HAS Parent Outreach Program

Welcome back to the Parent Outreach Team’s family newsletter! We are excited to share this resource with you as part of our ongoing effort to build strong, meaningful connections between home and school. Together, we can ensure every student thrives—both academically and emotionally—through open communication, active partnerships, and shared support.

In each edition, you’ll find helpful tips for supporting your child's success at home, updates on family events, and opportunities for you to get involved in our school community. We’ll also highlight available resources for families, such as mental health services, community resources, and programs that enhance your family’s well-being.

Our goal is to make this newsletter an essential guide to all things related to family engagement at Holly Area Schools. Whether it’s offering parenting tips and advice, showcasing success stories from our school community, or inviting you to join one of our upcoming family events, we hope this newsletter will help you feel more connected and supported.

We’re always looking for ways to improve, so if you have feedback or ideas on what you’d like to see, please let us know! Together, we can build the best possible environment for our students to succeed.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!

Warmly,
Cheryl Price and Sydney Sinclair
The Holly Area Schools Parent Outreach Team

What did our families think? Lions or Tigers!

Join us for our FAFSA Workshop on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30-8:30 PM at Holly High School (KIVA).

Families will receive personalized, hands-on support to complete and submit the FAFSA in one evening. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step toward securing financial aid for your student’s education.

Enjoy dinner as a family, enter our raffle drawing, and leave with peace of mind knowing your FAFSA is complete!

Families: Please bring your 2024 tax information.
Before attending, apply for your FSA ID here!

Register for the workshop here!

On Thursday, October 30, 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Holly Middle School, join Oakland County’s Parent Project® and the Holly Area Schools Parent Outreach Program for an evening focused on helping children thrive in school and beyond!

Families will:

• Learn invaluable techniques to get children out of bed and into school.

• Understand and recognize the signs of trauma and bullying.

• Recognize the importance of structure and routine for children.

• Learn how to communicate with teachers for your child’s success.

• Discover strategies to increase grades.

• Gain knowledge of how to help children overcome academic barriers and feel confident raising their hand in class.

Sign up here!

Families will learn practical strategies from Raising Good Humans to support their child’s growth, reduce stress, and strengthen family connections. This interactive workshop, open to Holly Area Schools families K–12, will include discussions, skill-building activities, and collaboration with other parents.

Join us Monday, November 3rd at Holly Middle School - dinner begins at 5:00 pm, and the event runs from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Every family will receive mindfulness cards to take home!

Sign up here!

Join us for an evening dedicated to mental health and wellness for families in our community!

The Mental Health Resource Fair will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00–7:30 PM at Holly Middle School.

This event brings together local mental health agencies to share resources, answer questions, and provide guidance. Whether you are seeking support, exploring options, or just want to learn more, this fair is for you!

Featured Workshops:

• Raising a Child with Anxiety and Depression – hosted by Jerilynn Jacobson, Giesken Counseling

• The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health – hosted by Dr. Phillip Pitman, New Oakland Family Centers

Curious about how early career exploration inspires your child’s academic engagement and future success? The article “How Xello gives families a glimpse into student career planning” explains that including families in the process helps students feel more supported, accountable, and motivated. Through Xello Family, parents and guardians gain visibility into their child’s strengths, goals, career matches, and ongoing tasks—plus important milestones like FAFSA deadlines.

At Holly Area Schools, we integrate Xello across K–12 to build bridges between school, students, and families. For younger learners, Xello delivers playful, age-appropriate experiences to spark imagination, self-awareness, and goal-setting skills. As students advance, Xello continues guiding them in exploring career paths, setting plans, and making academic choices aligned to their interests. With the added transparency of Xello Family, families can review progress, send messages to educators, and stay engaged in their child’s journey.

This early and ongoing alignment between home and school helps students internalize the value of learning today and see how each lesson connects to possible futures. It lays a foundation not only for success in school, but also for college, career, and lifelong growth.

Check out the article below for more information!

If you have any questions about our Career Programs, please contact Jennifer Fettig: 248-328-3200, jennifer.fettig@hask12.org

In a world where challenges and setbacks are inevitable, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is resilience. The article “7 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids” from the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch highlights the 7 Cs of resilience—Competence, Confidence, Connection, Coping, Control, Character, and Contribution—as essential strengths that can be nurtured in every child. Kids develop these qualities when they are encouraged to try new things, learn from mistakes, build meaningful relationships, and practice healthy ways of managing stress and emotions. By supporting these areas, families can help children feel capable, valued, and prepared to handle life’s ups and downs.

What makes this article especially powerful is how it balances encouragement with practical steps families can take. Parents and caregivers can foster resilience by giving children opportunities to make age-appropriate decisions, openly discussing values and effort, and celebrating persistence over perfection. When families reframe struggles as opportunities for growth, children learn that setbacks are stepping stones, not roadblocks. To explore these strategies in depth and discover more ways to strengthen resilience at home, we encourage families to read the full article, “7 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids”, from Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.

