Kids standard february

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I S S U E 1 0 | F E B RUA RY 2 01 6

Heartfelt Learning

Interview with MRS. HEIDI MERCER

PEOPLE WHO WE ADMIRE

PA G E 2 1

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Nature: Pictured Rocks National Park PAGE

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Interview : Dr Caudill

Creativity: What I Breathe

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Motivate. Activate. Celebrate.

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F E AT U R E

Index: Feature..................................................2 Kindness...............................................3 Nature...................................................4 Kids View.............................................5 Pets........................................................7 Fiction...................................................8 Book Review........................................9 Creativity............................................11 Interview............................................12 Poetry..................................................14 Arts......................................................15 Life Lessons........................................16 People We Admire ...........................18 Educators............................................19 Interview............................................21 Parent’s Corner..................................23

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Heartfelt Learning

W

hen we - parents and educators - consider how children learn, we usually think of the intellectual aspects of the activity. Yet, a human being is a combination of memory, thinking, rationality, aesthetics, passion, desire, will, values, and emotions.

The human brain is a complex and interconnected organism, and everything else empowered by it is just as complex and interconnected. This, of course, includes learning.

Our emotional brain, or the limbic system, holds a tremendous power over us. It has the power to open or close access to learning, memory, and the ability to make connections.

It provides either a motivation or disinterest. Learning happens when an external element, including information or a task performed to obtain it, strikes against a person’s senses, thoughts, memories, and passions to create a reaction. What this means is that learning is rooted in emotion. It needs to be lived and experienced, physically or emotionally; it has to

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Kids’ Standard Editor & The Future of Learning Host

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Our February issue, Heartfelt Learning, invites reflections on meaningful learning and life experiences that matter to people - children and adults. Enjoy!

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KINDNESS

Kindness

By: Savannah Chapie, Paige Mlynarek, Bella Gonzales

5th grade, Pine Tree Elementary, Lake Orion

H

aving gratitude and kindness is very important in life. One way to spread kindness is to help a friend, when he or she is sad or hurt or just needs a hug. It is also important when a friend helps to make you feel better. It is

What is Kindness to me?

By: Emma Timms

5th Grade, Pine Tree Elementary, Lake Orion

K

indness comes in many different ways. Maybe you held the door open for your sister and she thanked you. Or you took your friend's books to class. That’s all kindness. But, there are a lot more things to kindness than small actions. You can change things in the world with kindness. For example, you could help an endangered species of animals by raising money. You could also raise money to stop hunger.

I’m sure that the animals and people that needed help would call that kindness.

Every person you meet is not always going to be kind. But does that mean that you act the same way to them?

Being mean doesn’t make you feel good or happy. It makes you feel like a whole different person if you’re mean to one person but nice to another. Maybe you never talk to that one person that is mean to you, but if you do, you should talk politely. That is being kind. Being kind is the best choice you’ll make in your life because it can lead to something great.

February 2016

also very important to know what kindness means.

It is good to have a friend, but it is better to be a great friend. For example, when my friend, Kate’s, dog died, I went to her house and gave her a big hug. We also went out to get ice cream. While we were there, we talked about climbing a mountain of orange sherbet. That is one out of a 1,000,000 ways to help a good friend.

Kindness is a way to express love.

Kindness is not just helping a friend, you can change the world. You can raise money for a sickness that has no cure.

Helping out with raising money for cancer is very nice, but you can be nice in many ways - like picking up a pencil for your friend when he/she dropped it.

Also, to be kind you can give a hug to anyone. There is one more thing about kindness - to be positive, to give a smile to someone. That’s what kindness means.

And it is through showing kindness, we learn important things about the world, other people, and ourselves.

Caroling for Kindness By: Alison May and Riley Robertson, 5th Grade, Pine Tree Elementary, Lake Orion

D

id you know that if you did something even very small for someone, you could make his or her day? This is our story.

We, Riley and Alison, are part of a club called ROLL club (Responsible Outstanding Leading Ladies). To spread the Christmas cheer, we, along with some friends and counselors, went caroling and passing out gifts. We decided to go to a small senior center to spread the kind gifts of Christmas.

It all started on a cold, breezy, day.

We walked in with joy on our faces and happy thoughts. “I can’t wait to start caroling and see the looks on their faces!”

Sang Savannah, a great friend.

“Yeah, I can’t wait!” Lily chimed in.

We could see her about to explode with happiness. Alison’s brother, Aidan, and his friend, Carson, were holding the stockings in a huge bucket.

“Ok guys, everyone ready?” asked Mrs. Jillian, one of our counselors.

“Everyone turn to the first page of your caroling packet, and boys, get ready with the stockings!” We skipped to the first apartment and started to sing. “We wish you a merry Christmas, we…” The lady opened the door and happily let us in.

“Oh my, thank you so much, thank you,” she said with a mile wide smile.

We were all so happy, but then we looked around. We were surprised. It was just her in the house, nobody else.

Wow, we thought. It must be lonely in here. A couple minutes later, we realized that we had just made her day. Our Christmas cheer made her shine like the brightest Christmas lights.

