HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-05-YSC-min Youth Services Council
December 5, 2007
Present were Helen Cohen, Becky Kosterman, Julie Fenn, Bill Blout, Norman Cohen, Chantal
Hersey, 99
Discussion of upcoming Youth Forum by Bill, Becky and Norman, The date has been changed
to February 2nd due to a conflict in the Selectmen's schedule The planning committee has
decided to reduce the program from a full day event to a half day Chantal asked about student
participation. We are hoping for lots of participation— asking Julie and Martha Queemn for
names of students that could speak— especially kids who "have been through it" and gotten to a
better place and speak about what really goes on. Julie suggested contact a student who has
published on adolescent depression. Question. Do we have a snow date9 Answer. No Bill asked
for formal endorsement of the Forum by the YSC
Voted Unanimously that the Youth Services Council sponsors the Lexington Youth Forum.
Middle school half-day initiative—Becky asked for one more volunteer (chaperone) for
Thursday, Jan. 10th 11 30 - Snow Tubing—Helen Cohen volunteered.
Resource Directory—"Red Flag" —Becky praised the presentation from the substance abuse
coordinator in Westford at our last meeting. She feels we are left "in a different place" and asked
"What are our next steps " After discussion, Becky suggested that we develop a more simple
brochure version initially Apparently Beth and Julie have done a resource guide and Laura
Smith at LHS who may be able to assist Question. Should we start with something small and
build on it9 Bill commented that whatever we do we need to use Web technology to make it
accessible and keep it updated. Julie has a packet of information that Winchester developed. We
talked about resource lists that Health Teachers have and resource guides for teens that schools
have developed.
Changes in the Social Services Department —Lauren is leaving the beginning of February
Diane, the office manager, is moving to a position of Assistant Town Clerk.
On behalf of the Human Services Committee, Bill asked that two representatives from the YSC
meet with the HSC to discuss how both (and the COA) might be more proactive in providing
input to the Town about hiring a new director and any plans to re-structure the Department
Becky and Julie volunteered—Bill gave date and laocation of the meeting.
Julie spoke abiut the upcoming Teen/Parent dialog—Feb 28th for 11/2 hours, 7— 8 30 and then
on March 13th 5th grade Parent/Student dialog. Also system-wide training for adults to facilitate
Julie mentioned that the LHS PTA is interested in a panel presentation in the spring the LPD and
LFD are scheduled at middle school forum.