Preparatory Charter School creating well-rounded students
from the publisher
Marlanea McGraw
There’s something extra special about the summer months when you have school-age children. It’s great to have more flexibility and be free from school year schedules and there are so many family activities going on to enjoy!
Our cover article is an in-depth look at Hillsdale Preparatory School. Head of School Annie Fowler explains the core principles and goals of the school as well as how the staff and administration work together to ensure that the students are not only educated academically but are also exposed to character-building experiences and expectations that help shape them into individuals with solid values.
We’ve included our regular book recommendations and a summer word search puzzle for children. Also, we’re pleased to announce that we are again partnering with the Great Start Hillsdale County for the safety fair! Read the article for details and then join us and many others at the fairgrounds for some fun.
Please take some time to look at the ads and see what local businesses have to offer. We could not produce this magazine without their support, and we are so grateful that they continue to keep us going!
Stay safe and have fun this summer!
Marlanea
CCAMPOURAGE
SUPPORTIVE & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR BOYS & GIRLS 6-14 YEARS OLD
This event is free & open to the public.
JUNE 28, 2025 9:00AM TO 6:00PM For children who have experienced
For More Information: 517-437-5252
RISE & SHINE with drinks for the whole family.
County
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El Cerrito Mexican
McGraw
Grass
Griffiths
Hillsdale
Helping Hands Preschool & Childcare
Hospice Of Hillsdale County
Jilly Beans
Jonesville Lumber
Madison Garden Center
North Adams-Jerome Schools
Pittsford Area Schools PRIME
Ryan
Melissa McCance
sales editor
Cyndi Young
Hannah Sayles
Sherry Sheffer
Kristal Johnson
Dakota Harding
Elyse Apel
Melissa McCance
Sarah Gray
James Campbell
for information on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw at (517) 320-9235 or email sales@simplyhers.net
Michigan Parent magazine 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.
Creating leaders at Hillsdale Preparatory
By Sarah Gray
Hillsdale Preparatory Charter School focuses on creating well-rounded students. This not only includes creating students who are versed in all academic areas such as Math, English, History, and Science, it also means students are learning all the building blocks of good character and logical thinking to allow them to be successful wherever life takes them.
“We focus on character development and critical thinking with our students,” says Annie Fowler, Head of School at Hillsdale Preparatory. “Our staff is helping our students learn how to solve problems, interpersonal skills, and create good friendships. These types of skills are easy to glaze over, but we have found when we focus on those, the academics fall into place.”
Character building is not a phrase the staff at Hillsdale Preparatory uses lightly. The school has eight pillars of characterresponsibility, honesty, respect, citizenship, perseverance, courage, integrity and cooperation. Staff focuses on one pillar a month throughout the school year.
“We help students become leaders,” Fowler says. This aligns with the “Leader in Me” charter school curriculum. “The school operates on the strengths of every person in the building - both students and staff.”
One way the school learns and grows together is with their morning announcements. Every morning the entire school gathers in the gymnasium. Together they say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing a patriotic song and hear the daily announcements. In addition, one member of the school recites a poem for the school.
The educators at Hillsdale Preparatory are another way in which this kindergarten through eighth grade school thrives. Fowler says unlike top-down decision making models at many schools, at Hillsdale Preparatory decisions are made as a staff. “All of our staff is appreciated and we all work together [to make decisions],” she says. “We are all on the same page, moving in the same direction at the same speed.” She went on to praise the dedication and commitment her staff gives to their work and to each and every student in the building. “Our staff wants to work here because of [the school’s] climate and culture.”
A large part of that climate is relationships with the students. Small class sizes allow teachers to spend time every day with each student and help them grow and connect with each individual. “Our approach is our relationships with the kids,” Fowler says. “Our focus is on every single child and to create deep connections with them. So when they come to school they feel like they belong and are with adults they can trust. That is something I feel is unique about us. Belonging is very important to us. It is part of everything we do.”
This ideology is also practiced in the school’s approach to discipline. Fowler says the school uses restorative practices to “get to the root of the problem,” and to teach kids about accountability which is important to the staff.
A charter school may sound like a big shift from public school, but there are many offerings at Hillsdale Preparatory that are also offered at public schools. The school began offering a Great Start Preschool for the 2024-2025 school year. The program offered all-day four days a week to all four-year-olds. Enrollment for the preschool and all classes at the school is open now and runs through the summer.
Being a charter school means it is publicly funded but independently operated. The school is authorized under Grand Valley State University. It is free and open to all students from anywhere in the state of Michigan.
In addition to the school being free and open to all Michigan residents, Hillsdale Preparatory began offering free breakfasts and lunches to all students during the 2024-2025 school year. The school also began a bus route to help parents with transportation. The route includes both door-to-door and community stops.
