January 2018

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I S S U E 2 8 | JA N U A RY2 018

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Growth Factor

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate.

F E AT U R E

Growth Factor

Index: Feature..................................................2 Editorial Calendar...............................3 Growth Mindset..................................4 Kindness...............................................5 Good Deeds.........................................7 Reflection..............................................9 Art........................................................10 Inspiration..........................................11 Poems..................................................12 Sports..................................................16 Experiences........................................18 Growth and Nutrition......................20 Author Page.......................................21 Educators............................................22 Parent’s Corner..................................23 Volunteer opportunity is available for students and adults.

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Dear Readers and Writers,

P

hysically, children grow very quickly. Many children hit important developmental milestones at approximately the same time, and by the age of 18, most human beings have fully developed adult bodies. This happens nearly effortless and unnoticed, until all of a sudden, we realize that those new pants no longer fit and there is a need for yet another pair of shoes.

When it comes to emotional and social growth, however, individual growth is intentional and endless.

There is no time in our lives when we should stop growing. In the recent years, we have been hearing more than ever before that we have to accept ourselves for who we are; we have to love ourselves; we are good the way we are. These are important concepts that help us grow into confident human beings by rejecting perfection and focusing on a real person within each human being.

Yet, if we cannot question ourselves or allow someone else to give us constructive criticism, our growth stops. To be quite honest, many adults nowadays don’t know how to think, manage their emotions, and act like adults. A quick look at comments on any controversial social media post will undoubtedly provide enough

Arina Bokas

Kids’ Standard Editor & Author of Building Powerful Learning Environments: From Schools to Communities

evidence to support this observation.

There is a fine line between healthy self-acceptance and unhealthy selfpacification that seems to be finding its ways to our schools, homes, and society in general. I believe that to grow, we have to strive for excellence.

While perfection is attempting to achieve something that doesn’t exist and, for this reason, is unattainable, excellence does exist. Striving for excellence doesn’t mean striving to be the best either; rather, it is striving to be better tomorrow that we are today; it is striving for OUR personal best.

The first issue of the year 2018 Growth Factor - is about individual growth. Happy reading!

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Phone: 248-330-2408

E D I TO R I A L C A L E N DA R

2017-2018 Editorial Calendar February 2018

Artificial Intelligence

our Constitution? What new technological development would you like to see?

Tell stories about our live in the future.

Share your point of view of what artificial intelligence means to humankind.

March 2018

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems that are able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. Some of the most exciting fields are robotics, automotive (self-driving cars), and medical (fast and accurate diagnostics). What benefits and drawbacks does it have? Will this reduce the human work or make human work different? What will humans do once all jobs are gone to AI? What kind of rights AI/robots should have in

JANUARY 2018

Readers’ Circle We know that it is important to learn how to read and to read a lot. But great reading is more than just sounding out letters and words. It involves thinking.

How do reading and thinking connect?

How does reading help us in everyday life? What and how can we learn when we read? Write stories about your own important reading experiences, alone and with others. Share lessons that you have learned from books. Write a book review. Research authors. Anything and everything related to reading and books is welcome.

April 2018

Everyday Heroes According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a hero is a person who is admired for his or her brave acts and other fine qualities. There is a hero inside each of us. We may not realize it, but someone, somewhere, does.

Share a story about your personal hero or about a well-known hero. Offer a perspective on what qualities make someone a hero. Research events in our history that are recognized as heroic events and share your take on them.

May 2018

The Sound of Music What is music? Why does it have such a great effect on human beings? There are work songs to make tedious tasks more bearable. How does music influence us?

What role does music play in your life?

Write about your personal experiences with music, whether it is singing, playing an instrument, composing, or just listening. Research music genres and musicians. Compose a song.

Review songs or any other piece of music.

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GROWTH MINDSET

Get out of your comfort zone!

By: Sophia Le, 5th grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

P

ersonal experiences throughout someone’s life can shape his or her personality. Nelson Mandela,

a South African political leader and philanthropist, once said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” This quote reflects the truth behind each success: success is a result of many failures.

We grow into our best selves by striving to have a growth mindset, getting out of our comfort zone, and learning from different experiences in our lives.

First, we grow or shape ourselves into our best selves by having a growth mindset. I wasn’t always as good at reading

Open Your Mind By: Jaleyna Alexander, 5th grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

T

o grow as people, we have to be open to trying new things and experiences. This might sound easy, but it is not, because people are often afraid of unknown. To me, to be open means to be confident, to be myself, and not to be nervous, embarrassed, or shy. There are many ways that can help people become more open, but for me, it all comes down to accepting and knowing myself.

