By Joe Olenick<br><a href="mailto:olenickj@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Joe</a>
Niagara Gazette
October 12, 2008 10:50 pm
—
Parents and counselors from Starpoint Middle School are getting together each month for coffee and a conversation.
Starting last month, parents of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at Starpoint can meet with school counselors to discuss topics concerning school, students and how to succeed in their education. Parents of all middle school students are invited to the monthly meetings known as “coffee with the counselors.”
The first meeting in September had 39 parents attend.
“It’s a better means of communication with parents,” Starpoint Superintendent C. Douglas Whelan said. “It was a great turnout.”
The topic of the first meeting was tips on homework and developing study skills. Parents left with some strategies of how to help their children succeed, Whelan said. The next meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, will focus on talking to middle school kids about drugs and alcohol. The aim is to help parents recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use, as well as provide information on what to do about it. There will be a guest presenter, a prevention specialist from Northpointe Council of Lockport, (formerly the Alcoholism Council of Western New York).
Middle School Principal James Bryer said the idea for the meetings started last year. Eighth-grade counselor Kelly Preisch was the one who put it all together, he said.
“We were talking about proactive measures to help parents and kids to achieve success,” he said. “And it is going well.”
Bryer said some future meeting ideas may include discussing with parents of eighth-graders about what to expect in high school. So far, the response to the meetings has been positive.
“We’ve gotten great feedback,” Bryer said. “Parents are busy, it can be difficult to make an evening event.”
Parents can reserve a spot by calling 210-2222 or by going online to the Starpoint Web site, www.starpointcsd.org, and clicking on the “middle school” tab. Follow the student support services tab and click on Preisch’s link.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.