About 25 minutes later, we caroled through every apartment, except one hallway. When we turned into that hallway we saw a bunch of ladies dancing!

“Oh my gosh, that’s so cool!” exclaimed Alison, jumping with excitement.

“They're dancing for us!” We all noticed a little lady in the back with a huge smile on her face and a popping red shirt.

“Look at that lady in the back, she is the happiest lady we have seen this whole time.” Riley said “She is just so happy!” We caroled until our lungs hurt and our throats were dry. When we left, all of the seniors gave us big hugs and treats like fruit snacks, popsicles, and so much more. We all felt like we were going to scream because we were so happy. We walked out the door and we all could feel the kindness bubbling inside of us. Everything felt so good and everyone was proud of what we did. We all are going to remember that lady with the popping red shirt and the biggest smile on her face.

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N AT U R E

A Generation That Cares By: Stella Cach, 5th grade

Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston Schools

I

have always liked Jaguars. For some reason, these animals have a special place in my heart. Any cat is a jaguar’s cousin, but the closest is the leopard that lives in Africa and crawls in trees.

By: Katelin Fields

5th Grade, Springfield Plains Elementary, Clarkston Schools

I 4

t was so hot that I thought my face was going to melt (and don’t get me started about all of the bugs). I felt as

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Jaguars live deep in the jungle. Only 5% of jaguars in the world are black, about 500 in total. They are extremely rare and very pretty. Black jaguars “pre-fur” to stay in the shadows, unlike other jaguars that like the light peeking through trees.

However, there is a problem. Over 3,000 jaguars are killed every year. At such rate, our world will soon lose these

animals, and people will never again get to experience this marvel of nature.

Children will never again will get to love and admire them.

All over the world, more and more kids are getting concerned about what is happening to our nature. That really makes me hope that my generation is the generation that will save the jaguars because we care.

if I was going to melt as easily as a witch in the rain. I couldn’t wait for the crisp, cool lake we were going to sprint into.

As we sped, I noticed that there were beautiful fragrances in the air, like that warmth of crushed pine needles and cedar bark. I felt so peaceful… until my brother started screaming, “IT’S TOO FARRRR!!!!!” I did seem like we were sprinting to China!

One hour later, I could hear the rushing water of Lake Superior and the excitement and a new burst of energy flooded through me as I sped through the woods. The trail stopped. I waited and waited. There came my brother, and following my example, he sprinted towards me at full speed and stopped.

We waited for my parents to catch up and headed off to lake Superior to our

glorious destination, Mosquito Beach on Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks.

My brother and I raced onto the sandy beach; the warmth flooded through me as I stood. It felt so pleasant.

As I stepped into the cool, clear water, it felt so refreshing after the long, long walk. As I went in deeper, I was startled by something strange. I drew back my foot. It was… rock. Sandstone, instead of the sandy lake’s floor! I’ve never seen or experienced anything like it!

This is just another way of mother nature telling us that the world is bulging with wonders, so we have to cherish them. The wonders of the world like the Grand Canyon, Pictured Rocks, and Mount Everest may not be here forever.

Let us explore, experience, take everything into our hearts, and learn from it!

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KIDS VIEW By: Samantha Nidiffer, 4th Grade

Bailey Lake Elementary

P BullyNineegds To Stop Follow What’s Right

eople all have feelings. All different kinds of feelings - sad, happy, nervous, and bored. Some get hurt easily, others are harder to hurt. You may not know because some people can easily hide feelings, others can’t.

When you bully, you are hurting someone's feelings. Calling people names does not make anyone happy. It doesn’t make the bully happy either. Many different kids, and even adults, are suffering from getting bullied, teased, and pushed around. I asked my teachers what they think about bullying. Mrs. Taseski said, “Bullying is sad and we don’t tolerate it.” Mrs. Rocho said, “Bullying is unfair and we don’t tolerate it at our school.” I also talked to some kids in my class about what they think bullying

is. They said, “Bullying is targeting someone (not your friend) and picking on them non-stop.” My five year-old brother, Chase, thinks that bullying is, “Being mean.” My dad says bullying is, “Being mean to someone for no good reason.” My mom thinks that maybe, “Someone bullies because they are being bullied themselves. Sometimes they feel bad, so they want to make others feel the same way.” I think that bullying is when someone is not confident about their life, so they bully someone else to feel better.

So, if you see someone getting bullied, stand up for what you know is right. Tell an adult. We can make a difference in our schools and our community. We can make this world a better place to live in if we work together. Follow what is right, not wrong.

Recycle By: Channing Stoudt

4th Grade Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston Schools

R

ecycling is helping the world. We shouldn’t litter, litter prevents our world from growing, it hurts us. If we always litter, the world would become an enormous dump. There would be trash everywhere and it would hurt living things like animals, plants, and even water. This is called pollution.

The reason why littering hurts animals is because if an animal is walking around, it might think a piece of litter is food and gobble it down. The litter then could get stuck in it’s throat or stomach, and kill it. Litter contains toxins that are dangerous to an animal’s health. That's the case for land

February 2016

animals but it's different for sea creatures. Litter can sink down to the bottom of any waterways; animals in the water are likely to eat it. Litter also makes the water dirty and toxic, making it so that animals can not live in it.

