The Bay Arenac Great Start has updated the website and is now easier to navigate for information that you may need. Find local resources, parent classes, tips, and so much more. | | HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES | |
TALKING IS TEACHING:
Let’s talk about FAMILY! Every family is unique in their own way. What are some things that make your family special? Work together to create a family portrait that shows off all the things that are unique about your family. Hang your masterpiece on the refrigerator for all to enjoy!
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
| | KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS: | |
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- Stack 10 or more blocks
- Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests
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Recognizes name and as many as 10 letters
- Identifies numbers to 10 by name and connects each number to an object when counting
- Demonstrates knowledge of Earth's environment (seasons, weather, day and night)
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HELP ME GROW
Understanding feelings is key! Teaching 3- to 5-year-olds howto express and manage emotions helps them build strongrelationships. If you have concerns about your child’s emotionalregulation, call Help Me Grow.
For more information visit helpmegrow-mi.org/counties or call 844-464-0005.
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EARLY ON
Sleep is essential for learning and development. Babies and toddlers spend 12-16 hours sleeping, consolidating memories and skills they’ve learned during the day.
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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COOKING AT HOME - VEGGIE & RICE STIR FRY
Cooking Matters
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65 Minutes 4 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
½ pound broccoli
2 medium celery stalks
1 medium carrot
1 small jalapeño or other chili pepper
1 clove garlic
6 ounces boneless chicken pieces or firm tofu
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Tablespoons canola oil
½ teaspoon ground ginger
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Instructions:
- Cook rice following package directions. Set aside. Cover to keep warm. While rice is cooking, make veggie mixture.
- Rinse and chop broccoli and celery. Peel, rinse, and chop carrots. Rinse and mince jalapeño. Peel and finely chop garlic.
- If using chicken, remove any skin. Cut chicken into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add 1 teaspoon of the minced jalapeño. Stir.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add ground ginger and stir. Add chicken or tofu. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned and starting to cook through, about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped veggies. Stir frequently. Cook until veggies are tender and chicken is completely cooked but not dry, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add soy sauce mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve over warm brown rice.
View full recipe: VEGGIE & RICE STIR FRY
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STRIVE FOR FEWER THAN FIVE: ATENDANCE MATTERS!
Maggie Dwan
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You will see this logo across our region (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw) on school websites, newsletters, and family flyers. It signals quick reminders and local support to help your family build strong show-up habits. Our schools value your child’s attendance as much as you do. When your child is in school, they receive the instruction, services, and relationships that help them thrive. Your partnership with the school helps us cheer on their success. Look for the logo next to simple attendance tips, district information, local resources, and facts about why showing up counts.
Did you know? Missing days in preschool and kindergarten is linked to weaker early math and reading and to attendance problems later on. If barriers make attendance hard, contact your local school. We are here to help!
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WHAT'S ON YOUR DIGITAL PLATE?
Maggie Dwan
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Just like the food we eat, the way we use screens can be nutritious, a treat in moderation, or too much. The Digital Diet helps families think about balance by asking: What’s on your plate today?
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Nutritious use might look like reading together online or video chatting with grandparents.
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Treats could be watching a favorite show or playing a quick game.
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Too much happens when screens start to crowd out sleep, play, or family time.
Talking as a family about “what’s on your digital plate” is an easy way to build healthy routines and make sure screens support—not replace—connection and learning. Learn about ALTERNATIVES TO OVERFILL YOUR PLATE.
| | HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: SWEET SMILES FOR HALLOWEEN | | | | |
Did you know? In 2020, 80.9% of U.S. children aged 1–17 had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year, down from 83.8% in 2019.
Halloween is full of fun — and lots of candy!
While treats are part of the celebration, focusing on good nutrition and dental health can help keep little smiles strong.
