August 30, 2016

Back-to-School Tips

It’s that time of year again and we can hear the school bells ringing! It can be hard to adjust from the dog days of summer to the busy and fast pace of the school year. Here are eight tips to get back into the school mode and start this year off right!

Tip #1: Have the Proper School Supplies that you need for your classes!
I highly suggest getting folders and binder with patterns and designs to make note taking more fun. During the first day of class most teachers will tell you everything they require for their courses. Make sure that you get the specified supplies so that you are able to keep up with the class work and stay organized.

Tip #2: Get an Agenda!
During the school year is such a busy time! Between taking test, doing home work, attending activities, and school events it can be really hard to keep track of everything. By keeping an updated agenda you can better manage your time and know what you have to accomplish. Having a agenda will definitely help you with time management. Time management is key to being successful and staying on top of everything you need to do!

Tip #3: Know your Course Syllabus
Knowing your class schedule is so important for being successful in the course your taking. Teachers will typical hand out your syllabus in class or post it online. I highly suggest keeping it in a safe and convenient place so you can frequently view. Knowing when you have papers and projects due is so important for passing the course and keeping up your grades. Having the syllabus will allow you to plan ahead and give yourself proper time to complete every assignment and get great grades!

Tip #4: Do Not Procrastinate
This is something that we have all been guilty of in the past and have learned the stressful repercussions. A habit is created in three weeks so if you study for every course your taking daily in 21 days that will be a new habit for you. Dedicating a little bit of time everyday to the courses you are taking is definitely going to positively impact your grades and make you a better student!

View the full article.

Source: Gabrielle Flank, Huffington Post
in iASK-CAB Notes
August 21, 2016

iASK. We Answer.

iASK (Irvington About Safe Kids) is a coalition formed by members of the long-standing CAB (Community Advisory Board), after applying for and being awarded federal monies through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) grant. The funds are designated for use in communicating and strategies aimed at alcohol/drug awareness and prevention messages. Following on the success of the CAB, founded over 30 years ago by members of the Irvington community, iASK-CAB represents all sectors of our community – parents, teens, educators, law enforcement, government, medical professionals, businesses, faith leaders, civic groups – working together to provide youth and their families with the information and skills needed to make healthy decisions.2016 iASK Accomplishments

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June 30, 2016

School’s Out for Summer!

Even though it is one of the most wonderful times of the year, there are issues related to summer safety for teenagers. First, there is the research that indicates that many teens experiment with drugs and alcohol for the first time during the summer.  This is probably due to the fact that this is a more relaxed, less scheduled time of year.

In addition, teens spend more time outside, stay out later and gather in unsupervised settings far from the watchful eye of a parent or other responsible adults. There are concerns about the use of alcohol and other drugs and teens driving a car or boat or participating in other activities such as skateboarding and swimming that require good judgement and coordination.

As in most issues, it is best for parents to have an honest and direct conversation with their teen about their expectations to remain drug free.  Also discuss the consequences that will occur if they do not remain drug free. Learn more.

Source: Parenting for Prevention, Patricia Murphy Warble, CMSW, CPP  

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June 12, 2016

Not My Child… Think Again.

Only 1 in 10 High School parents believe their own child drinks alcohol, and only 1 in 100 High School parents believe their child binge-drinks.

However, the most recent nationwide Monitoring the Future study (2015) proves differently:

  • 47 % of 10th grade students and 64% of 12th grade students admit to drinking alcohol (defined as drinking “more than a few sips”)
  • 1 in 6 high school students reports binge-drinking within the last month

Research shows that teens are less likely to drink alcohol if they clearly know their parents disapprove. Talk to your children soon & often about the risks of underage alcohol use.

Alcohol_Infographic

Source: Jennifer Traditi, LMHC, Student Assistance Counselor, Irvington High School & Middle School
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April 28, 2016

What Every Parent & Student Should Know…

May Panel Flyer jpgiASK-CAB will be sponsoring an important panel discussion on May 19th, 7pm at Irvington High School.  The topic will be consequences of underage drinking and drug use from a variety of perspectives by our panel of experts:
  • Dr. Emil Nigro, ER Medical Director – Phelps Memorial Hospital
  • Det. Mike Toolan, Detective – Irvington Police Department
  • David Cohen, Principal – Irvington High School
  • Des Lyons, Justice – Village of Irvington
Moderator
  • Ellen Morehouse, LCSE, CASAC, CPP – Executive Director, Student Assistance Services Corp.
All students and parents are invited to take part in this important, FREE discussion. As an added incentive, all attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of prom tickets, local restaurant gift certificates and more!!
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April 25, 2016

“Healthy Teen Brain Day” in Irvington!

April 20, 2016 – Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino gathered with nearly 100 high school students, teachers, health professionals and parents who make up the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth to declare April 20th as “Healthy Teen Brain Day” in Westchester.

In recent years, April 20th has become known as a day when some young people gather to smoke marijuana. Throughout Westchester County, municipalities and coalitions are joining forces to raise awareness about the risks associated with adolescent marijuana use.

Read the full article.

Healthy Teen Brain Day

Healthy Teen Brain Day

Healthy Teen Brain Day

Irvington at “Healthy Teen Brain Day”

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April 20, 2016

Its 4/20… Have You Talked to Your Children About Marijuana?

Fast Facts About Teen Marijuana Use:

  • 1 in 6 teenagers who try marijuana will become addicted
  • Marijuana use affects attention, memory, coordination, & judgment, which could impact your child’s performance in school & sports
  • Marijuana use during the teenage years can permanently affect brain growth & development
  • Today’s marijuana is much stronger than it was 30 years ago…
    • Its potency has increased from ~4% THC  in the 1980s to ~14.5% THC currently

Teens receive mixed messages about marijuana almost every day. Have a conversation with your son/daughter today about the dangers of teen marijuana use.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Traditi, LMHC

Student Assistance Counselor

Irvington High School & Middle School

Phone: 914-269-5469

in iASK-CAB Notes
April 18, 2016

Marijuana and 4/20

February was Marijuana Awareness Month, and this week is April 20th (also known as “4/20”) which is often associated with marijuana use. Teens receive mixed messages about marijuana almost every day, and it is helpful for them to learn the facts from the adults in their lives. Research shows that teens are less likely to use drugs if they clearly know their parents disapprove. Talk to your children soon & often about the risks of drug use.

Please view the pamphlet “Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know” from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This informative document answers some commonly asked questions among parents, and it addresses how to talk to your kids about the risks of marijuana use.

For more information about this & other topics, please contact the Irvington High School Student Assistance Counselor – Jennifer Traditi, LMHC – Jennifer.Traditi@IrvingtonSchools.org or 914-269-5469.

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