ALSO
Cut the Baloney: Summer Safety
JUNE–AUGUST 2017
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ADVENTURES IN ADOLESCENCE » The 40 Developmental Assets: Constructive Use of Time » Balancing Tech Time and Tree Time » Keeping Children Safe Around Water
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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JUNE–AUGUST 2017
FEATURES
6 Adventures in Adolescence 40 Developmental Assets: 14 The Constructive Use of Time 16 Balancing Tech Time and Tree Time to Focus on Keeping 20 Time Children Safe Around Water 23 Cut the Baloney: Summer Safety IN EVERY ISSUE
2 From the Director 5 The Kitchen Table 10 Faces in the Crowd 11 40 Developmental Assets 12 Assets in Action 18 Q&A and By the Numbers PRINTED BY
PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH
TO ADVERTISE OR CONTRIBUTE Barb Swierzbin: (989) 496-1425 bswierzbin@tlc4cs.org
COVER PHOTO BY
Megan Lane Photography www.tlc4cs.org
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Director FROM THE
The Midland-based Community Alliance 4 Youth Success is dedicated to preventing teen substance abuse. The Alliance has adopted the Developmental Assets Framework as the foundation for its prevention efforts. Preventing alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use is no easy task, but the Alliance has demonstrated that when all sectors of the community come together, social change happens.
ABOUT THE LEGACY CENTER The Legacy Center provides evidence-based learning and developmental strategies, in collaboration with other organizations, to help individuals reach their full potential. Below are The Legacy Center’s program areas: LITERACY SERVICES: One-on-one tutoring in reading, spelling, math, and English as a Second Language enables people of all ages to reach their full potential. YOUTH SERVICES: We support initiatives and programs that ensure area youth excel and become productive members of society. The Center has adopted the concept of Developmental Assets, which immunizes youth against risk-taking behaviors. We also coordinate the activities of the Community Alliance 4 Youth Success, a group of local community leaders who are dedicated to preventing teen substance abuse. CONSULTING & EVALUATION SERVICES: Since its inception, the Center has helped local nonprofit organizations establish outcomes and evaluate their programs to determine whether and to what extent the program is effective in achieving its objectives. The results derived from these projects allow our partners to make program adjustments, retain or increase funding, assess community impact, engage collaborators, and gain favorable public recognition.
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t’s hard to believe that another school year has already passed. As a parent, the last day of school is always my least favorite but probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. I hate that another year of my kids’ lives is gone, never to have it back again. I love Dr. Nolen’s article about letting kids be kids…within reason. They need our help to navigate the difficult times of being a teenager. I remember talking to JENNIFER HERONEMA a therapist one time when she explained that when you ask kids, “Why did you do that,” and they answer, “I don’t know,” that they truly don’t. Like my mother always used to say, “At the time it seemed like the thing to do.” They truly celebrate and live life with that mantra; unfortunately they don’t always consider the consequences. The magazine committee chose to focus on Constructive Use of Time as this issue’s 40 Developmental Asset. During the summer, kids need to be kept busy with constructive activities in addition to being able to be a kid. It’s hard as a single parent, or having two working parents in the household, to keep track of kids every minute of every day, let alone make sure they’re making good decisions. We know that kids who are active in positive things are less likely to be involved in negative ones. Summer is a time that is especially important. Lastly, knowing where they are, what they’re doing, and who they’re with is key in being supportive, as well as helping direct their decisions. Research shows that parental influence truly does have a role in whether kids get involved in drugs, alcohol and other risky behavior. I know it seems like they’re totally tuning us out, but all this research can’t be wrong! Our summers are so short. Take advantage of every minute you can spend with your child(ren). It will definitely pay off in dividends.
Follow The Legacy Center w w w.tlc4cs.org w w w.facebook.com/tlc4cs Follow the Community Alliance 4 Youth Success w w w.drugfreemidland.org
THE LEGACY CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SUCCESS Jennifer Heronema, President/CEO (989) 496-1425 jheronema@tlc4cs.org 3200 James Savage Rd, Ste 5 Midland, MI 48642
Faith is a gift. Faith is a choice. Faith is a journey. Children and youth receive a friendly welcome at MPC. Through nursery care, baptism, Sunday School, VBS, youth groups, worship, fellowship, confirmation, service, graduation, and beyond, we support and surround each other with opportunities to grow in our personal faith journeys. Visit us to see where your journey can take you. 1310 Ashman Street I Midland, Michigan I 989-835-6759 I mempres.org
Helping Families Grow and Thrive Preschool for three- and four-year-olds at four locations Childcare for children ages 12 and under After-school and summer programs for youth and teens Summer food program from the USDA for youth ages 18 and under Dow College Opportunity Program to support and mentor high school students Parent education and social services Community computer lab with Internet access Call us for details at 989.832.3256, or visit WMFC.org Located at 4011 West Isabella Rd. (M-20) 14 miles west of Downtown Midland
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Register for programs at Youth Services or by calling 837-3466.
Build a Better World Teen Summer Reading Grades 6–12 Pick up a Reading Log at the Youth Services Desk beginning June 12. Prizes available through August 12.
SAT Practice Test Grades 10–12 Youth Services Area Wednesday, June 21, 1:00pm Registration Required. Offered by Sylvan Learning Center.
SAT Test Results & Tips Session
Grades 10–12
Auditorium Monday, June 26, 6:30 pm (Drop in)
Explore It, Dream it, Build It
Thursday, June 29
Registration Required. Space is limited.
Keva Planks Building Challenge Grades 7–12 Community Room 6:00 pm
Star Lab Planetarium Grades 4–12 Auditorium Men, Myths & Monsters 1:15pm , 4:15pm & 5:00 pm
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
Youth Services: 837-3466 www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/library
CHECK OUT GREATERMIDL AND.ORG/R ACES FOR MORE INFORM ATION!