Being yourself is like being someone who never makes a mistake. If you are someone who believes in yourself and is always yourself, mistakes don’t scare you. You don’t think of them as failures; they are experiences that teach you

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as I was in math or science. Instead of comforting myself that this was just how my brain worked and I could do nothing about it, I decided to keep on trying. I started to read more often after school.

Slowly, I started to improve my reading and growing to higher levels of reading.

Now I’m much better at reading and I do it more often.

Secondly, getting out of our comfort zone is a great way to build character.

I often try to avoid speaking out loud or meeting new people. A lot of this happens out of fear. I am comfortable with keeping to myself and limiting my friendships to people I already know.

However, reaching out to other people can lead to great friendships. For example, one of my best friends happened to become my friend by me asking if she wanted to play with me. We started to play more, and now we still play together every day. We are best friends!

This is because I went out of my comfort zone.

As human beings, we are often afraid to try new things or push ourselves more than other people around us.

But in overcoming this fear is exactly where our growth factor is. Try it for yourself!

something important.

I know why it's good to be yourself, because I used to act differently when I was around certain people, and it never felt right.

Being shy is one way to know you are not being yourself. If you are shy, you will always be the person who doesn't have any presence. I am working hard on staying open and taking opportunities to try and do things even if I feel shy, especially when I present speeches.

Growing requires risk taking. Trying new things can go right or wrong, but as long as we keep on believing in ourselves, we can grow to be the best that we could be.

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KINDNESS

Good People By: Giavanna Montgomery, 5th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston

JANUARY 2018

H

ave you ever wondered why some people stand out in a crowd or comfort you in bad situations? What makes him or her a good person - a person who truly cares about other people?

The book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde explains how kindness spreads.

When someone shows an act of kindness, the “pay it forward” starts. One act of kindness spreads like peanut butter and jelly on a piece of bread. If the person with one act of kindness could spread that much kindness to everyone, what makes him or her that way? What brings this kindness inside?

In the article “How to Be a Good Person,” the writers give some advice. “Determine what being a good person means to you personally. Some people think that being a good person is as simple as not doing harm to another. But it is not always about what you don’t do, but what you do for others. Being a good person also includes helping yourself as much as others.”

If being a good person is different for each person, what do I think a good person is? I think that a good person is a person that takes his or her time to listen and to do things for others and puts others first. It is the best friend that anyone deserves to have.

When I think about kindness, I think about two people. One person only cares for him or herself and is always jealous of others. The second person cares for others and is always there when you need it most. Which person are you?

Which person do you want to be?

Kindness is like an entirely different person living inside you. I believe that inside each person there is kindness, whether we want to see it or not, or whether it is big or small. Also, kindness is a gift. When we get it, we feel overjoyed that someone cares and that someone is there to celebrate all of our wins and to comfort us in the hard times. When we give it, we feel overjoyed that we can make a difference for someone else.

Everyone deserves a chance to experience giving and receiving kindness at least once in a lifetime. So, next time you see someone that needs some help or encouragement, try to give it to them. Start the pay it forward and see where it take you!

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KINDNESS

Kindness Helps You Grow

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By: Nandanram Gopireddy, 3rd grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

B

eing kind will help you grow. If you are kind to people, then they will act the same way towards you. They will keep you company, and they will stand up for you.

By learning to be kind, you learn to accept others for who they are. Be a good sport and be nice to everyone in school.

You can be kind to anyone. Welcome people to your school and home. Meet more people, offer your help, and play with them. People can help you with

something and just play with you.

They, too, will accept you for who you are.

By being kind, you get to know a lot of people. Every person has something important to teach you. The more people you get to know the more you learn about various customs and perspectives. This will help you grow your own knowledge and understandings.

By being kind, you grow your heart.

You will learn to see good in other people. Throw a party and invite your whole class and your friends. Most people are nice. You can even make friends with people you have just met.

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GOOD DEEDS

Growing by

HELPING OTHERS

By: Ember Mohrman, 5th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston

M

any times we want people to help us. But not very often we think about helping others in the ways that we would want to be helped. Often, these are just the simple things in life.

Let’s say that you are in line to buy something, and it turns out you are short of few cents. You would probably wish for someone to give you

JANUARY 2018

these few pennies, but no one helps out, and you have to leave without your item. Next time you see something similar happen to someone else, you can choose to do nothing or start thinking about it in a different way and help this person. This can happen any time anywhere, and one good turn always deserves another.

Once my second grade teacher was in a drive-through line to get coffee.

