Parents’ Corner

 Ms. Pastorkovich, Guidance Counselor

(724) 983-4043

 

 

 

Grief Support Group for Teens:          

 “Connections to Hope” will meet every 3^rd Wednesday of the month, starting September 21, 2011 at the Hermitage YMCA. For more information call (724) 346-0667 or (724) 962-5000.

Helping Your Child in Times of Stress and Crisis

·         Address your own reactions to the situation.

·         Stick to schedules and routines. Children will find comfort in this.

·         If the source of stress is in the news, limit exposure to television and other forms of media.

·         Speak honestly with your child. Be careful to share age-appropriate information.

·         Provide one on one time. Give your child an opportunity to express fears and concerns.

 

 

Math and Science for Girls

BrainCake is a program of the Girls, Math and Science Partnership at Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. On the Web site braincake.org, girls can find ideas about careers, games to play and fun science activities in the Western Pennsylvania area.  There’s even a page for parents with tips on how to make math and science more accessible to your daughter. Upcoming events include “Burgh Bees” for girls in grades 6 through 12. Girls will visit a bee keeper, examine a beehive and learn how bees make honey and wax.

Marijuana: Facts for Parents

 

According to the National Institutes of Health, marijuana is the illegal drug most often abused in the United States. Conversations between parent and child must begin early regarding the dangers involved. Marijuana use today often begins at a young age and more potent forms of the drug are now available compared to years past.

 

Fact:  Marijuana now comes in stronger forms than in the 1970s or 1980s.  Effects from the drug’s use are much stronger.

 

Fact: Research shows more than 40 percent of teens try marijuana before graduating from high school.

 

Fact:  Marijuana users may have many of the same breathing problems tobacco users have including chronic coughing and frequent chest colds.

 

Fact:  Marijuana use affects the brain and leads to impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment and motor skills. Because of the drug’s effects on perceptions and reaction time, users could be involved in auto crashes. Drug users also may become involved in risky sexual behaviors which could lead to the spread of diseases.  Under the influence of marijuana, students may find it hard to study and learn. Young athletes may find their coordination, movements and timing are compromised.

 

How can you tell if your child has been using marijuana?

Some of the possible warning signs are:  appears dizzy and has trouble walking; seems silly and giggly for no reason; individual has bloodshot eyes and has a hard time remembering things that just happened.

 

 

The information above has been provided by the National Institute of Health.

 

Concerned parents may contact members of the school’s Student Assistance Team:

 

Middle School:  Ms. Diane Pastorkovich  983-4043

                                                                                           

 

Student Assistance Program

 

Do you have concerns about your child? In Pennsylvania, every secondary school is required to have a Student Assistance Program. Here at Sharon Middle/High School we have a team of faculty members including the school counselors to assist parents and students who may be going through a difficult time.

 

As parents, there may be times when you don’t know how to help your child. Perhaps they appear depressed or have changed their peer group and are acting out aggressively or experiencing a sudden drop in grades.

 

Please consider contacting our grade level teams if you would like assistance. We do not diagnose or provide treatment. Instead, we assist you by providing helpful information about community and school resources, including assistance from our Mercer County Behavioral Health liaison.

 

For Middle School Grades contact Ms. D. Pastorkovich at 983-4043

For High School Grades contact Mr. G. Revale at 983-4041