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CONFESSIONS FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE e’ve all been there. It’s a big game/performance/ competition. Your child has been practicing for months and this is IT, the defining moment in their life (or so it seems at the time), and your child doesn’t do as well as they have in practice and they lose. Ugh. You’re heart broken. They’re heart broken. We run up to them to soothe their hurts, tell them there’s always next time, that it’s just a game, they tried hard and that’s what counts. Nothing seems to help. What can we do or say to make it all better? The answer—nothing. I recently read an article by a mom who received excellent advice from a dad who experienced this very thing. After a heartbreaking loss in a girl’s soccer game to a rival, a loss that kept them out of the state championship, this very wise dad said, “Go to your car and don’t say a thing. Your daughter will find you.” This mom had the same response I would have, “I just want to tell her I’m sorry.” The dad urged her not to speak until her daughter had spoken first. Yikes—I’m not sure I could have done that. But she did, as hard as it was. She heard the conversations of other parents and their kids’ responses, “I sucked, there won’t be a next time.” Then the parents understandably
got defensive saying, “I’m just trying to help. You don’t need to be rude.” In contrast, this mom and daughter’s ride home was quiet until her daughter finally said, “That was a horrible game. They shouldn’t have won.” The mom quietly agreed. As they were getting out of the car at home, the daughter asked what was for dinner. That was it. No more conversation and no fights. Wow! That was some magical advice! When my daughter was in competitive cheerleading, she was to compete at nationals in a stunt group. We fundraised to travel to California, and there were rumors the competition was going to be televised. The girls were in sync. Their coach was not remotely worried because they had been practicing so well and nothing seemed to rattle them. She had messed with their music and trained them to keep going no matter what happened. They had been sticking every stunt for months. You know where I’m going with this…. All five of the moms were sitting up front waiting to cheer them on to victory. During the second stunt the flyer fell out of the stunt. This had never happened before! The girls scrambled to re-group, but they struggled to figure out where to re-start in their routine as the music keep going. The moms and
coach were shocked and devastated. All this work for it to end like this. After the routine the girls ran off the floor to back stage. It was a couple of minutes before we found them. My daughter ran up to me for a hug. She was sobbing, cheer makeup running down her face. I’ve never felt more inadequate as a parent. How can I fix this and make it better? I couldn’t. As I look back, I wish I would have had the advice of that dad. I couldn’t say, “You did a good job” or “There’ll be a next time.” But I did say I’m sorry and it will be okay. She sobbed some more and said how embarrassed she was and hoped it wasn’t on TV. Poor things! They’re in eighth grade and put themselves under that kind of pressure. By the end of the day they were laughing about it—and even recreated the stunt, sharing with us what they were saying to each other. When they saw the video, they even said, “Well, this wasn’t as bad as we thought it was.” I think as parents we often want to fix everything at that moment. We need to understand that we can’t, and in fact our kids will be better off in the long run if we don’t. In times where we don’t know what to say to make everything better, the best advice is—say nothing. ■
YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR STORY AT: jheronema@tlc4cs.org For many of us the kitchen table represents the typical family experience. We have laughed while having family game night. We have cried over our children’s choices. We have blown out the candles on many cakes. We have argued our way out of doing the dishes. We have struggled through those “three more bites.” We have learned hard lessons and celebrated many deserved successes. One thing is for sure though—if our kitchen tables could talk, there would be plenty of stories! So often it is in relating to others’ stories that we realize there isn’t always one answer, or even a right answer. Parenting is hard work! If you have a story of lessons learned, we invite you to share it with our readers. Sometimes, knowing we aren’t the only ones struggling to find the answer is all the help we need.
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adventures
ADOLESC
Why “Letting Kids be Kids” is Sometimes the Best
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in
CENCE:
Way to Support Their Well-Being By DR. JULIAN NOLEN, Licensed Psychologist
Adolescence. For many, these four syllables are enough to fill us with terror—searching warily for distracted drivers or checking our teenagers’ beds to confirm that they are, in fact, in their beds. In our own lives, we remember this as a time of poor decision-making and curfew defiance, while fearing the same from our children. et for all of its challenges, adolescence also includes a wealth of opportunities and strengths that play a crucial role in our teens’ search for self-discovery. For that reason, it is our responsibility as adults not simply to correct and limit their exploration, but to guide and support them in this journey—and to celebrate this opportunity for growth. For it is a crucial aspect of adolescence not only to make mistakes, but to learn from them. And if we take it upon ourselves only to control and inhibit our teenagers’ adventures, then we not only incite rebellion but also rob them of a crucial opportunity for self-exploration. Instead, our role requires a careful balance of letting kids be kids, while also acting as mentors, confidants, and (when necessary) sources of consequence. I currently teach 18 and 19-year-olds at a local college. Yet even looking back just a few years to their own early adolescent selves, my students have identified powerful memories of challenge, self-discovery, and triumph. They describe their adolescent years as impulsive and full of regret, but they also describe them as formative. For every memory filled with shame, my students have also experienced youthful moments of adventure that have forever shaped their understanding of the world and compassion toward others. For those of us already years removed from adolescence and equipped with a lifetime of mistakes, it can be terrifying to know that our loved ones are in the midst of such a reckless, passionate stage. But we must also draw upon our own continued on page 9