Check out the article below for more information!

October marks National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to focus on prevention efforts and recognize the support available in our community. It’s also a moment to honor the over 20 million Americans battling addiction, remember those lost to it, and celebrate the resilience of those in recovery, along with the friends and family who stand by them.

Preventing substance use begins with open conversations with our students about the effects of substance abuse on their health. Research shows that early use of substances like alcohol, tobacco, or drugs significantly increases the risk of addiction. Every year that substance use is delayed during adolescent brain development reduces the risk of addiction.

Here are resources to help raise awareness about substance use and where to find help in our community:

• SAMHSA’s "Talk. They Hear You" Campaign: Empowering adults to steer children away from the risks of alcohol and drugs.
• Natural High Foundation: Nationally recognized motivational storytelling videos of celebrities explaining why they live a drug-free life. Follow-up discussion guides and activities included.
• Harvard Medical Blog's Tips for Talking with Your Teens: Guidance for parents and educators on discussing drug use with youth.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse's Resources: Providing critical information for parents and educators on substance use and effective communication.

If you or a loved one is struggling, Care Solace is here to help. This complimentary service is available to the Holly Area Schools community. We encourage you to visit their Substance Abuse and Bullying Prevention resource page, where you’ll find videos and activities to share and use at home.

As a community, we are committed to the emotional and physical well-being of each individual, and encourage you to access the resources available to you should a crisis arise.

Together, let’s break the cycle of youth substance abuse and encourage healthy living where kids are empowered to live a healthy, balanced life!

In an effort to ease the burden of finding the mental health and substance use services you need, Holly Area Schools has formed a new partnership with Care Solace, your central hub of care.

With a network of over 350,000 providers and services, Care Solace will help you find the right help at the right time, 24/7/365, at no cost to you. They will connect you with providers accepting all medical insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance.

You can access Care Solace services in three ways:

1. Call 888-515-0595 to connect with a Care Companion who will guide you through the process
2. Search anonymously to get matched with an extensive list of care providers here or click the link below!
3. Contact your school counselor or social worker and they will submit a referral on your behalf

Please reach out to Cheryl Price with any questions: 248-328-3230, cheryl.price@hask12.org

If you have any questions about mental health wellness, please contact Cheryl Price: 248-328-3230, cheryl.price@hask12.org

By the third month of school, most young children are beginning to feel comfortable in their classroom routines. This sense of security allows them to show more of their personality, take risks, and build friendships. Parents may notice new bursts of independence as well as some testing of limits—both signs that children are adjusting and growing.

What You Might See at Home

• Increased independence: “I can do it myself!”
• Friendship talk: naming classmates, wanting to share stories about peers.
• Big emotions: meltdowns after school as children release the effort of managing themselves all day.
• Routine confidence: smoother transitions in and out of school.

How Parents Can Support

• Keep routines consistent: predictable mornings, mealtimes, and bedtimes give children the security they need to try new things.
• Talk about friendships: ask open-ended questions like, “Who did you enjoy playing with today?”
• Encourage independence: offer small, supported choices (“Do you want the red or blue cup?”).
• Normalize emotions: remind your child it’s okay to feel tired, upset, or overwhelmed after a long school day.

Why This Matters

Research shows that consistent routines and supportive relationships help young children feel safe, which in turn fosters learning and positive behavior. By offering children both structure and encouragement at home, families play a vital role in reinforcing what children are practicing at school.

*“Predictable routines provide a sense of safety for young children and support the development of self-control and social skills.” – National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 2019)

*“Children who experience positive relationships and consistent structure are more likely to thrive academically and socially.” – Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL, 2008)

If you have any questions about our Early Childhood Programs, please contact Candice Davies: 248-328-3022, candice.davies@hask12.org

Energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages are marketed as quick boosts of energy and focus, but they can pose significant health risks for adolescents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents should consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day (about the amount in one small cup of coffee). However, many popular energy drinks contain 150–300 mg per can, often combined with other stimulants. Excessive caffeine use in teens has been linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep problems, anxiety, and even dehydration during sports. Studies show that nearly one-third of adolescents regularly consume energy drinks, raising concern about long-term health effects and dependence.

When talking to your child about caffeine, frame the conversation around health, balance, and performance rather than restriction. Share how too much caffeine can actually make them feel more tired, anxious, or unfocused over time, and emphasize how water, balanced nutrition, and sleep are better ways to support energy. Encourage them to read labels on drinks and snacks to spot hidden caffeine, and help them make informed choices by comparing caffeine amounts in sodas, coffees, and energy drinks. You can also set family guidelines, such as no caffeine in the evening, and offer healthier alternatives like fruit-infused water or smoothies. By keeping the dialogue open and supportive, you empower your adolescent to make choices that protect their health and help them feel their best.

