Key Issues for Youth to be Covered in Free Speaker Series

By Kara Seymour

Two school-based organizations are partnering to host a four-part series to address important issues facing today's youth.

The Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth and Council Rock Education Foundation will present the “Raising Great Kids” speaker series starting Oct. 17. The free series will continue throughout the year, with a final program in April.

Speakers include a diverse group of experts who will provide insight and practical advice on how to prepare for and deal with issues including anxiety, Internet safety, bullying and substance abuse, according to program organizers. 

The first speaker will be Dr. Michael Bradley, who will address anxiety and provide tips on how to raise resilient kids.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Bradley back to share his respect-based approach to parenting”, said Brooke Holdsman, the PTO/Parent Forum president at Council Rock South.  “Dr. Bradley’s pro-active approach helps parents see the problems before they happen, making this event important for all parents, no matter what their children’s ages.”     

On Nov. 14, the presentation will focus on Internet safety. A presentation on bullying will be held Feb. 26. The final presentation will be held April 23 and will address substance abuse issues.

“These issues are the most critical ones that our students face today,” CRCHY Director Debbie Moskovitz said. “Even if you don’t think that the topic relates to your child, these discussions will help parents become better prepared to handle them if they do appear.”

All presentations are free and open to the whole community, not just Council Rock parents. Each presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will include time for a question and answer period.

RSVP to CRCHY@crsd.org; registration is not necessary but encouraged for each event to prepare for refreshments and handouts.

For more information, visit www.creducationfoundation.org or email office@creducationfoundation.org. 

The Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing at-risk behaviors of our youth, helping them reach their full potential in a healthy environment.   

The Council Rock Education Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to supporting innovative education programs and bringing the community together in support of Council Rock Schools.

Here's a look at the four programs that are part of the series:

Addressing Anxiety: Raising Resilient Kids
Dr. Michael J. Bradley, Best-Selling Author
Thursday , October 17, 2013  7 p.m.
Council Rock South Auditorium
2002 Rock Way, Holland

Internet Safety 
Cerena Coughlin, FBI Special Agent
Thursday, November 14, 2013 7 p.m.
Newtown Middle School Auditorium
116 Richboro Road, Newtown
Adults only please-some content may not be appropriate for children

Bullying: What you need to know 
Christa Tinari, Peace Praxis
Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 7 p.m.
Location TBD

Straight Talk for Parents 
Christie Wentz, Drug Free PA
Wednesday, April 23, 2014  7 p.m.
Location TBD