For plants? They help us survive by giving us air, especially from trees. If we throw litter all over the place, it would not be good for our soil, and plants need soil to grow.

One less piece of litter helps the whole world. I hope this makes all of us think about our actions and how we affect the world. So please recycle and help the world, because we all are part of it.

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PETS

Chex Finds a Home By: Sophia Morris,

5th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston Schools

W

hat is it called again?”

I asked my mom as we walked into the kitchen.

My sister, Lily, brother Carson and my dad were already standing at the computer.

“Petfinder.com,” said my mom.

We looked up the website and saw a bunch of cats and kittens everywhere.

We looked around, and one special kitten caught my eye.

The kitten was 6 months old, very tiny, and was all brown with black stripes. He had white paws, white under his belly, and white on his chest.

“Awww, that one is adorable!” I shouted.

“I know! That one is really cute!” shouted Lily and Carson.

“I can’t believe it! I can’t believe we’re getting a new kitten!” I shouted as I walked out of the kitchen in excitement. My heart was pounding with excitement. My hopes were up.

In my mind, I pictured the kitten and

February 2016

what it would be like if we brought him home. I pictured the computer screen and his name. I rushed over to my mom. “Mom! Wasn’t his name Chester?” I inquired as worry started to take over in my mind.. “We already had a cat named Chester...”

My mom looked at me. “Yes, his name was Chester. We will probably change his name, so don’t get too worried.” This was a relief.

The next day the white, fluffy snow was falling onto the ground and the bare trees. I got cold just by looking at it. I walked into the kitchen at 10:00 A.M. and saw mom standing at the counter, drinking her morning cup of coffee. I could smell the strong, warm scent, as my mom picked it up, took a drink, and set it back down again.

“Mom,” I mumbled. “Umm... are we getting Chester?” She was ready for us to ask her, it seemed. Lily and Carson walked up right behind me. “Yes. Yes, we are getting Chester this Saturday.”

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. I already knew how much I loved Chester.

On Saturday, we hopped into the

car, and headed for Pet Supplies Plus.

I could feel butterflies in my stomach.

A lady with long, thin gray hair started towards us.“Hello, my name is Debby.

Your cat should be out in a just a few minutes. Chester? Right?”

I got so excited, I had to bite my tongue to stop me from screaming. I walked over to some boxes of cat litter, and sat down, waiting to see him.

We’ve been waiting for a long-long hour, when Debby came back with a sad look on her face. “Sorry, but unfortunately, someone has already taken the kitten that you were planning to adopt.” My heart just broke in half.

I felt a loss of someone I had never known. I didn’t want to believe it.

As we were heading out the door, I looked back and saw it! Debby was holding up a cage.

“I’m so sorry! We got mixed up with another cat named Checkers.Your cat is right here.” It was Chester, just as I had imagined him!

“Hmmm, what should we name him?” asked my mom. “Since we already had a Chester, how about Chex?”

“Chex!” I loved this name.

The name Chex repeated in my head the whole night. “I’ll never forget it,” I thought. “Chex.”

When I look back, I’ll never forget the day I got Chex. I’ll never forget how it felt when my heart fell into pieces. I’ll never forget how a loss feels because I love him so much to this day.

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FICTION

Caketastrophe!

By: Lorelei Youngpeter,

2nd grade, Carpenter Elementary, Lake Orion Schools

I

’m going to bake a chocolate cake,” said the puppy proudly.

“We’re not supposed to eat chocolate, or else the owner makes us throw-up with this disgusting doggy medicine,” said the mother dog.

“Then I’ll bake a white cake…with dog treats mixed in!” said the puppy.

“Let’s call it a dog treat cake with vanilla frosting and a peanut butter bone on top,” said the mother dog.

The puppy, whose name was Sweetie, wagged her curly toy poodle tail fast. She also licked her lips.

“Let’s have a party!” Sweetie said.

“Do you know fractions?” asked Cinnamon, the mother dog.

“No, but I know how to use the Force,” said Sweetie. “Plus also, I can count to one hundred.”

“Okay,” said Cinnamon. “I’m on water duty.” Sweetie found Cinnamon’s secret recipe to make the best dog treat cake ever. Cinnamon helped her, but when Sweetie added the yeas;, she did it by herself while Cinnamon washed her curly toy poodle paws. Sweetie was supposed to add a half teaspoon of yeast, but messed up and added a half cup of yeast!

Cinnamon placed the cake batter in the oven for fifteen minutes to bake.

“Mom, the cake is exploding!” yelled Sweetie after five minutes.

The cake was oozing out of the pan.

Sweetie turned on the oven lights and saw the cake batter covering the inside 8

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of the oven. Cinnamon rushed to the oven. She waited until the cake was done exploding.

Sweetie opened the oven. “I added too much yeast,” she said.

“I’ll get the mop,” said Cinnamon.

“No, get a sponge so I can show you what the Force is,” said Sweetie.

