Applications for Preschool and Home Visiting services are now OPEN for the 2025-2026 school year (starting in September). Please visit BayArenacPreschool.com to fill out the form. For more information call or email the Preschool Offices : preschool@baisd.net ~ (989) 667-3209 | | HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES | |
TALKING IS TEACHING:
Let’s talk about SPRING! With spring comes grass, blooming flowers, and warm sunshine! With your little one, find and name the colors all around you! “Can you find something pink? You’re right, the flower petals are pink!”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
| | KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS: | |
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- Do a somersault and hop
- Initiates, joins in, and sustains positive interactions with a small group of 2-3 children
- Writes strings of letters, not necessarily words
- Uses and responds appropriately to positional words indicating location, direction, and distance (under, over, between, close, far, behind, in front, etc.)
- Explores dance and movement concepts
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COOKING AT HOME - VEGGIE WRAP
Cooking Matters
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Ingredients:
1. 4 large radishes
1 small carrot
1 cup salad greens
3 sprigs fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro, or combination)
1 lemon
2 ounces low-fat Swiss or cheddar cheese
1 large, ripe avocado
¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt
3 (8-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
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Instructions:
- Scrub and rinse radishes and carrots. Rinse salad greens. Pat all veggies dry.
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel radishes and carrots into long, thin strips. In a medium bowl, collect veggie strips.
- Rinse herbs. Pluck leaves off stems. Tear leaves into smaller pieces.
- Rinse lemon. Zest using the small holes of a box grater. Cut in half and remove seeds.
- Grate cheese.
- Slice avocado lengthwise. Remove pit. Scoop avocado out of shell.
- In a small bowl, use a fork to mash avocado. Stir in yogurt.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice onto avocado mixture. Add herbs and a pinch of lemon zest. Stir.
- Warm 1 tortilla in the microwave for 30 seconds, or longer as needed.
- Place the warm tortilla on a cutting board. Spread 1/8 avocado mixture over center of tortilla. Layer with 1/8 greens, 1/8 grated veggies, and 1/8 cheese. If using turkey, add 1/8 turkey now. Squeeze more lemon juice over the mixture.Roll tortilla and toppings into a log shape. Use a knife to slice wrap into four “pinwheels.”
- Repeat process for the other 2 tortillas. You will end up with a total of 12 pinwheels.
View full recipe: VEGGIE WRAP
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SPRING ALLERGIES OR TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL? HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCES
Maggie Dwan
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As flowers bloom and pollen fills the air, many children experience allergy symptoms that can look like illness. It’s not always easy to tell if your child should stay home—but knowing the difference can help avoid unnecessary absences and keep learning on track.
🌼 What Mild Allergy Symptoms Look Like:
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Sneezing
– Mild, dry cough (with no fever or breathing trouble)
– Itchy or watery eyes (without redness or swelling)
– Mild fatigue or sinus pressure
These symptoms are typically manageable with allergy medication, hydration, and rest—and usually not a reason to miss school.
🚫 Keep Home or Seek Care If:
– Fever over 100.4°F
– Severe cough, wheezing, or trouble breathing
– Vomiting or diarrhea
– Rash with fever or blisters
Allergies are common in spring—and with the right support, most kids can stay in school and stay comfortable.
Read more TIPS FROM SHOOL HEALTH EXPERTS on when to send your child or keep them home.
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EARLY ON
By 1 year, most toddlers point to objects of interest—a key milestone for joint attention. This skill is critical for language and social interaction. Early intervention targets this if it’s delayed.
If you have concerns or questions about your child's development please contact Amy Vallad, BAISD Early On Coordinator at vallada@baisd.net or (989) 262-4182
Learn more about EARLY ON.
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HELP ME GROW
Talking and reading with your child builds strong language skills! By 3-5 years old, kids are forming sentences and learning new words every day. If you have concerns about your child's speech or language, call Help Me Grow.
For more information visit helpmegrow-mi.org/counties or call 844-464-0005.
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Building Healthy Relationships with Media: Essential Skills for Children 10 and Younger
American Academics of Pediatrics
Children build media habits and preferences from a very young age, so it’s worthwhile to set them up for a healthy relationship with media before they grow into teens and young adults.
Click on the LINK for strategies are ways to build balance, critical thinking, self-regulation, and safety skills for toddlers through elementary school-aged children.
| | PLAYING WITHOUT SCREENS IDEA | | |
Unplugged play = playing without screens
Great Lakes Bay Parents
Unplugged play with parents and caregivers can benefit children, even with just a few minutes a day. A balance of unplugged play and screen time is possible for families, especially when trying the activities or using the resources listed on Great Lakes Bay Parents.
Check it out: UNPLUGGED PLAY
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Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Recipe
Kid-Friendly Things To Do
Make Homemade Sidewalk Chalk with your kids this summer for a fun boredom buster. They will love using their own homemade chalk outside on the sidewalk or driveway.
Check it out: HOMEMADE SIDEWALK CHALK
| | FOOD/ DIAPER/ CLOTHING GIVEAWAY | | | | |
Arenac County:
The Closet Exchange, 263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres
Resources offered: children's clothing, shoes, etc.
Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE
Arenac County Baby Pantry 583 E. Cedar St., Standish (entrance is on the North side)
Resources offered: clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby related items. Open Wednesdays at 12 - 4 PM.
