HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-23-YSC-min Hello Everyone
Our latest meeting was held on November 23, 2004 and in attendance were
Elaine Sterzin, Bill Blout, Julia Schutt, Beth Ribeiro, Helen Cohen, Jennifer
Wolfrum, Bob Quist, Bill Kennedy, and Becky Rushford
Elaine and Jennifer informed the group when the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
(YRBS) presentations will take place On 1/24/05 the faculty will hear the latest
results, on 2/2/05 there will be a PTA forum open to Lexington High parents and
others invited by the PTA, and then on 3/7/05 HPAC will have an open forum
held at the library Open to all Jennifer said it would be well publicized Julia
was going to speak with the Musket editor about putting something in there I
stressed the importance of inviting the clergy association based upon my
luncheon with them and their eagerness to collaborate and learn more broadly
about the issues Jennifer mentioned that the information is disseminated to
students through health classes and Julia said that is probably the best way to do
it even though students don't have health every year She suggested an in
school time for the information to be delivered to all students since it is probably
unlikely that students will attend a night time forum
I gave a brief update about my meeting with the clergy association, which went
quite well and I plan to attend every few months to keep the connection Though
we can always revisit the possibility of someone from there joining our council
Out of this meeting there was an invitation for me to attend a youth group I also
explained a little about Stand for Children, grassroots child advocacy group that
provides a political voice for children A new chapter in Lexington formed 1 year
ago Spoke about their initiatives for the year and the possible collaboration
Visited Lexington Montessori and next week will be visiting the Community
Therapeutic Day School I have also met with Jill Goyette and Sarah Keniston
(AIM) to explain my role, support, began to address issues around confidentiality,
and will be going back in beginning of December to meet the students
I began to talk about the half-day middle school initiative possibly at Carey Hall
Mentioned trying to get into the student government at Clarke to begin
brainstorming ideas and having them pass and gather information from their
respective homerooms Provide opportunities for the students to create it.
Jennifer mentioned to talk with Julie and Ellen because they had been in
conversation on this topic We also spoke of the Lexington Flick, opening their
place, to students on half-days Not successful in the past, but doesn't mean we
cant' try again
Bill B raised the question about Diamond students being invited I said they
would not be excluded Although I haven't been able to get into the school yet,
have met two of the guidance counselors at a K-8 guidance meeting They will
be my in We also addressed issues of liability, who will be responsible, and like
Elaine said what happens if three kids decide to leave early and something
happens to one of them, and who would be the chaperones High school kids to
possibly help out and earn community service hours Julia felt that a number of
high school students would be interested in this opportunity Elaine also
mentioned that Boston kids need have equal access Possibly merchants and
parents can contribute to food, drink, et cetera
We further spoke about the idea of a Youth Services Network. Thoughts were
exchanged through use of the forum sub-committee Elaine drafted a letter and
questionnaire form to go out to community private mental health practitioners and
the date reserved at the library is 1/26/05 at 7 30pm I also booked a back up,
2/2/05 at 7 30pm, thanks to Bob's mindful request due to possible inclimate
weather. Bill B , Elaine, and Beth spoke about the network being a team that
works to coordinate, connect, and provide services with the hope that there will
be consistency, on-going collaboration An opportunity to provide, share, and
exchange information pertinent to youth and community
Bill B addressed the issue of quality control of therapists offering services saying
therapists need to be made aware that it will be a limited group, possibly the kids
interview the therapists Jennifer mentioned the idea of supervision or
observation Bill K. suggested having the clinical network grapple with this issue
during our forum meeting and make it part of the questionnaire
The last issue quickly identified were recent issues around confidentiality of
students, families between my position, the police and school departments
How can we work to exchange information, not crossing the boundaries, and
threatening confidentiality of those we are trying to help are the questions
currently being addressed?
Mark your calendars our next meeting is Tuesday December 14, 2004 Room
217 at 2•30pm and our January meeting has been scheduled for the 11th!!
Please let me know if you are unable to attend
Thank you everyone for your enthusiasm, committment and support. Happy
Thanksgiving and safe travels --Becky