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.
FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
According to statistics from Planned Parenthood, one in three teens has experienced dating violence or relationship abuse. It crosses all racial, economic and social lines This pattern of over-controlling behavior from one partner over another isn’t necessarily physical abuse – it can also be sexual, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse as well. It can occur in serious, long-term relationships as well as casual dating situations, and it can effect same sex relationships as well heterosexual relationships. BHS Peer Leaders are working hard this month to promote awareness of these issues by
distributing posters and buttons around the school and selling candy
grams. What can parents do? Check out the special Parent Network
Newsletter on Healthy Relationships (click here for the Middle School edition)
for a wealth of tips and ideas. You can also check out these excellent
resources:
www.teendvmonth.org
www.loveisrespect.org
www.ncadv.org
www.teendvmonth.org
www.loveisrespect.org
www.ncadv.org
Experts recommend that parents keep a close eye on their children's technology use and monitor for healthy behavior and good cybercitizenship. Check out the Parent Network Newsletter on "CYBERSPACE -- The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" for a wealth of information and tips.
KEEP A HANDLE ON TEST STRESS
Each time students have to deal with the pressure and expectations of major tests, from exams to SATs, the stress level at home may start to rise dramatically. What can parents do to help? How can we be supportive without inadvertently adding to the pressure and anxiety? Check out B-PEN’s new Parent Network Update on Teens and Managing Exam Stress, which features one-page printable Tip Sheets as well as a list of reputable resources to help your teen (and you!) keep a cool head and a focused mind. For study-oriented tips, BHS's Tutorial Program offers these tip sheets: http://www.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/guide_to_preparing_for_midterms.pdf http://www.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/_strategies_for_taking_multiple.doc http://www.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/guide_to_essay_questions.doc | NEWS and NOTES
CYBERSPACE BREAKFAST A HUGE SUCCESS! B-CASA's October 2011 breakfast on “Cyberspace – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” was the organization’s largest forum to date, with highly informative mini-presentations and a wealth of table discussion ideas generated. Click to read the full forum report of the special Parent Network Newsletter on "Cyberspace."
RECENTLY ARCHIVED Brookline DRUG TAKE BACK 10.29 Parent Network Newsletter on TEENS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE SECRET LIFE OF ADOLESCENTS ARE OUR KIDS CAUGHT IN A RACE TO NOWHERE? PARENT NETWORK NEWSLETTER ON TEEN STRESS STRESS NEWSLETTER - MIDDLE SCHOOL ED. NEW WEBSITE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS "DELAYING THAT FIRST DRINK" FAMILY DINNERS ARE A POWERFUL FORCE |
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 provide opportunities for helping parents get to know, support and strategize with one another around
common developmental concerns. For help starting a Parent Network or more information on B-PEN’s offerings and resources, contact B-PEN coordinators June Harris, jharris@brooklinema.gov or Karen Campbell, kcampbell@brooklinema.gov. * * * MEETING REIMBURSEMENT GRANTS To support and encourage parents of 6th–9th grade Brookline Public School students in the formation of Parent Networks, B-PEN offers Meeting Reimbursement Grants of up to $50-$100 (depending on participation numbers) for food and supplies. There are 10 grants available for the balance of the 2011-12 academic school year. For more information, click here… |  |
