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Parent Talk:
Back to School: Remember to Be Part of it All
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As a young mom, I remember having very mixed feelings about the return of our children for the beginning of yet another school year. On one hand I felt sad that summer was indeed over and winter loomed ahead. But to be honest, I dreaded the "homework scene" that would soon take over the kitchen table and much of my time as far as encouragement and motivation, not to mention assistance. I actually scheduled time in my day timer on the first day of school to fill out the stack of parent forms that my children inevitably toted home. As an empty-nester, I realize I miss those days in many ways.
I miss the time together over an afternoon snack of talking about their day. I noticed that if I asked them how school was, they said "fine" and that was the end of that. However, if I asked them, "What was the best thing that happened at school today" or the "funniest thing that happened today" or "how did your math test go," I got a lot more information...
To read more of Patty Schaffner's Back-to-School advice, click here. | |
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Donor
Updates |
Thank you to the Aspen Community Foundation for its $20,000 grant to YouthZone school-based programs. This grant will allow any parent or youth referred by a school to utilize YZ services like Restorative Justice, groups and classes, assessments, workshops and more. Thank you ACF for supporting so many valley-wide youth and families.
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Collaboration is key to YouthZone's work.
The very nature of working with children commands collaboration. Unlike others in the population, a minor is not a stand-alone entity -- at the very least each one comes with a set of parents! Our experience at YouthZone has been that the more one acknowledges the impact of the system that a child is a part of, and reaches out to include those systems, the more beneficial are the outcomes for the youth. During the course of the last year, YouthZone served clients from Parachute to Aspen, and did some court work in Rio Blanco County, as well -- which means YouthZone collaborated with 8 municipal courts, 3 county courts, 3 district courts, 4 school districts, 2 departments of human services, 2 probation departments, the division of youth corrections, all human services organizations, and more than 1,700 parents last year!
One note of information - criminal justice referrals to YouthZone were down slightly last year but parent referrals were up. Our community advocacy efforts continue to be educating parents to be the first to come forward with a concern regarding their child. We are catching issues at an earlier point and saving resources for other systems - for example, law enforcement and the department of human services.
It takes a village...
Debbie | |
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| YouthZone E-Newsletter
It was a busy summer at YouthZone but that's the way we like it. When we're busy we know we're helping families and serving communities' needs. It's all about connecting, and you'll be hearing a lot more about the importance of connections as you read through this month's newsletter. YouthZone provided 159 client intakes during June, July and August, referring parents and kids to a variety of services; we planned the upcpoming parenting workshop with renowned speaker Jim Fay, and we participated in some great community events. Read on for more! |
#1 Reason Kids Drop Out of School?Research Says It's All About Connecting
According to researchers (and most likely, the real experts in the classroom), the number one reason kids drop out of school is they lack a feeling of connectedness.
Students who feel connected to school like being there -- which aids in their classroom achievement, behavior and development. We've been telling parents this for years -- your real "power" as parents comes in your connection to your kids. When kids feel connected they are more apt to want to cooperate and act in a respectful manner.
Well, the same holds true for students in schools. The 2004 National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine identified a series of factors that increase kids' feelings of connectedness to school, including mentorship programs, experiential learning, service learning, and individual student advisors. After-school programs also contribute greatly to school connectedness, especially when they are located within the school facility and operate for several hours into the evening. We are fortunate to have such a program right here in the Roaring Fork Valley -- read on for information about Access Roaring Fork!
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Spotlight: Access Roaring Fork
Promoting School Connectedness After Hours
Access Roaring Fork has a motto: "Create to Educate," and it's a reminder to all that education comes in many forms outside of a traditional classroom.
Access Roaring Fork (ARF) was founded in 2003 by Steve Kaufman as an after school and summer program designed to teach digital communication skills to middle and high school students. Just a year later, the dedicated students earned the right to manage the Town of Basalt's Public Access TV station. Since then, ARF has expanded its after school program to the Carbondale Middle School, and now includes music, art, theater, soccer, golf and homework help. As with all great community assets, ARF collaborates with a number of community resources, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Thunder River Theater Company, and Kahhak Fine Arts Gallery and School.
ARF is currently working to expand into schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, and is committed to community outreach with a focus on the under-served. According to Prevention Researcher, the top reason youth come to programs such as these is because of the relationship they have with caring adults. What a difference Steve and his team are making!
Additionally, trained students and staff provide media services to valley non-profits and small businesses. In this capacity, ARF employs the same youth who are trained in its programs.
The importance of after school programs is well documented (see article above) and YouthZone is proud to highlight this community asset! For information, please visit Access Roaring Fork online. |
Renowned Parenting Speaker Jim Fay
October 2, Rifle High School
Parenting author and speaker Jim Fay will present a workshop for parents, educators and youth workers Saturday October 2, at Rifle High School. During this half-day workshop, participants will enjoy Jim's celebrated sense of humor while learning new skills and techniques for raising great kids.Topics include: how to gain kids' cooperation without yelling, nagging and threatening; teaching responsibility though logical consequences; creating a close connected relationship with your kids; and above all, how to enjoy being a parent! Pre-registration is $59, or $79 at the door. For information please call 970-945-9300. |
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YZ Happenings
Free Parent Consults in September
YouthZone continues its month of free parent consults. As a thank you to the community, who so graciously stepped up to support us in our 20th anniversary Kiss n' Squeal fundraiser, we are offering these valuable one-time sessions free of charge. Parent consultations are a great way for you to learn about resources, education opportunities, interventions, counseling, and more, to support your family. Whether you are going through a challenging time with your teens or simply want to get on the right track with your toddler, call our office to set up an appointment today, 945-9300.
New Case Manager
 Randy Young recently joined the YouthZone team, replacing long-time court case manager Jenna Roe who is relocating with her family to Denver. Randy has worked with youth and families on issues surrounding substance abuse. He has a big heart for volunteerism, including The Buddy Program, Aspen Youth Experience, Outward Bound, and as a child advocate and group facilitator for a child bereavement center.
Randy lives in Carbondale where he enjoys mountain biking, and being outdoors. He has been anxious to find work in this field and stay in the Roaring Fork Valley, and is very excited about joining our team. We are happy to have him on board!
Parenting Classes
YouthZone parenting classes are the best way we know of to change the dynamic in your home and create a connection with your kids. Whether you are looking to completely change the course of your family's path, or simply want some extra tools to enhance the relationships you have, our classes have been helping families for more than 30 years.
Parenting with Love & Logic
Tuesdays, October 19-November 23
6:00-8:00pm
YouthZone Rifle office, 136 E. 12th Street
call 970-625-3141
Redirecting Children's Behavior
with Charla Belinski
Aspen
Wednesdays, Oct. 6 - Nov. 3
6:00-8:00pm
location tbd
cost for parenting classes is $160/person or $195/couple
Parenting Through Divorce
This one-night course meets the mandatory requirement for couples divorcing in the 9th Judicial area.
Rifle
Oct. 11
Nov. 15
Dec. 13
to register call 970-625-3141
Glenwood Springs
Dec. 7
to register call 970-945-9300
all classes meet 5:00 - 8:30pm
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There's a lot going on. Remember to stay present, stay connected and enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
All of us at YouthZone
www.YouthZone.com
970-945-9300
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