When she got to the window and she asked how much she owed, she was told she didn’t have to pay anything

because the person in front of her had already paid for her order. Then, she immediately decided to pay for the person behind her. She told us that she felt good about what happened and what she did. This connects people around us and spreads kindness and care.

So, if you help people, you will receive the help you have given. If we all chip in and do our part by following the golden rule (treat people the way you want to be treated), the world would be an amazing place!

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GOOD DEEDS

By: Stella Dougherty,

Helping a

PET

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4th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston

D

o you know that only one out of ten abandoned or stray dogs finds a permanent, forever home? Homeless pets outnumber people 5 to 1, and there are more homeless dogs than cats. If you help a homeless pet, you will help change this pet’s life. You will also grow to be a better person by giving it part of yourself!

Here are few ways to grow into a better person by helping homeless pets. One way is to consider adopting a homeless pet from a shelter.

If this is not possible for some reasons, becoming a sponsor or volunteering at a shelter near you are other good ways to help. You can set a good example for others

and inspire them to volunteer as well. The more people help the better our society becomes.

You can also provide a foster home for a pet. There are many good companies that can help you sign up to be a foster parent to an animal in need. If you are interested in fostering a dog, you will accept a dog into your household and give it care, love, and attention for as long as it stays with you. You will have to feed it, give it a bath, and take it for a walk. For some people, it is very hard to let go of a dog after they spend lots of time with it, so keep this in mind when you think about fostering.

Fostering isn’t for everyone - you may just want to adopt instead!

No matter what way of helping homeless animals you choose, it will help you grow into a better, less selfish person.

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REFLECTION

As We Grow By: Olivia Richie, 8th Grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

I

remember when I first got this makeup kit. I was only six years old, and I loved it. I played with it almost every day, testing it out on my face in deep, dark tones, using big, fat brushes. I thought I looked beautiful, and now that I look back, I am very glad that I didn’t put it on when I went to school. After a couple of weeks, however, I put it up on my vanity and it sat there gathering dust.

I went back to my room recently to get something sitting on my vanity, when my hand brushed on the kit and I noticed how dusty it was. When I opened it up, I saw that the powders had went everywhere and the lip gloss had dried on its surface. I began to wonder how my kit could have gone unnoticed for so long, as if it didn’t even exist. My mom said she used to play with her makeup, too, but she eventually grew out of it. I realized that, like my mom, I had grown out of something that I previously loved.

Everyone grows out of something that he or she loves, whether it’s a toy or a kit or any other favorite.

When we create memories, we create special moments in our life that shape us into the people that we are. I love to be creative and inventive, and that could have been because of my desire to play and to use the makeup. We also have creative stories that we can tell to our own children, when they act the same way as we used to act.

In children’s eyes, they are going to be young forever and always enjoy the things they do. They know that they will always love playing with these certain toys and riding their bikes. Even as they grow, that little piece that loves to be adventurous when they ride their bikes is

JANUARY 2018

still there. These little children grow into explorers that travel around the world.

I may not know the future ahead of me, but I do know that everything around me shapes me in the person I will become. All of the choices I make and things I do today create my tomorrow. My cousin is good example. She plays college soccer and openly admits that she has always loved playing soccer and being competitive in every aspect of her life. She has also participated in science fairs and done cool experiments; now she is an EMT and is training to be a doctor. Her early science experiments might have been childish, but they have led her to where she is today.

I think that our childhood follows us, like in a train that picks up cars as it moves along. We are the engine, the main part of the train, that decides which track to take and how fast to go,

but the cars are still part of us. Each train is different, with different types of cars, long ones and short ones, and ones that carry different things. They all help us to choose the right track.

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A RT

By: Jeffrey Eischen, Kindergarten, Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston

Take Me Camping Make plans for a memorable family vacation now

Reservations accepted 11 months in advance 248-858-1400

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Campers enjoy a themed Campground Recreation Program including live bands, mobile recreation units, arts and crafts, games, and more.

Addison Oaks Campground north of Rochester, MI Groveland Oaks Campground near Holly, MI Great Parks for Great People OaklandCountyParks.com www.KidsStandard.org

I N S P I R AT I O N

“THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A KID WHO HATES READING. THERE ARE KIDS WHO LOVE READING, AND KIDS WHO ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS.” JAMES PATTERSON

Once you learn the joy of reading a whole world of discovery opens up and you'll never look back.

Toby Reynolds

JANUARY 2018

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.

- proverb

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POEMS

Crunch By: Quincy Garrow,

as we rush to the emergency room

School was a nightmare,

The dark and dank waiting room drags out the minutes of suffering.

