the profits), serve homemade treats or other goodies to pair with your lemonade. 

Want to invest in your child’s business? Learn how to build your own lemonade stand, complete with a service counter. 

Help with extra chores

During the summer, there tends to be extra work to be done around the house, from watering gardens and plants to the extra clean up that occurs when everyone is at home during summer break. If your child does not receive an allowance, giving them one in exchange for helping with seasonal chores can be a great place to start. If they already receive an allowance, consider implementing a “bonus” system where they can help with extra chores in exchange for a small bonus. 

Organize a car wash

Operating a car wash can be a blast on a hot summer day — but it’s also a lot of work! To make everything run smoothly, your child will need to recruit some extra hands and learn to work as a team to provide quality car washes and earn the big bucks. Plus, they’ll learn about the power of advertising and marketing by making posters to recruit customers. 

Do yard work 

From mowing the lawn to raking grass or watering flowers, lawn care is a lot of work — which is why many homeowners are happy to pay someone else to do it for them. Depending on their age and experience, kids can start by doing basic tasks — like weeding driveways and raking yard clippings — and work their way up over several summers to providing full service lawn care. All of their sweat and hard work will pay off — literally! 

Pet sit or walk dogs

If your child is a natural with animals, why not monetize their love for pets by starting a pet sitting or dog walking business? Caring for fur babies is a lot of responsibility, but it can also be fun and very rewarding, especially for kids who aren’t able to have pets of their own. 

Pro tip: Gaining a pet owner’s trust is a crucial factor in running a pet sitting or dog walking business. Help your child compile their first resume to show potential clients, even if they don’t have any “real” work experience; caring for a family pet, volunteering at a shelter or previous pet sitting experience all count! 

Offer to house sit 

When everyone takes off on summer vacations, your child can make some extra spending money by helping neighbors and family members look after their homes. From bringing in newspapers and mail to light cleaning, watering plants or looking after pets, we’ll bet your child never realized how much work goes into maintaining a home! 

Start a babysitting business

Best for older kids who have proven themselves to be trustworthy and responsible, babysitting is a classic way to make some extra money on school nights or weekends. Without school to disrupt their schedule in the summer, babysitters can sit for multiple families each week, giving them the opportunity to start saving all that babysitting money. 

Pro tip: Help your child compile a resume to show potential employers they are responsible and trustworthy. The resume can include looking after a sibling, mentoring experience, leadership awards at school or previous babysitting experience. 

Look for youth or teen jobs 

Even if your child is serious about making some extra cash this summer, it’s important that they balance that drive with taking the time to be a kid. Some park districts, religious organizations or even local shops will offer limited part-time employment that is a great way for kids to transition to their first “real” job while developing important skills, earning money and — most importantly — still allowing them to have the time to be a kid this summer.

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