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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