reensburg Salem GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Family Fun with a Purpose
Adolescence can be scary – everything changes. Our bodies, our activities, our friends, even our schools. A great way for parents and students transitioning to Greensburg Salem Middle School to learn how to navigate the( sometime) stormy waters of the pre-teen and teen years is by participating in SFP – Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14.
Through a partnership with Penn State Extension and the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Greensburg Salem Middle School will be offering this FREE, familyexperience to incoming sixth graders this fall and to both sixth and fifth graders in the spring. Focusing on showing love and setting limits, SFP 10-14 is an interactive, educational, and fun way to strengthen family communication and promote family bonding. Held in the evening for seven consecutive weeks, SFP 10- 14 starts with a family meal followed by a onehour individual sessions for the youth and parents / caregivers after which the family reunites for hands-on activities and communication games. Families with little ones at home can take advantage of the free childcare provided each week.
Over the course of the seven-week program the youth will learn and practice a wide variety of skills These include looking towards their future and setting positive goals, resisting peer pressure, managing emotions and stress, and exploring the challenges they are facing while recognizing their parents’ position. However, kids aren’ t the only ones learning here, parents and caregivers will discover ways to help their children make the transition to the teen years, productive ways to discuss issues and solve problems with their child, and how to strengthen peer pressure resistance skills to avoid risky behaviors and substance abuse.
One parent summed up her experiences with SFP 10 – 14 saying,“ This program is really for all families. It helped me add several tools to my parenting toolbox. Not only did we build a stronger family foundation but I now know how to“ fix” little problems before they grow into big, unmanageable problems. But the best part was just spending some one-on-one time with my son.”
The kids enjoy the program too, particularly the skits and games, and spending fun time with their parents.
For more information on SFP 10- 14 and upcoming dates, please contact Patty Graff at Penn State Extension, 724-837- 1402 or PAG18 @ psu. edu.
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