Calendar Updates
Monday, October 31 – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
Tuesday, November 8 – Election Day – School Closed
Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day – Student Holiday/School Planning Day
PTA Updates
Join the Twain PTA!
Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year.
Did you also know we have a Facebook page?! Check us out! We try to share all the fun things going on!
Big thanks to all who helped make our first Tiger Night a major SUCCESS!! The PTA would love to have another event like this during the winter months – if you have any suggestions, please send them to mtmspresident@gmail.com!
Mark your calendars!!
Our next Spirit Night! 2 Days! November 15th and 16th!
Help us give back to the PTA!!!
Conversing with Your Teen about Drug Use
For some reason, as a culture we avoid talking about things that can be both lifesaving and life changing, such as finances, drugs, and other topics that make us uncomfortable. What do you wish you knew when you were younger that can be shared with your teenager now? Here’s a few tips for talking about drugs with your teenager.
What to Avoid
- Overgeneralizations/horror stories - Ex: “People who use drugs go to jail and end up homeless.” -That’s not true for most people.
- Sharing about how you used to do drugs - Ex: “I smoked in high school, so I understand wanting to experiment.” -THC content is much higher than when you may have used marijuana.
- Having loose boundaries - Ex: “It’s okay if you do it at home, but not anywhere else.” -Too much room for grey area.
What to Do
- Have a united front - Both parents need to communicate the same message. No good cop, bad cop.
- Recognize addiction in your family - Speak the unspoken. Share information that could help your teen make an informed decision about “playing with fire” since they’re genetically predisposed.
- Set a desired outcome for the conversation - What do you want your teen to understand before you get into the heavy conversation?
- Focus on health, not behavior - Avoid finger pointing, literally and figuratively.
- Set firm expectations & boundaries - Clearly explain what is and isn’t acceptable for your household and the associated consequences.
- Keep a “cool head”
- Withhold judgment
- Be direct
- Be prepared for your teen’s reaction.
Resources:
Helpful Info to Quit Vaping: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/free-e-cigarette-quit-program
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/ATODParentPresentationRequired103119b/story_html5.html
Knowing the signs of Substance Abuse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VWGxTZrpCU
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support:
Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Sbelliott@fcps.edu
 
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