Michigan Parent Summer 2026 by Marlanea McGraw

from the publisher

Marlanea McGraw

ummer has a way of bringing families together. School schedules pause, the days grow longer, and opportunities for adventure seem to be around every corner. Whether it is a trip to the park, a family vacation, afternoons at the pool, or simply enjoying ice cream on a warm evening, summer creates memories that last a lifetime.

As parents, we know some of the best moments are not found in elaborate plans but in simple experiences shared together. A backyard campout, a community festival, a walk through a local farmers market, or a spontaneous road trip can become treasured family traditions. The season offers endless opportunities to unplug, explore, and reconnect with the people who matter most.

In this issue, we are proud to feature Jonesville Community Schools on our cover. Their commitment to providing students with strong educational opportunities, supportive learning environments, and experiences that prepare them for the future continues to make a positive impact on families throughout the region. We are honored to share their story and celebrate the important role they play in our communities.

We are also excited to highlight The Sauk Theatre as our special feature. For generations, the Sauk has enriched the area through the arts, offering opportunities for children and families to experience the magic of live theatre. From summer productions to youth programs, this theatre creates memorable experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage community involvement.

Inside this issue, you will find ideas for family-friendly activities, local events, and resources designed to help you make the most of the summer months. We hope these pages inspire new adventures and encourage you to explore all that our communities have to offer.

As always, thank you to our advertisers and community partners whose support makes Michigan Parent possible. Their investment allows us to provide this publication free of charge while connecting local families with valuable resources, services, and opportunities.

From our families to yours, we wish you a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and memories you will cherish for years to come.

Warmly,

Marlanea

Michigan Parent

Cottage

Helping

For information on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw (517) 320-9235 • sales@simplyhers.net www.simplyhers.net

McGraw Publishing makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claims as to accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information

Generous Donation Becomes New Athletic Facility for Jonesville Schools

By Sarah Gray

Tradition runs deep at Jonesville Community Schools. But time takes its toll. So when Athletic Director Jeff Turner got a knock on his door in the summer of 2024 from an anonymous donor asking about the cost to upgrade athletic facilities in the district, he was more than a bit surprised. And when he passed the information along to then-superintendent Eric Weatherwax, the response was disbelief.

“He thought I was kidding,” Turner says.

But it was true. An anonymous donor in the community stepped forward with a $4 million gift, resulting in a brand-new athletic facility. Named the LDK Athletic Complex, it will house the new football field and an eight-lane track for Jonesville Community Schools.

The generosity of the gift is overwhelming—and the timing is perfect. Set to open in time for the 2026 track and field season, the new track allowed Jonesville to host its conference meet.

“As an AD, I am able to put in for games and events that we’d like to host,” Turner says. “We couldn’t do that before. Now we can.”

In addition to conference track meets, the new facility can also host district- or regional-level football games.

The love for the previous football stadium ran deep in the community. In 2021 and 2023, the district had bond proposals that proposed major renovations to athletic facilities throughout the district, including the old football stadium.

Unfortunately, both proposals failed. So, the district continued to make do with its existing facilities.

“We did the best we could with what we had,” Turner says, adding that Jonesville’s maintenance staff did an excellent job of fixing and maintaining what was there.

However, the stands of the 75-year old football stadium were in constant need of repair, the bathroom facilities weren’t large enough to accommodate a Friday night crowd, and the uneven terrain leading to the bleachers was not ADA-compliant.

Not to mention the woods surrounding the field was not a secure setting.

As for the six-lane track behind the elementary school, it had been patched and resurfaced many times but had simply become outdated. And the smaller number of lanes (eight is typical for a high school track) made it challenging for the school to host anything more than a dual meet. The new complex is as beautiful as it is purposeful.

Located next to Jonesville High School, the facility has a wide paved entrance through impressive metal gates—making it easier and safer for fans to come in and out. The façade matches the high school, visually tying the campus together. Parking will also be more convenient, with the high school’s large lot with additional parking on the north end of the school. The lot on the south end, nearest to the field and track, will most likely be used for handicap parking.

A large archway welcomes everyone into the facility and once inside four flagpoles that will display flags of each branch of the military and a military statue.

To the left of the entrance is a three-window concession stand— an upgrade from the one-window concessions at the old field.

The Jonesville Athletic Boosters Association, who head up concessions at all sporting events, has been busy organizing and utilizing every bit of their now larger space. To the right of the entrance are bathrooms which are more than double the size of those at the old football field and a big upgrade to the portable restrooms at the old track.