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memories of wondrous self-discovery in order to fully understand and celebrate the adolescent endeavors of our own children. In technical terms, a psychologist might tell you that adolescence is characterized by a limbic system that rapidly outpaces the prefrontal cortex. In practical terms, this means that most teens do first, then ask questions later. Led by a brain that is highly responsive to rewards (e.g., peer acceptance) and immediate consequences (e.g., embarrassment) adolescents are both the victims and the benefactors of a developmentally unique psychological state. They explore, they leap before looking, and they struggle with a need for belonging that often drives the majority of their behaviors. At the same time, however, our teenagers are increasingly capable of complex problemsolving and creativity. Together, this combination of impulsivity, risk-taking, and advanced thinking enables a unique capacity for growth, personal development, and learning. As teachers, mentors, and parents, it is our job (and our privilege) not only to keep teens safe, but also to channel their strengths toward healthy self-exploration and individuation. From middle school to senior prom, adolescent cognition is characterized by “dualprocess thinking,” a constant battle between what feels good vs. what logic and intelligence so dutifully recommend. Frequently, spontaneous, reward-based thinking wins out, leaving our teens with a memorable night past curfew, a couple of weeks of grounding, and (hopefully) limited injuries. At other times, these same architects of self-destruction may surprise us with their brilliance,stating their case for a new cellphone with the eloquence of an accomplished legal attorney. As a result, those of us in charge of supervising these youngsters often face the exasperating task of guiding those who are capable of making great decisions, but often do not. Yet while our temptation in responding to these challenges may be to take control, it is often far more helpful to encourage our adolescents’ increasing capacity to control themselves in healthy ways. When I first met James, I was fully confronted by this paradox. While sitting in the locked room of a detention facility, James had noticed that the entrances were not wheelchair accessible. With little hesitation, James took his next opportunity and literally leapt for freedom, hoping that the drop from a second-floor balcony might temporarily
place him in a wheelchair and thus force his transfer to a more accommodating facility. Instead, James received only a sore ankle and a safety assessment in my office. Eventually, however, the same creativity and passion that led him to jump out a window became his greatest assets—as we worked to regulate his impulsivity and channel these strengths toward positive goals. I didn’t make James’ decisions for him (nor would he have let me), and I didn’t decide the direction of his life. Yet with supportive communication, mutual respect, and many good-natured debates, James eventually became a positive leader for his peers and transitioned into successful adulthood. And although James’ story is an extreme one, his case nevertheless demonstrates the unique challenges and opportunities we face in supporting our adolescents’ development. Toward that end, consider the following strategies as you work toward a collaborative and supportive (but still influential!) relationship with your teen: 1. Provide guidance, structure, and problem-solving. Research has proven that parental influence does help to reduce high-risk behaviors and improve teen health. Go parents! In particular, such intervention is most effective when it incorporates the strategies below. 2. Listen to your teen. Validate their struggles and ideas. Whether you agree with your teen’s decision-making or not, helping them to feel understood will limit their resistance while supporting their need for independence. A teen who feels adequately supported is also more likely to speak with you regarding future issues— potentially reducing their impulsivity and providing you with more opportunities to encourage healthy decision-making. 3. Treat your teen with respect and appreciation. Teens are intelligent, passionate, and highly invested in the world around them. Acknowledging their many strengths will not only improve your relationship, but also help them to feel supported rather than caged—potentially reducing their rebellious feelings or behaviors. 4. Be a part of your teen’s decisionmaking, not always the one making decisions. Be a sounding board for your teen. Help them to process ideas, assess the
“pros and cons,” and consider long-term outcomes without simply telling them “no.” In particular, encourage your teen to use their own increasingly-advanced problemsolving skills to “think through” impulsive temptations and identify healthy solutions. In addition to building trust and collaboration, this practice will help your teen to further develop problem-solving skills and process their own future decisions. 5. Lead by example. Although teens often resist authority, they are also searching desperately for positive role models to “lead the way” through life. Modeling positive decision-making is a powerful, non-confrontational way of supporting your child’s healthy lifestyle. 6. Encourage positive relationships and activities. You can’t (and shouldn’t) stop your teen from spending time with friends or seeking adventure. But you can support them in doing these things in healthy ways. Encourage communication with positive peers and role models, support your teen’s engagement in school activities, and join them in exciting family adventures. Besides, the teenage years are fun, and you deserve to be a part of that. As parents, teachers, or mentors, it is crucial to understand the many challenges that our teenagers face. Yet is no less important to appreciate the corresponding opportunities and wonders inherent to this age of crucial development and exploration. From middle school to college, our children will undergo enormous changes in height, intelligence, and personality—gradually setting a course toward the wonderful adults that they will someday become. And although it may be tempting for us to take the wheel, there are also times when we must let them lead the way. For on their journey toward selfdiscovery, our teens must be captains of their own ship, while we may serve as their first mate. We must guide them through dangerous waters, certainly, while also helping them to chart their own course. To do otherwise would be to tempt a mutiny. But more importantly, it would rob us of the opportunity see where their adventure might lead us—and to join them in that wonderful journey. After all, adolescence itself is an adventure. And though it remains our responsibility to ensure our teens safely navigate that adventure, this doesn’t mean that we cannot enjoy the ride. ■
Dr. Julian Nolen is a licensed psychologist at Intermountain in Helena, Montana, who has worked in both Residential and School-Based Services and now provides psychological evaluation in Outpatient Clinical Services. He has been working with children and adolescents for 14 years, and was once a teenager himself.
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Check out who’s standing out in our community. IS THERE SOMEONE YOU’D LIKE TO NOMINATE? Please visit our website http://tlc4cs.org/faces-in-the-crowd/ and tell us why this individual has stood out in your crowd.
Austin & Zachary West
FACES IN THE CROWD
BULLOCK CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL, 8TH GRADE
Not only do they look alike, but these twins share a strong work ethic and genuine concern for others. The honor roll students are well-liked by their teachers and peers. They are involved in band and participate in a special performance drumline group. They play on the Midland Northstars Hockey team and are active with their church youth group. While they have many likenesses, they are adamant about their differences. Zachary loves to fish, ride dirt bikes, and tinker with motors. Austin would rather stay inside and read. Austin hopes to attend the University of Michigan focusing on the sciences, while Zachary looks to Michigan State University for a degree in agriculture or business.
