MandaStrong 5K/Fun Run

November 11th

(If you would, please allow me to get a little personal today)

My sweet friend, Manda Maxwell, was a beautiful 35 year old wife and mother of two who passed away on February 26, 2017 in Dallas, Texas after a long and courageous battle with cancer. To say she inspired those around her would be an understatement.  She was a teacher at Walker from around 2003-2008.

The MandaStrong Foundation was started to support mothers with young children who are fighting cancer.  Here is their vision:

To provide a Christ-centered support system for mothers battling cancer while also raising minor children.  Support will come in many forms and will be tailored to meet the needs of each brave family.  Your generosity will help in areas like special family events/gifts.  Our focus is on families in Collin County Texas.

 Toward the end, Manda would often say “Mom what can I do today with my kids to make memories with them”.  She wanted her kids to remember her.  We want to help young mothers, uncertain of tomorrow, to make memories with their family.   Memories can last a life time.  

The foundation is having a 5K/Fun Run on November 11th at Cockrill Middle School.  It will be a great event for the whole family with the Chick-fil-A cow, food, animal balloons, face painting, games, and more.  Here is the website to signup:

https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=127354

If you can't make the event, they are also having a MandaStrong night Thursday, November 9th from 4-8 pm at the Eldorado/Ridge Chick-fil-A.  A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the MandaStrong Foundation.

If you would like to know more information about the MandaStrong Foundation here is their website:

https://mandastrong.com

Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.

Basically you buy non food treats for trick-or-treaters on Halloween and place a teal pumpkin on your porch so children with food allergies know it is safe for them to trick-or-treat at your house.  There are children who have various conditions that may preclude them from having candy, or can particularly benefit from non-food treats, including:

• * Food allergies
• * Food intolerances
• * Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
• * Celiac disease
• * Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)
• * Children with feeding tubes
• * Any child on a special diet

If you would like more specific information on this project you can visit https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

Bedrooms, Backpacks & Beyond

I wanted to let y'all know about an upcoming event through McKinney ISD.  I know it is sometimes hard to think as elementary school parents about things like substance abuse but in my opinion it is never too early to start discussing these things with your kids.  They have asked that you do not bring children of ANY age, even high schoolers, as they will be speaking specifically to you as a parent and discussing some sensitive subjects.  They will have childcare for children ages 5-11 but you need to register by Thursday, Oct 19th.  Here's the link to register for childcare: https://goo.gl/5Hz7aU.  They have a great range of breakout sessions for children of all ages.  I hope some of you choose to attend.

On Saturday October 21, the MISD Substance Use Prevention Committee is proud to invite you to "Bedrooms, Backpacks & Beyond," a community event featuring experts in the prevention field that will provide you with strategies to help your child stay safe. The event will be held at McKinney North HS from 8:30-11:30 AM.

Erwin Park

As the weather turns cooler, one of our families favorite activities is getting out in nature together and hiking.  You don't have to go far to find some great hiking trails in McKinney.

Have you ever been to Erwin Park?  It has 212 acres of beauty and wooded areas that includes 7 miles of biking trails, bathrooms (always important with kids right?), pavilions, playgrounds, campfire sites and even campsites.  It is a great place for kite flying or just throwing around a football.  I love that we have a place so close where you can make some amazing family memories.

I just want to encourage you to get out in nature with your kids and watch them explore.  It feels good to disconnect sometimes and just be together.

Map to the park:

https://goo.gl/maps/5uUNs38UTWU2