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youth connections, winter 2010
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MAGAZINEDECEMBER 2010 | youthconnectionscoalition.org
CELL PHONE SAFETY
ExErcisE YourParEntal controlsCAMPAIGN KICKOFFKeep it in the RingA PARENT’S PERSPECTIVEBullyingSUICIDE PREVENTIONHow to Save a Life
BRO
UG
HT
TO Y
OU
BY
new look!check out our
Discipline. Honor. respect.
MMA is about the competition not fighting out of anger.
MMA is a potentially dangerous sport; preparation, safety and conditioning are essential.
Honor your family by talking to your kids about keeping violence off the street.
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 1
4FEATURES
December 2010
61016
CELL PHONE SAFETY
Exercise Your Parental Controls
A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Bullying
SUICIDE PREVENTION
How to Save a Life
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Keep it in the Ring
2 From the Director
9 Faces in the Crowd
12 Assets in Action
14 5 Under $3.00
15 By the Numbers
18 Q&A
19 For the Love of Reading
20 Media Literacy
22 Donate Your Bikes
23 Important Dates
24 All Around the School
COVER PHOTO BYWandering Albatross
Photography
PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH
TO ADVERTISEcall (406) 285-1274
TO CONTRIBUTEcall (406) 324-1032
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
2 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
directorfrom the
elena Youth
Connections has
been in existence
for nearly ten
years empowering
youth and promoting positive
youth development. We have been
successful in creating a coalition
structure where substance abuse
and violence among youth are
addressed through a comprehensive approach to include
six prevention strategies: building awareness, educating,
collaborating, identifying and referring, providing pro-social
activities and changing policies and practices. Recently, the
Helena community was awarded $5.3 million to fortify and
expand these efforts. Youth Connections in partnership
with the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative have
identified system and service needs in the areas of violence,
substance abuse, social/emotional health, mental heath and
early childhood. Through this collaborative effort we will
begin to see many positive impacts for families and youth
in our community. With support and participation from
various community partners, there will be less violence and
substance abuse, an increase in pro-social behaviors, more
students receiving the help they need and children 0-5
years will be prepared to start school. To learn more about
Youth Connections and the Safe Schools Healthy Students
Initiative or to get involved, please contact our office at
324-1032.
DRENDA CARLSON, Directoremail: [email protected]
phone: (406) 324-1032Helena Middle School, Room 210
drenda carlson
F o r T i c k e t s C a l l ( 4 0 6 ) 4 4 2 - 1 8 6 0 o r v i s i t w w w. h e l e n a s y m p h o n y. o r g
Happy Holidays!Honor your
favorite teacher and support
public education with a donation to the Helena Education
Foundation.
hefmt.org • 406.443.2545
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 3
be localshop local
helena
BeLoca lHe lena .comSee what it’S all about
CLASSIF IEDS
EMPLOYMENT ADS
EVENT L IST ING
FRee
be local is all about promoting and supporting locally-owned,
independent businesses. it’s about making your hard-earned money
go further, fueling the local economy and helping to preserve the
unique character of our community. Call 285-1274 for details.
become anadvertiser
fan ‘be local’ on Facebook
call us for a Free decal
4 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
parental controlseXercIse YoUr
By Paul O’Reilly, www.theonlinemom.com
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 5
ll the main cellular providers have various levels and types of parental controls. Usually, some kind of family plan is necessary but this is not always the case. Parental controls for cell
phones fall into three distinct categories:
Content filtersThese allow parents to set filters for what multimedia content their children can download to their phones. While content filters are more important for smartphones with full web access and video download capability, most cell phones now have some kind of browser. However, parents should be aware that content filters are not foolproof and inappropriate content can also be received via text, IM or e-mail.
Usage controlsUsage controls put the parent in charge of a child’s cell phone usage, regulating the number of calls and text messages. They can also block certain numbers or restrict outgoing calls to a pre-approved list, and even disable the phone during certain times of day, like school hours or after 9 pm.
location and monitoring controlsThese can be used to monitor a child’s whereabouts through built-in GPS systems. Some systems can even send alerts when a child’s cell phone moves out of a pre-agreed zone or range.
