Wednesday, May 21, 2014
For the most up to date information and blog posts, please head to TOGYouthServiceBureau.weebly.com. Our new website will be your best source for information about the programs, services and events sponsored by the Youth Service Bureau. As the web site allows us to publish a blog as part of the site itself, we are moving our blog there and will no longer be updating this page on a regular basis. Click here to go to The website
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Spring! Birds Chirping, Sun Shining and the halls of the middle school buzzing with comments about the dress code!
Thoughts on dress codes:
As a child of the 60's, I am all about in freedom of expression, and I totally get why the kids are all abuzz about being told what they can and cannot wear! That said, I am going to make an argument in support of the dress codes for our students.
My views have their roots in the science of attraction and adolescent development. We know a couple of things, that human males are stimulated by visual cues and that adolescents are in the midst of developing into sexually mature humans, and are coming to terms with the many changes taking place within them. They are experiencing sexual attraction for the first time in their lives.
This is a really good reason to have dress codes in place in schools. Less revealing clothing will be less distracting to our kids, and they will be better able to focus on learning. Lets face it, that algebra equation is far less attractive than the glimpse of a bra strap or a six pack set of abs. Lets minimize the distractions and focus on the learning. (yep, I could even support a school uniform for similar reasons!)
As a parent I realize I need to teach both my son and daughter how to handle their sexuality. Part of that will be about how they feel about themselves, and part of it will be helping them understand how they may impact others. How they act, dress, and carry themselves will greatly impact how they are perceived and how others treat them. By understanding this, they can make informed decisions about how they present themselves, and how they react and interpret others they come into contact with.
It is my job to be sure they both understand the rules of consent. Outside of school, I want our youth to have the opportunity to experiment and explore how they express themselves. I want my children to understand that how someone dresses or acts does not reflect the kind of sexual attention they want. The only way that is expressed is directly, verbally, from someone old enough to give consent and someone not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I want my children to judge people on who they are and how they act. I want them to avoid making snap judgement based solely on how someone dresses. At the same time I want them to understand that people may judge them on these things. Humans are visual creatures, and appearances to shape our perceptions and can lead to assumptions.
This is one of those parenting issues that is just filled with grey areas that I know will cause lots of family discussion and probably more than a little descent!
As a child of the 60's, I am all about in freedom of expression, and I totally get why the kids are all abuzz about being told what they can and cannot wear! That said, I am going to make an argument in support of the dress codes for our students.
My views have their roots in the science of attraction and adolescent development. We know a couple of things, that human males are stimulated by visual cues and that adolescents are in the midst of developing into sexually mature humans, and are coming to terms with the many changes taking place within them. They are experiencing sexual attraction for the first time in their lives.
This is a really good reason to have dress codes in place in schools. Less revealing clothing will be less distracting to our kids, and they will be better able to focus on learning. Lets face it, that algebra equation is far less attractive than the glimpse of a bra strap or a six pack set of abs. Lets minimize the distractions and focus on the learning. (yep, I could even support a school uniform for similar reasons!)
As a parent I realize I need to teach both my son and daughter how to handle their sexuality. Part of that will be about how they feel about themselves, and part of it will be helping them understand how they may impact others. How they act, dress, and carry themselves will greatly impact how they are perceived and how others treat them. By understanding this, they can make informed decisions about how they present themselves, and how they react and interpret others they come into contact with.
It is my job to be sure they both understand the rules of consent. Outside of school, I want our youth to have the opportunity to experiment and explore how they express themselves. I want my children to understand that how someone dresses or acts does not reflect the kind of sexual attention they want. The only way that is expressed is directly, verbally, from someone old enough to give consent and someone not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I want my children to judge people on who they are and how they act. I want them to avoid making snap judgement based solely on how someone dresses. At the same time I want them to understand that people may judge them on these things. Humans are visual creatures, and appearances to shape our perceptions and can lead to assumptions.
This is one of those parenting issues that is just filled with grey areas that I know will cause lots of family discussion and probably more than a little descent!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Please join Granby Memorial High School this Thursday at 6:30 PM for motivational speaker Bob Anastas. Bob is the founder of SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk) and focuses on issues related to substance abuse and personal responsibility. Suitable for parents and youth, this could be a good opportunity to spark some conversations with you teen about the issues he or she faces.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
PACT 360: Parents You Matter
Thursday March 27th
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
GMMS Cafe
Please join us for this DrugFree.Org parent prevention program. Dinner and babysitting will be provided free of charge. Call GMMS to register. The program is free but registration is required to ensure adequate food and babysitting coverage.
Prevention starts early and begins at home.
Parents: You Matter!!!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Teens In Transition:
Eight weeks of Yoga and Empowerment! The progression to high
school can be an unusually stressful experience for teens. This transition can cause anxiety, moodiness,
angry outbursts or withdrawal from friends and family.
Teens in Transition is a therapeutic yoga class which meets once a week to
assist teens in reducing stress, increasing body awareness and creating
community through breathing, exercises, meditation, and journaling. Classes
will be held at the Youth Services building.
The cost for the entire series is $40. Registration is required through Granby Youth Services at
860.844.5355.
This class will be taught by Kristal Fiorentino, a certified Yoga instructor with years of teaching experience. More information is available on the Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau website.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Look What’s
Coming!
Spring is on
its way, and so are some new programs.
PACT 360: Parents You Matter:
Drugs/Alcohol, Your Teen and You. This program for parents will be presented in
cooperation with GMMS and the PAC. Child
care and pizza will be provided. Details
forthcoming.
QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer:
Suicide prevention Training for the community. This one hour training is available to any
community group or group of residents for free.
Appropriate for teens and adults.
SPEAKER Bob Anastas: founder of
Students Against Driving Drunk. Bob is a powerful and motivating
speaker. The topic is Check in to a Winning Life. Bring your teen or tween with you to this
engaging night! Thursday April 3rd. Location and time to be announced.
Love and Logic Parenting Workshop: This parenting workshop has been highly praised by the
parents who attended the first three sessions. In six sessions you develop the
skills to end the power struggles with your kids, build a positive and loving
relationship, while teaching them to be responsible humans who understand that
actions have consequences. The Spring
session will begin in March. Registration
for this session will be open February 1, 2014.
Y.E.S. Youth Employment Service: Our Y.E.S. program helps connect local youth interested in
earning some extra money with area residents who are looking for some
help. From babysitting to yard clean up,
we help facilitate connections between our youth and residents. The youth application is available on our
website. Call AnneMarie Cox for more
information!
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