Program Helps Teens Improve Their Ability to Respond to Potentially Dangerous Situations

Submitted by the Health and Physical Education Department:

On Jan. 14 and 15, project IMPACT visited Ms. Brown’s sophomore health classes at North Reading High School.

This dynamic program helps teens improve their ability to respond to potentially dangerous situations. In response to the unique physical and emotional needs of teens, IMPACT has created a curriculum that reflects the physical abilities and social realities of high school students. Students are taught to avoid altercations, resist intimidation, assert themselves in the face of peer pressure and escape potential assaults. Scenarios focus on issues relevant to their lives such as bullying, stranger violence, sexual violence, increasing independence from parents and teachers, dating issues, and peer pressure.

Though the instructors were only visiting for two days, the good news is that students will be able to sign up for a full 20 hour program this summer or next fall.

Next fall, beginning with the class of 2017, students will be required to take a physical education course for each year of high school. IMPACT’s 20 hour class will be a student choice for a physical education requirement in junior or senior year.

Parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about IMPACT’s programs are invited to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Lab at North Reading High School.

Questions? Please contact Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator, Claudia T. Brown at: cbrown@north-reading.k12.ma.us or 978-664-7800 ext. 5446.