Don’t forget to remind your child that owning or using a cell phone is a privilege not a right, and continued use depends entirely on their being able to demonstrate responsible behavior. As long as you are paying the bills, you are entitled to call the shots! ■
at&t’s main parental control product is at&t smart limits for Wireless which allows parents to set limits on the number of text and instant messages; the dollar amount of downloadable
purchases (ringtones, etc.); the amount, if any, of web browsing; the times of day the phone can be used; who can call or be called (blocking); and the type of content that can be accessed.
With the usage controls, the child receives a warning notification as pre-agreed limits are approached. Once a limit is reached, that particular service will be suspended until the next billing cycle. One drawback with Smart Limits is that you can’t restrict the overall number of minutes, just the volume of calls, which might be a problem with talkative teenagers!
Smart Limits works with any active AT&T post-paid plan and costs $4.99 per month per line.
sprint’s parental controls are less developed and there is no complete package of controls that can be accessed online. Instead, selective
blocking features for incoming calls, text messages and content purchases are managed through a user’s My Sprint account. Parents are also able to restrict incoming and outgoing calls and prohibit the use of the camera through programming the phone itself. Internet access can be managed online or on the phone.
Sprint Family Locator allows parents to track the whereabouts of a child’s location through GPS systems. The service includes notifications on specific days and at precise times, and the ability to send text messages from your phone or via the web. Sprint Family Locator costs $5 per month per family, which covers up to four locatable phones.
Verizon has by far the most comprehensive menu of parental controls, which are organized along the lines of the three main categories listed to the left. Their usage controls and content filters put the parent in complete
control of when and how their child’s phone is used, even syncing the filters with their custom services like V CAST Music and Video.
The Verizon usage controls allow you to set limits for the volume of both minutes and messages during a billing cycle, as well as restricting the times the phone can be used. Full blocking services are also available. Verizon offers age-appropriate filters for multimedia content, with options for 7+, 13+ and 17+ age groups. Usage controls are $4.99 per month per line, while the content filters are free.
Verizon also offers Chaperone, a highly sophisticated tracking and monitoring service. Chaperone costs $9.99 for monthly access and requires a compatible phone.
If you decide your child is ready for a cell phone, then you might want to investigate some of the parental controls that are now commonly available.
DYKDID YOU KNOW?
Scientists say that Einstein’s brain was 15% wider than the average human brain.
More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.
Ants stretchwhen they wake up in the morning.
6 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
outh Connections, in collabora-tion with the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative, have partnered with Bret Hamlin, a mixed martial arts (MMA) instructor, to send a
message of discipline, honor and respect to keep teen violence off the streets with their Keep It in the Ring campaign. This six-month campaign kicked off on October 30.
Hamlin explains, “I am fully invested in seeing teen violence in our community decrease. It’s important for parents to be talking to their kids about the difference between the structure and safety of MMA and creating their own violent fights on the street.” Hamlin is known in the Helena com-munity for being a person who embodies his message of discipline, honor and respect. He demands these same characteristics in his fighters as well.
The Keep it in the Ring campaign will be present at The Quarry Bar and Grill. Tracy Moseman of Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative is excited: “We appreciate The Quarry’s full support to encourage parents and young people to talk about the differenc-es between street fighting and what profes-sional MMA fighters are doing in the ring.” ■
campaign kickoff
32.0%said “it’s never ok”
31.0%said “it’s usually not ok”
26.8%said “it’s sometimes ok”
10.2%said “it’s always ok”
surVEY saYs During the Montana Prevention Needs Assessment
administered to a random population of 8th, 10th and 12th graders in the Helena School District, students were asked:
Do you think it’s ok to try out fighting moves (e.g., those seen on
Ultimate Fighting or WWF) with other kids?
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 7
For more information or to get involved with our violence prevention efforts, please contact Jessica Peterson at [email protected] or call (406) 465-6214.
