Monday, February 22, 2010

Parenting Class Offered

Parenting Class
For parents of children ages 2-10.
*Child care available (up to age 8)
8 Weeks
March 9, 2010 – April 27, 2010
The Incredible Years Parenting class is designed to assist parents with the challenges of parenting all children between the ages of 2–12*. This evidence based program builds on and increases parenting skills, with the goal being to increase positive behavior while
decreasing negative behavior in children.
TIME:  5:30-7:00 PM – Tuesdays
        
PLACE:  McMinnville Cooperative Ministries
          544 NE 2nd St
          McMinnville, OR 97128

Instructor: Erin Johnson, MSW

        Classes are free if your child is covered by OHP insurance.
Call for sliding fee for parents of children without OHP coverage.
You must pre-register before starting!
Pre-register in office with a copy of your child’s OHP card or payment, or you may call the office with you child’s OHP client ID number. This must be done prior to the first class!
             
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES
(503) 472-4020
617 NE Davis St.
McMinnville, OR 97128 

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVIES NW AND MID-VALLEY BEHAVIORAL CARE NETWORK

Annual Kids Helping Kids Coin Drive Begins

The annual Kids Helping Kids coin drive begins today and goes until Friday, February 26.  This is your chance to help other kids in the community by bringing in your spare change. 

The money is collected by the Newberg Rotary and is used to help families pay for medical, dental and eye care.  This is a very important resource for the community and helps so many families each year.

Small plastic bags will be hended out today to all the students.  There will be competitions between lunches to see which lunch can bring in the most money.  The winning lunch will receive ice creams bars.

So save your change - or dollar bills, we aren't picky - and bring them in to help!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sometimes You Just Need to Laugh

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Think Before You "Send"

As technology advances and makes communicating so much easier, it also brings with it problems.  Teens are not realizing the impact a "simple" text can have.  One of the newest issues we are facing right now is "sexting".  Sexting is when one person shares sexually explicit text messages or photos or videos (of yourself or others) using a cell phone or the internet.  To teens, it may sound fun and harmless but it can cause serious problems.

Sexting is unsafe!  Once you post or send a "sext" you can no longer control it.  And information you post online can last forever!  It may be copied or re-posted or viewed for years to come. 

Sexting can:
* Change people's opinion of you. 
           You may end up with an unwanted reputation.  Or someone may expect more from you (sexually).
* Cause bullying. 
            A sext that gets into the wrong hands can clearly be embarrassing.  it can also lead to bullying, in person or online.
* Hurt your future.
            Schools and employers often search online for information about applicants.  A sext you thought was long gone could still be on the internet and cost you a big opportunity.
* Get you in serious trouble.
             For example, students caught sexting may be suspended or expelled, or have notes added tot heir school records.  Some have even faced serious legal charges.
* Attract sexual predators
             Think sexting someone you only know online is safe?  Not so!  With just a few details from your online profile, a predator may be able to find you in person.

Think before you share any messages or images!  Ask yourself: Would I want this posted on my school bulletin board?  Would I want my parents, teachers or coach to see this?  Or a future college or employer?  Would I feel comfortable saying or showing this in public or in person?

If you get a sext message from someone, don't respond!  And don't pass it on!  Tell a trusted adult (a teacher, parent, school counselor or coach) and they will help you.

And always remember... Think before you send!!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

National School Counseling Week

January 26, 2010 - For Immediate Release



Congress Passes Sánchez Resolution: “National School Counseling Week”

Washington, DC – Today the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1029, a resolution spearheaded by Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), to honor the important role school counselors play in the lives of students across the country by declaring February 1-5, 2010, as “National School Counseling Week.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez urged her colleagues to join her in this important effort during a floor speech today, where she recognized two outstanding counselors from her district. “Angela Castellanos of Santa Fe High School in Whittier, Calif., and Alex Paredes of Southeast High School in South Gate, Calif., are just two examples of counselors who do exceptional work every single day to help our students reach their highest potential,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez. “It is because of the unending dedication of counselors like Angela and Alex that children across our country succeed in becoming engineers, doctors, and even members of Congress.”

Sánchez noted that California’s student-to-school-counselor ratio is a dismal 945 students to one school counselor – almost four times the recommended ratio of 250-to-one. School counselors play a vital role in the development of students on academic, social, and personal levels but unfortunately often find themselves the casualty of budget cuts.

“Our counselors do amazing, and often unrecognized, work,” continued Sánchez. “Our communities are strengthened by the students who are championed by their school counselors. I hope that National School Counseling Week has a greater impact than just the recognition of outstanding counselors – I hope that it helps policymakers recognize that, to do well inside the classroom, students often need extra assistance outside the classroom.”

View Rep. Sánchez’ entire speech at
www.youtube.com/user/LindaTSanchez