Leaving class early just to be late to the next Tripping every which way,

8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

My team flooded in around me,

The beep of the X-ray goes off and a frown appears on the doctor’s face

As I lay on the ground, my vision clouded with pain.

My heart plummets as he explains my ankle is sprained.

I hear the frantic voices of everyone around me

They encase my ankle in a cast the size of a watermelon,

I feel hands come around my back

And I’m handed a pair of crutches

I’m being raised off the ground

I hobble out with my new support system.

By my worried coach.

Agony taking hold of my ankle

My independence gone.

Months passed and the same endless cycle happened every day at school The last day of school finally arrives I go to see a specialist They say it could be one week or a month There was no way to tell.

Time seems to stop and all i can think of is how my summer is ruined

The agony taking hold of my thoughts.

That night I lay with troublesome thoughts

The rev of an engine rolls up behind me

My mind racing with the horrors of school and of how helpless I would be

But then I realize something

My mom jumps out and I’m hauled into the car

My ankle keeping me wide awake.

My summer may not be over

The familiar town of Davison flashes by

It will only be delayed My fears became reality.

But i’ll get there

Just a Little Scratch

One rock made quite a bump…

I slowly started to get up looking for any major injuries.

By: Lauryn Sajan,

Every second felt like a minute.

I didn’t cry.

I didn’t whine.

8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

I could see everything clear,

I just walked off.

It was an 80 degree day

Mom was behind me, dogs dragging her along.

My first thought,

When I walked in the door, embarrassment overwhelmed me.

The hill took a deep breath and settled as did I. I kept trying to get my nerves down as the hill grew.

Avoid any contact with your head.

I got my arms out in time to at least

I looked at my elbow; it was full of blood,

But I was shaking as if it was below freezing.

in some spots you could still see my now ripped skin.

I took the risk,

Then I rolled up my pant leg to reveal my knee

I started sailing through the air on my longboard.

As intelligent as I am, I never once thought of safety.

Racing down, Not knowing how to stop, I began to hesitate.

Hesitation lead me to panic Panicking caused me to lose focus.

My checks instantly went from pale to flushed.

stop my head from hitting first.

I slid across the cement as if I was still on wheels.

I could hear my dogs whimper and bark as I laid still on the ground.

My mom rushed to get to me while still trying to maintain the dogs.

That also gushed blood.

Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I rinsed out my wounds, Hoping they would heal; with my luck, they left scars...

Little scratches that last a lifetime.

Oops.

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POEMS

Running In By: Kyle Crockett, 8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

Waiting on a warm June day, down at the ballpark where summer starts, the team in the dugout waited for worthy competition, not realizing we were standing there for nothing.

Quickly realizing there was no opponent the team and I started to bicker and moan, Everyone complained like six year old kids in hopes that coach would call it quits.

Instead, the coach screamed out, “Let’s go boys, extra work!”

Baseballs flew every which way as I stood in the outfield.

My chance arrived as the ball soared into the air toward me, Shallow, the ball started to loop by the second base bag.

I sprinted in not knowing if the leather glove could reach it in time, The ball hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, Eyes now closed savoring that priceless moment a pop noise came from the mit, My mit trapped the ball inside the dark black hidden pocket My balance now lost I went down to a knee sliding on the ruffled grass.

Eyes open, surprised to not hear praising from any of my peers, Instead it was as if time came to a halt, nobody moved, The only reaction was eyes enormous and mouths wide open.

Instantly sharp, aching pain ran straight through my arm.

attention, a painful scream cut the silence.

Later getting treatment needed, I looked back down, to see my hand, All thoughts taken over by sour regret,

My hand higher than the wrist

Now comprehending my mistake.

Not understanding, I began to look around frantically to find what was missing,

Not understanding how this had just happened,

What an unnecessary risk.

Finally finding what had caught all the

Not understanding why me.

Why did I not play it safe?

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Why run in?

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POEMS

Practice Losing By: Adam Walsh, 8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

I swung at the tennis ball, but there was already lost-hope My motion did not feel right, like skiing downhill on a vertical slope, The ball hit the racket, flying low, and fast The possibilities for the ball were quite vas.

As the ball whizzed into the net, I sighed in the air My split-thoughts filled with weighted-despair.

I looked down at the court, which seemed to move under my feet

Now I would practice harder than ever before

The thought of my loss sunken in deep

Getting better and better, so I could soar.