8 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
Creating beautiful smiles for patients of all ages
» We make orthodonitcs comfortable and fun! «» Advanced technology braces for children and adults «
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Memorial Park Warming House & ice rinkOperates December 22–February 18
• WarminghouseopenduringWinterBreak, weekends, and some holidays.
• High school-aged broomball pick up games 7 - 8 PM / Fridays / Dec 3–February 18
• Closed Christmas Day / Closes Early Christmas Eve
• 50¢ Fridays starting December 31
• Call 447-8077 for more information
Heads UP commUnItY
scary spice ice skateshere’s a new drug trend among youth that parents should be aware of – an herbal and chemical product that mimics the effects of marijuana.
It’s best known by the brand names K2 or Spice, and some are referring to it as herbal incense or “fake weed.”
This drug is a combination of herbs and spices that have been sprayed with several synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana. It creates an unpredictable “high” depending on the chemicals.
Emergency rooms are seeing kids who have used this drug presenting with racing hearts, blood pressure problems, vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia and anxiety – not typical side effects of marijuana. ■
DYKDID YOU KNOW?
Put on YourBEWarE oF
The youngest pope was 11 years old.
Q is the only letter in the alphabet that does not appear in the name of any of the United States.
Fortune cookies were actually invented in America, in 1918, by Charles Jung.
MADE IN U.S.A
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 9
FacEsIN THE CROWD
East Helenarodeo associationPositive changes were made this past summer at the East Helena Rodeo in order to support a more family friendly environment. During the junior barrel racing, the beer barrels were removed and replaced with Pepsi barrels, and they made announcements throughout the rodeo to encourage participation in ongoing positive activities.
shaina silvonen FoUR GEoRGIANS ElEMENtARyShaina always includes others and helps others in need. She is sensitive to all peers especially those with learning disabilities. She cares and is very empathetic. Shaina asks to read to a student in kindergarten and buddy with a student who cannot speak. She always stops to help others in class and out of class. (Nominated by: Ms. Jones)
Jordan McMillan
BRoAdWAtER ElEMENtARyJordan is a caring and kind student who always is looking out for others. It is not unusual for him to point out that someone in our class is being left out, may need a band-aid, or some words of encouragement. It is uncommon for a 2nd grade student to have a sense of social justice, but Jordan does. He is aware of inequalities for all students in our class. (Nominated by: Ms. Hatthorn, 2nd grade teacher)
Holly MookHElENA HIGH SCHool PRoJECt SUCCESS CoUNSEloRHolly is one of four Project Success Counselors located at each of our high schools and middle schools. Holly is helping the Youth Connection team as an adult advisor for the “Find Your Spot” social norming campaign targeted at teen marijuana use. Also, she is advising and traveling with three Helena High students to the Youth Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., February 2011.
Ben PepkadIRECtoR oF yoUtH lIFEBen exemplifies how a single caring and dedicated adult can positively impact the lives of young people in Helena. Between Build A Bridge and Young Life high school programs, Ben shares his passions and high spirits with hundreds of teens. Ben helps teens consider the direction of their lives, and offer hope for their future. He loves crazy, fun art therapy and service projects, and he enjoys lasting friendships with the young people he works with.
Please email [email protected]
and tell us why this individual has stood out in
your crowd.
is tHErE soMEonE You’D liKE
to noMinatE?
Check out who’s standing out in our community.
10 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
ullying is aggressive, persistent, and intentional behavior involving an imbalance of power or strength. For a young child or teen who is bullied, it robs them of self-esteem, innocence, confidence,
self-worth, and equal access to a full education. As a parent of two children, both targets of bullying,
I have learned a lot about this topic by doing my own research, talking to teachers and administrators, supporting my children, not losing faith in my belief in the power of kindness, and never giving up. Much has been written about the targets of bullying, but I believe not enough is focused on the bully.
