The Palisades High School Library was the setting for a September 24th Parent Chat. The topic for the evening’s discussion was “Social Issues and Our High School Students.” Attendees were the parents of 9th graders at Palisades High School. Guest speakers included High School Principal, Rich Heffernan, School Counselor, Lori Tirjan and Special Education Teacher, Allison Stephens.
The group had a lively conversation about issues pertaining to making a smooth transition to high school from middle school and ultimately achieving academic success. Strategies like good time management, pacing oneself, resisting the urge to procrastinate and seeking extra help from teachers were discussed. Other items that came up were the demands of sports schedules and extracurricular activities and the prevalence of underage alcohol use and what to do about it. Speakers addressed these concerns and talked about the programs and supports that exist at Palisades High School to assist students and to encourage their success. They also pointed out the importance of parents staying involved in their children’s academic and personal lives during high school. Additionally, Principal Heffernan stressed the value of getting to know your children’s friends and their families as another way to keep our children safe and to promote their healthy social development.
The group talked about possible topics for future Parent Chats at Palisades High School and then enjoyed some light refreshments. For more information about the Parent Chat initiative please contact UBHCHY Coalition member, Judi Pason at Judi.Pason@gmail.com
