HAS Parent Outreach Program
April 2025
April: Raising Good Humans - Saying the Right Things
Welcome back to the Family Wellness Spotlight, a recurring series where we’ll explore key insights from various sources on parenting best practices! Currently, we are reading the book Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields. Over the coming months, we’ll dive into practical strategies from the book to help cultivate mindful parenting, strengthen family relationships, and raise kind, confident children. Join us as we unpack these lessons and apply them to everyday life!
In this edition of our spotlight, we explore practicing what to say when you don't know what to say. One of the most important tools we have as parents is our language. As Hunter Clarke-Fields shares in Raising Good Humans, “Once I focused on reducing my reactivity, I was able to stay a bit calmer... but I was still saying unskillful things to my child, which caused her to resist nearly everything.” Our words carry weight, and when we shift from giving orders to expressing our needs with empathy, our children begin to listen—not out of fear, but because they feel connected. Clarke-Fields emphasizes that “positive I-messages are a great way to make ‘deposits’ in your child’s emotional bank account.” These messages let us share our feelings and boundaries in a way that invites cooperation instead of resistance.
When we model respectful communication, we’re not only solving short-term challenges—we’re teaching long-term life skills. Children need healthy boundaries, but they also need to see how adults manage emotions and communicate clearly. Instead of saying, “You never clean your room,” an I-message might sound like, “When clothes are left on the floor, I feel overwhelmed because I need our space to stay clean.” It’s a subtle shift that moves us from blame to connection—and it teaches kids that both their needs and ours matter. As Clarke-Fields reminds us, “When we parent with threats, parenting will become harder... but when we confront our children’s behavior with loving and effective communication, it actually gets easier over time.”
This week, try slowing down during tough moments. Listen first. Reflect feelings. Then, express your needs calmly and clearly using I-messages. Remember, Clarke-Fields reminds us that “listening is the gold standard in helping others and building connection,” and it’s this act of mindful listening—paired with how we speak—that can strengthen relationships with our children. You may be surprised at how your child responds—not just in the moment, but in how your relationship begins to deepen over time.
April: Career Readiness at Any Age - Talking to Kids About Money
Talking to your kids about money doesn’t have to be awkward or overwhelming—it can be part of everyday life. This insightful article explores how modeling good habits, explaining your spending decisions, and being honest about your financial experiences can help kids build a strong foundation for managing money. From using allowances to teach saving and spending, to involving kids in simple family budgeting conversations, there are plenty of practical, age-appropriate ways to help them grow into financially responsible adults.
The article also encourages parents to discuss their family’s financial values, be open about money’s role in the world, and let kids learn through small mistakes. Whether your child is a preschooler or a teen, you’ll find helpful tips to make financial literacy a natural part of their upbringing.
Check out the article below for more information!
Care Solace
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:
- Call 888-515-0595 to connect with a Care Companion who will guide you through the process
- Search anonymously to get matched with an extensive list of care providers here or click the link below!
- 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
Do you need financial assistance to access mental health care for your student?
Reimbursement can be used for insurance co-pays, deductible services by a qualified mental health professional such as for therapy or psychiatry. Funds are available to any Oakland County student.
Click the link below to apply!
April: Spring Into Renewal - A Fresh Start for Your Mental Well-Being
As winter fades and spring emerges, nature reminds us that renewal is possible. The changing season brings longer days, blooming flowers, and a sense of fresh beginnings—making it the perfect time to focus on mental well-being and personal growth.
Embrace the Energy of the Season
Spring is a season of transformation. Just as trees bud with new leaves and flowers begin to bloom, we too can embrace change and growth. Consider using this time to reflect on your mental health, set new intentions, and let go of what no longer serves you.
Ways to Refresh Your Mind and Spirit
🌿 Declutter Your Space & Mind – A tidy space can lead to a clearer mind. Organizing your home or workspace can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
☀️ Soak in the Sunshine – Sunlight naturally boosts serotonin levels, which can enhance mood and energy. Take a walk, open your windows, or spend time outdoors.
💬 Reconnect with Others – Spring is a great time to nurture relationships. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, joining a new community group, or simply reaching out to a loved one, social connections strengthen mental well-being.
🧘 Prioritize Self-Care – Engage in activities that make you feel renewed, whether it’s exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply taking deep breaths in fresh spring air.
🚀 Set Fresh Goals – Spring symbolizes new beginnings. What’s something you’d like to accomplish or improve? Start small and take one step at a time.
A Season of Growth
As the world around us awakens, let this be a reminder that change and growth are natural parts of life. This season, give yourself permission to start fresh, embrace positivity, and cultivate habits that bring joy and balance.
Let’s welcome spring with open hearts and minds—ready to grow, heal, and renew. 🌸✨
Free Nurse on Call for Oakland County Residents
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!
Low-Cost/Free Transportation Services for Oakland County Residents
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.
Every Day Counts, Every Broncho Matters!
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!
