On April 16, 2013, we had our last parent discussion group devoted to the issue of kids and substances in our community and schools. Unfortunately, there were numerous questions and only limited time to address all the concerns. Those in attendance requested that more information be provided. In an effort to do this, we have posted the list of questions that were presented that night and some relevant handouts that may, in part, speak to some of the concerns. Included is a list of websites that you can access to gain more detailed information. As Donna Foyle of Serenity House also noted, you can “google” almost any topic, word or phrase and numerous resources will pop up. The internet is truly a wonderful tool, but there are also times when it can be your greatest nemesis, as our kids search for information related to this issue as well!

It is still our belief that a discussion format is the best way to disseminate information and address concerns. As we near the end of the school year, the Social Work staff will be putting together a series of informative sessions beginning in the fall of the 2013-2014 school year. Each of these sessions will be devoted to a specific topic and aimed to inform about a relevant issue from our discussion last Tuesday. The Social Work staff, as well as community professionals, will moderate and present at these meetings. Topics will include:

• Sex, drugs, rock and roll, Welcome to the 21^st century…What a parent needs to know!
• Having the difficult conversation…what do I say and how do I say it?
• Setting developmentally appropriate limits for my student…”but everyone else is going”!
• “I think there may be a problem”…how do I know and what do I do?
• Student Athletes and Substance Abuse
• Parents, schools and community…How can we continue to work together? A conversation with parents, treatment providers and police who are struggling with this issue.

We will have information specific to each of these subjects as well as information on our other daytime seminars available to parents as the new school year begins. Please look for this on the district website and in your schools. There is one other note of interest for those of you who have a student in the health classes at WWSHS. Yesterday, Donna Foyle came with some of the recovering young people she works with through Serenity House and had them speak about their personal journey from addiction to recovery. One of these individuals was a 2010 graduate of WWSHS. I believe his story was eye opening for many and would be a good conversation starter if, per chance, your student was present to hear this.

With approximately a month of school left before our current group of Seniors graduates, we hope the end of the school year, as well as the upcoming summer, will be a productive and safe one for you and your family. Please remember, if at any time you have concerns or questions, please contact one of the social workers in your student’s building and they will be more than willing to help.

Thanks for your attention to such a critical issue in the lives of your children.