“I should have won� I thought, which I still believe But my opponent had reached standards I did not achieve Every bitter step closer to the center of the court Where opponents shake hands because of the sport As my hand reached for his, my frustration grew to a peak I did not lose my temper but let out a mental shriek I had tried so hard to win this game

I slouched, and I saw my opponent did not do the same

Though I had lost, what a great shame

Of course he did not, he had won the game

The game I had come to engross

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The game had been so close

I looked up at the crowd, who had come to cheer Many of whom were my family, who had watched a loss so sheer As they looked down on me, with supporting eyes The frustration inside me had already died Walking to the stands, and seats with grace My Family gave me the feeling of a warm embrace I had lost, but I had learned So the next time the tables would certainly turn

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POEMS

The Shaky Ride By: Elise Wilhelm, 8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

Mid-air, and suddenly all I feel is shaking The plane rocked Sitting in the middle of the plane My hands tried to grip anything in sight to steady myself Blurred fear filled my head What if the plane falls?

The thought of that fell on me like acorns dropping from trees

I tried to be as brave as possible but I couldn’t help but wonder Would we be okay?

Little ripples had sprang into my water as the cup had started to tip Grasping the cup I knew that the rocking had intensified One minute passed Then two And soon three And the plane continued to jerk back and forth But then I heard a voice and

The temperature seemed to drop and

I knew it must be the pilot

Cold goosebumps covered every inch of my skin

And though I was listening I didn’t hear any words

A sharp shiver sped up my spine

As all I was paying attention to was the shaking

As chattering teeth and trembling hands followed

Unstoppable shaking

Stitched

Carefully, I took off my tight hot pink ski hat off

By: Bree Bordine,

and the realization hit me like a brick

8th grade, Junior High School, Clarkston

I hit the ground with a thud My eyes opened, only to see the blurry snow

Red poured out

In the distance I heard a scream, Before I knew it the recess aid was running over, rushing me to the office

I lay on the frozen earth, not having the will to move

She told me not to panic, but the look on her face was enough to convince me to do the opposite

The throbbing invaded my entire head

Tears burned my cheeks

Slowly, I felt the cold of the ice sink into my back

Red dripped down my hair

The buckle on my coat pressed on my skin Yet still, I was motionless The recess bell rang, echoing in my ears

Someone grabbed me a paper towel I attempted to say thank you, but I couldn’t force words out of my mouth Everyone in the hallways immediately parted to the sides

And as all the bravery I had before seemed to leave the rocking started to get slower Slower and slower until we seemed to be going steady And though at the time I didn’t understand I seemed to remember the words that the pilot had spoken just a couple of minutes ago “The air seems to be smoother and we shouldn’t receive more rough airs.”

But now looking back at that terrifying moment I know that the bravery I had is what really helped me through

I sat and I waited In the small room that smelled of chemicals.

People came and went, but the only one who I wanted to see was my mom I lay on my back on the cold hospital table The tiled ceiling was a light tan My mom told me that everything would be okay Hands were reaching over my face Doctors were prodding around my hair Then, I felt a sharp pain digging into my head I clenched my fist, nails digging into the soft skin of my palm It happened again

Gingerly, I rolled over and stood up

Their eyes were all staring, yet I looked straight ahead

I trotted over the the lines of people waiting to go inside

It was forever before we reached the office

Noticing a drop of blood falling

At least it seemed.

Then she happily announced she was finished

I watched it splash onto the dark pavement

The lady led me in the sick room, her eyes widening

I let out my breath that I now realized I had been holding

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It wasn’t so painful the second time The doctor poked and pulled

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S P O RT S

How

TAEKWONDO

Helps Me Grow

By: Emily Hockman, 3rd Grade, Deerfield Elementary, Rochester Hills

A

s a taekwondo student, I have to meet many expectations. In my taekwondo school, Troy Martial Arts, all students have to follow the taekwondo tenets, which are courtesy, respect, treating others as you would want them to treat you, and integrity, or keeping your word.

Another one is perseverance - to never give up. There is also self-control: control your temper, be calm. Lastly, there is indomitable spirit: fight on even under overwhelming odds. The two tenets that help me grow most are perseverance and integrity.

Perseverance means that I strive to

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reach my goals despite difficulties. It helps me in life by keeping me from easily giving up on things. It develops grit and the attitude of never stopping trying.

Integrity means that you respect your own word. When you say you will do something, you do

it. It helps me think before I say something to make sure I can do what I am about to promise. It helps me not lie and be honest.

Perseverance and integrity can be taught in different places and settings.

For me, these two qualities come from my favorite sport - taekwondo.

