HAS Parent Outreach Program
February 2025
February: Raising Good Humans - Taking Care of Difficult Feelings
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 emotional acceptance and acknowledgement - for our children and for us. "When you resist, it persists," this powerful insight reminds us that avoiding difficult feelings only amplifies our discomfort. In Raising Good Humans, Hunter Clarke-Fields explains how our natural instinct to suppress emotions—whether by distraction, denial, or lashing out—can lead to deeper struggles within ourselves and with our loved ones. Learning to accept and acknowledge these emotions without judgment not only helps us find relief but also models healthy emotional responses for our children.
The journey begins with recognizing that emotions, even the unpleasant ones, are a natural part of life. Clarke-Fields writes, “Feelings, like toddlers, will not give us peace until we truly see and hear them.” This means allowing yourself—and your children—to fully experience emotions without rushing to fix or dismiss them. When we label and accept our feelings, we release resistance and create space for them to pass. For parents, this practice is essential. Whether it’s the frustration of a child’s tantrum or the anxiety of navigating a hectic day, taking a moment to pause, breathe, and name your emotions can make all the difference.
As Clarke-Fields suggests, “The only way out of our difficult feelings is through.” By embracing this mindful approach, we not only foster resilience within ourselves but also equip our children with the tools to process their emotions in a healthy way. Next time you face a tough parenting moment, remember: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. What matters most is how you respond—with patience, presence, and unconditional love.
February: Career Readiness at Any Age - Can Chores Have an Impact?
Introducing chores at home is a powerful way to equip young people with essential skills for college and career readiness. Chores teach responsibility and the value of hard work, helping children understand that their contributions matter and that completing tasks is an integral part of life. These lessons build a strong work ethic, instill self-reliance, and foster planning and time management skills—all crucial for succeeding in academic and professional settings. Tasks like doing laundry, cooking, or cleaning also prepare children with practical life skills that can be best covered at home and with family, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the demands of college life and future careers.
Beyond practical skills, involving children in household chores nurtures traits that are highly valued in higher education and the workforce. By contributing to a shared goal, children learn teamwork and develop empathy as they see the impact of their efforts on others. Completing tasks successfully builds confidence and self-esteem, showing them they are capable of making meaningful contributions. Studies, including research from Harvard, highlight how these early responsibilities translate into greater happiness and success in college, careers, and life.
By incorporating chores into daily routines, families not only strengthen their bonds but also set the stage for raising resilient, skilled, and college- and career-ready individuals.
Check out the articles 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!
February: Prioritizing Mental Health This Month
As we move into February, a month often associated with love and connection, it’s the perfect time to emphasize the importance of mental health—not just for ourselves but for our entire community. Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being and impacts how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. In our district, we’re committed to providing resources and support for parents, students, and staff to help prioritize mental health.
Understanding the Importance of Mental Health: Mental health isn’t just about managing stress or preventing illness; it’s about thriving in all areas of life. Just as we schedule annual check-ups for our physical health, it’s essential to check in with our mental health regularly. Studies show that fostering emotional well-being can improve academic performance, strengthen relationships, and even boost physical health.
Signs to Watch For: As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize the signs that someone—whether it’s your child, a loved one, or even yourself—might need additional mental health support. These can include:
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Withdrawal from friends or activities
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches
If you notice these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Tips for Everyday Mental Health: Here are a few simple ways to prioritize mental well-being this month -
Create Routine: Establishing a predictable daily schedule can help reduce stress for both kids and adults.
Practice Gratitude: Encourage your family to share one thing they’re grateful for each day.
Stay Active: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
Talk Openly: Normalize discussions about emotions and mental health in your home.
Let’s Support Each Other: At Holly Area Schools, we believe mental health is just as important as academics. By working together as a community, we can create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive.
Did you miss our Vaping 101 Presentation?
Thank you to everyone who attended our Vaping 101 Presentation, presented by the Adolescent Addiction Recovery Center (AARC). If you missed it, we want to share some important insights from the session.
Dr. Matt and Marlene discussed the dangers of vaping, including its harmful chemicals, serious health risks, and impact on teen brain development. They also explored why teens turn to vaping and how parents can support prevention efforts.
A key takeaway was the importance of open and ongoing conversations with your child about substance use!
Click the links below to view the presentation or learn more about the AARC!
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!