The top priority of the school is the students and helping them become and continue to be successful
both in academics and leader-building skills. The staff at Hillsdale Preparatory knows this is not possible without the support of the students’ parents. Fowler says she knows how easy it can be for parents to become distrusting of a school environment, so she and the rest of the staff strive for direct and open communications with parents. “The level of transparency is something the parents expect and value,” she says.
This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer in the classrooms and help teachers during the school day. The school hosts bi-monthly parent nights where school-related “hot topics” are discussed including safety, bullying and how Hillsdale Preparatory lives its mission and vision. There is also a parent-teacher collaborative which meets monthly. This group works to plan fundraising activities, events and special projects at the school. This group recently completed an outside beautification project of the school grounds.
Staff also contact parents every two weeks to give an update on how students are doing. Fowler says it is important for staff to connect with parents frequently and not just when something is wrong. “Parents give us their most precious possessions. We want them to know and trust the people that are here.”
Throughout the year, students at Hillsdale Preparatory take field trips in and around the state and celebrate what they have learned with a Literacy Night and a Math Night at the school. Fowler says the students are always complimented on their behavior when out in the community. “They are a great representation of us.”
Registration for the 2025/2026 school is open now and available through the summer. Parents and caregivers can fill out an interest form on the school’s website—hillsdaleprep.org—and click on the Enroll Here button, or call 517-437-4625 for more information.
“We are small but we are mighty,” says Fowler. “The size of our school does not indicate the heart of our school.
Hillsdale Preparatory is located at 160 Mechanic Rd. in Hillsdale.
Sun Safety
by Elyse Apel
With summer right around the corner, it is critical for all parents and caregivers to keep sun safety in mind. While potentially harmful to all, young children, especially infants and toddlers, are particularly susceptible to heat and the sun. Here are a few important reminders to keep your whole family safe and happy as you prepare for pool, popsicle, and picnic season.
Be aware of the dangers
Spending time outdoors is a great way to spend time with family. While exposure to sunlight helps reduce stress and store up invaluable vitamin D, it is important to keep you and your children safe from too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV rays) can lead to sunburns potentially causing skin cancer, skin damage and aging, and eye injury. Preventing skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in adults, starts in childhood. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, just one blistering sunburn before the age of 18 more than doubles kids’ chances of developing melanoma in adulthood.
Heat also kills more than 600 people per year, with children under four being especially vulnerable. So, while preventing heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or dehydration is important for people of all ages, parents need to take particular care with little ones.
Sunburn and sunscreen
You don’t have to be outside for excessive amounts of time before you are at risk for a sunburn, as unprotected skin can be burned in as little as 15 minutes. The sun’s UV rays can even reach you on cloudy and cool days. This makes having a good sunscreen important for whenever your children are spending time playing or working outdoors.
Experts recommend that all kids wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It should also be labeled water-resistant if you will be in or near water.
Here are a few other tips to remember:
1. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside.
2. It should also be reapplied at least every two hours, and more often if your child is swimming, sweating, or playing in water.
3. Because sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months old, other measures should be taken to protect them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends protective clothing that covers their arms and legs, brimmed hats, and staying in the shade.
4. If possible, avoid the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone, which has caused concerns about its effects on hormonal properties. Choosing a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will also be less irritating to sensitive parts of your child’s body.
Beating the heat
Sunscreen can’t prevent all damage though, especially when the sun’s rays are the most intense. Because of this, the CDC recommends staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when its UV rays are at their highest level. To beat the heat, ensure children are staying cool and hydrated by wearing cool clothing, drinking plenty of liquids, and paying attention to any heat advisories.
Parents and caregivers should lead by example and teach children the early signs of sunburns and overheating, so they can recognize when they need to seek shade, water, and reapply sunscreen.
Too much sun
Here are a few tips if your child does spend too much time in the sun this summer:
1. Cool the burn down with cool baths and applying an ointment such as aloe vera.
2. Give your child water or milk to ensure they are rehydrating.
3. Avoid more sun exposure until the burn is fully healed.
While many sunburns can be treated at home, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if you are concerned or if you have questions about sun protection for your child.
By James Campbell NSCA Certified Personal Trainer Owner, PRIME Fitness
Make it a Family Thing!
It’s no secret what exercise does for us, but teaching our youth to begin a life with positive habits such as keeping physical fitness in their daily lives contributes to reducing risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. It helps them with quality sleep, and better overall mental health. We want to better ourselves as adults, trying to better or avoid negative health risks. So, it only makes sense that we encourage and promote our children to establish a positive and healthy relationship with exercise and physical fitness. It begins with a solid foundation!
