“It Takes a Village”. I’m sure this is a quote you’ve heard before...and it’s true. In this situation, this Village is a Non-Profit entity that would love to support our community through a local store called “The Closet Exchange”. The Closet Exchange is a business located in the plaza behind H & H Bakery and Restaurant with an opening day of March 11.

The Closest Exchange carries clothing of all sizes for kids aged 18 and under. There is NO charge for ANY of the items and there are no financial qualifications to utilize The Closet Exchange. Funding for this great venture is provided through donations from community and corporate donations. For more information email: ittakesavillagearenac@gmail.com.

Donations (checks) can be made to:

It Takes a Village

PO Box 281

Au Gres, MI 48703

To donate via Paypal or Credit Card:

www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id= LQWNWRLM2DEE2

Students will be receiving fliers shortly about this opportunity. This project is being spearheaded by Amanda Goodson, a proud AGS alumni. Thank you, Amanda!

“March is Reading Month” is now underway!! We have one busy week of activities to celebrate reading. Elementary students had a visit from an author, a scavenger hunt activity, and have logs many hours reading! Middle school students have started their school novel, “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” and high school have started “Walk Two Moons.” They have had 2 trivia days and we have already given out over $100 in Book Fair gift certificates! With activities scheduled everyday K-12, March is sure to be a busy month!

Just a reminder that the middle and high school Scholastic Book Fair will be the week of March 15-19. The online store will open on March 10th, so watch our Newsfeed, Facebook, and Twitter for a link to access our site. If you order online, books will be shipped directly to your home. If your student is shopping in the Book Fair here on campus, you will have the option to set up an “ewallet” where you can pre-load funds for your student to shop with. Their e-wallet can also be shared with family members, in case they would like to add to the e-wallet too! A Book Fair flyer and more information about e-wallet will be coming out at the beginning of next week.

Since it is Reading Month, I wanted to share this important graphic that highlights the importance of reading each day! Happy Reading!

What should I tell my child about coronavirus and why schools are closed or students are quarantined?

It is important that families talk with children regularly about the COVID-19 outbreak in order to provide appropriate information, answer questions, and help process worries. Key points can include:

• Coronavirus/COVID-19 is a sickness, similar to the flu but much less common than flu; most people who get it do not become very sick.

• Children and teens who get the virus generally have only mild to moderate symptoms and recover without any need for medical care from a doctor’s office or hospital.

• Coronavirus/COVID-19 can spread easily from person to person, so schools are closed to prevent a lot of people from getting sick all at once..

• We don’t yet know when schools will reopen 100%, but when they do, teachers will help students adjust. Students all around the world are out of school for all or part of the week right now, so you are not alone, and you will not be behind other students.

• Our family is taking steps that will help keep you safe like handwashing and social distancing.

• It is normal and okay to have different feelings at once — excited to be out of school (if the student is being quarantined) , sad not to see teachers or friends, disappointed that events are cancelled, worried about what will happen next, bored at home, concerned about relatives — but I will help you manage your feelings.

• Even if I have to be gone for work or for other important reasons, I am going to make sure you are cared for; I’m not going to leave you.

As you talk with students about COVID-19, your approach to the conversation matters. Keep these points in mind as you talk:

• Stay calm, listen and offer reassurance. Kinds want to know that you are watching out for them. Your discussion(s) about COVID-19 can increase or decrease your child’s fear. Carefully listen to them express their thoughts and feelings and respond with truth and reassurance.

• Focus on the positive. Celebrate having more time to spend as a family. Make it as fun as possible. Do family projects. Sing, laugh and go outside to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Allow older children to connect with their friends virtually.

• Be honest and accurate. Correct misinformation and explain simple safety steps. Tell the student that the disease is usually spread between people who are in close contact with one another, or when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

There are hopeful signs that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, but there are still flare-ups in communities and schools. Children need the security of knowing their parents and other adults are looking out for their wellbeing. Having regular, open talks with them will help. Make the time to talk.