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It’s an exciting time for our students with prom and graduation right around the corner. While this is a time for celebration, it is also a time when teens (and many adults) often believe that alcohol and other drugs come along with celebrating. As such, we need to remind our teens about making good decisions to not drink and drive and prevent tragedy, not just for the young person, but for family members, friends, and the entire community.
In a letter that went to all high school parents, APS, READY Coalition, PTAs, Police and APCYF are asking for your help in making prom and graduation nights safe for teens. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind as you snap those celebration pictures and send them on their way:
- Talk to your teens.
- Make it clear that you do NOT approve of them drinking alcohol, even on this special occasion.
- Educate them about the risks associated with drinking, including alcohol poisoning, unwanted sexual advances, poor impulse control, risky choices, and legal consequences.
- Let them know that you want this to be a time they will remember without using alcohol or drugs.
- Do not serve or allow alcohol or drugs at any party you are hosting.
- Make sure your teen has a plan for the night, and you know what it is.
- Clarify your expectation that if the plan changes, you will be contacted immediately.
- Know where your teenager is attending a party and verify there will be parental supervision and that it will be alcohol-free.
- Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
- Know who is driving – several area limousine companies provide a Prom Pledge that prohibits alcohol or drugs in the vehicle.
- Talk to your teen’s friends’ parents.
- Remind your teenager that there are legal and school consequences for using drugs and alcohol at school- related events.
Look for more information at www.READYCoalition.org.
Thank you APS for sending this important information to Arlington parents!
 Keeping Middle Schoolers Safe
Arlington’s READY Coalition to
reduce teen alcohol and drug use, the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth
and Families, and the Arlington Department of Human Services – Child and Family
Services invites you to learn to more about:
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Signs of youth substance use --- what to be aware of
and look for
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Tips for talking to middle schoolers about substance
use and ways to help them stay safe
-
Arlington’s Second Chance substance abuse education and
intervention program
When: Monday, May 16th,
6:30 – 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served!
Where: Kenmore Middle
School Black Box Theater, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
This FREE event is planned
for:
- Parents
of middle schoolers, grandparents, and other adult family members
- Teachers
and others who work with middle schoolers
- Any
adult who loves middle schoolers!
REGISTER HERE
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Mental Health Awareness Month
In
a country where 1 in 5 people are affected by a mental health
condition, it's time for all of us to step up and change the
conversation. Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness to take the pledge to be #StigmaFree.
Mayim Bialik from Big Bang Theory is helping to change the conversation around mental health and stigma. Click on the image below to see her YouTube PSA.
 Upcoming Meetings and Events.
All of our meetings and events are open to all members of our community. If you are interested in learning more, or is an acronym needs additional explanation, please call 703-228-1667.
- May
13 11:45am OST Asset Brown Bag at Parks & Natural Resources Bldg. REGISTER
- May 16 5:00 Early Childhood Committee, Sequoia Room A
- May
16 6:30pm READY Coalition Mission Possible, Kenmore Middle School REGISTER
- May
17 6:30pm Teen Network Board Meeting, Central Library
- May 17 3:00pm Connect with Kids Champions Recognition at County Board Meeting, Courthouse Plaza
- May 19 2:00pm Measure What Matters Webinar Viewing, Sequoia Room 260
- May 19 7:30 Connect with Kids Champions Recognition at School Board Meeting, Ed Center
- May 24 3:30pm Out-of-School Time Council, Lubber Run
NOTE: May 25 5:30
- 9:00 - APCYF RETREAT at Arlington Mill. All are welcome to attend!
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Contact Information
Chair: Devanshi Patel
Vice Chair: Dave Carlson
General Information: Kim Durand,
Coordinator 703-228-1667
Teen Network Board: Siobhan Grayson,
Youth Outreach 703-228-1506
Data Questions: Rebecca Hjelm, Data Specialist 703-228-1683
Website Updates and
Information: Sally
LaBonte, Website 703-228-1669
Developmental Assets: Michael Swisher,
Assets Liaison 703-228-1671
apcyf@arlingtonva.us
| www.apcyf.org
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