With summer coming, many parents are challenged with how to “entertain” their kids while on break from school. Many are involved in team sports already, but it should be more than that. Keep in mind, your children are watching you and when you tell them to make fitness a priority they’re going to want to follow your lead. No biggie though, right?! Doing things as a family shouldn’t be a grand adventure, though it could be. You simply need to make it a habit. It can be as simple as taking a walk to get ice cream or playing some horse in the driveway on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Not only is this a physical thing, but it’s also a bonding opportunity for you and your youth. Personally, I’ve found that playing a game of 1:1 basketball or just playing catch with the football is all it takes for my kids to open up and start talking about a lot of different things. Otherwise, they’re wrapped up in something and the conversation may never happen.
I love that my kids are active and want to be! But I love even more that when we do these very basic things together we share so much more than a place on this earth. What we share is truly not important, what is important is that we’re sharing time that will NEVER be wasted or forgotten. So, exercise has the above-mentioned benefits along with stronger bones and heart, and that’s enough of a reason to instill this amazing habit in their lives. But, doing it together? Well, that’s an entirely different level of positive!
Until next time, my PRIMEates!!
MUSCLE UP...live fit
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.
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let's read!
written by Melissa McCance
When it’s time for a break from active summer play or when it’s just too hot to move, settling down with a cool drink and a good book is a great way to spend time. Although these books are rated highly by parents and educators, you know your children best. We recommend reading (or at least skimming) the books for younger children to see if they’re right for your child. If you aren’t familiar with the books for older children, online reviews are available to help you. Many online reviews by parents will provide detailed information about a book’s content.
the more that you READ the more things you’ll KNOW the more that you LEARN the more PLACES you’ll go.
` Dr. Seuss
GRADES K-2
A Pocketful of Rocks by Kristin Mahoney highlights the many wonderful things that rocks can be in the hands of an imaginative child. But the book moves on to the other small things children pick up, like acorns or shells. As the seasons move, so do the little collections and a child’s idea of what they can be.
“A Pocket Full of Rocks showcases how a creative child can see big possibilities in the smallest things. It’s about noticing, collecting, appreciating, and sharing the wonders around us every day.” [Amazon review]
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater was first published in 1938 and has been in publication ever since, earning Newbery honors. In this amusing tale, a humble house painter is sent a male penguin and then a female penguin arrives. Before long, there are a dozen penguins in the Popper household! This would be a read-aloud book for younger children and an independent read for many children starting at age six or seven.
GRADES 3-5
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko has received rave reviews from parents, many of whom mention that it got their reluctant readers interested in books! The Dogtown of the title is where misbehaving dogs, stray dogs, and even robot dogs whose owners have outgrown them live. When Chance—a real dog—ends up there because irresponsible dog-sitters skip town, he bonds with robot dog Metal Head. The two head out on an adventure to find homes and their journey is both an uplifting story and an exciting tale.
The Moffats by Eleanor Estes is another one like Mr. Popper’s Penguins that, although published some time ago (1941) has continued to charm and entertain children ever since. This is a story of a lively family and their daily escapades. If your child enjoys this one, there are three more in the series about the Moffats!
GRADES 6-8
The Giver by Lois Lowry won the Newbery Medal and appears on virtually every recommended reading list for this age group. Jonas is 12, and he lives in what seems to be an idyllic society. Everything is carefully planned, little is left to choice, and everyone follows what they’re told to do. But, when Jonas is given his “life assignment,” he discovers there are some dark secrets to his world and he begins to question what he has always accepted. This is another book that’s part of a four-book series, so, if your child likes The Giver, there are more to read!
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick tells the story of how two kids who are outsiders join forces and forge a deep friendship that benefits them both. The story is told in first person by Max, an eighth-grader. Max is big . . . really big and still growing. He struggles academically and gets a lot of teasing, so he has learned how to withdraw and be alone. But then Kevin enters the picture, a boy with physical disabilities (Morquio Syndrome) who’s very small for his age but highly intelligent. Together, they call themselves Freak the Mighty, and each offers the other not only friendship but help in coping with the teasing and rejection. WARNING: Kevin passes away toward the end of the book, which is in keeping with his condition and Max must work through his anger at losing his friend. Consider this plot development before recommending the book to your child.
Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative
Staying Safe!
On June 24, the Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative is co-hosting a community-wide event with Simply Hers focused on teaching families how to prioritize safety. The third annual Hillsdale County Free Family Safety Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds.
“The goal is to provide education and resources around a wide variety of safety topics that impact kids and families in Hillsdale County,” says Stefanie Rathburn, director at Great Start Collaborative.
All Hillsdale County families are welcome to attend this free event.
Many other organizations will also be present at the event. Last year had a great turn-out by local agencies and Stefanie says Great Start Collaborative hopes to see similar participation this year.
“A number of agencies have already committed to being onsite this year but we expect many more to register between now and the event,” Stefanie explains.