The home and visitors stands will seat about the same number of fans as before, but all the bleachers are new as is the press box. The eight-lane, terracotta-colored track includes new hurdles and starting blocks, thanks to JABA. The new facility also has an officials room and plenty of storage for athletic equipment. School leaders and the donor worked together to ensure the investment created a modern, functional space.

In addition to the football and track and field teams, the Jonesville Marching Band will also benefit from the new field. The cross country teams are also looking to utilize the facility as a possible finish line for their new course. And Friday night gamegoers will still be able to see an impressive sunset over the acreage and farm fields that surround the facility.

The old field received a proper sendoff during the final home game of Jonesville’s 2025 varsity football season, when dozens of former players returned to say goodbye to the place that

had been their home for decades, including one player from the field’s inaugural season.

When it came time to lay sod at the new field, that same sense of tradition carried forward. Dozens of volunteers and former players showed up in force, including Jonesville alumni who had played on the original field in 1950.

“This is what this community does,” Turner says. “People care about each other. They look out for each other.

The old stadium is not going to be abandoned either. Jonesville Community Schools continues to utilize all its resources and the field will now be home to the Jonesville Soccer programs.

The old stands have been torn down—thanks to a generous donation from a Jonesville alum—but smaller stands will be set up at the field. The pressbox will be repurposed for soccer and the concession stand has plans to be turned into a team room. The bathrooms will also remain, which is something the previous soccer field did not have.

The old soccer field will now become the practice field for the JV and Varsity football teams and the interior of the old track will be the practice fields for the middle school football teams. Jonesville Community School is grateful for this generous donation and Comet Pride will be seen in the care and respect shown to the new facility.

“These are exciting times,” Turner says.

For a full list of athletic events at Jonesville Community Schools or more information about the district, including how to enroll, visit jonesvilleschools.org.

Photos generously donated by Asa Jones of Locked in Media asajones32@gmail.com (269) 718-5800

Call or email now to book your next photo shoot!

What’s the vibe?

by Sarah Gray

Gen Alpha slang translator for parents

Listening to a group of tweens and teens talk today may seem like listening to another language. Words have new meanings, new words have been created and gibberish seems to be a valid form of communication. And don’t anyone say 67 (or anything close to it)!

Yes, Gen Alpha (born 2010 to 2024) communicates in words and phrases that are confusing, difficult and downright ridiculous. The TikTok-world we live in has the vernacular changing with each video clip or meme. And just when adults (or gruzz) have some slang figured out—it changes.

Cap: Lie

Sus: Suspicious

Here are some of the most popular Gen Alpha words and phrases and their meanings. Subject to change any moment.

Sigma: Someone quiet, independent, and confident

Gruzz - Derogatory term used to describe old people

Alpha: The leader or top dog in a social setting.

Based: Authentic, unapologetic, and true to oneself

Unc: Short for “uncle,” used to describe someone acting old or out of touch

Ate: Performed exceptionally well (e.g., “She ate that outfit”)

Rizz: Short for charisma; the ability to flirt or charm

Skibidi: A versatile, often nonsensical word for something bad, cool, or absurd

Crash out: To lose emotional control, get angry, or act recklessly

Clock it: To notice or call out something

6-7 or Six-Seven: Used as an attention-getting exclamation or inside joke rather than a literal meaning

Drip: Stylish or fashionable clothing

Motion: Having money, momentum, or making progress

404 coded: Acting clueless or out of it

Fire: Excellent or amazing

Mid: labels something average, unimpressive, or boring, neither terrible nor great

Ohio: Something weird, cringey or odd. It comes from the many references that strange incidents happen “only in Ohio”

Noob: Noob, newb or noobie is someone who’s inexperienced and new to an activity, especially in computing or gaming

Zang: Remix of the word “dang”

Bet: To be in agreement with someone. It’s like saying “OK” or “sure”

Low-Key: Something or someone is secret, subtle or low-profile

Delulu: Delusional

Slaps: Praises music, food, or moments that hit with intense energy and enjoyment

Twin: Best friend

Flex: To show off or boast about what you have, your abilities or achievements

Bussin’: something that is very good

Dog Water: You didn’t do a good job or extremely bad

Pressed: being stressed, upset, or visibly affected by criticism, drama, or pressure

Good luck, fam! Try not to get brain rot!

By Sarah Gray

Staying active without being on a team

Alternative activities to organized sports

Parents know the importance of daily exercise for their kids. Getting their hearts pumping, building muscle, and encouraging flexibility. However, it can be increasingly challenging for parents to get kids to move—especially with screens so readily available and full of distracting (and addictive) content.

While many children love and gravitate toward organized competitive sports, which offer a steady stream of exercise in the form of practices and games, there are children (and parents) who shy away from this type of activity.

So how can these children get exercise?

