B-PEN (Brookline Parent Education Network) helps parents navigate the social, emotional and developmental challenges affecting today’s teens and pre-teens – common challenges that can lead to risky behavior. An outreach initiative that collaborates with Brookline school administrators and PTO’s, the organization’s goals are to facilitate parent connections:
* with other parents,
* with school and town resources, and
* with helpful information via written/electronic materials on a wide variety of
teen concerns.
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TIPS TO HELP MAKE THE BACK TO SCHOOL TRANSITION SMOOTH SAILING
When the freedom of summer gives way to the intensive structure of school, it can be a hard adjustment for kids and parents alike -- not to mention teachers! The U.S. Department of Education offers some excellent tips for making this transition a smooth one and setting students up for a productive year, whatever grade they are going into. Check it out! Also check out some of our other recommended tip sheets:
Transitions & Teens: A Guide for Parents
Transitions for Middle School
Advice from Senior Parents to Freshmen Parents
When the freedom of summer gives way to the intensive structure of school, it can be a hard adjustment for kids and parents alike -- not to mention teachers! The U.S. Department of Education offers some excellent tips for making this transition a smooth one and setting students up for a productive year, whatever grade they are going into. Check it out! Also check out some of our other recommended tip sheets:
Transitions & Teens: A Guide for Parents
Transitions for Middle School
Advice from Senior Parents to Freshmen Parents
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PEER LEADERS TALK ABOUT FRESHMAN YEAR
This excellent and very insightful little video features some of Brookline High School's most eloquent Peer Leaders talking about some of the things they were most nervous about heading into their freshman year at BSH and how they dealt with those fears to promote success going forward. You might be surprised at some of the things they say! Check it out.... |
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WHAT ARE BROOKLINE KIDS UP TO THESE DAYS?
Did you know that among Brookline adolescents alcohol and marijuana use is down, but reports of overwhelming stress and anxiety are up – 82% among 9th-12th graders, 79% among 7th-8th graders. These are just some of the key results from the Brookline Public School’s latest Student Health Survey, part of Brookline Department of Public Health’s Healthy Brookline Vol. XVII. The survey’s Executive Summary as well as a Summary Comparison Tables pdf are now available as well. In addition, the Brookline Wellness Committee summit “What Are Brookline Kids Really Up To?” examined some of the latest statistics, and participants brainstormed ideas for addressing many of the most pressing concerns. USE "CERTS" FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Whether you're sending an adolescent off to college or back into the social quagmire of middle and high school life, it's good to reinforce some basic information about healthy relationships. When considering romantic entanglements, the CERTS model is a terrific reference to keep in mind: Consent (needs to be mutual, sober, awake, enthusiastic, verbal – if mixed messages, slow down) Equality Respect Trust Safety |
TIPS FOR MANAGING TEEN STRESS
While optimal levels of stress can help us adapt and grow, it can be tricky with adolescents to discern between normal mood fluctuations and stress that is part of a more serious issue with depression and/or anxiety that requires help. For some basic guidelines, check out the MENTAL HEALTH page of the site and B-PEN’s Parent Update on “Adolescent Anxiety and Depression.” If you think your child needs help, click here for a list of local and state resources. PARENT NETWORK CONNECTIONS
One of B-PEN’s primary missions is to provide opportunities for parents to connect with one another regarding some of the common social/emotional issues all our adolescents face as they develop. To complement regular PTO meetings, grade-geared Parent Network get-togethers at each school can provide opportunities for helping parents get to know, support and strategize with one another. Check out the Discussion Guides for Parent Networks created to support Parent Network meetings. For help starting a Parent Network or more information on B-PEN’s offerings and resources, contact June Harris, june_harris@psbma.org or Karen Campbell kcampbell@brooklinema.gov |
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