Preventing bullying is a community effort where schools, parents and students each play a vital role. Parents must teach tolerance and respect at home. Schools should continue teaching early and often that bullying behavior is a violation of students' civil and human rights. Bullying is not a right of passage. Bullying is abuse. Pay attention to kids’ behavior and take steps to ensure they are not violating others' rights to a safe and healthy community and school environment. ■
BULLYINGBy Helena Mom of Two
a Parent’s PersPectIVe
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 11
Orthodontics for children and adultsRegular or invisible braces
Accepting new patientsMember of American Association of Orthodontics
Creating Smiles for Over 25 Years
Timothy C. Ballweber, D.D.S., M.S.905 Helena Ave 449-5576 drtimballweber.com
talking negatively about other students when with friends.
Jokes and comments that degrade or ridicule minority groups, the
opposite gender, or students who are different.
children or teens that aren’t being taught at home to respect others.
A target of bullying with low self-esteem can become a bully out of fear of being bullied themselves.
Personalities that lack compassion or empathy for others.
Aggression combined with intolerance of people that are
different.
children and teens who view themselves as physically attractive and popular with an over-emphasis
on these attributes.
A pressure to overachieve.
competitive sports combined with an obsession with winning.
SoME oBSERvAtIoNStHAt MAy HINt oF PotENtIAl
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Space is limited so reserve your spot today
Call Denny at 442-1840 or 439-2605
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Helena Kidsports • Queen City Ballet • Image Dancing3 DIfferent YoutH organIzatIons
MInI CaMp: ages 3-5, 9am-11am, $50
senIor CaMp: ages 6-18, 11am-2:30pm, $75
12 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
SUPPoRt 1. Family support: Family life provides high levels of love
and support.2. Positive family communication: Young person and her
or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from parent(s).
3. other adult relationships: Young person receives support from three or more nonparent adults.
4. caring neighborhood: Young person experiences caring neighbors.
5. caring school climate: School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. Parent involvement in school: Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
EMPoWERMENt7. community values youth: Young person perceives that
adults in the community value youth.8. Youth as resources: Young people are given useful
roles in the community.9. service to others: Young person serves in the
community one hour or more per week.10. safety: Young person feels safe at home, at school, and
in the neighborhood.
BoUNdARIES & ExPECtAtIoNS11. Family boundaries: Family has clear rules and
consequences and monitors the young person’s whereabouts.
12. school boundaries: School provides clear rules and consequences.
13. neighborhood boundaries: Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior.
14. adult role models: Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
15. Positive peer influence: Young person’s best friends model responsible behavior.
16. High expectations: Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
CoNStRUCtIvE USE oF tIME17. creative activities: Young person spends three or more
hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts.
18. Youth programs: Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in the community.
19. religious community: Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
20. time at home: Young person is out with friends “with nothing special to do” two or fewer nights per week.
assets in action 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS
15
14
17
18
eXternal assets
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 13
CoMMItMENt to lEARNING21. achievement motivation: Young person is
motivated to do well in school.22. school engagement: Young person is actively
engaged in learning.23. Homework: Young person reports doing at least
one hour of homework every school day.24. Bonding to school: Young person cares about her
or his school.25. reading for pleasure: Young person reads for
pleasure three or more hours per week.
PoSItIvE vAlUES26. caring—Young person places high value on
helping other people.27. Equality and social justice—Young person places
high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.
28. integrity—Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
29. Honesty: Young person “tells the truth even when it is not easy.”
30. responsibility: Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. restraint: Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
SoCIAl CoMPEtENCIES32. Planning and decision making: Young person
knows how to plan ahead and make choices.33. interpersonal competence: Young person has
empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.34. cultural competence: Young person has
knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.
35. resistance skills: Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. Peaceful conflict resolution: Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.
PoSItIvE IdENtIty37. Personal power: Young person feels he or she
has control over “things that happen to me.”38. self-esteem: Young person reports having a high
self-esteem.39. sense of purpose: Young person reports that “my
life has a purpose.”40. Positive view of personal future: Young person is
optimistic about her or his personal future.
If you or your child would like to submit a picture that represents one of the 40 developmental Assets, please email [email protected] with a picture and the number of the asset the picture represents.
Not all pictures are guaranteed publication.
23
35
18
8
Internal assets
14 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
be green.save green.Shop at Pipsqueak this holiday season.