Healthy Halloween Tips:
- Offer dye-free or lower-sugar treats like fruit leather, yogurt-covered raisins, or pretzels. 🍎
- Make festive snacks like "monster" apple slices with peanut butter and raisins. 👻
- Remind kids to drink water after sweets to help protect their teeth. 💧
- Encourage brushing and flossing after celebrations. 🪥
Balance is key! Enjoy the fun while helping kids build healthy habits that last.
| | HAVE A LOW-TECH SUMMER - GOOSECHASE | | JOIN THE GOOSECHASE EXPERIENCE | | | | |
IMAGINATION LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Myth: Many people believe that Dolly Parton fully funds Imagination Library. However, local chapters of Imagination Library rely on fundraising and outside support to purchase books and postage for our community!
To support the continuation of this program...consider making a donation today! Many community chapters across the State are pausing this program until more consistent funding can be secured! Help make sure this doesn't happen to Bay and Arenac County!
DONATE TODAY!
| | MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES |
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
October 7 - Internet Safety from Protect MI Child
October 14 - Together We Can- Co-Parenting
October 21 - Positive Discipline
October 28 - Exploring Parenting Styles
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
Tuesdays - October 28 - November 25, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents Webinar Series
Thursdays - October 30, 2025 - November 20, 2025 7:30 - 9 PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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Visit the website for TRUNK OR TREAT listings for Bay and Arenac County.
Is your organization hosting at Trunk or Treat? Use the contact form at the bottom of the TRUNK OR TREAT website page to include it on the list.
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October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:30 AM: TODDLER STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 1 at 5:30 PM: BABY BOOK CLUB at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 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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October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 3 & 17 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE (ages 0-4) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 4 & 5: DEPOT DAYS at Standish Historic Depot & Welcome Center
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October 4 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME at Risers Kitchen, Auburn
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October 4 at 1 PM: GHOST PORTRAIT (ages 2-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 6 at 9 AM: STORYTIME at Legacy Coffee House, Bay City
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October 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 10 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (age 0-6) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 7 at 5:30 PM: POKEMON TRAINER NIGHT (ages 0-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 9 & 23 at 3:30 PM: GAMER CLUB JR (grades 1-4) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 10 & 24 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 13 at 10 AM: STORYTIME at Excited Goat Coffee Company, Essexville
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October 13 at 10:30 AM: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS at Behind the Omer Library, Omer. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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October 14 at 10:30 AM: FIRE TRUCK STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 14 at 4:30 PM: CURRENCY CONGA (ages 5-10) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 14 at 5:30 PM: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A LIBRARIAN (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 15 at 3:30 PM: CHESS AT THE LIBRARY at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 15 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 16 at 4:30 PM & 6 PM: DECORATE A CERAMIC PUMPKIN (ages 3-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 17 at 10:30 AM: FIRE TRUCK STORYTIME (ages 3-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 18 at 11 AM: HUANTED TERRARIUMS (ages 6-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 18 at 1 PM: STEM EVENT at Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
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October 18 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 18 at 3-4 PM: PUFFY PAINT MONSTER ART (ages 5-12) at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 18 at 5-7 PM: FALL DAYS AT FINN ROAD PARK at Finn Road Park, Essexville. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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October 20 at 10:30 AM: GREAT START FAMILY COALITION at Sunrise Community Resource Center, Standish. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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October 20 at 11 AM: BUSY BOOK CAFE (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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October 21 at10:30 AM: FIRE TRUCK STORYTIME at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 21 at 4:30 PM & 6 PM: DECORATE A CERAMIC PUMPKIN (ages 0-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 23 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 24 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART: SCARECROW SIGN (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 25 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 28 at 4:30 & 6 PM: DECORATE A CERAMIC PUMPKIN (ages 0-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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October 28 at 5:30 PM: SPOOKY STEM CHALLENGE NIGHT (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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October 30 at 6 PM: MONSTER MASH! at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
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October 31 at 10:30 AM: HALLOWEEN MOVE & GROOVE at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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