RESOURCES

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

 Free Youth Hotline:  2nd Floor

For NJ Youth ages  10-24

888-222-2228

www.2ndfloor.org

 Facts for teens about the harmful effects of marijuana use:

www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens

A website for teens about the science behind substance abuse:  www.teens.drugabuse.gov

The Cool Spot: the young teen's place for info on alcohol and resisting peer pressure:

www.thecoolspot.gov

FOR PARENTS

Parents do make a difference. This short video encourages parents to be clear and direct in talking with their teens about why they should not use marijuana:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zqUecnFOh4

National Institute on Drub Abuse (NIDA):

Marijuana Facts that Parents Need to Know

www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know

 Channel 34 video of April 2011 Panel on Teens and Marijuana. Features COPE Center substance abuse counselor, high school student assistance counselor, local police officers, a former Montclair high school student, and the parents of a young man who suffered marijuana abuse: http://cvp.telvue.com/player?id=T01411&video=54624

 A tool kit for talking to your children about alcohol and drug abuse: www.timetotalk.org

______________________________________________

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Dear Parents,

Well, the first month of school is already over! You

made it! 

Now, onto Halloween! Amid animated discussions

with our children on the choice of what to wear for

Halloween, we are thinking this month about the idea

of discussion and communication with our children 

in general - how important it is to have open communication with our children, and how important it is to actively listen to them.

Below, Karen Straim, Associate Director of the Partnership, speaks about how good communication between parent and child protects against high-risk behaviors. And after (or before) you give this some thought, take some time for yourself. Getting back to school is hard work and stress builds. Take a deep breath and a little time for yourself.

Thank you for being part of our Montclair family. We hope to see you all at our upcoming November 1st Health and Wellness Partnership meeting.

                                                              Yours in good health, 

                                                              Joanne Aidala, Director 

                                                               montclairhealthandwellness.org

Communicating Well: The Key to Helping Your Child Avoid High Risk Behaviors"

By Karen Straim, Associate Director

If our children know they can speak to us about any topic, they will seek us out. They may also be more willing to hear us out. Being able to communicate with our children is key to avoiding higih-risk behaviors, including substance abuse. Although it may not appear that they are listening, research shows that parents have a major influence on their children's decision not to use alcohol or drugs. Starting the conversation early keeps open the lines of communication that you may need as your middle schooler gaines independence and contends with peer pressure, especially in the older grades.

Recent data show that alcohol and marijuana use begin in middle school. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey, 26.9% of eighth-graders reported past year use of alcohol, and 6.4% reported binge drinking*  Similarly, 16% of eighth-graders reported using marijuana at least once, with 13% reporting use in the prior year, and 7& in the prior month.*

Although marijuana has a reputation as a benign drug, recent scientific studies show that early and prolonged marijuana use is bad for the teenage brain. A major study published this summer established that people who used marijuana heavily in their teens and continued through adulthood showed a significant drop in IQ between the ages of 13 and 38.* 

Wondering how to get a conversation started with your child?  Kristin Cole, social worker and advisor for The Safety Net Project, has compiled some tips on her blog. The project is a three-year grant awarded to the Mental Health Association of Essex County and Mt. Hebron Middle School by the Partners for Health Foundation. Please visit:  www.safetynetproject.edu

Friday October 12

COPE Center Blues 'n BBQ Fundraiser

7:00 - 11:00 pm at Essex Fells Country Club

www.copecenter.net

Saturday October 13 

Parent Training Series - SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network)

Program: INCLUSION/LRE-All Children Belong

1:00 - 3:00 pm at Montclair Public Library

Sponsored by Montclair SEPAC and Montclair Public Schools Department of Pupil Services. Child care provided by Montclair State University graduate students. For more information, please contact:

MontclairSEPAC@gmail.com

Saturday October 20

Inclusion Mini-Conference for Familes

Presented by SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network)

9:00an - 12:00pm at Charles A. Bullock School

Learn best practices for inclusion of students with disabilities within general education programs to improve outcomes for all children. All are welcome. Registration is free through this link: www.spannj.org

Wednesay October 24

Food Day

A nationwide celebration and movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Suggestions on how your school can participate at:

www.foodday.org/for_schools