• Carriers • Cloth diapers • High-quality, pre-loved toys
Put a little “Squeak” under the tree
443-PIPS (7477) 639 Helena Ave, Ste C pipsqueakhelena.com
good eats
$3.00Under5
tHE PlACE: CostcotHE EAtS: Quarter Lb Hotdog + Soda
tHE PRICEtAG: $1.50
tHE PlACE: The Bagel Co.tHE EAtS: Pizza bageltHE PRICEtAG: $3.00
tHE PlACE: RB Drive IntHE EAtS: Hamburger with mustard, ketchup, picklestHE PRICEtAG: $2.65
tHE PlACE: Great Harvest Bread CompanytHE EAtS: Cup of souptHE PRICEtAG: $1.75
tHE PlACE: Steffano’stHE EAtS: 1/4 Veggie SandwichtHE PRICEtAG: $2.85
Drop off your
to Big Sky CyclingUSED BIKES
FOR KIDSIN NEED
801 N Last Chance Gulch442-4644
www.bigskybikes.com
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 15
1179+Number of recorded volunteers within the Helena School District in 2009/10, and of those, 113 of them were students, reporting more than 1651 hours of volunteer hours.
11Approximate number of youth suicides each day in the United States.
94%Percentage of Montana students (grades 9-12) who report wearing their seat belt regularly.
30%Percentage of parents who report they do not drink at all.
$23 BILLIONAmount per year the alcohol industry receives from underage drinking.
4Additional number of hours of television that youth 8-18 years old will watch each day by having a TV in their bedroom.
9.34%Percentage of middle and high school students (grades 7-12) in the Helena School District who skip school because they did not feel safe (in school or on the way to or from school).
BY tHENUMBERS
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• Residential and acute psychiatric care for children and adolescents
• Clinical and laboratory medical genetic services for people of all ages
Caring for Montanans since 1896
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SHD ir yth cn 510 5/12/10 8:51 AM Page 1601 Euclid Ave Helena 449.5657 imaginedesignsmt.com
December Feature
blue topaz earrings$30.00
Jan: GarnetNov: Citrine
Feb: AmethystOct: Opal
Mar: AquamarineSept: Sapphire
Apr: DiamondAug: Peridot
Mar: EmeraldJuly: Ruby
June: Pearl
Dec: Blue Topaz
S e e u S F o r m o n t h l y S p e c i a l S
16 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
uicide is a serious public health matter that may affect many of us in our lifetime. In order to help prevent future losses, we must be willing to talk about what is very difficult for many. Thoughts of suicide are dangerous. All persons with thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously. While thinking about
suicide may be difficult if not impossible to prevent, preventing thoughts of suicide from moving to suicidal actions is possible. Almost all persons at risk actively invite help and keep within them the desire to live. All forms of help-seeking about suicide need to be encouraged. A decision to live is far more likely when a person at risk can make it in the compa-ny of a helper who is comfortable talking about suicide. The simple and yet profound first approach to any person at risk should be, “Let’s talk.” We need everyone, working together, to bring an end to the long history of youth suicides in our communities. The first step is to know the warn-ing signs. Second is to ask the question, “Are you thinking of suicide?” And third, connect the person with professional help. It’s simple, and we can all play a part in saving a life of a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker or stranger. ■
RyanUnited .org
Ry
an
va
nl
uc
he
n,
19
79
-19
87
child safety:have the conversationlearn how at ryanunited.org
406-439-8748 / 800 E 6th Ave / Helena
Ryan United is a 501 ( c ) 3 Non-profit Organization
Know the SignS of Suicide and what to aSK
Every two hours, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide in the United States.