“What on earth is the Force anyway!?” shouted Cinnamon from under the kitchen sink. “Hurry up with the sponge. I’ve been waiting twenty hours!”

Sweetie retorted.. “Here’s the sponge,” said Cinnamon.

Sweetie pushed the sponge in front of her. The cake batter flew onto the sponge.

“That’s the Force!” said Sweetie.

The two dogs baked the cake for ten more minutes. It baked perfectly.

Cinnamon frosted vanilla icing on the cake. Sweetie added the peanut butter bone on top. Cinnamon saw the owner pull up in the driveway, so they didn’t have a party. The owner saw the cake and took a slice to eat. The owner ran to the bathroom as soon as she spit out the cake. Sweetie heard the plastic plate drop. She ran to the cake with Cinnamon. The two dogs gobbled up the delicious cake. Sweetie threw the plate away. Everyone was fine, except for the owner who kept screaming, “Help!

It’s a Caketastrophe!” over and over until she finally got the taste out of her mouth.

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BO F EOAT K U RR EV EIEW The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Importance of a Strong Family Connection By: Sasha Bokas

6th grade, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Schools

W

hen you live on the streets, what do you do? How might you feel? In the book The Thief Lord, the author Cornelia Funke delivers a powerful message of how it feels to go through life without a strong family connection and how different life can be if a person DOES have strong family ties.

The main characters, kids, live in Venice. They have different stories, different backgrounds and experiences, but all of them have suffered from family-related issues. Some kids have

been abandoned, some were orphaned, and some chose to leave on their own.

Regardless of the reason, a lack of a strong family bond is crucial.

When you don’t have a strong family, you might seek a new one. All of the kids have been looking for the same thing - a family who will care for each other. Scipio, Hornet, Riccio, Mosca, Victor, Prosper and Bo think of each other as a very tight family unit. They all feel that they belong together, as Hornet says, “ We all belong together now, you and Bo, Riccio, Mosca, and me. We are sort of a real family now.”( p.g. 165) When you don’t have a strong family, you might rebel, as it happens with Prosper and Bo, who ran

away, and Scipio, who steals from his dad. “My father’s going away. And about the break-in , everything stays as planned. We can do it tomorrow night.” (p.g.158-159) Having problems with a family is something to which readers can relate, but in this book, they also find out that rebelling isn’t the right choice, as it wasn’t for Scipio. When you do have a strong family, you will live happier. The characters are a lot happier when they are together and don’t worry about their personal family issues. They feel like they are a tight family when they are playing card games, for example. At the end of the book, kids find happiness by finding their family in each other.

Overall, the author does a very good job showing the importance of a strong family. The book makes readers think about their own families. When people don’t have a family who loves them, they learn that they are not worthy of love. At the end of the day, nothing is more important than a family.

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C R E AT I V I T Y

What I

Breathe

By: Juliana Stuertz

9th Grade, Clarkston Junior High School

February 2016

I

remember one of the first projects I ever made. I was in preschool. With curly sienna brown hair and a little toddler body, standing just over three feet tall, I was the spitting image of a younger Shirley Temple. It was around Christmas time, when everything is full of joy and happiness that engulfs you into the winter season. One day during crafts, my preschool teacher handed us a piece of paper in the shape of a gingerbread man.

“Okay class! Today we are making ornaments to give to your parents for Christmas,” my teacher said.

Everyone screamed in glee. I felt excited to make an ornament to give to my parents, especially since I was three and loved to color and glue anything and everything. The teacher gave us candy, ribbons, glitter, and glue to forge together some terribly messy creations that all moms adore.

I can faintly remember unscrewing that orange cap, flinching a little when a puff of air squeezes out from the bottle.

“Just a dot! Not a lot!” I chanted along with my classmates while using that white, sticky glue.

I added dots, ribbon around the edges, along with multi colored glitter, which was dispersed all over my ornament. To be honest, the ornament looked like a DIY project gone wrong.

“Mommy! Look what I did today in school! I made an ornament!” Still trying to peel of the remains of glue and glitter from my fingers, I greeted my mom, when she picked me up from preschool later that day.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful! Great job, sweetie! I’m so proud of you!” My mom beamed. I was happy to put a smile on my mom’s face with something that I had made myself.

This is probably one of the first creative experiences I have ever had. I felt extremely proud of my Christmas decoration that still finds its way on our Christmas tree. Of course, I make my mom hang it towards the back, like most teenagers do when their moms take out these silly little projects. But my attempts to hide the piece of paper, which now barely holds onto its pipe cleaner hook, almost never work. Most of the gumdrops and almost all of the glitter have fallen or flaked off, but as long as I am alive, it will always be hanging on a Christmas tree somewhere, as a reminder of who I am - a very creative person.

I like to do arts and crafts along with many other hands-on activities, such as constructing things. Whether it is photography, painting and drawing, making music, acting, it seems it is where my heart is; it’s what I breathe.