Representatives from the community agencies and organizations will be present to share information and resources on many different safety topics.
“Topics anticipated to be addressed by agency partners include: firearms safety, child safety items in homes, emergency preparedness, safe sleep, school bus safety, car seat safety, bathtub/water safety, pet/animal safety, pool and lake safety, internet safety, safe driving, fire safety, suicide prevention,
agricultural safety, banking safety, medication safety, and much, much more,” Stefanie says.
Local schools and emergency services will also use the Safety Fair as an opportunity to get out into the community.
“We anticipate fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, a school bus, and more to be on-site,” Stefanie says.
There will also be a wide variety of activities for kids and adults, free giveaways, and car seat inspections.
“There will be an opportunity for families to have their car seats inspected to ensure they are properly installed,” Stefanie says of the car seat inspections.
In addition to car seat inspections, free car seats will also be given out to those in need.
“Children must be present and in a motor vehicle in order to participate,” Stefanie says. “New seats will be available, free of charge, to Hillsdale County children in need of one. Pregnant moms within one month of their due date are also eligible.”
Stefanie says she is excited that Great Start Collaborative can serve the community by holding the event.
“The intent is to provide a fun atmosphere for families to come spend some time while receiving education that can support all families,” she says. “In addition, ensuring families know where to go or who to call to access necessary support . . . is a priority for the event!”
The Importance of Teaching Kids Giving
The Benefits of Teaching Kids to Be Charitable
Being generous can mean many things, and teaching kids to give has countless benefits beyond building moral character Giving is very much a two-way street.
Fostering Empathy and Perspective
Being a giving person is not just about money. It’s rooted in something much more important: social and emotional generosity. Molding children to have a giving nature is, at its core, about fostering empathy and considering perspectives other than their own. For example, research shows that children are capable of picking out thoughtful gifts for others as early as age four, which means they can understand and honor others’ needs and preferences.
generosity. For example, kids can learn to be emotionally generous by being kind, helping out with tasks, advocating for pets, or demonstrating good behavior without being rewarded. The ability and willingness to take empathy-driven actions is essential for their emotional and social development.
Building Self-Esteem
You may not have thought of it this way, but giving to others also helps children develop self-esteem, pride, and a sense of agency. That’s in part because doing nice things for others shows kids that they have the power to make others happy, and that even a small act of thoughtfulness can have a big impact in this regard. They can also be proud of having brought about a positive reaction in someone else. This helps children to be more confident in their social interactions and to develop good teamwork skills.
Improving Mental Health and Healthy Relationships
It’s a simple fact that generous people tend to be happier and have healthier relationships. Teaching kids to be giving at an early age paves the way for them to be successful at:
Getting along with classmates, teammates, coworkers, and
Giving back to their community
Becoming responsible pet owners
Being a good life partner
Being a good parent themselves
In short, teaching your child a little generosity now can prepare them for a happier, healthier future in very real ways. It also enables them to bring a little more light and joy into the world throughout their lives.
Building Financial Literacy Skills
Financial education often emphasizes earning and saving, but one of the most valuable lessons parents can teach their children about money is how to give it away appropriately. Learning about philanthropy helps kids to understand that they are part of a local community and a global one, and that they should want to have a positive impact on both. It can also help them adhere to important moral and religious principles. In addition, children can begin to understand that, like other investments, philanthropy is an investment in a more just and healthy world.
How to Teach Kids to Give
Here are some simple, practical ways you can sow the seeds of generosity — emotionally, socially, and financially — in your child.
Start Small
Begin by showing your child ways to do small acts of kindness, like holding doors open for people or visiting a sick relative. By instilling a sense of social and emotional charity first, you can build on this later, teaching your young one that financial generosity is just another form of empathy.
Be a Role Model
Children learn more about finances from their parents than any other source. So, involve them in activities like dropping money into charity boxes, volunteering, or participating in fundraising events. Parents can be excellent role models for kids just by including them in teachable moments like these. In addition to teaching your child good values, you’ll show them important things about what it means to be a grownup.
Involve Them in Philanthropic DecisionMaking
If you donate to charity or nonprofits, explain to your child that there are many kinds of worthwhile causes. Share with them what motivates you to give to specific organizations. Talk to them about their personal interests and show them how these are related to certain kinds of causes. Then allow your child to choose a cause or organization that matters to them and make a donation on their behalf. They’re more likely to want to support a cause that they know about and identify with.
You can even turn this activity into a seasonal family tradition. You and your child can give to the same cause every year during the holidays, or add new ones to the list.
surpriselake.org
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words
SKATEBOARDING
PLAYGROUND
WATERMELON
POPSICLES
FIREWORKS
BASEBALL
SWIMMING
ICE CREAM