Montana is ranked number two in the nation for suicides for
youth 10-24 years old.
save a LIfehOw tOBy Karl Rosston, Montana Suicide Prevention Coordinator
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 17
• Abruptchangeinpersonality
• Givingawayprizedpossessions
• Previoussuicideattempts
• Increaseindrugoralcoholuse
• Eatingdisturbance,eitherweightgainor loss
• Sleepdisturbance,eithertoomuchortoo little
• Inabilitytotoleratefrustration
• Withdrawalandrebelliousness
• Isolatingfromfriendsorchoosingtospendtime alone
• Unwillingnessorinabilitytocommunicate
• Sexualpromiscuity
• Declineinpersonalhygiene
• Uncharacteristictheftorvandalism
• Flataffectordepressedmood
• Exaggeratedorextendedapathy
• Complaintsofbeingbored
• Carelessnessorincreaseinaccidents
• Unusuallylonggriefreaction(varieswithdifferent youth)
• Overallsenseofsadnessandhopelessness
• Increaseinhostility
• Decreaseinacademicperformance
• Difficultyconcentrating
• Recentfamilydisruption
• Recenthistoryofrunningaway
• Abruptendtoaromance
know the warning signs WHAT YOU CAN DOask the question, “are you suicidal?” and be persistent if you see the signs.
Don’t leave the person alone, tell somebody else, offer hope, and get a commitment to get help.
take the person directly to the emergency department, a mental health professional, a physician, call the police, tell a teacher, anYBoDY.
•••
Intermountain_Family Recruitment ad
18 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
If you would like to submit a question to youth Connections to be answered by someone on our panel, please email the question to [email protected]. Not all questions are guaranteed to make the magazine, but we will do our best to answer your question via email. ???
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Q aQ. shouldn’t parents decide if their child has a cell phone in school?
a. I agree that parents should have a say in when our children can use their phones, although I also feel that, as a parent, I need to do whatever I can to make sure appropriate boundaries are taught and enforced. I recently heard of a texting service called ChaCha (242-242) where anyone can text a question, and a real person sends you an answer back in three minutes or less. At first this seemed like a great thing. I can ask about movie times, calories in fast food, who the other guy in Pearl Harbor was, anything at all! I was so intrigued by the concept of ChaCha that I spent some time texting very random questions and soon realized that there are NO restrictions on the kinds of questions I could ask. Yes, I can ask about movie times, but I could also ask about ANYTHING else and the answers were sometimes very graphic! As I started to think about the vast amount of information that could be accessed for basic questions or even test questions, I realized how important it is that I continue to use the parental controls on my child’s phone. When her line is restricted (at school and late at night), she can always call anyone on our family plan, as well as 911. After all, keeping in touch with me and being able to call for help were the reasons she got the phone in the first place. JENNy SENN: Parent
Q. What would you change about high school to keep students in school?
a. I would create options for alternative pathways that can be explored early on in a middle school/high school student’s career to help ensure that more students will graduate from high school. The act of trying to reengage students once they have given up and are frustrated with conventional education systems is a difficult task indeed. Likewise, I feel that by creating a more personalized learning environment through smaller learning communities and advisory programs, students will feel as though someone at school cares about them.
BRETT ZANTO: Assistant Principal, Helena High School
a. I got kicked out of regular high school for having too many tardies. I wanted to be in school but didn’t have a ride. I would walk but was always late. Everyone seemed to be too busy when I needed the most help. My high school counselor helped me get into the Access to Success program at the UM-Helena. What I like about Access to Success and what has kept me in school are teachers who really care and are willing to help when times are tough. This program helps me succeed because class sizes are smaller and they are flexible when life happens. Teachers are very respectful of each student and understand where we are in life. The respect, caring and understanding are a big deal to me. So, I just ask that teachers, counselors and administrators try to walk in our shoes once in a while. I think that would help keep students in school.
MITSI GELINA: Student
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 19
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ant to develop literacy now in your youngster? Read with him or her. The developmental asset of Reading for Pleasure
starts in early childhood.The Kids and Family Reading Report,
published in 2008, discusses the factors shaping children’s relationship with reading. When it comes to kids and reading, their results indicated the following: Most kids like to read books for fun; one in four kids ages 5-17 read books for fun every day; and reading frequency declines after age eight. Although many parents understand the significance of reading and its correlation to children’s future academic success, they may not know how they can influence their child’s literacy. Keeping the momentum going for reading appears to be a challenge, especially now, when high-tech
distractions pull children away from the love of print.