Dakota Burgess
COLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL, 12TH GRADE
Regardless of who you speak with, administrators and teachers alike will attest to the fact that Dakota is a great student and an amazing person. He is a Career Technical Education (CTE) Automotive student and has a passion for cars. Dakota has taken the lead on an engine removal and replacement project and has shown the traits of a great organizer and director. He recently passed the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification test and earned the highest score in the class. He has a great family and shows great respect to his parents and others around him. Dakota’s future certainly is bright!
Brynn Barringer, Courtney Hartnagle, & Cassidy Korson
BULLOCK CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, 12TH GRADE
These three students left an indelible mark on military troops around the world. For their Senior Capstone Project, they coordinated coin drives at local schools, as well as pop can drives, to raise money for care packages for troops overseas. This spring, they hosted coin drives at Bullock Creek Middle School, Pine River Elementary, and Floyd Elementary, and they went door to door to gather pop cans and other personal care items. They raised more than $1,500 for the care packages, which were mailed in mid-April. They delivered 150 cupcakes to the coin drive winners at Pine River and Floyd, and they scooped ice cream for the middle school winners.
Kathy Romain
MATH TEACHER, NORTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kathy is a hard-working, dedicated member of our community. She is an advisor for Vikings for Friendship, a student group that conducts monthly activities for the student body promoting positive peer relationships and teaching students strategies to cope with social conflict. Kathy is a member of the Violence Prevention Partnership, a group that focuses on the same issues, but on a community-wide basis. She coordinates morale-boosting professional activities for her colleagues at Northeast and uses her camera to capture special student accomplishments. Kathy conducts several fundraising events throughout the year to support the Brent L. Romain Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of her late son. This fund provides college scholarships for a graduating high school senior.
Young Life
ORGANIZATION
Midland Young Life serves local youth by focusing on what matters to them – fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of purpose. Through their faith-based mentoring programs such as WyldLife, Young Life and YoungLives, dedicated leaders support youth where they are, as they are, and show them who they can become. Young Life began with a few ideas about sharing the truth of God’s love. Those ideas have become time-tested methods for reaching out to students in friendship and hope. These ideas form what they call the 5 Cs: Contact Work, Club, Camp, Campaigners, and Committee. They form the foundation of trust from which kids begin to see their worth, meaning and purpose. Find more information at www.midlandyl.younglife.org.
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40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS
$1 OFF ADMISSION
40 Developmental Assets are essential qualities of life that help young people thrive, do well in school, and avoid risky behavior. Youth Connections utilizes the 40 Developmental Assets Framework to guide the work we do in promoting positive youth development. The 40 Assets model was developed by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute based on extensive research. Just as we are coached to diversify our financial assets so that all our eggs are not in one basket, the strength that the 40 Assets model can build in our youth comes through diversity. In a nutshell, the more of the 40 Assets youth possess, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors and attitudes (such as good health and school success) and the less likely they are to exhibit risky behaviors (such as drug use and promiscuity). It’s that simple: if we want to empower and protect our children, building the 40 Assets in our youth is a great way to start. Look over the list of Assets on the following page and think about what Assets may be lacking in our community and what Assets you can help build in our young people. Do what you can do with the knowledge that even through helping build one asset in one child, you are increasing the chances that child will grow up safe and successful. Through our combined efforts, we will continue to be a place where Great Kids Make Great Communities.
Turn the page to learn more! Exhibit sponsors: Three Rivers Corporation The Dow Chemical Company Fisher Companies
THE MUSEUM
at Midland Center for the Arts 1801 W. Saint Andrews Rd., Midland
(989) 631-8250 • mcfta.org/brick
Expires Sept. 3, 2017. Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Valid on each full priced admission in a transaction. No cash value.
The 40 Developmental Assets® may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only. Copyright © 1997 Search Institute®, 615 First Avenue NE, Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55413; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All rights reserved.
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assets in action
40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS
5 SUPPORT
1. Family support: Family life provides high levels of love and support. 2. Positive family communication: Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from parent(s). 3. Other adult relationships: Young person receives support from three or more nonparent adults. 4. Caring neighborhood: Young person experiences caring neighbors. 5. Caring school climate: School provides a caring, encouraging environment. 6. Parent involvement in school: Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
Dow fans get ready to storm the soccer field
EMPOWERMENT
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Local Girl Scouts build tiles for tutoring program
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7. Community values youth: Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth. 8. Youth as resources: Young people are given useful roles in the community. 9. Service to others: Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week. 10. Safety: Young person feels safe at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.
BOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS U18 Team prepares for National Curling Competition in Milwaukee
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11. Family boundaries: Family has clear rules and consequences and monitors the young person’s whereabouts. 12. School boundaries: School provides clear rules and consequences. 13. Neighborhood boundaries: Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior. 14. Adult role models: Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior. 15. Positive peer influence: Young person’s best friends model responsible behavior. 16. High expectations: Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME
BC Middle School students present snow white variety show
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17. Creative activities: Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts. 18. Youth programs: Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in the community. 19. Religious community: Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution. 20. Time at home: Young person is out with friends “with nothing special to do” two or fewer nights per week.
If you or your child would like to submit a picture that represents one of the 40 Developmental Assets, please submit the information through http://tlc4cs.org/assets-in-action/ with a picture and the number of the asset the picture represents.
Not all pictures are guaranteed publication.
21 COMMITMENT TO LEARNING
21. Achievement motivation: Young person is motivated to do well in school. 22. School engagement: Young person is actively engaged in learning. 23. Homework: Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day. 24. Bonding to school: Young person cares about her or his school. 25. Reading for pleasure: Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.