The Center for Disease Control recommends children ages six through 17 have at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day and children ages three to five should be active throughout the day for growth and development.

Recess and gym class can help, but if kids aren’t interested or take part in sports practices and games after school, their evenings can become sedentary.

There are many alternatives to organized sports that will get children moving and keep them fit including dance, gymnastics and martial arts.

Kirstin Seager has been the owner of Studio 55 School of Dance in Hillsdale for five years and a dance instructor for 10.

“Dance is a wonderful way for kids to stay active because it feels like fun rather than exercise!” she says. “It creates a positive, healthy relationship with movement from a young age.”

Dancers can begin taking lessons as early as two-years-old and the studio offers a variety of classes in eight styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, pom and contemporary.

“Every style of dance builds strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance, so dancers are constantly moving and engaging different parts of their bodies,” Kirstin says. “Dance is truly more than just the movements in the studio! It’s both a mental and physical form of exercise and art, challenging and growing both the body and the mind.”

Gymnastic classes offer similar benefits including strength building, balance, coordination, flexibility and lifelong movement skills. The Hillsdale Gymnastic, Dance and Cheer Center offers classes from age one on up including, cheer and a variety of dance

classes.

The challenging world of martial arts teaches kids discipline, respect and self-control. Dragon’s Den Combat Sports offers a range of martial arts styles for kids including Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Martial arts can help children work toward a goal, promote confidence and provide structure.

There are many activities for kids to keep them moving without the need to take a class! Bike riding, skateboarding and jogging are all great ways for kids to get their exercise. The important thing is to stay consistent so it can become part of their lifestyle.

Building healthy habits at a young age will encourage kids to stay active throughout their lives. Not only do they stay physically fit, they learn other skills that help them in their adult lives. “Kids who grow up dancing often carry the skills they learn in the studio into adulthood,” Kirsten says. “They develop confidence, determination, and a strong work ethic, all while nurturing creativity and problemsolving skills. Dance helps shape not just how children approach exercise into adulthood, but also their character.”

Parents who are unsure what type of exercise might be best for their child can ask them a few questions to help them find the right activity.

What is your favorite thing to do outside?

What do you like to do most in gym class?

When was the last time your heart was beating really fast? What were you doing?

Bottom line—kids need exercise. Whether it is part of a team, taking a class or on their own. Parents should encourage their children to have some form of exercise every day. The easiest way is to lead by example!

For more information, contact...

Studio 55 School of Dance

(517) 437-9500

studio55schoolofdance.com

Hillsdale Gymnastics, Dance and Cheer Center

(517) 437-2426

hillsdalegymnasticscenter.com

Dragon’s Den Combat Sports

(517) 398-6727

dragonsdencombatsports.com

The Sauk Theatre

Teen Theatre

By Sarah Gray

From concept to competition to nostalgia, the Teen Theatre Project has done more than simply put teenagers on stage.

“I can’t think of any other program that I am more proud of,” says Trinity Bird, executive director at Hillsdale County’s Community Theatre, also known as The Sauk.

When it was first proposed, the purpose of the program was to help teens learn about all aspects of theatre, from writing and directing to costume design and publicity.

“That is what Teen Theatre was designed to do—give them appreciation of the whole process,” Trinity says.

What it has done has created playwrights, directors, costume designers and leaders in the theatre, both on stage and off.

“We got the chance to run an entire theatre production,” says Atticus Mass, a senior member of the Teen Theatre Project. “It’s five people doing the work for 45. It’s learning through trial and error. We are interested in a big-picture view and this was perfect.”

The brainchild of Trinity, the original idea for The Teen Theatre Project was to have local teen actors go into community schools, talk to

students and collect stories about being bullied or students going out of their way to be kind.

Then the teen actors would write a play based on those stories and perform the play for local schools. In addition to the teens and theatre being excited to start this project, all the local school districts were on board and ready to move forward.

Auditions were held for the group in the fall of 2019.

“Anyone could audition with just about anything they wanted because we didn’t know what the play was going to be,” Trinity says.

The group met officially for the first time in February 2020. We all know what happened next. COVID-19 shut down schools, theatres and all projects just starting to get off the ground.

After a stint with online content, changes in leadership at the superintendent level and most of the original group graduating, Trinity decided to try a different angle.

In the early summer of 2023 he went to YouthFest—a theatre festival for teens and youth. There he saw the play Mockingbird, about a young girl on the autism spectrum whose brother was recently killed in a school shooting. The thought-provoking play was something he felt The Teen Theatre Project could handle. Auditions were held again and a new cast began rehearsals.

The play was performed in April 2024 and the audience and theatre board were so blown away by the performance, the cast was asked to perform at The American Association of Community Theatre’s statewide competition in 2025.

