Helping your teen succeed in high school September 6 th, 2011

2 Mission Statement Together with the Halton community, the Health Department works to achieve the best possible health for all.

3 Understanding the Adolescent Brain

4 “Thinking” Brain Governing emotions Judgment Planning Organization Problem Solving Impulse Inhibition Abstraction Analysis/synthesis Self-awareness* Self-concept* Identity Spirituality The Frontal Lobes

5 The Problem Frontal Lobe Development Autonomy Average age of first sexual encounter in Canada drivers license

6 What do you remember about starting high school?

7 “All the research on dropout prevention can be boiled down to one thing: Young people are more likely to stay in school and do well if they like it there.” Peter C. Scales, Ph. D., researcher and author, Search Institute, Ideas for Parents #30

8 School Connectedness Get better grades Have higher test scores Stay in school longer Attend school more regularly Less likely to engage in risk taking behaviours School Connectedness Document – CDC 2009

9 Commitment to Learning Halton Youth Survey 2009/10 Burlington Grade 7Grade 10 School Engagement 83%66% Bonding to School 54%41%

10 Factors Increasing School Connectedness Adult Support Belonging to a Positive Peer Group Commitment to Education School Environment School Connectedness Document – CDC 2009

11 So what is a parent to do?

12 Talking is good! (and so is listening) Talk about their day at school. Continue to ask questions and be engaged. They still need you! Encourage them to talk to their teachers, counselors and other school staff about their ideas/needs/worries.

13 Get to know your child’s teachers and attend school meetings Meet with teachers to discuss grades, behaviours and accomplishments. When you understand school expectations, you are better able to support them at home. Helps you detect small problems before they get big. When you show an interest in school you will be helping to instill a commitment to learning.

14 Help your child manage homework Set aside time and space Provide them with the tools they need Guide them to problem solve, organize and prioritize. Recognize effort not perfection.

15 Encourage participation in school activities Encourage your teen to join a club or team that aligns with their strengths and interests. Educate yourself on what the school has to offer. The Nelson website is a great place to start! Talk to your teen’s teachers about ‘presenting’ opportunities.

16 Encourage participation out of school In the community At home

17 Become involved at the school in your own capacity This looks different for everyone: Share a skill Attend a school council meeting Attend Thursday at 9am Take time to regularly check the parenting tab on the Nelson website “Good schools become even better when parents are involved”

18 Monitor and Stay Involved Know WHO they hang out with Know WHAT they’re doing Know WHERE they are Know WHEN they’ll be home

19 Just remember… With you in their corner, your teen is well- positioned to overcome their concerns about starting high school and ultimately to thrive and succeed.

20 Resources