District 230 to Host Symposium on Teen Drug and Alcohol Use

District 230 will do its best to educate parents, guardians and other interested community members on preparing teens to handle the pressures related to drugs and alcohol while in high school

The district will host the fourth Successful Schools—Successful Students community event on October 29. This is part of the district’s social and emotional learning goal.

A line-up of speakers and panelists will speak about preparing teens to face the pressures related to drugs and alcohol while in high school and when making the transition to a less structured post-secondary life. It will also address decision-making and risk-taking related to the transition to adult life and connect people to the supports available in our schools and in the community.

Details:

• Open to anyone interested in empowering teens to make good choices
• Wednesday, October 29, 2014
• 7 to 9 p.m.
• Andrew High School Performing Arts Center

Expert Speakers and Panelists

• WGN Radio’s Andrea Darlas, an Andrew graduate and member of District 230 Legacy Hall, will moderate the event.
• Keynote speaker Ron Jakubisin from the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association who will talk about how the teen brain works to make decisions and how to empower them to make good choices.
• Expert panel will include:
  • Andrew High School Guidance Director Brian Nolan
  • Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association CEO Sara Howe (Stagg graduate)
  • Orland Township Youth and Family Counseling Services representative
  • Palos Medical Group Psychotherapist and Addictions Counselor for Behavioral Health Amy Shanahan, LCSW, CADC
  • Rosecrance Director of Outreach Mary Egan
  • Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities Executive Vice President and Governor’s State University professor Peter Palanca