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in empowering kids to become independent learners: To donate, go to http://kidsstandard.org Make a difference for kids, sponsor us! http://kidsstandard/sponsor Sign up to volunteer: To learn about programs, events, volunteer and sponsor go to: http://kidsstandard.org/programs

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EXPERIENCES

How Being Miss Pre-Teen Michigan Helped Me Grow

By: Cameron Brosky, 7th grade, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston

I

n 2015, I had the extraordinary honor of becoming Miss Pre-Teen Michigan United States. It was a whirlwind year of community events, public appearances, and more fun than I could have ever hoped for. These experiences helped me grow in many important ways and shaped me into the person I am today.

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pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to speak in front of big crowds of people I didn’t know. I walked up to random strangers at various functions and talked to them about something related to these events. At one pageant, I even stayed up until midnight wearing a very itchy dress, and it was a big reach to walk onto that stage to speak and compete. This taught me that perseverance pays off.

As Miss Pre-Teen Michigan, I had an opportunity to travel outside of my local

area and experience parts of the United States I had never seen. When I made it to the national pageant, we were invited to Washington D.C. Before that, I had never been to the East Coast. It was super cool to tour all of the monuments and the Capitol. I even got to sit at then Vice-President Joe Biden’s desk! This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

During that week, we also got to see the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington D.C. It was the most beautiful show I’ve seen, right in the heart of the country.

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EXPERIENCES

These events showed me that there is a lot of beauty in the world.

Most importantly, being Miss PreTeen Michigan gave me opportunities to do good while doing something I loved: Help animals. I had the privilege to select the Michigan Humane Society as my community service platform. Animals had always had a big place in my heart, as I realized that animals couldn’t speak up for themselves; many were stuck in pounds, abandoned, or abused. I spent the entire year traveling around the state

of Michigan representing animals for the Michigan Humane Society, including working at the Detroit Zoo’s “Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo Day” adoption event. This helped me fully understand how important it is for every person to contribute to larger good and take care of those who depend on us.

By the time my reign as Miss Pre-Teen ended, I felt more mature than before.

I was better at making speeches, talking to people, and speaking for myself in certain situations. I was growing while getting rid of my stage fright. I now can walk onto any stage with no hesitation. I learned a different way to talk to adults, friends, and my family. I mastered how to smile for hours upon hours, as well!

This experience opened the door for other opportunities that I didn’t even know were out there. I auditioned for Clarkston High School’s musical Les Miserables. Singing was definitely not one of my strengths, but with my newfound confidence I tried out and received the part. I’ve also been an extra in three movies! All of these activities made me step out of my comfort zone again and again, which showed me how to reach lots of goals in my life.

The most important lesson that I took from the pageant, however, is

how to stay true to who I am. When entering the pageant, I knew that I did not want to be a stereotypical “pageant girl.”

Pageant girls are often seen as plastics, or fakes. I decided to be myself. I learned that there is something more important than looks. It is your presence - your attitude, ability to speak to the public, and comfort in being yourself. You cannot walk through life and not be confident in who you are. You have to be proud of who you are: You!

GROWTH AND NUTRITION

Eat Your Spinach

It’s also important to understand how the foods you’re putting into your body work. Protein like fish, beef, chicken, eggs, nuts, and beans help your body develop and maintain muscles. Protect yourself by getting those leafy greens in! If you don’t like how they taste, add them to a yummy after-school shake with protein powder and your favorite fruit!

Want to learn more? Nuview Nutrition is always happy to help. With programs like Fuel for Performance, we are always waiting to teach skills that help your body grow the right way and last a lifetime!

and Be Strong to the Finish

By: Adrian Schirr Writer and author of the new adult novels, Under the Orange Moon and Beyond the Orange Moon.

I

have wonderful memories of watching Popeye from my spot, crisscross applesauce on my grandmother’s living room floor. When Popeye wanted strength, he opened a can of spinach and tossed the leafy greens into his mouth.

His muscles grew and he saved the day.

In my tender inexperience, however, Popeye was just a cartoon. When the segment ended, I went into the kitchen and snuck my hand into the cookie jar for Grandma’s molasses cookies. I didn't get the message: eat vegetables and grow strong. I was more focused on the laughter and then the cookie after. What I didn’t know—what I wish had clicked for me then—was that Popeye was right.

How I grew depended on what I ate, and although Grandma’s cookies were a special treat, they were actually working against me.

That was 1984, and we didn’t really know then how much we know now.

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Now we know why finishing our fish helps our grades: the omega-3 fatty acids in that fish go right to the development of the brain. We now know that veggies like broccoli, kale, and spinach protect the body from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It’s all connected, every brain cell and organ to each bone and muscle, and it all thrives on healthy eating habits.

