text/html; charset=utf-8

Michigan comes up severely short when it comes to addressing the needs K-12 students with mental health needs. Our state's ratio of students to school counselors is third worst in the country at 729 to 1. Experts recommend a 250 to 1 ratio. The financial constraints of cash-strapped school districts is a significant barrier. And there is a debate whether schools are the appropriate place for children to receive mental support. The chilling fact remains, however, that one in five children in the country between the age of 3 and 17 is diagnosable with a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. Of those, only 20 percent are diagnosed and receive treatment. That help usually comes at school. MORE
► 10 warning signs your child needs mental help

New York firm to redesign Detroit riverfront park

Detroit's West Waterfront Park is about to undergo a $50 million upgrade. Renderings of the project include a beach, a promenade and an evergreen isle. The 22-acre park is situated along the Detroit River between downtown and the Ambassador Bridge. The property was privately owned for 100 years before opening as a park in 2014. MORE

Michigan's reading, math scores flat in national assessment

Michigan is treading water when it comes to math and reading levels for fourth- and eighth-graders. About a third of the state's students were proficient in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math. Michigan remains below the national average after often placing above the national average in the 1990s and early 2000s. MORE
► 60 high schools that produce the most college graduates

More April snow forecast for parts of Michigan

At this point, why not? We assume winter isn't ever going to end. It's just better to come to a grudging acceptance of our fate. So, when MLive meteorologist Mark Torregrossa tells us the U.P. and parts of Northern Michigan on Thursday can expect more April snow, and the entire state has an outside chance for snow Monday, it hardly elicits a response from us, other than a dull stare. Maybe Flint can break its all-time snowfall record before all is said and done. That'd be something to tell the grandchildren. MORE

Spring high school sports start amid chilly temps

If you think it's a bear dealing with these below-normal April temps, think of the children. Just try standing outside exposed to the frigid, whipping winds for a high school track meet, or pick up a bat with frozen hands and try making contact with a icicle-like ball. Both just sting. But, as they say, the games must go on, and MLive has your season previews:
► Baseball
► Softball
► Girls track & field
► Boys track & field