Category: Flat Rock

Winter time, often comes with the temptation for kids to snuggle up to their gadgets and indulge way too much screen time; therefore, take deliberate steps to build them a winter routine that includes plenty of physical activity. Below are listed 5 great ways to keep your child active this winter.

  • Physically-Engaging Video Games

One severe strain on modern parenting the excessive timeframe children tend to spend on their screen.  A video game that allows the full-body have active controls, will ensure they have the much needed physical activity while also satisfying their’ gaming excitement.

Modern game systems create avenues for kids to mimic some activities performed while playing certain sports like bowling or tennis, which allows them to exercise their coordination and release some energy.

  • Explore the Skating Rink or A Bowling Center

Winter is just the season for skating on ice or wheels in metro Detroit. Kids enjoy skating a lot and it is a great way to burn off calories. Many local skating rinks even offer passes for frequent visits.

Another fantastic activity is bowling as it gives the opportunity for moving around socializing with friends.Your child might even be interested in a bowling league for added structure and competition.

  • Swimming

The metro Detroit area has many indoor pools available for full use during these winter months. Swimming is a perfect full body workout and kids of all ages and skill levels can participate. This is a sure fire way to wear your children out when outside activities are not an option.

  • Scavenger Hunts

If you have a large group of kids, a scavenger hunt is a terrific indoor activity to try out with them. Just split them up into different teams, giving the various teams a number of activities to carry-out or items to collect. Make flexible game rules, and let them compete to know how many of the listed items the different team will collect within the given time frame.

  • Mini Golf In Your Home

Affordable and inexpensive, plastic kid-sized golf clubs are a perfect addition to your winter activity toolbelt. Adding a number of plastic cups to the golf club will give your kids fresh targets to aim for and keep them excited and active for very long hours.

Congratulations on starting a new school year! We know you are excited to join your classmates in making this a successful year in your academic career and we have high expectations for all of you.

It is our sincere hope that those of you who are new to Summit Academy will quickly find your place in our family and discover the unique benefits we offer. Our staff is looking forward to getting to know you and we hope that you will make the most of the learning opportunities, the assistance, the friendships, and the once in a lifetime experiences found at Summit Academy.

Returning students will be able to build on the confidence and strength you have gained during your time with us. We promise to keep challenging you and finding new ways to inspire you to reach your goals now and in the future. We encourage you to push yourselves out of your comfort zones this year and find new ways to grow personally. If you have not done so, find a club, program, or sport that interests you and go for it. Remember that we are always here to help guide you in your endeavors.

Parents, thank you for preparing your child for a new school year. You are such a significant part of their journey and a necessary part of the Summit Academy family. Be sure to stay connected with us this year and to use the tools available to you to monitor your child’s progress. Together, we can all make this a year to remember.

Welcome back, Dragons!

Congratulations on starting a new school year! We know you are excited to join your classmates in making this a successful year in your academic career and we have high expectations for all of you.

It is our sincere hope that those of you who are new to Summit Academy will quickly find your place in our family and discover the unique benefits we offer. Our staff is looking forward to getting to know you and we hope that you will make the most of the learning opportunities, the assistance, the friendships, and the once in a lifetime experiences found at Summit Academy.

Returning students will be able to build on the confidence and strength you have gained during your time with us. We promise to keep challenging you and finding new ways to inspire you to reach your goals now and in the future. We encourage you to push yourselves out of your comfort zones this year and find new ways to grow personally. If you have not done so, find a club, program, or sport that interests you and go for it. Remember that we are always here to help guide you in your endeavors.

Parents, thank you for preparing your child for a new school year. You are such a significant part of their journey and a necessary part of the Summit Academy family. Be sure to stay connected with us this year and to use the tools available to you to monitor your child’s progress. Together, we can all make this a year to remember.

Welcome back, Dragons!

 

As August approaches, you may be looking to squeeze in those last few day trips in the remaining weeks of summer vacation.

Before you resort to your usual destinations, branch out and look into these 3 little known Metro Detroit gems you may have missed

  • The Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit) – Let your family discover the beauty of the outdoors inside this breathtaking building. The Outdoor Adventure Center gives visitors a taste of the northern Michigan experience with hands-on learning activities and simulators.  Whether you want to hike, fish, or simply learn more about the DNR, the OAC is worth a closer look.