Increasingly, speech language pathologists and other professionals are advocating for adult-child shared storybook reading. This trend has been influenced in part by research and changing perspectives on early childhood development and the speech-pathologist’s role in enhancing literacy skills. Numerous studies have shown that shared book reading is an effective tool for promoting early literacy skills for both typically developing children and children with disabilities (Justice & Kaderavek, 2003). Even very young children, who are not ready for print and written instruction, are very capable of acquiring those emergent literacy skills that will help them read and write successfully later on. With young children this is done by reading with
them. Not only is book reading important in their early life, it’s also important in their later life. That’s why reading for pleasure is highlighted as one of the 40 developmental assets that promote academic success.
So how do we sustain reading for fun beyond age eight? Scholastic and Yankelovich (2008) offer the following suggestions: Allow kids opportunities to choose their own books and use technology to heighten their book experience by expanding their interest (i.e. author sites, message boards, and search and sample books online); parents should be good reading models for their children; continuing to read books with their children even when they are older is also helpful; more importantly, in spite of their busy adult lives, they should also take time to nourish their own love of reading. ■
By Daylinda Radley, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Shodair Children’s Hospital
asset #25
for the love of reading
20 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
What is it? ur modern technological life has amazing benefits for connecting people around the world instantaneously. With this explosion has come a dramatic increase in media consumption by people of all ages around
the globe. Media itself is neither good nor bad, it just is, but how we interpret the messages is under our control. Media literacy provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms — from print to video to the Internet. It gives control to the consumer – you and I – taking some of the power away from the sender of the message – the advertisers and promoters. For a simple definition, media literacy is the ability to think about messages.
media literacy
it isit is notCritically
analyzing media
Watching carefully, thinking critically
Producing media
teaching about media
Awareness of personal media habits
Healthy skepticism
Bashing the media
Saying ‘don’t watch’ or ‘protection’ against media
Just learning to use technology
Just about tv
Just showing media in a class
By Jesse Franzen, 8th Grade Teacher, Helena Middle School
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We’ve got FUN things for all ages! HOMEMADE...
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* Sodas & Sundaes * FUDGE
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BOTH LOCATED AT THE CAROUSEL in the Great Northern Town Center
Helena, MT—Across from Carroll College www.gncarousel.com 406-457-5353
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FOR FAMILY FUN & HOMEMADE ICE CREAM !
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 21
and
What is the point? Take a look at this alphabet.How many letters can you identify with their product? Then think of an empty map of the United States. Most will find the alphabet to be a much easier task than naming many of the states. Why is that? It is called media influence.
Every one of us has spent more time familiarizing ourselves with these products (mostly through repetitive commercials) than we have with the names and shapes of the states, which is known as brand awareness. Advertisers want us to know their products and trust that the “name brand” is somehow better than all the other options.
Think about when you are trying to pick out toothpaste and you are standing in front of a wall of different types of toothpaste. How do you decide what to put in your basket? Is it a name brand? Why did you choose it? Is there an equal product with a different name that may be less expensive than the one you choose?
How well do you know the American
alphabet of brands?ANSwERS ON PAGE 24
Helena • East Helena • Townsend • Lincoln • Avon
• Wreck Master Certified• Flat Tire Changes• Fuel Delivery• Light/Medium Duty Truck Towing• Lockouts• Jumpstarts• Winchouts• Flatbed Car/Truck Carrier
Boulder-Basin • Wolf Creek • Caynon Creek • Elliston
Helena Towing Service
443-4TOW (4869)
24 HR TOWING & RECOVERYLicensed • Insured • Dependable
This type of questioning is media literacy. Many people implicitly know most of this knowledge, but rarely do people put it to use, and putting our brains into action is increasingly more important. For example, the amount of time school age children spend watching TV is 10 times greater than the time they spend interacting with their mothers and 44 times greater than the time they spend interacting with their fathers, according to the National Institute on Media and Family. Those numbers are only increasing, and media literacy can help us mitigate that influence.
