Wellness Quarterly
UPDATES FROM YOUR STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELORS...QUARTERLY!
WELCOME PARENTS!
Addressing Vaping with Your Teen
In the March edition of Wellness Quarterly, we provided information on the current drug trend "vaping". Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette or vaporizer to inhale nicotine. The most popular brand in Chatham is a vape pen called JUUL. The fluid inside the vaporizer typically contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. However, these devices can also be used to inhale illegal substances such as marijuana and synthetic drugs.
To address the issue in school, Chatham's Board of Education amended the Student Smoking Policy to include vaping during school hours and at school-sponsored events. The first offense results in a Saturday School. The second offense results in a drug screening. Please see board policy "Pupil Smoking 5533" for more details.
New Jersey passed a law effective November 1st, 2017 raising the nicotine purchase age from 19 to 21.
Pinwheel Project comes to CHS and CMS
Each year 5000 young people die as a result of underage drinking. Purple pinwheels are set up on the schools' front lawns to display this statistic. Each pinwheel represents 10 of the 5000 lives lost to alcohol use. The Pinwheel Project is part of a Morris County Prevention Initiative to bring awareness to schools during Red Ribbon Substance Abuse Prevention Week (October 23-31) and Homecoming season. Pictured below are the Pinwheels at CHS in October 2016. Pinwheels will be displayed at CHS and CMS this October.
Life Transitions
The start of a new school year can often prompt thoughts and conversations about transitions. Transitions affect all of us, kids and adults, whenever there is a significant change in our lives. Struggles with transition, including feelings of stress, can occur during both positive and negative life events. Introverted students in particular may have a more difficult time adjusting to change. It is always a good idea to check in with your child, look for any changes (particularly eating, sleeping, amount of talking), and be aware that common months for children and teens to be affected by transition are October and November. Mentioning life transitions and signs of stress to your children can often be the first step to helping them take control.
Articles:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fixing-families/201307/keys-handling-lifes-transitions
- https://www.edutopia.org/blog/transition-resources-teachers-matt-davis
TED Talk: Susan Cain
https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts
Books:
- Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, by Susan Cain, Gregory Mone, and Erica Moroz
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cai
- How to Raise an Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims
- The Gift of Failure, by Jessica Lahey
- Teach Your Children Well, by Madeline Levine
Upcoming Events:
Hidden in Plain Sight. Summit High School, October 25th, 6:30PM. Parents will learn about latest drug trends. See below for more information.
Raising Resilient Girls. Girls Leadership is hosting a parent workshop on October 2nd 6:30-8:00 at Madison Junior School.
Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day. October 6. To learn more about opiate addiction and get involved in the movement . http://www.drugfreenj.org/knockoutvolunteers/
Positive Parenting Workshops. The Madison YMCA is hosting a parent workshop series focusing on developing helpful strategies for parents. The workshop runs Oct.25, Nov. 1st, 8th,15th from 6:30-8PM. See flyer for registration information.
Check Your Meds Day. October 20th. Madison Pharmacy will inspect medications to help people prioritize which medications and supplements should be retired and removed from your home. See flyer for details.
Resources:
Livingston Parent Self-Help Support Group. Group is open to all parents living in Essex, Morris and Union Counties. Meetings Every Tuesday 8-10 PM at Livingston Community Center. The purpose of the group is to offer parents support and practical information on how they can better help their children.
Rainbow Cafe Support group for children and families in the LGBTQ community. Monthly meetings at Community Church of Mountain Lakes.
Mindful Schools A resource for teaching mindfulness and stress reduction to school aged children and teens. Trainings and programs available at:
Municipal Alliance Committee of the Chathams Volunteer organization devoted to educating the community about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. "MACC's purpose is promote a thriving Chatham community by way of its residents, individually and collectively, embracing prevention as an essential tool against substance abuse." Monthly meetings. All are welcome.
Mental Health Association of Morris County A Morris County resource providing information and services regarding mental health www.mhamorris.org
Hidden in Plain Sight
Adults attending the program will walk through a mock teenager's bedroom. They will be asked to identify drug paraphernalia and hiding places along with other signs that may indicate alcohol or other drug use by a teen. As part of the program, prevention specialists, along with local law enforcement, lawyers, and substance abuse counselors will raise awareness and provide local resource options.
Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017, 07:00 PM
Summit High School, Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ, United States
CONTACT US
Alex Emr
CHATHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL973-457-2506 X3036
Lisa Lattarulo
CHATHAM HIGH SCHOOL
973-457-2536