When your body and brain are still growing, your diet affects that development. Poor nutrition can be a result of eating very little, or bad YOUNG ATHLETES: Peak performance requires the right fuel intake for your body! eating habits like MOM: Let us make it happen with a Healthy Nutrition Program! overeating and a Call Nuview Nutrition today to ask about our Fuel for diet high in fat Performance Program. and sugar. Fast food, pop, cake, Let our team of experts design a program candy, and prothat will enhance your athletic performance! cessed meals interfere with both Join us every 1st Tuesday of the Month at physical and 6:30 p.m for our FREE meet & greet! Please RSVP mental growth.

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2017

th

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A U T H O R PA G E

Find Your Good with The Importantalizing Loola-Boop and the Good Adventure Journey!

By: Lisa Sheldon, Author Clarkston, Michigan

H

ey You! Wanna go on an adventure?

Life is rich with experiences.

Being a human is quite an experience.

All experiences help us grow, but it is the most difficult experiences that make us re-think who we are as human beings.

You see, the moment I found myself lying in a hospital bed at 45 years of age with congestive heart failure due to a condition called Thyroid Storm, I was frightened for myself. Then I saw my two young daughters appear around the curtain of my hospital bed, and my fright shifted. If I were about to leave the planet, who would give them a mother’s protection or tell them as they grow what I would like them to know?

Waiting to see whether my treatment worked, I began to write and meditate. I pondered over life. I pondered over being human. I pondered over what it all meant: what was I doing here in the first place; what am I; what are we?

JANUARY 2018

What are we? Once I got down to that question, I knew it was the one I had to answer. The Importantalizing Loola-Boop and the Good Adventure Journey Journal is my vehicle to share what I have learned, to share my discovered Truth.

Journal is an invitation to begin an adventure to discover what makes you unique and to uncover the treasure that is inside you. Loola-Boop invites you to join her in her quest to discover the Good that lies within each and every heart. She shares her story of her grand adventure to find the tip top treasure of them all: the Good that is in every place and everything...including YOU! Loola-Boop is looking for help to discover and connect all of the bazillion pieces of Good in the world. It is a big job so your help is greatly needed.

She has loads of helpful hints and importantalizing facts to share to help you find your way to your very own piece of Good (which starts in your heart). Once you believe in and find your Good, you can grow it and use it to help connect all of the bazillion pieces of Good in the world.

Loola-Boop shows us how fun it can be to discover what makes you unique and to learn about the world around us. She wants to make sure that you know that your Good is with you always; it can never ever go away; and you can always grow it, no matter what. Even when the journey may get a little rough, your adventure toolbox is full of handy tools that you can use to get your

Good growing again.

This book is 90 pages; hand-drawn and hand-lettered. It is bright, colorful, and it will inspire you to begin your adventure today. Become an Importantalizing Superhero and Good Adventurer! Start your very own Good Adventure Journey Journal! Loola-Boop believes in your Good. Will you? Come on...your Good adventure awaits!

To order, visit www.HowsYourGood. com

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E D U C AT O R S

Creating A Positive Environment for Student Growth By: Jonathon Wennstrom, Principal, Buchanan Elementary, Livonia Public Schools

O

ne of the most fascinating aspects of being an educator is the opportunity to watch children grow as learners and people. We see them enter our schools with a natural curiosity to learn about the world around them. They also bring to their new learning environment a variety of backgrounds and a wide range of skill sets. For some, it is their first time away from the home setting, while for others, it is a transition from an earlier learning center, such as a preschool or daycare.

As educators, not only do we get to watch the growth of our students but also have the incredible privilege to help shape their experiences as learners and facilitate their growth while in school.

In my roles as a teacher, principal, and

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father, I have discovered several important principles that nurture the growth of our students as learners and individuals.

1.Recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of every student We first need to recognize that every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for who he or she is. Each child that enters school brings with him or her one-of-a-kind background knowledge, experiences, and interests. We need to honor that by finding out what children already know and in what areas they need to develop. While we do have the same high expectations for all students, we need to meet children at their level, develop the skills they need, and challenge them to advance and excel in the areas in which they are already proficient.

We have to celebrate the backgrounds and unique experiences of all children by intentionally entering partnerships with families, who know their children best.

Each child has his or her own interests and preferred ways of learning. When we get to know students on a personal level, we can tap into their interests to make learning fun, engaging, and most importantly, relevant.