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I N T E RV I E W

Interview with

DR. CAUDILL

One client wrote: She is professional, yet friendly. Her easygoing manner with my son made him feel comfortable and calm; so much so that he willingly underwent a necessary, uncomfortable procedure. Dr. Caudill was thorough, prompt, and informative. I recommend her practice for both adults and children

By: Jane Sorensen

4th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston Schools

W

hen I met Dr. Caudill, I felt inspired just by talking to her.

Dr. Caudill is a board certified dermatologist who graduated from Wayne State School of Medicine in the top 5% of her class. She is a Clarkston High School graduate, an alumni of the Clarkston High School Ski Team, and a former lifeguard at Deer Lake Beach. She enjoys skiing at Pine Knob, Sunday brunch at the Union, and petting cows at Cooks Farm Dairy with her children, Owen and Anna. She and her family live in Clarkston.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

When I was fourteen, I broke my leg.

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There were a lot of nice doctors who helped me at that time. It was an important experience for me. I felt like I could be one of those nice doctors and help people, as well.

When did you feel that you had made the right choice to become a doctor?

One day I had to study for many hours and I learned to cure skin cancer; in one day. I started working as a dermatologist when I was thirty years old; that's when I officially became a doctor.

How demanding is your job?

I don’t think of it as my job or work. I think of it as fun. I see a lot of people every day, of all ages. I once worked on a person who was 102 years old. You really have to love what you do and stick to it. www.KidsStandard.org

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February 2016

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POETRY

Peaceful Music

A Fairytale Experience

By: Grace Aguilar 3rd grade, Pine Knob Elementary

By: Erica Smith, 8th grade Clarkston Junior High School

Peaceful music washes though my body and I feel calm.

Even if music is a noise it is good for you.

Use peaceful music when you are mad or have anger.

Use peaceful music and it calms you down.

When you need help don’t ask, just sit down and relax your body.

Peaceful music can be mindfull, mindfull is when you think of your breathing, when you eat, or just sit down.

Be mindful when writing at school, and listen to peaceful music to help focus your body.

Music is not only to hear, but to help you relax.

My shoulder length brown hair sticks to the sides of my face which is wet with sweat from the Florida heat.

Children skip about with glee, squealing with delight.

I glance above to see the sky which is now pitch black but slowly being filled with stars.

One by one they appear, little holes in the black fabric.

The crescent, glowing moon watching over all of us as we play like little kids again.

Something out of a fairy tale, the Cinderella castle stands

What Does Joy Feels Like

beaming with light that seems to come from magic.

By: Lauren Chojnacki Bailey Lake Elementary, 5th grade, Clarkston

The tips of the towers stretching high into the sky

Joy feels like a pile of flowers, a bowl of clam chowder, you want to scream louder, a handful of power, your own big tower, a thing inside that’s sour, you have a sweet superpower, surviving the mayflower, a long warm shower, being very prouder.

with sparkling gold laced around the magical structure.

Fireworks burst above it, almost like they came right out of the highest tower.

They explode into the night with all different types of color the stunning fiery blooms using the stars as their backdrop.

Disney music fills the air adding to the effect of happiness and laughter that everyone seems to have shining on their faces.

“See you real soon!” Mickey smiled.

He winked and although there was an abundance of people there he seemed to have done it just for me, a sparkle in his eye.

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A RT S

Jilliana Lehman

4th Grade, Independence Elementary

Mia Copland

Rochester Schools, 1st Grade, University Hills Elementary Anna Myer

5th Grade, Pine Tree Elementary

Solana Darnell

Mason, 4th Grade, Independence Elementary Mark Bokas

4th Grade, Bailey Lake Elementary

Ava Wojewnik,

Sophia Morris 4th Grade, Independence Elementary February 2016

4th Grade, Independence Elementary

Channing Stoudt

4th Grade, Bailey Lake Elementary

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LIFE LESSONS

Good Deed Leaves By: Kelsie Kaufman

9th grade, Clarkston Junior High School

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here I grew up, we occupied an old blue house adjacent to two houses of elderly couples. The couple on our left was a man named Mack and his wife Dixie. They had a little white house with black shutters, and a little grey dog that barked endlessly when it was outside. On our right, a couple resided in an electric green colored house with black shutters. Their names were Jeanie and Rex. I always remember how uncomfortable I was around Jeanie because she was a little quirky. She always wore bright red lipstick, heavy eyeshadow and strong perfume, but she was always very nice to us.

One week during the fall season Rex and Jeanie were away to visit their grandkids. Fall has always been my favorite season. I love the pretty leaves that alter from bright green to wispy gold like my pigtails or deep red like my lips, or murky brown like my eyes. I drink up the sweet tangy fragrance of overripe apples that drifts around in the air. But what I like the best is the intense beauty and magnitude of the season that evokes

thoughts of my heavenly Father in all his glory. However there is a downside - all of the huge maple trees that border our street liberate their many leaves in a matter of days. Our yard had its share that fall, but every time we drove past Jeanie and Rex’s house, it was astounding to me how tall the layer of leaves that coated their lawn was. It was as tall as my 8-yearold waist!

