Communi-Key
Cumberland, North Smithfield & Lincoln Prevention Coalitions
February 2018
Only in New England can we be shoveling snow one day, and enjoying the fresh air with open windows the very next day! But have no fear....spring is just around the corner...despite what the groundhog and the weathermen predict!
βIt was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.β
β Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
"Going out?...........So Are We!"
"Pick Your NO's!" at Lincoln Middle School!
Our amazing ATI (Above the Influence) from Lincoln had the opportunity to peer mentor 6th grade students at Lincoln Middle School in February! Along with our Youth Coordinator, Berta Leon, students developed a curriculum & helped to implement this unique learning initiative to underclassmen. The concept of "Pick Your NO's" is to teach students how to effectively say NO to negative influences and peer pressure. Teachers & Administration were given posters & tissue boxes, all imprinted with the programs messaging. Participating 6th graders were also given a "goodie bag", equipping them with all the necessary tools for them to effectively "Pick THEIR No's"!
Check out more photos HERE!
Way to go, everyone!
Tobacco Free RI Youth Conference 2018!
On Friday Feb 2, 2018 ATI (Above the Influence) Crews representing Woonsocket and Lincoln participated at Rhode Island College for the Tobacco Free Rhode Island Youth Conference hosted by Tobacco Free RI. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to come together with high school students from all over Rhode Island to work on leadership skills around shaping tobacco policy. Check out more amazing phots from the day, HERE!
Stay Connected!
Stay on top of all the latest news, trends and events by "Liking" & "Following us! Our Facebook page is, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition! Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bvprevention/
And last, but not least, we are on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BVPrevention. Be sure to "Like" and "Share" us with your friends and family!
Have questions? Any suggestions? Please email Pam Shayer, at pshayer@lincolnri.org.
We want to hear from you!
Tragic events....and what your child needs from YOU!
As our entire country mourns in the wake of the recent school shooting tragedy in Parkland, Florida, it is imperative to open the lines of communication with our children. As parents, many of us are heartsick, angry, frustrated, and terrified as they watch the unfolding story that tragically killed 17. When parents don't initiate those conversations, it can lead youngsters to believe that parents don't know what's going on, or that it's so terrible, we can't talk about it. And misinformation can be spread.
Age-appropriate conversations are suggested. You can tell a 5-year-old that there are plans in place at their school and affirm that it can feel scary, but lockdown drills help you know what to do if something happens. Remind them the teachers know what to do, and are doing everything they know how to make sure school is safe. Some children may be afraid to go to school and say they don't want to go. Parents should acknowledge the fear, and then follow up with assurances that the school has done everything it can to make it safe and talk about worries the child has.
It is crucial for parents to stress to children that they need to share information if they see or hear something. Kids, especially teens, worry that they are snitching or blowing things out of proportion. We can't undo a tragedy. Tell them you will be the "heavy", you will take the blame. And do it. Your kids need extra patience, attention and love. Let your kids know you love them.
For additional resources on how to talk to your children about this tragedy by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, please click HERE!
Interested in becoming a member of the Lincoln, North Smithfield or Cumberland Prevention Coalitions?
Interested in finding out or becoming a member of the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition? Please join us for our monthly meeting!
(For North Smithfield Residents) March 22nd at 2:15pm, NS High School
(For Cumberland Residents) March 20th at 5:00pm, Cumberland Public Library
(For Lincoln Residents) March 20th at 6:30pm, Lincoln Police Station
Please join us & learn how YOU can be a part of prevention for the community!
Please watch our Facebook page, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition, for more exciting news!