2. Foster the whole child.

Next, we need to foster the whole child. Academics is just the beginning, but not the sole purpose of education.

We need to grow individuals that have life skills to succeed in all settings.

Students need such skills as listening, collaboration, problem solving, and

empathy. These “soft skills� are often the most desirable factors in the marketplace that our students will enter as adults. My experiences taught me that we have to be intentional in nurturing these skills through modeling, practicing, and explicit instruction. They are often learned best when they become part of the school culture, of who we are and how we operate; then, students learn by doing and reflecting.

3. Give students voice and choice.

Finally, students need to be heard and empowered. In other words, they need voice and choice. Children need to be allowed to have a say in their education.

At the end of a lesson or unit, for example, they could be given the freedom to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways. Some may choose a traditional report; some may give a speech; others may create learning model either physically or digitally. The choices that students are given will grow as they grow. Younger students may require more guidance and structure, but the gradual release of control from teacher to student is essential in the learning process. When children are discussing concepts and talking with one another, the teacher becomes a facilitator guiding their instruction, while ownership of learning rests with the student.

The truth is that children grow as individuals and learners regardless of what we do as educators.

It is our responsibility, however, to make school the best experience possible and create the conditions that will best help them grow and learn. We do this when we create a culture, where each child is valued and celebrated for who he or she is, and develop an environment, where the whole child is nurtured and empowered to take charge of his or her own learning.

Connect with Jon on Twitter: @jon_wennstrom and his blog spark of learning at jonwennstrom.com

www.KidsStandard.org

PA F ERAT E NUTR’ SE C O R N E R

Growth Factors

Happy New Year! May 2018 be a healthy and happy year for all of you!

physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual attitudes. All knowledge and skills, all habits -- good and bad, all acquaintances with people, and things create experiences that build your attitude. Your perspective is how you approach things, like when you are dealing with people. Every one of your views has been learned.

Many factors are involved in a person’s growth. These factors begin to shape you from your inception.

Some of our physical growth and biological growth we inherit from our parents. Their genes determine your physical appearance, giving you brown eyes or curly hair. You may also know that your physical and social environment can influence and make changes in that growth. For example, your family may be prone to being overweight, but eating wholesome foods can help you develop a leaner physique and even handle stress better.

Sensory learning is just as important as

new year always brings new resolve. We want to develop better habits and become a better version of ourselves. Many of us make new year resolutions to create the change we want to see. You may have already decided to clean out your closet, go on a diet, or get in more cardio at the gym.

You may also be looking for new ways to grow as a person. In essence, you will be developing growth factors, the catalysts that stimulate better functioning.

Growth factors align well with making and keeping resolutions for the new year – or anytime, for that matter. Like resolutions, these catalysts make you stronger and more resilient. You become a healthier version of yourself physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

I encourage you to add one more resolution for your personal growth and continuous education.

This is much more than school learning. Learning helps us develop our

physical learning. When you learn a new piece of music, you listen to the melody and the rhythm. Your brain refuses to sit idle because it is no passive organ.

The mind immediately begins to identify the patterns in the music, predicting the next movements and evaluating the experience.

Regardless of the learning we undertake, there has to be activity in some form. We must be actively involved in the process. Without our involvement, learning does not happen. There is no growth factor because there is no catalyst.

Maggie Razdar Publisher/Founder

A

JANUARY 2018

The lesson is a simple one: "We learn by doing.”

This old psychological proverb has influenced instruction for centuries because it is true.

What is also true is that we learn by doing it more than once. You cannot lose weight by going to the gym only once.

Studying only one time before an important test will not produce the desired results any more than playing an instrument once will make you ready to play before a concert audience.

Repetition helps you get the desired results. You must do an activity over and over until it becomes ingrained and a part of who you are. Repetition is the catalyst for personal change. The proverb should be, "We learn by getting results."

Developing the right physical environment is just as important as developing healthy habits. The physical environment has a considerable impact on us.

We all need a safe and loving place in which to live and to learn, and we also need healthy social and psychological environments.

Healthy environments can be created with conscientiously developed habits.

That may mean setting a schedule for eating meals, getting homework done, or doing chores. It can also mean always asking about your child’s day or having a ritual for saying goodnight. The interactions you develop with each other foster love and affection for each other.

They are the catalysts that trigger growth factors and strengthen bonds with one another.

Personal growth and development take many forms, and they are regulated by many factors.

There is no one-size-fits-all method to learning and creating the kind of personal growth you desire. You’ll do much of the work through trial and error until you find what works best for you, but the results will be worth it.

Wishing you continued, active learning!

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