Learn more: ARENAC COUNTY BABY PANTRY
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Beacon of Light Church, 201 S. Forest St. Standish
Resources offered: Diapers. Every Monday at 10 AM - 12 PM
For more information call 989-846-6592
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Bay County:
Safe Harbor Community Center, 706 Joseph Street, Bay City, in the Banks District.
Resources offered: food takeout, food pantry, and mass food giveaway
Learn more about SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITY CENTER
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YMCA, 225 Washington Ave, Bay City
Resources offered: youth food program
Learn more about YMCA
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Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them. During each Café parent will learn about the protective factors, create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to strengthen their families, and receive practical tools and resources to take home. Access to additional resources even when the Cafés are over. Sign up today!
Covenant Anderson Building (1020 Almira, Saginaw)
Thursdays from May 22 - June 26 at 10 AM - 12 PM
For any inquiries, please reach out to ccharbonneau@cancouncil.org.
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Parenting Classes
WHERE: 4401 E. Wilder Rd., Suite B231, Bay City, MI 48706
CONTACT: 248-600-9489 or BornToBloomDoulaCare@gmail.com
- The Mommy Hive
- Dad Life Support Group
- Teen Mom Drive Support Group
- Working Moms United Support Group
Learn More & Register: BORN TO BLOOM DOULA CARE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
May 6 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting
May 13 - Intro to HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)
May 20 - Purpose of Play
May 27 - Let's Talk: Parent and Provider Communication
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series for Kinship Caregivers
Thursdays at 11:30 AM - 1 PM, May 2, 2025 - June 6
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series
Wednesdays at 11:30 AM - 1 PM, May 14 - June 18
Online Kinship Caregiver workshops: Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
May 14, 7 - 8:30 PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
| | BAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT LACTATION SUPPORT | |
- - Lactation support through call or text
- - In home and in office lactation support
- - Breastfeeding and infant feeding classes
- - Assistance finding community resources
- - Support groups: Virtual and in person (with breastfeeding assistance available)
*Regardless of insurance or qualifying for public assistance, if you are a Bay County resident, these services are available to you.
(Moms outside ov Bay County are welcome to join)
For more information: Call or text Charissa Loeffler (989)459-8487
| | WELLSPRING - BEHAVIOR HEALTH | | | | |
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidenced-based, short-term parent coaching program for young children with behavioral problems. It is designed to increase positive parent-child interactions, and equips parents to confidently, calmly, and consistently manage their child’s behavior.
Learn more: PCIT
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Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
| | MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY | | |
Virtual Breastfeeding Class
Virtual Childbirth Crash Course
Breastfeeding Class
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 9 AM: EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP (ages 0-5) at BAISD LLC Arenac, Standish. Register: Emily at courtneyak@baisd.net or call 989-667-3240
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May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10 AM - 12 PM: GREAT LAKES BAY MOM CAFE & PLAYGROUP at Bay City Town Center, Bay City. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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May 1, 8, & 15 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 1, 8, & 15 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 1, 8, & 15 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 1 at 4:30 PM, 5 PM, & 5:30 PM: GIFT FOR A GAL (age 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 2, 9, 16, & 23 at 9 AM: EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP (ages 0-5) at BAISD Career Center, Bay City. Register: Emily at courtneyak@baisd.net or call 989-667-3240
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May 3 at 9 AM - 12PM: WOOD WORKSHOP at Home Depot, Bay City
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May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 25 at 10 AM - 4 PM: VISITOR CENTER OPEN at the Bay City State Park, Bay City
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May 3 at 11 AM - 5 PM: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Cashman's Comics, Bay City
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May 5, 12 & 19 at 9 AM: EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP (ages 0-5) at BAISD LLC Bay, Essexvile. Register: Emily at courtneyak@baisd.net or call 989-667-3240
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May 5 at 9 AM: STORYTIME at Legacy Coffee House, Bay City
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May 5 & 12 at 10 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10 AM: EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP (ages 0-5) at Auburn Library, Auburn. Register: Emily at courtneyak@baisd.net or call 989-667-3240
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May 6 & 13 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 6 & 13 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 7 & 14 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 7 & 14 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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May 7 & 14 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 7 & 14 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 8 at 6 PM: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: A2 MAGIC (ages 2-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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May 9 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE (ages 0-4) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 9 at 10:30 AM: FLOWER BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 9 at 1 PM: NATURE EXPLORERS at Bay City State Park, Bay City. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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May 10 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 12 at 10 AM: STORYTIME at Excited Goat Coffee Company, Essexville
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May 12 at 10:30 AM: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS at Omer Library, Omer. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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May 13 at 2 PM: BAKE! (ages 3-5) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 13 at 4:30 PM: DUCT TAPE FLOWER CRAFT (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 15 at 6 PM: MAKE IT! FOOD GARDEN (ages 6-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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May 16 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART: PAINT A BIRDHOUSE (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 16 & 30 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! (ages 2-5) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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May 17 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 19 at 11 AM: BUSY BOOK CAFE (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 20 at 4:30 PM: SEW CREATIVE: APRON (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 21 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 22 & 29 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & MOVE & GROOVE (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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May 22 at 6 PM: MAKE IT!: WOODLAND TERRARIUM (ages 6-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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May 23 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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May 27 at 4:30 PM: MEET THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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May 29 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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