Click the pictures below to learn more about the impact of caffeine on our kids and us!

The Nurse on Call service is a free resource available to Holly families and all Oakland County residents.

Staffed by public health professionals, the service provides expert advice, answers to health-related questions, and guidance on accessing local health related resources. Families can connect with the service Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, by calling 800-848-5533 or emailing noc@oakgov.com.

Whether you need help with managing health concerns, navigating public health services, or finding health related resources and support, Nurse on Call is there to assist.

Click the link below for more information!

See the flyer below for more information!

If you have any questions about physical health and your students, please contact Jessica Morantes: 248-328-3028, jessica.morantes@hask12.org

We’re excited to remind you about Holly Area Youth Assistance (HAYA) - a local, community-driven organization dedicated to strengthening youth and families in our school district. HAYA offers a variety of supports designed to help your student - and your family - thrive.

Here’s how HAYA can help:

• Casework Services: Low-cost, confidential, and short-term counseling and referrals focused on the whole family, not just one incident.

• Scholarships & Assistance Programs: From Skill Building Scholarships (for camps, arts, athletic programs) to a Footwear Program, Musical Instrument Loans, and more — these services can ease financial burdens and help students stay active and engaged.

• Family Education & Parenting Programs: Workshops and classes aimed at supporting positive family growth and healthy communication.

• Seasonal & Community Projects: Back-to-school supplies, holiday giving (Toy Project), and youth recognition — ways to lift up families and celebrate students in our community.

If your student could benefit from counseling support, a scholarship opportunity, or any of HAYA’s helpful programs, you can reach out to them directly by phone or email.

Let’s partner to make sure every Broncho has the support and resources they need to succeed - both in school and at home.

Families in Holly are welcome to take part in Wellness Wednesdays at the Baldwin Center, located at 212 Baldwin Ave, Pontiac, MI.

This weekly event will run every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, offering a free meal alongside access to a variety of vital resources. Services include showers, laundry facilities, housing support, career assistance, medical services, and more, with additional rotating services available.

Open to all Oakland County residents, Wellness Wednesdays provide a welcoming space to connect with essential health, housing, and employment resources.

See the flyer below for more information!

Holly residents have access to the Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), a door-to-door public transportation service for adults aged 18+ and their children.

WOTA prioritizes seniors aged 55+, disabled adults, and veterans but is available to all registered adults in the service area. With lift-equipped vehicles, WOTA ensures accessibility for individuals with mobility needs.

For Holly residents, the service extends to nearby areas like Fenton, Grand Blanc, and parts of Flint.

Rides cost $4 per stop, with reduced rates for seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families, while veterans and their families ride free. Registration is required, and rides must be scheduled at least 48 business hours in advance by calling 248-887-4979.

The Oakland County Foster Closet provides free essentials for children in foster care, adoptive and kinship families, as well as low-income and at-risk youth. Families can receive clothing, shoes, bedding, hygiene items, diapers, school supplies, toys, and even birthday kits at no cost.

If you or someone you know might benefit please call/text 248-419-4487.

Holly Area Schools can submit a referral on your behalf, please contact: Sydney Sinclair, 248-328-3417, sydney.sinclair@hask12.org

Holly families can access a variety of free supports through the Fenton Center of Hope, a community organization dedicated to helping local families in need.

Services include access to a free choice food pantry, baby supplies such as diapers and clothing, short-term housing assistance, pregnancy resources, and family mentoring and counseling. Parenting classes and educational programs are also available to help strengthen and support families.

Families interested in receiving assistance can call 810-620-8167.

See the flyer below for more information!

Are you in need of assistance? You are not alone and we are here to help.

Attending school every day is essential for academic success and well-being. Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track in their classes, build strong relationships, and develop important life skills. Research shows that students who miss just two days per month (about 18 days per year) are significantly more at risk of falling behind and facing challenges from kindergarten through high school graduation.

In fact, chronic absenteeism can lead to a decrease in literacy skills in the early years and lower graduation rates in high school.

We want to partner with you to support positive attendance for every student! If you need assistance with transportation, morning routines, or other concerns, please reach out to your child’s school counselor or social worker—they’re here to help.

Remember: Every Day Counts, Every Broncho Matters!

Check out the information from Attendance Works below!

Let us know your thoughts and what you want to hear about next!

At Holly Area Schools we believe that families aren't just a part of our team, but the heart of it. Thank you for partnering with us in support of your students!

Cheryl Price: 248-328-3230, cheryl.price@hask12.org

Sydney Sinclair: 248-328-3417, sydney.sinclair@hask12.org