“It was very eye opening to see all the different things that everyone does for a show,” says Jacob Gray, who was part of Mockingbird. “ I learned how much people put into a show. There is a lot of team building and working together.”

He adds that Teen Theatre has helped him in his acting and

he has learned how to memorize lines faster and build characters faster.

Teen Theatre was the only group of all youth, had the largest cast of the competition, and most moving set pieces. Trinity says throughout the weekend the group was complimented on how well they carried themselves, how professional they were and how well they performed. While the group didn’t move on to the next step in the competition, Jacob Gray was awarded Outstanding Achievement in a Supporting Role.

“The best moment of the whole experience was after strike,” Trinity says. “We got in a big circle on the stage and I told them to look around and take the moment in. ‘Look at what you accomplished.’ They represented The Sauk very well. They truly made an impression.”

The group took the momentum of Mockingbird and got to work again. In the fall of 2025, they reviewed scripts for a new show and landed on A Trip to the Moon: an episodic play revolving around the moon landing and the events of 1969.

“It was an experience I really didn’t know I needed,” says Alessa Howard, one of the new members of the group. “I’m really glad I did. It helped me grow a lot in acting.”

She adds she really likes learning about the entire process of putting on a show and the experience has gotten her interested in directing.

Once the play was chosen, they all got to work. From choosing the ticket prices, to costumes, to lighting, sound and set design, the teens designed and created every piece of the production.

“Theatre grows skills they can use for their entire life,” Trinity says. “Theatre teaches confidence, team building and flexibility. My favorite thing is when they accomplish something they didn’t think they could do.”

The show was a huge success with patrons coming back again and again. Members of the group were able to grow their acting skills by playing different characters and work together to problem solve when faced with a problem.

“It really is teen-led,” says Trinity, who explains this is impressive to everyone. “They take it all more seriously. They have ownership.”

The Teen Theatre Project has plans to continue and Trinity says they are hop -

ing to produce another play this fall or winter. He is proud of what these teens have accomplished.

“Theatre introduces you to people you would never have met otherwise,” he says. “It creates life-long memories and friends.”

For more information about The Teen Theatre Project visit The Sauk’s website thesauk.org/ttp.html or its Facebook page.

let's read!

By Elyse Apel

Long, sunny days are perfect for stretching out with a good book. Whether it’s poolside, under a shady tree, or during quiet moments at home, here is a selection of titles for your children to enjoy all summer long. While these books come highly recommended, you know your children best. It is wise to read—or at least skim— all books for younger readers to ensure they’re a good fit. For longer titles, online reviews can be a helpful resource as you decide what’s right for your family.

the more that you READ the more thingsKNOWyou’ll the more that you LEARN the more PLACES you’ll go. - Dr. Seuss

GRADES K-2

The Imagination Station Series by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker are perfect early chapter books. The series follows cousins Beth and Patrick as they travel through time on faithbased adventures. The stories are fast-paced, educational, and approachable for young readers transitioning to longer books.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner is a classic series that follows four siblings who create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. The story emphasizes independence, resourcefulness, and strong family bonds—appealing to kids who enjoy light adventure. The chapters are short and approachable for early readers.

GRADES 3-5

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald is a magical tale. Princess Irene befriends a miner’s son and discovers a hidden world of goblins beneath her home. This classic blends fairy tale charm with deeper themes of courage and trust.

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw is set in ancient Egypt. This mystery follows a boy trying to uncover a dangerous plot while protecting his family. Rich historical detail and steady tension make it ideal for growing readers.

GRADES 6-8

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss follows a shipwrecked family as they build a thriving life on a deserted island using creativity, faith, and teamwork. It’s a thrilling adventure story full of survival skills and exploration to spark young readers’ imaginations. While the classic 1960 movie is not an accurate adaptation of the book, it is still a great family-friendly movie.

In The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, the comfort-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins is swept into an epic quest with dwarves to reclaim a lost treasure. Rich world-building, memorable characters, and a balance of humor and danger make it an excellent choice for middle-grade readers.

HILLSDALE ACADEMY, a private K-12 classical school on the campus of Hillsdale College, has expanded with a new building addition to reach new students in our community and surrounding counties, allowing more students to experience an excellent Christian classical education.

HILLSDALE ACADEMY OFFERS:

• Personal attention from excellent teachers who are subject-matter experts

• Classroom instruction; no supplemental online programs

• Traditional liberal arts curriculum taught through the lens of the Christian faith

• A safe, structured, and caring environment

• Competitive athletics, performing arts opportunities, and student life activities

• Affordability, with need-based scholarships available

Call today to discuss enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Space is limited.