POSITIVE VALUES
26. Caring: Young person places high value on helping other people. 27. Equality and social justice: Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty. 28. Integrity: Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs. 29. Honesty: Young person “tells the truth even when it is not easy.” 30. Responsibility: Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility. 31. Restraint: Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
Coleman Quiz Bowl Team earns second place in league
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Midland County Youth Leadership students enjoying a group activity
SOCIAL COMPETENCIES
32. Planning and decision making: Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices. 33. Interpersonal competence: Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. 34. Cultural competence: Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds. 35. Resistance skills: Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations. 36. Peaceful conflict resolution: Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.
A BC High School student participates in Incredible Kids Day
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POSITIVE IDENTITY
37. Personal power: Young person feels he or she has control over “things that happen to me.” 38. Self-esteem: Young person reports having a high self-esteem. 39. Sense of purpose: Young person reports that “my life has a purpose.” 40. Positive view of personal future: Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.
Lancer Leaders have fun and learn about peaceful conflict resolution
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40 THE
DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS
constructive USE OF TIME By KELLY ACKERMAN, Parent Educator
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YC Magazine highlights 40 Developmental Assets in each issue. These assets are evidence-based to positively contribute to the development of children across their lifespan.
esearch clearly shows that the more assets a young person has, the less likely they are to participate in risktaking behaviors during adolescence including drug and alcohol use, violence, illicit drug use, and sexual activity. Sadly, the average young person has less than half of these assets according to Search Institute. This article is one in a series to highlight the eight categories of assets in order to more fully engage families, schools, agencies, businesses, and community members in ensuring our children experience as many assets as possible. CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME This developmental asset consists of the following four aspects: 1. CREATIVE ACTIVITIES 2. YOUTH PROGRAMS 3. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 4. TIME AT HOME Free time is necessary and important to add balance and allow for necessary choices. Constructive use provides a beneficial network that promotes healthy development. There are vast benefits to being involved in youth programs and creative activities while balancing adequate time at home. Some of these benefits are exactly what parents are hoping for their children and include: increased self-esteem, development of life skills, greater family communication, increased academic achievement, decreased involvement in risky behaviors, and fewer psychosocial problems such as loneliness and hopelessness. Creative Activities such as music, art, theater, or other activities that engage kids in the creative process for three or more hours each week is recommended. As kids tap into their creative brain, amazing things begin to happen which are well researched and established to promote health and
well-being. Plus, the goal setting process is learned as kids break down larger projects into smaller tasks to produce a finished work. It typically takes planning, vision, and persistence to accomplish creative tasks which can be shared with others. This process eventually leads to a greater intrinsic motivation that influences lifelong success both in school and eventually in the world of work. Further, kids can rely on themselves to accomplish complex projects because they have had the gifts of experience, support and encouragement through the process. This then becomes internalized until self-motivation dominates and there is less reliance on others for assistance or completion of projects. Youth Programs like sports, clubs, or community/school organizations are suggested for three or more hours per week. The obvious benefit is that keeping children occupied in these activities reduces the chances and opportunities for participating in risky behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, or sexual relationships. Being coached and guided from non-family adults continues to provide a positive learning environment that supports parents in their quest for raising healthy, active children. As children participate in organized activities, cooperation and communication skills are strengthened. This also assists in reducing screen time while providing natural pleasure through real-world experiences. Nonetheless, caution should be used in this category as extreme competition can tip the scales into a negative and sometimes detrimental experience. Highly competitive sports programs can create potential for increased alcohol and drug use as kids attempt to cope with the high levels of stress and pressure. However, not all kids choose sports in this category. Involvement in scouting, civic activities, and other community programs generally do not have the pressure demands that some sports programs have, and provide all the benefits. Religious Community activities are recommended for at least one hour per
week. Interestingly, the benefits from this involvement have little to do with the faith or spirituality of the child, but are believed to result from being around friends, families, and adults that foster similar values and positive support. While providing the same benefits as other activities, religious involvement also provides an increase in life satisfaction. This of course is a great gift because adolescents in general have a slightly negative outlook. The enhancement of life satisfaction can ward off mental health issues such as depression while increasing the sense of well-being in the context of positive, like-minded friends and adults. Time at Home protects children and adolescents from being over programmed while increasing their sense of control in their life. Defining oneself in the family unit is essential and provides necessary time for connection that all people are designed for. Although popular culture sends the message that teenagers do not like their parents and do not wish to be around them, the opposite is actually true. It is the intimacy of the parental relationship that provides a sense of safety to which all children, including teens, return to fill their emotional cup. Once that safety is experienced, the child is ready to confidently venture out again into the world of exploration of school and activities. Time at home is different than time “hanging out” with friends which should be limited to two or less evenings per week. All of the elements of constructive use of time play an important role in the healthy development of kids. Developing a plan with kids to stay involved while factoring in the amount of stress from competition requires communication and cooperative decision making. It is important to factor in the family’s time, resources, and each individual child’s temperament and personality while allowing for freedom to make healthy decisions in the development of a plan. Overall, involvement enhances the child’s well-being and provides a greater community in which learning and skill development prepare him/her for venturing out into the adult world. ■
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balancing tech time AND TREE TIME By DR. TIM ELMORE
