Friday, May 5, 2017

The PTA needs your help for the 2017/2018 School Year!  We have filled quite a few slots on our board and to chair committees (thanks to those who have already committed) but we still need more help.  Please consider volunteering for one of the following positions:

On the Board:  Vice President, Recording Secretary and Correspondence Secretary.

Committee Chair:  Community Outreach, After School Activities, Planters, Reflections, Student Celebrations, Health and Safety, School Improvement and School Store.

For more information about any of these positions,
please contact Kristin Davidson at 410-489-6753 or kkdavidson1@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________

The PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) is thrilled that the 102nd Maryland PTA convention will be held in Columbia, Maryland on July 28-29, 2017.  To celebrate, PTACHC would like your help to design a logo for PTACHC to use at the convention and for years to come.  Students are encouraged to participate.  It is a great opportunity for them to show their artistic abilities.
The deadline for entries is May 26, 2017.  Click here for more information.
______________________________________________________________________

HC DrugFree Update
1,126.6 lbs. of Meds Removed from the Community and Away From Our Kids: HC DrugFree’s semi-annual convenient drive-thru Medication and Sharps Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29 gathered 1,126.6 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication and 13 large bins of "sharps" (needles, syringes, and EpiPens). Thank you, Howard County residents for properly disposing of medications to keep them out of hands of youth and the water system and sharps out the landfills! Prevent your child from experimenting with drugs at found at your home. To see the photos, visit http://www.hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/.
May is Mental Health Month: Concerned about stress and your child? Sign up for HC DrugFree’s free electronic newsletter to stay informed; send your email address to Admin@hcdrugfree.
______________________________________________________________________

From Howard County Office of Children and Families:
TEEN Anxiety: Recognize, Communicate and Help
Adolescence is a stressful time filled with academic, community, and social pressures. Stress tops the list of concerns of most teenagers today. A teenager who has been anxious since childhood may have a lifestyle built around anxiety.  An anxious teen may use their anxiety to filter out activities and environments and may have trained friends, family and teachers to limit expectations. It can be more challenging to treat anxiety due to the developed unhealthy coping mechanisms used to manage and avoid stressful life experiences.  To manage anxiety, teens must learn to practice positive coping skills rather than avoiding environments and situations that cause stress. Teens that have parental support during stressful times are more likely to navigate daily struggles successfully. Parents can support their children by being aware of their child’s stress signals and challenging behaviors to express their feelings.  This workshop will discuss how to recognize anxiety, gain a better understanding on how to support your child, communicate with your teen about their symptoms, and ensure you don't perpetuate anxious feelings to make them worse.
When: Thursday, May 11, 2017; 6:00  - 8:00 p.m. Location: Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044
Cost: $8 per person;  Space is limited and registration is required! Financial Assistance available, call to inquire Who Should Attend: Parents and Guardians Only
Register Online for TEEN Anxiety: Recognize, Communicate and Help  Register By Phone (voice/relay): 410-313-1940