Wednesday, September 29, 2010

ADHD WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FULL!

Due to overwhelming demand, registration for the October 11 parent workshop on ADHD at Laughlin Children's Center is now closed. Any parents who have not registered but are interested in learning more about ADHD and other attention issues should contact the Center and your name will be added to a mailing list for handouts, as well as an invitation to the next workshop on ADHD to be offered in the spring.

Thank you to those who registered--we'll see you on Monday, 11 October.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A few more announcements...

(1) There will be a Sewickley Skate Park meeting for the community, to be held at the Sewickley Public Library on Tuesday, September 28, 6:00 pm. This is an open meeting for all kids and adults interested in making the park a reality. Please come and support this great effort!

(2) Alan Carson, parent educator and retired Quaker Valley Guidance counselor is offering his 10th annual "Creating a Connected Atmosphere at Home" parenting course to parents. While primarily for elementary and middle school parents, parents of older children are welcome also! This fall the five-week course will be offered in the mornings at the Sewickley United Methodist Church, from 9:15 to 11:00 am beginning on October 12th. The fee for the course, one or both parents, is $35. For more information or to register, contact Alan at 412-680-3843 or through e-mail at parentslead@mac.com

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Two Important Parent Workshops in October!

Youth Connect is partnering with Laughlin Children's Center, Sewickley Academy, and Quaker Valley School District on two parent workshops in October.
On Monday, 11 October, beginning at 6:30, Dr. Donna Bednarek and Dr. Lenore Melmeyer, two of Laughlin's licensed psychologists, will present PAY ATTENTION: A Parent Overview of ADHD and Other Attention Issues. The presentation will take place at the Center, 424 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please call 412.741.4087 or email k.miller@laughlincenter.org to reserve a seat. THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL; NO FURTHER REGISTRATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED, BUT INTERESTED PARENTS SHOULD CONTACT LAUGHLIN CHILDREN'S CENTER TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE HANDOUTS AND SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATION OF THE SPRING ADHD WORKSHOP.

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Youth Connect, in conjunction with the QVSD and SA will be hosting a Parent Education presentation entitled: BULLYING: What We See and What We Do. This informational session will be held on October 21, 2010 from 7:00-9:00pm in the Quaker Valley High School Auditorium. A formal presentation will be provided by elementary level and secondary level guidance counselors and administrators followed by more informal discussion. Topics to be covered will include perception data gathered from teachers and students regarding bullying, relational aggression, exclusion, and proactive approaches to a respectful school environment, and how parents can set positive examples of social inclusion, among others. No RSVP is required.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Montessori Children's Community to host screening of important documentary

On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, Montessori Children's Community will present

RACE TO NOWHERE

a film about the "dark side of America's Achievement Culture" told through the lens of school children and how the pressure to perform is impacting their lives, their relationships, and even their health.

The promotional materials for the documentary include the following: A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children's lives. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

The screening takes place at 7 pm, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.

To order tickets, click www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124910

For more information about the movie, go to www.racetonowhere.com

Monday, August 30, 2010

ER Visits for Synthetic Marijuana on the Rise

Originally reported at www.jointogether.org on 27 August 2010:

An herb-and-chemical compound sold legally in the U.S. as incense is sending many of those who smoke it to the hospital, Reuters reported July 29.

The compound, known as K2, interacts with brain receptors in a way that is said to be similar to marijuana. Unlike marijuana, not much is known about the chemical makeup of the compound.

Officials said more and more people who smoke the "synthetic marijuana" have reported to emergency rooms and poison-control centers with symptoms ranging from anxiety, hypertension, and vomiting to severe paranoia and hallucinations.
U.S. poison-control centers received 13 calls related to K2 a year ago, while 766 cases have been reported in the first half of 2010, said Anthony Scalzo, medical director for the Missouri Poison Center.

The concern, according to Scalzo, is that the surge "may represent the tip of an iceberg."

To read viewer comments, log on to www.jointogether.org.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

90 seconds that can save your life...

Watch this with your teen-agers. In fact, watch it with anyone you know who drives or rides in cars.

From our friends at the Sewickley Public Library!

Teen Move Up Days – Saturday, Sept. 11 from 1-2:30pm or Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6-7:30pm

For: Teens entering grades 6 and 7. YOU are invited to an exclusive Teen Room event.

What/Why: We want you to feel comfortable and welcome as you transition from the Children’s Dept to the Teen Room! Meet me (Kelly, the Teen Librarian) in the Teen Room for an activity; raffle prizes; and a tour of the Teen Room. During the tour I’ll answer any questions you may have about the Teen Dept. Then we’ll eat pizza together! (At 2pm or 7pm, depending on which session you come to, parents may join us and ask any questions they have about the Teen Dept.)

Registration is required for this program. Sign up for the Saturday, September 11, sessionor the Thursday, September 16, session.