or the last few years, Americans have experienced an epiphany. Parents and educators realized our young adults have remained indoors in front of a screen for far too many hours. So now— we’ve begun to do something about it. According to a report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA), an organization of privately owned campgrounds, more and more Americans are now spending their discretionary time camping. Since 2014, the percentage of people going camping three or more times a year has increased by over 36 percent. In 2017, half of all campers surveyed said they plan to spend more time camping this year. Even Millennials are getting in on these outdoor ventures. More than half of Millennials said they planned to do more camping in 2017. These young adults also represent the ones who most enjoy camping in large groups, made up of ten or more campers. While I do not consider myself an avid camper, I’ve said for years that kids develop more healthy lifestyles when empowered to spend time outside—in a three-dimensional world, not merely inside in front of a twodimensional screen. We develop emotionally, socially, and physically into more healthy people when we add outside experiences to our extensive hours spent inside. We need time climbing, sightseeing, hiking, and reflecting in the great outdoors. Now, here’s the catch. Campers, young and old alike, still do not want to unplug completely. According to the KOA report, 95 percent of campers bring some kind of technology with them on their trip. What’s more, 37 percent report that some kind of technology was actually required for their trip; technology enabled them to spend more time outdoors. Almost half of respondents
said that free Wi-Fi was a big factor when determining where to stay. There’s nothing wrong with taking your phone on your camping trip…but is there a balance? Do we really “get away” when tethered to our portable device? My goal in writing about this is to allow our outside time to do its best work on us. When I am outside, I want to get enough time in the sun that I absorb some Vitamin D without inviting skin cancer. I want to walk and hike enough that I gain strength in my legs and heart, but not have a heart attack. You get the idea. So what are some simple steps to experience the best of both worlds? Set limits and boundaries. If you take your portable devices with you, be intentional about the limitations you set on using them. One of the greatest benefits of getting outside is the freedom we feel from the normal stressors of life. Gadgets can be a source of stress. Be sure that your “unplugged” hours are more than the hours you spend plugged into a gadget. You may suggest that everyone unplug from their phone at night—to foster conversation. Spend enough time that you forget about checking your phone. Going camping or spending time outside should offer you a sense of relief. Be sure that you allow yourself enough time away from the rat race that you actually forget about the routine of checking your phone for messages. Phones have been proven to be addictive. Being outside should represent temporary relief from that addiction. Try to be outside long enough that you build a new routine. Try to go a day without depending on technology to live. I’m amazed at how much I rely on 21st Century technology
to make it through my day. When possible, attempt to do your outside activities without relying on a gadget to help you. Build your intellectual and social muscles by figuring out how to reach your goals without using your Google reflex. This may sound absurd, but I love the challenge of problem-solving the old-fashioned way—by thinking on my own. Stay until your sensory awareness increases. We’ve all heard of blind or deaf people who say their other four senses become stronger since they must make up for their lack of eyesight or hearing. When we cut the cord to our technology, we can actually grow more aware of our surroundings and be more sensitive to the outside world. I encourage you to plan for extended periods of time away from your devices; long enough to get stronger in new categories like: + Cognitive problem solving + Emotional and social awareness + Empathy and human understanding + Spiritual awareness and even passion New research on teens from the American College of Pediatricians shows that as their screen time increases, so does the likelihood of negative outcomes—like bad grades or depression. The report says, “Excessive exposure to screens (television, tablets, smartphones, computers, and video game consoles), especially at early ages, has been associated with lower academic performance, increased sleep problems, obesity, behavior problems, increased aggression, lower self-esteem, depression, and increased high risk behaviors, including sexual activity at an earlier age.” Let’s lessen the risk of these negative outcomes by getting outside. ■
Tim Elmore is an international speaker and best-selling author of more than 30 books. He is founder and president of Growing Leaders, an organization equipping today’s young people to become the leaders of tomorrow. Used with permission. All content contained within this article is the property of Growing Leaders, Inc. and is protected by international copyright laws, and may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of Growing Leaders.
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BY THE
NUMBERS
Q. My kids are good—why do I need to lock up
3
my medications?
A.
First of all, all kids are good. They sometimes make bad choices, and we need to limit their access to certain items, like medications. Just like we wouldn’t leave a loaded gun on a kitchen table, we shouldn’t leave medications out in the open either. It provides too much of an opportunity for not only kids, but anyone who may be in the home to take them. Nearly 70 percent of people who become addicted to prescription pain killers get them from a friend or family member—often without that person knowing. Having medications sitting out in the open—like the kitchen window or in the medicine cabinet—offers any child easy access to those drugs. For older youth, it’s risk of experimentation, curiosity, feeding their addiction, or taking them to share or sell. Pills are easy to get, easy to hide, and easy to take without adults knowing. For younger children, it’s risk of poisoning. Many pills look like candy and little ones can’t tell the difference. For high risk youth, it’s not enough to put a locking cap on the bottle. The medications need to be out of sight. A locking medicine cabinet or file cabinet should offer enough protection from those drugs getting in to the wrong hands. It’s important to talk to family members, especially grandparents, about locking their medications away as well. Kids know that grandparents’ homes can be a treasure trove of all sorts of medications. By the time it’s discovered that the medications have been taken, it’s too late. In addition, opioids aren’t easily refilled/replaced if they’ve been stolen. So no matter how good our own children are, it’s important to lock medications away so there is no temptation or an opportunity for anyone to take them. We know that kids take them to get high, perhaps they think it helps them study better, and we know medications have been used to attempt suicide. It’s not worth the risk of pills getting into the wrong hands. Better to be safe than sorry. Keep all medications, including over-the-counter medications, locked up and out of sight.
HAVE A QUESTION?
email: jheronema@tlc4cs.org We cannot guarantee all questions will be published; however, we will do our best to respond to all questions submitted.
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The number of pints of ice cream Ben & Jerry’s employees get to take home every day. www.funfactz.com
85
The number of letters in the longest name of a place. It’s in New Zealand. www.thefactsite.com
14,000
The number of teeth a snail has. www.thefactsite.com
46
The number of wooden toilet seats broken over a guy’s head in one minute to create a world record. wwwthefactsite.com
2002
The weight in pounds of the world’s largest box of chocolates. www.thefactsite.com
470
The number of hours it took a man to build a replica of historic Roman town Pompeii out of Legos. www.funfactz.com
#suicideprevention
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STAY WITH THAT PERSON LISTEN, REALLY LISTEN GET THEM TO HELP OR CALL SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP NEVER KEEP A SECRET ABOUT SUICIDE. IT IS BETTER TO LOSE A FRIEND THAN FOR A FRIEND TO LOSE THEIR LIFE.