 

  • Star Jaycee Park (Royal Oak) – Even smaller parks in the Metro Detroit area are filled with unique treasures. The miniature trains of Star Jaycee Park are sure to catch your eye, especially if you have little ones.  These trains are not just for show; you and your child can ride these little steamers for a small donation of your choice. Be sure to check the train schedule before planning your trip.

 

  • Gabriel Richard Park – Enjoy the fresh air with a visit to one of the best parks along Detroit’s river front. Gabriel Richard Park will help you and your family take in the beauty within Detroit while you appreciate the plush flower and butterfly gardens. Enjoy a lunch or snack in one of the pavilions, and even plan a fishing trip. One visit to this park will remind you just how much you love Metro Detroit.

Already visited one of these spots? Share your experience with other parents on our Facebook page.

After much consideration, you’ve decided that you want your child to attend a charter school in the metro Detroit area. Now comes the hard part; choosing which charter school will best meet your child’s needs.

All Charter School are not Created Equal

There are many advantages that charter schools have over public school options. Still, each charter school is different and will vary greatly in what they can offer to your child. Take the time to look at reviews of the charter schools based in metro Detroit to see what other parents are saying. Social media is a wonderful resource to also provide you with insight from current students of the school.

What to Look For

Ultimately, you are the only one who knows the needs of your child and your family. Are you looking for a curriculum change? Was your child being bullied at their last school? Really think about why you want your child to attend a charter school and make sure the schools you are looking at match those values.

Some other things you will want to consider are:

  • Graduation rate
  • College acceptance rate
  • Technology available to students
  • Special learning programs offered
  • Extracurricular activities offered

Your child’s learning environment plays a large role in their academic success. Always take the opportunity to visit each location for yourself and never be afraid to ask questions. No matter what metro Detroit charter school you select for your child, be sure that it is the best fit for you and your child.

As fidget spinners continue to grow in popularity, they might have made their way onto your child’s back to school wish list. However, the effectiveness of these fidget toys have been hotly debated by teachers and parents alike.  Ultimately, schools and parents are left with one question; should fidget spinners be allowed in the classroom.

Distracting or Focus Enhancing?

Many kids play with devices, doodle, or somehow occupy their hands during class.  Sitting still is difficult for all of us at times, but especially for school age children whose minds often wander or begin daydreaming instead of paying attention in class. As a solution to this, the fidget spinner is said to help children focus better by giving their hands something to do without encouraging further distractions. Yet, while some agree that it works, others argue that it causes more disruption to their learning and can even cause other children to lose focus in class.

A Toy or a Tool?

Part of the reason fidget spinners are being talked about on a school level is due to the phenomenal demand it has created from kids and adults. Adults use it at work as a way of preventing idleness and consider it a useful tool.  Still, as it becomes mass produced in a variety of colors and styles, the fidget spinner may be seen as more of a desirable toy than a remedy for distraction.  If you are thinking of purchasing one for your child, ask them what they think it is to be used for and how it will help them. Their answer should give you an idea of how it will be used.

Has your child been asking for a fidget spinner? Do you think they should be allowed in the classroom? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page!

There is a lot of family fun to be had in the Detroit Metro area this coming week. Here are our top picks for some true summer entertainment.

Explore Wild Summer Nights at the Detroit Zoo

The long days of summer means more time for you to run wild at the zoo. On Wednesday evenings in July and August, the Detroit Zoo remains open until 8 PM and hosts concerts for all to enjoy.

https://visitdetroit.com/event/wild-summer-nights/

Visit the Civil Rights Exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Art

The Art of Rebellion: Black Art of the Civil Rights Movement features 34 paintings, sculptures, and photographs created by black artists in the 1960s and 1970s. Through their work, these artists attempted to address social and political issues that focused on racial injustice. This piece of history can help you and your family reflect on the changes in the Detroit area and the country.

https://visitdetroit.com/event/art-rebellion-black-art-civil-rights-movement/

Take a break at Summerfest

There are few better ways to relax with your family than by listening to an outdoor concert or watching a movie while enjoying local food. Summer at the War Memorial provides live music and entertainment for all members of your family. Pack a picnic or try some of fare from vendors featured at the festival.

http://www.warmemorial.org/summerfest/

 

The 4th of July is only a few days away. Instead of heading out to the store to for your festive decor, check out these crafts that will get you and your children into the Independence Day spirit.