What can you do? Talk to your child about what they see on TV, movies, billboards, and the internet. Talk to them about advertisers and name brands. When you are with friends, talk about the influence of media on your lives. Learn more about how to become more media literate by contacting Youth Connections or asking your favorite librarian. Share this article and look for the next issue, where we will continue with more media literacy. ■
22 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
CollegeGoalMontana
In association with
To nd out more, contact Student Assistance Foundation877-COLG4ME • SmartAboutCollege.org
Text Montana to 41411 for updates!
What to bring to College Goal Montana (for both students and parents):
• FAFSA PIN — to obtain PIN, log on to www.pin.ed.gov
• Correct Social Security numbers• 2010 Federal Tax Returns • 2009 Federal Tax Returns, if 2010 not
complete• W-2s, tribal income, other aid
information (TANF, child support, other bene ts)
• Additional asset information (money market funds, stocks, other investments)
Get FREE, one-on-one helpcompleting the Free Applicationfor Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!
Stop by anytime - It’s FREE!Wed., Feb. 9, 2011 4-7 p.m.UM Helena College of Technology
Sun., Feb. 13, 2011 1-4 p.m.Carroll College, Simperman Hall
Register for a chance toWIN a $500 scholarship!
ig Sky Cycling and Fitness offers to take that bike your child has outgrown and find a new home for it. You can drop off bikes at their new location, 801 North Last Chance Gulch, during their regular
business hours. Their service department will fix up the bikes.
Big Sky Cycling and Fitness is a member of the Helena Safe Routes to School Committee. They are working to improve the health and well-being of children, including children with disabilities, by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. The committee will work closely with Big Sky Cycling and Fitness to find new homes for these bikes with kids who need and want them.
Mary Cheryl “M.C.” Beeby is coordinating this year’s Safe Routes to School efforts. She can be contacted at 406-431-3152 or [email protected]. ■
commUnItY
conferences
donATE yoUR bikESBIG SKY CYCLING AND FITNESS TAKES LEAD IN FIxING THEM AND FINDING THEM A NEW HOME.
2010 Parent/teacher Conferences
THANkS fOR ATTENDING!
youthconnectionscoalition.org | Yc MaGaZinE | DECEMBER 2010 23
VO L U N T E E RH E L E N A
We’re connecting people interested in volunteering to
non-profit and public agencies in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater
and Jefferson Counties.www.volunteerhelena.org
Broughtto you by
For information contactCandice Morris at
447-1690 X115 or log onto
lewisandclarklibrary.org
More Than a CompetitionIt’s An Accomplishment!
FebruAry 7-16
DEcEMBEr 23-31Winter Break, No School
JanuarY 17Martin luther King day, No School
JanuarY 21No School, Grades K-12
Half day, Staff School Improvement PlanningHalf day, School Records for All K-12 Staff
JanuarY 24 3rd Period Begins
FEBruarY 21President's day, No School
MarcH 1-3late Start, Grades 9-12 CRt testing
MarcH 28-aPril 1Spring Break
aPril 44th Period Begins
aPril 22 & 25No School, Easter Break/Easter Sunday, April 24
MaY 6K-8 Released at 11 AM/HS No School/vigilante day
MaY 30Memorial day, No School/district Closed
JunE 4Graduation
JunE 8last day & Noon Early dismissal, Students K-8
P.M. K-8 Inservice day/Records day last day for Staff K-12
JunE 9last day for Students 9-11
JunE 10 HS Inservice/Records day/last day for 9-12 Staff
important dates
24 DECEMBER 2010 | Yc MaGaZinE | youthconnectionscoalition.org
scHoolALL AROUND THE
ansWErs to alPHaBEt: All Detergent; BubbleYum; Campbell’s; Dawn Dish Soap; Eggo; Fritos; Gatorade; Hebrew National; Icee; Jell-O; Kool-Aid; Lysol; M&M’s; Nilla Wafers; Oreo; Pez; Q-tips; Reeces; Startburst; Tide; Uncle Ben’s; V-8; Wisk; x-Tra; York Peppermint Patties; Zest
BRIGHT YOUNG MINDS HARD
AT WORK
If you or a loved one are in crisis and want help, call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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