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www.cmhcm.org ∙ 800.317.0708
JULY 14 & 15, 2017
Midland’s premier summer festival THE ACCIDENTALS
JOE HERTLER & THE RAINBOW SEEKERS
28 DAYS
presented by:
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT:
Schedule and details @ www.riverdaysmidland.com
zipline art show beer & wine tent quad jumper laser tag kids activities fireworks mud volleyball petting zoo +much more!
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TIME TO FOCUS ON KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE
AROUND WATER By DAVID SMITH, YMCA
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There is a list of basic life skills all parents instinctively know they must teach their children to keep them safe and healthy. It includes habits like looking both ways before crossing the street, washing hands with soap and water, and eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day. For too many parents, safety in and around water is not on the list.
atal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. The problem is particularly acute among minority communities. African American children ages five to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. The disparity is partly due to the lack of swimming experience among these children. For those who know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise. Instead of keeping children away from water, adults can help them learn fundamental water safety skills by enrolling them in lessons. These classes can provide them a new, exciting way to keep active and meet new friends. Experts urge parents to get their children swim lessons as early as possible. After beginner swimmers learn basic skills like floating on their back and holding their breath, they use tools like kickboards and barbells to learn how to save themselves in an emergency. Swim instructors say it’s just as important to let kids play around in the water and get comfortable as taking swim lessons. In many areas across the country, summer means recreation activity and fun in the water. It’s crucial to have kids in swimming lessons from an early time to learn about safety. Public pools and YMCAs are popular for swimming lessons, but safety is about more than having a lifeguard present. Most drownings occur in streams, lakes, backyard pools and rivers. Often there is a responsible adult nearby. Stories are painfully abundant of a backyard barbecue, time at a lake or at a neighborhood party—everyone at that party might think that someone else is watching the kids, but it turns out that no one is watching the kids. Drowning is less likely for kids who know how to swim. Learning to be safe around water is a life skill. While swimming lessons certainly focus on skill development, that skill is often developed later in the learning cycle. Most swim lessons start with safety around water—teach a child how to know their limitations, overcoming a fear of water and mastering skills in the pool build confidence and competence. Safety around water includes more than just swimming protection. Lightning is generally thought of as a threat to outdoor facilities, but inside the building there is also a threat of electrocution. Most states have laws requiring that pools be closed during a lightning storm. If lightning occurs in the area, plan on vacating the indoor or outdoor pool or any water body when either of the following occurs: (1) cloud-to-ground lightning is observed, and
less than 30 seconds pass from seeing a flash and hearing thunder from that flash; (2) in-cloud lightning is occurring overhead. The pool or water body can be considered safe to reoccupy 30 minutes after the last lightning is seen or thunder is heard. Organizations such as YMCAs, the Red Cross and recreation departments are committed to reducing water-related injuries, particularly in communities where children are most at risk. Even with lessons, there is no substitute for adult active supervision. It is the primary layer of protection. In the time it takes to run inside to answer the door or take something out of the oven, a child could drown. Children should never be left alone while they’re swimming. Not even for a minute. Reading a book, cooking on a grill, being on technology, or talking to friends is not adult supervision. Assign an adult in 15-minute intervals to be the “water watcher.” It will save lives, and everyone will have an enjoyable experience.
TIPS THAT WILL SAVE KIDS’ LIVES THIS SUMMER + Teach children to always ask permission to go near water. + Never leave a child unattended in a bath tub. + Empty kiddie pools immediately after use. + When visiting a new home, check the premises for potential water hazards. + Stay close, be alert, and watch children in and around any water source. + If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first. + Learn to perform CPR on children and adults and update those skills regularly. By following these simple rules, everyone can have a safe and memorable summer. ■
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THE LEGACY CENTER Drug Addiction and Overdose Deaths The growing tragedy of drug addiction across all economic, racial and geographic segments of our population, and the horrifying increase in deaths due to accidental overdose of narcotics and other addictive drugs, has prompted me to revise my priorities. While there are no easy answers to these two related crises, we are not helpless in addressing them. Just as years of efforts to reduce traffic accidents and deaths, utilizing a variety of efforts, including stricter enforcement of drunken driving, better engineering of roadways, and safer cars, have paid off, we have the ability to make significant progress against drug addiction if we collectively garner the will to do so.
law in a number of states, leads to a confused public. For those who doubt that marijuana is a gateway drug to addiction by narcotics and other hard drugs, I would challenge the readers to talk to addicts or recovering addicts for their views. I am both saddened and shocked by statistics on overdose deaths. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., not gunshot wounds, not auto accidents, with 52,404 lethal drug overdoses in 2015, and the number is continuing to increase year by year.
The causes for this epidemic are multiple. As with so many social problems, our politicians, the media, and other leaders are responsible to a greater degree than they will ever admit. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, a private, nonprofit organization “whose mission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public,” some years ago jumped on the “pain-free America” bandwagon, and began to Before further discussing the drug addiction withhold accreditation to hospitals that did not problem, I choose to not spend much comment ask every single patient every single day what his on the issue of alcoholism and on the history of first prohibiting and then once again legalizing the or her pain level was, the goal being to stamp out use of alcohol. While alcoholism remains a pain. Guess what happened to this naïve effort? significant public health problem, and is the source of far too many deaths, prohibition clearly I have saved my greatest scorn for causation of our drug epidemic for physicians and other health is not a realistic or achievable answer. The vast majority of Americans use alcohol prudently, and practitioners licensed to prescribe controlled substances. A look at the bewildering number of alcohol has a centuries-old tradition of use. I will legally prescribed narcotics and other controlled note, however, that alcohol consumption by substances in the U.S., increasing dramatically minors in public remains (and in my opinion, from year to year, is a devastating indictment of wisely) illegal. the once-noble medical profession. Marijuana legality, on the other hand, is another issue. First of all, legalization of recreational use of While there are a number of mitigating factors leading physicians to prescribe an inordinate marijuana, while increasingly popular, is in my opinion unwise. There are far too many questions amount of pain killers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers about the undesirable aspect of marijuana usage and stimulants, physicians should be trusted for us to send a message to society, particularly to leaders, not followers. This madness has got to stop. While easing pain is a laudable role for the children, that marijuana is safe and “cool.” healing professions, America has to re-learn the There is a growing body of evidence of the fact that life is not pain-free. damage to the brains of teenagers from regular marijuana usage, and a growing number of traffic This article appeared in the Petoskey News-Review accidents and deaths due to driving by those who on May 5. It is reprinted here with permission. The are “stoned.” Further, the confusion over the legal author, Lou Zako, is a semi-retired doctor living in status of marijuana usage, with it currently being Harbor Springs, Mich. He may be contacted at illegal under federal law, while legal under state lrzako@gmail.com.