Saturday was a bright warm sunny day, and my parents, who are always up to do some good deeds, decided that our help was needed. I have to admit I was not too happy when I was told we were going to arm ourselves with rakes and solve the huge dilemma of Rex and Jeanie’s front yard. It would have been much more fun to flop out on the couch to be hypnotized by cartoons: it was Saturday after all. But my parents hauled my little brother, baby sister, and me out, passed us each a rake, and marched us over to our neighbors’ house. We charged the lawn with a vengeance, but no matter our attitude, it took a long, long time to complete the job. My dad gathered the leaves onto the driveway, and my brother and I bulldozed them to the side of the road, where my mom raked them so they bordered the curbside. There were so

many leaves that we didn’t even bother to put them into lawn bags. Eventually, we were able to conclude the job and to leap into the gigantic piles we had created.

I had time to admire the piles of vibrant leaves along the curb that looked like a textured frame for the yard and the grass, bright green, not yet tarnished by the brown that winter makes. The pure green contrasted the deep blackness of their driveway beautifully. It was pretty as a picture, immaculately manicured for the time the couple returned home. The blisters took second place to the feeling of pride and accomplishment, as only a job well done can bring. And I knew, this was why my parents did the things they did - for this wonderful feeling of fulfillment. Doing something that doesn’t benefit you but the people around you is to do things out of compassion and Christian love.

That afternoon my heart taught me that doing something for others yields an irreplaceable feeling of joy, pride, and satisfaction. From then on, I knew that I wanted this to be a part of my every day. I wanted my life and lives of others to be filled with happiness. One way to accomplish this is to rake the good deed leaves.

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LIFE LESSONS

The Greatest Gift

BY: Katelyn Gerard

9th grade, Clarkston Junior High School

I

was 8 years old, a bubbly and spunky little kid in Mrs. Hill’s second grade class. I loved school, my family, and my friends, but something seemed to be missing. I felt the anticipation of it, but I wasn’t sure what exactly it was.

All I knew that it was coming. My mom was in the hospital, so my grandma and grandpa were taking care of my brothers and me for a while.

“I’m ready for school!” I yelled going down the stairs one day, skipping every other one.

“Alright, did you pack your bag?” My grandma asked, grabbing my backpack and placing it over my back.

“Yep! I promise,” I reassured her. “Can we please leave?”

My brothers and I raced out the door. It was going to be a great day, I just knew it.

At school, I put my backpack into my tiny yellow locker. I skipped into class humming the Hannah Montana theme song. We were making a mother's day

February 2016

card when in the middle of coloring, a beeping sound came from the speakers. Mrs. Hill, please send... I knew it was me. Excitement was unbearable as I bolted out of the classroom, nearly tearing my locker door off the hinges. I ripped out my backpack and shoved my things inside. Tripping over my shoes, I ran into the classroom shouting, “Thank you, Mrs. Hill!” and raced to the lobby, where my grandparents and brothers were waiting. “ Hurry up! Let’s go!” I yelled at them.

After what seemed like forever, we pulled into a narrow parking spot of the hospital garage. I sprinted in, five steps ahead of everyone else.

“Tammy Gerard is in room 233,” the desk lady said with a plastered smile.

It was about to happen. But now, something inside of me felt differently as I walked quietly behind my grandma. I sat quietly, once in awhile sipping my juice, waiting for a younger woman in a blue dress and white hat come out of the room. It was time to enter.

My stomach ached. I was very nervous, but I wasn’t really sure why. I

should be excited, I told myself. Opening the door, I slowly looked in. My dad was leaning against the far wall while my mom was resting in bed. In my mother’s arms, wrapped in pink of pastel colored blankets, laid a tiny angel. Her emerald and teal eyes swirled into circles; black matted hair stuck to her red toned body. She was beautiful. I couldn’t breathe. Stumbling over my feet, I made it to the bed. I spoke softly, afraid that any noise would interfere with her peace.

"May I hold her?"

My mom smiled, scooped her up, and placed carefully into my arms. I sat on the bedside, slowing rocking my arms left to right. My head tilted at an angle to the right, just in a way where I could look into her eyes. Staring at the bundle of blankets, I heard myself speak softer than ever, "Hello, Emily. Welcome to our family."

She made a small noise that suggested a giggle of agreement. After years of waiting and hoping, I finally had a younger sister. Joy filled my heart as my smile grew wider. “Finally,” I whispered, “Finally.”

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PEOPLE WE ADMIRE

Lauren

to be a true friend.I met Lauren in the beginning of third grade, and soon we found ourselves hugging each other evBy: Megan Mclain, ery time I saw her. Lauren is funny and Bailey Lake Elementary, Clarkston Schools nice. We spend a lot of time together doing crafts and making funny videos here are so many things I admire of us dancing and making funny faces. about Lauren. What I admire When I’m sad, she makes me feel like I’m most in her, however, is her ability the only person in the world and that I

T

Awesome Sub Article By: Jane Sorensen,

4th grade, Independence Elementary, Clarkston Schools

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ne day my teacher Mr. Klenow was at a math meeting. So we had a sub - Mrs. McElmurry. Mrs. McElmurry is super sweet and really kind; what’s more, she was my long-term sub a year prior, in third grade. We had a lot of great moments together.