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CUT THE BALONEY:
summer safety By LINDA COLLINS, Prevention Specialist
ews Flash* The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 87 people under the age of 21 die PER WEEK from alcohol-related factors. This includes motor vehicle crashes, homicides, falls/burns/drownings, and suicides—all involving alcohol. If 87 kids were dying each week from eating bologna sandwiches, wouldn’t we as a society say ‘no more bologna sandwiches’? Alcohol is a drug. Unfortunately it’s so ingrained in our culture that we sometimes forget that. We also forget the dangers of alcohol, especially for underage drinkers. Summer is a particularly dangerous time for teens. More youth try drugs and alcohol in June and July than in any other time of the year. Teens have more free time and their whereabouts are monitored less than during the school year. Fortunately, parents are the first line of defense and are the number one reason teens decide to drink or abstain. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do. Enforcing the rules of the four Ws is one successful strategy. Who are you going to be with? Where are you going? What are you going to be doing? When are you going to be home? Along with the
four Ws comes the parental responsibility of following through. It is not unreasonable to show up at the “Where,” call the parent of the “Who,” follow up on the “What,” and set the limit of “When” to be home. Additionally, parents need to be aware of other risks out there to which their teen may be exposed. Unsupervised bon fires, lake parties, camping, overnight stays, and other get-togethers where alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are present are not uncommon in the summer. “Rave” events advertised through social media are held frequently throughout the summer. These events have music and a party atmosphere where access to illegal substances is prevalent. There are numerous concerts and summer events where unsupervised youth have opportunities to access drugs as well. Lastly, keep kids busy! Limit screen time, leave chore lists, sign them up for camps, or help them get a summer job. Be sure to lock up alcohol and prescription drugs if kids are going to be spending time home alone. It’s better to remove the temptation than have to deal with unintended consequences later. Let this summer’s “news flash” be that it was a fun, healthy, and successful time together. ■ www.tlc4cs.org
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Change a Teen’s Life: Become a Midland Mentor!
We are seeking volunteers for our Midland Mentors program at the Juvenile Care Center. As few as two hours a week can make a huge difference in a teen’s life. No experience necessary. Training provided.
For more information contact: Sue Landis, Program Director slandis@co.midland.mi.us (989) 837-6255 www.midlandkidsfirst.org
Upcoming Events Regist e Midla r for n d& Sagina w grou Ca p
Discover the Homestead Farm
s! ll to R e 989.49 gister 5. 9335
Sundays May 28-Sept 3 • 1-5 pm Step back in time for a family-friendly afternoon at the Homestead Farm!
!
FREE
BirdS - June 21-July 3 mammalS - July 5-7 inSectS - July 19-31 Exploration Days amphiBianS Aug 2-14 Experiments, games, crafts, scavenger hunts and more! reptileS Mon-Sat 8 am-5 pm Aug 16-28 Sun & holidays 12-5 pm
Summer
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
400 S Badour Rd, Midland | 989.631.0830
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“We provide peer support for children, teens and their families grieving a death using creativity and low and high energy play to connect, express and grow.” www.childrensgriefglbr.org 989.495.9335
143764 Childrens Grief Center Ad .indd 1
5/10/17 10:25 AM
Being a part of Delta is like being a part of a giant family. They want you to succeed here. – Jessica Fehrman Society of Hispanic Leaders president Student Leadership Academy member Costa Rica Study Abroad Transferring to SVSU
Jessica Fehrman, Delta College student and President of the Society of Hispanic Leaders,
never expected to be involved on campus. She thought she’d quickly put her time in at Delta and move on. But, what she found was a family. A place where she felt she belonged and a place that cared about her success.
Now, she’s involved in multiple clubs, gained valuable leadership skills, gets others involved in campus events and knows she’ll be a success when she transfers on to get her bachelor’s in education. You can do it, too.
think big!25 GO AHEAD, Th www.tlc4cs.org
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delta.edu • admit@delta.edu • 989-686-9093
The Legacy Center for Community Success 3200 James Savage Road, Suite 5 Midland, MI 48642
Schedule Your Sports Physical Today
R
emember to schedule your school sports physical early! Michigan requires every student to have an annual sports physical in order to participate in middle or high school sports. The physical must be completed after April 15th of the previous school year. In other words, it’s time now to schedule your students’ sports physical for the 2017-18 academic year. Ideally, your child should complete their physical at least six weeks before their official practices begin. This allows time to evaluate and address any concerns without delaying their participation. If your child has a primary care provider, we encourage you to schedule their sports physical with their own provider. If they don’t have a primary care provider or their provider is not available, sports physicals are offered at a discounted rate of $25 at MidMichigan Health’s WellSport locations.
Locations MidMichigan Medical Offices - Campus Ridge 1 4401 Campus Ridge Drive, Midland MidMichigan Health Park - Mt. Pleasant 4851 E. Pickard Street, Mt. Pleasant To schedule an appointment, call (989) 837-9350. www.midmichigan.org/wellsport