“Class, get to your seats because I have a special announcement.” Mrs. McElmurry hollered over the class. “ You know that I went for a job interview last Thursday...I got the job!” The whole class fell into an awkward silence. Everyone felt the same - it was heartbreaking to realize that after that day we would never get to see her again.

I spent my lunch and recess thinking about how happy she was but how sad I was. When I got back to my class, it was time for art and Mrs. McElmurry walked us down to the art room. I was hoping to see her after that but Mr. Klenow came to pick us up instead.

“Where's Mrs. McElmurry?” I asked Mr.Klenow. “ At her new job,” he replied. Sadness filled my heart once again. But when came to my desk, there was something waiting for me there. It was the picture that I gave to her in third grade. “Mrs. McElmurry, you were the best sub that I’ve ever had.” I whispered inside my head.

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matter. Through her kindness, he taught me many things about myself and others.

One time Lauren told me that it was important to be patient with people, which I often was not. I took what she said to heart, and it seemed people reacted to me better than before. Lauren is awesome.

She is always in my heart. I could never ask for another best friend!

Love Throughout My Life By: Kayla Cole, 5th Grade

Independence Elementary, Clarkston Schools

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y family, friends, and teachers have played a big role in my life. All have taught me amazing things.

I love learning new things and my teachers have taught me so much. My family has supported me. My friends have been there for me.

I love school, and my teachers have taught me a lot of what I know. I enjoy my time at Independence Elementary, and am sad to see my last year go by. But so far, it has been the greatest I could imagine. I have experienced so many different elements of school. I have had teachers work together in classrooms. They have taught me academically and helped me develop socially and emotionally. They have taught me so many life lessons that I’ll never forget.

My family members are my biggest supporters. They have taught me many things I’ll always remember - from softball to independence. They have always been there for all my events.

All of them help me achieve my goals.

My friends also support me. They care for me and I care for them. We always help each other out. We joke, we laugh, we play. We always include each other. We all understand each other's thoughts and feelings. My friends have taught me many important lessons, including what a friend really is. My family, friends, and teachers all play a big role in my life. We enjoy each other’s company. These are people whom I admire because they touch my heart.

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E D U C AT O R S

Presence and Compassion of Mindfulness By: Caryn M. Wells, Ph.D.

Department of Organizational Leadership, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

I

have been teaching mindfulness practice to graduate students in my educational and teacher leadership classes for the past six years, and introductions to the doctoral and medical students for the past five years. During the workshops that I offer for teachers and school leaders, I hear of the incredible changes that educators are witnessing in students and themselves as they practice or teach these concepts of mindfulness.

Why Mindfulness?

The youngest of children navigate a world that offers ‘24/7’ connectivity. Our adolescents can access social media and the Internet from their cell phones. These digital natives are accustomed to being connected and online with learning, friends, and family.

While we all acknowledge the benefits of instant-access learning, we are concerned about the preoccupation and distraction that so many of our children feel.

Mindfulness is the antidote to the hurried pace and relentless buzz of instant messaging, text messaging, and

February 2016

social media; it brings calm and peace, while helping with focused attention.

Mindfulness practice leads us to focus and become less reactive to all of the things that “jump up” throughout the day, vying for our attention. Instead, we learn to listen without judging, observe, sense, and notice what is there in the present moment. It also teaches us to observe without getting lost in the “storyline” of our thinking, and curtail the rampant worry, anxiety, and fear that plague many students. It allows us to open our hearts, to feel compassion, and to experience heartfelt learning.

Incorporating Mindfulness in Schools Mindfulness practice for young people involves slowing down their world by teaching them to be fully present in the moment, without worrying about yesterday or planning something for tomorrow. The teacher might begin the lesson by introducing a melodic bell that resonates the sound, lasting for so many seconds. Students listen for this sound, raising their hands when they cease to hear it. What has happened in this simple practice? Students have learned to focus their attention fully to what they are witnessing in the present moment.

Mindfulness practice can also include teaching students to watch as thoughts of outside preoccupation disrupt their learning. When they notice that these thoughts interrupt their learning, they can just note that thoughts of worry or concern are evident, and return their attention to the present moment of learning. Students know that breath is their anchor, always with them; it can restore them to calm if they are worried or anxious in school.

Mindfulness practice also includes

kindness curriculum where students learn how to not judge themselves or others. They practice this kindness throughout the day in lessons that focus on showing care and concern, developing empathy for others, and learning to be compassionate.

Lisa Flook, et al., researchers from the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, have analyzed classrooms that incorporate mindfulness practice. Their research findings are exciting to review. Students in a Midwest city were trained in a 12week Mindfulness-Based Kindness Curriculum. The results of their study indicated that students who completed the program demonstrated improved social behavior, focused attention, regulated their behavior, improved their kindness toward other students, and showed academic improvement.

Mindfulness in My Life I was fortunate to spend one week of intensive training with Daniel Rechtschaffen, author of The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating WellBeing in Teachers and Students, who trains educational leaders throughout the world on the modalities for teaching students to be fully present and mindful in school. Daniel’s work affected me deeply by making me realize the importance of developing the capacity to find a calm space within the self to settle into learning, and the importance of developing compassion for all people. In March I will go for another series of trainings in mindful self-compassion - something I have been teaching along with mindfulness concepts.

In a world where busyness is almost a national sport, it is comforting to know that we all have a choice to pause, to catch a breath of fresh air that is available to us when we breathe in the present moment. I hope you will join me in finding Mindful Moments throughout the day and help children do the same.

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I N T E RV I E W

Interview with MRS. HEIDI MERCER By: Kylie Anderson,

9th Grade, Lake Orion High School

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ould you share a memory of learning that happened because of your emotional connection to it?

During my senior year, a high school teacher noticed my care for others and talked to me about potentially becoming a special educator. She gave me the opportunity to work with a few special needs students in her class; she believed in me, and trusted me to really assist these students. As I developed an emotional connection to these students and understood that I could make a difference in their lives, I discovered my passion - to become a special education teacher. I knew that year what I wanted to do and I went to college knowing what I wanted to pursue.

What are some ways that Lake Orion schools support social and emotional learning?

At the elementary level, social and emotional learning is part of the curriculum. At this level, it is really inherent in what we do. When we are looking at our programming, recess, and play, social and emotional development comes along.

At the middle level, we incorporate Student Teacher Affective Relationships (STAR) time for every student for the first 25 minutes of the school day. The main purpose here is to promote relationships and ensure that each student has at least one adult advocate.

At the high school, we offer specific transition plans and activities for the freshmen. Each month students meet with their homeroom teachers and discuss specific topics, such as bullying, for example. Classes, focused on student’s social and emotional learning, are also offered at this level.

At all levels, there is a form of counseling support for at-risk students, as well as resources beyond just schools, such as clubs, activities, and camps that enhance a student’s social and emotional growth.

How can teachers at Lake Orion High School (who teach over a 100 students a day) support social and emotional learning?

Mrs. Heidi Mercer Assistant Superintendent, Lake Orion Schools

The number one way is by building relationships with students and making some kind of connection. The importance of relationships and connections is something that is discussed frequently with high school staff, especially because the high school is so large.

Beyond relationships teachers are encouraged to run after school clubs/ activities and/or attend student events to show students they care and are interested in their student’s lives.

As an Assistant Superintendent, what would you like your students to take with them as they leave Lake Orion schools?

While academic and learning skills are extremely important, students must believe in themselves. It is my hope that during their time at Lake Orion schools, our students are provided with countless opportunities and experiences that help them build a solid belief in their own capacity to do absolutely anything. It is also my hope that they leave our schools knowing that we, as a school system, care about them and will be here for them if they need us in the future.

February 2016

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PA R E N T ’ S C O R N E R

Heartfelt Learning

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Maggie Razdar Publisher/Founder

Most children are familiar with the tale of Beauty and the Beast. The story has been a part of many cultures for years, as are many fairy tales. They are not just for entertainment but for the moral lessons it offers.

These hidden messages are a vital part of the culture from which they came from. Most fairy tales have an underlying meaning for us to consider and use the moral to better ourselves.

The Life you live is the lesson you teach

February 2016

s parents, we… are instilling many values to our children. Some people may call it denial but I call it hope, faith, determination, purpose. I want to share with you one of my father’s many experiences that added to my core values.

My dad has been the best father that I’ve known. Helping my brothers and me with projects and always having an active role in our lives was priceless. He was strong, he knew how to do everything from cooking a meal to fixing things in the house or painting, and making furniture were just some of many of his hobbies.

It’s a sad feeling to hear your loved ones are diagnosed with something that might take their life away. My father was diagnosed with pancreases cancer in the 1980’s when the technology wasn’t even as sophisticated as it is today.

Everything you believe in can be tested. The question is why did this happen to the best human being I have ever known?

No one can ever be prepared for such a terrible disease.

Especially if a person such as my father who has been very healthy all his life Athlete, swimmer, runner, wrestler, healthy eater, gentle, compassionate, and positive thinker.

He went through chemo and then surgery. His body was fragile but his mind was strong and determined to conquer cancer. Watching him shrink and not have the energy he used to was so sad; due to the chemotherapy he had little appetite.

My mom made sure he was eating well so his body can stay strong. 15 years passed, now he had been cancer free then he gets hit by a car, nearly died, 40 broken bones, and many transplants. Visiting him in the hospital, I couldn’t help but crying.

His condition never stopped him from being courageous. He used to say that “I have a purpose; I am not ready to die”. He told us not to cry, I will come out of this.

And he did!

It has been 30 years since my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I am happy to say he is 84 and cancer free. He still swims 3 times per week. Walk for miles and loves life!

Humility, compassion, resilience, faith, perseverance, and hope are the life lessons I’ve learned from him. He always believed that you can’t let your circumstances control your life. You have to stay strong while you go through it. Choices never present themselves in an easy way. In some instance, we are always forced to pay a price to achieve something. Periods, actions and situations can help us learn a lot about our environment, ourselves and people in general.

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