SCC Calendar

President’s Message

      Our goal of promoting ethical, healthy, and legal behavior among our youth is shared by many sectors of our community. It is such a large and ambitious goal that no sector or organization can do it alone. Trite though it may be, it is true that it takes a whole village to raise a child. SCC's role is to focus attention on this goal and orchestrate a coordinated effort to reach it.

      For many years we have worked with the schools and the McLean Community Center to sponsor programs for youth and parents. Examples include the Elementary Mediation Workshop which teaches peer mediation skills to selected elementary students, the Middle School Forum which identifies issues/problems as perceived by 90 middle school students and their guidance counselors, distribution of Teen Crisis cards to middle and high school students so they have a list of emergency phone numbers if they need them, and the Teen Summit which brings adults and teens together to address issues of importance to high school students. We have also funded school and/or PTSA initiatives such as the parenting class at Longfellow, the middle school-after school programs at Longfellow and the Teen Center, the middle school/elementary school tutoring programs involving two middle schools and three elementary schools, the freshmen/upperclassmen mentoring program called McLeadership at McLean High School, Senior Ethics Days at McLean and Langley High Schools, all night graduation parties at McLean and Langley High Schools, and the presentation by former drug user Scot Anthony Robinson (aka Vision Warrior) at McLean and Langley High Schools. SCC board members devoted almost 500 hours volunteering from October to December alone on behalf of these programs.

      With our new federal grant, continued financial and volunteer support from our community, and the presence of our Director of Community Relations, Sheri Berman, we have been able to expand these efforts considerably. Last fall, with the help of Dave Stevenson and McLean Youth Athletics, we initiated an after-school fitness program at Timber Lane Elementary School. This spring, we are also sponsoring a Timber Lane PTA after-school club program.

      We teamed with the Teen Center and the Youth of Faith (a consortium of McLean area religious institutions) to offer an Open Mic Night to middle and high school students. We expanded last year's three-school Sixth Grade Ethics program to eight schools this year. We supported a McLean High initiative called the Lounge, a supervised after school hangout for high school students who don't participate in sports or after school clubs. For the second year, we are supporting parenting classes at Chesterbrook and Colvin Run, and this year we have added Haycock to the list. We also are sponsoring the first Girl Power program in the area—at Forestville. McLean High students have enlisted our support to spread an anti-alcohol message the week before prom.

      There is much more that can be done, many more partnerships to be formed, and new efforts begun. Yet, we can be proud of all that we have accomplished, and are accomplishing, on behalf of our youth. Special thanks to West*Group and Seawood Homes for their financial support of our efforts, and to Bill Regan, Julie White and the Northern Virginia Junior League for answering the call of providing volunteer support.

--Jan Auerbach, SCC President

Report from the Director of Community Relations

By Sheri Berman

      In last Fall's edition of the Newsletter, you read about SCC's new Director of Community Relations.  Having just passed my two-month mark in this position, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help spread the word about the work that SCC is doing. During that time, I've had the opportunity to meet with many SCC Board members to talk about their visions for SCC and what we can do in the way of community relations. I have also been able to reach out to the greater McLean and Langley communities to build relationships and partnerships.  I can attest to the fact that there are many in our community that already know about the Safe Community Coalition, and that the reputation of our organization is stellar.  I am constantly amazed at the quality and amount of programming that our volunteers produce. Parents, school personnel, the faith and business communities – everyone that knows about the SCC is appreciative of the work that SCC members are doing.

      However, there are areas of our community that still don't know about SCC and the work being done to provide a safe community where children learn to become responsible decision makers and sound citizens, and to eliminate unethical, unhealthy, or illegal youth behaviors. During the last two months, I have met with or talked to over thirty individuals and groups about SCC and the work we are doing, and the work we would like to be doing with their help.   I can honestly say that there are many groups in our community that care about the same issues that we care about, that see of the value of our work and that are now interested in partnering with SCC:

      • Businesses that work with kids or that just see the value of helping kids learn decision-making and life skills before they join the workforce;

      • Faith organizations with youth groups and concerns for the upbringing of those youth, as well as support for out-of-school activities;

      • Community organizations made up of both parents and non-parents that understand the need for prevention training and for providing youth the opportunity to practice their leadership and conflict resolution skills;

      • PTAs and school staff that want their kids to receive the best education and life-skills training that can be provided.

      I've also been able to attend several SCC programs, including Elementary Mediation Training, 6th Grade Ethics Day, Open Mic Night at the Old Firehouse (in partnership with McLean Youth of Faith), and the Teen Summit.   At Open Mic Night, I watched 40 teens dance, sing, and play instruments in front of their friends in a safe environment.  At Elementary Mediation Training and 6th Grade Ethics Day, I saw elementary school students learning and practicing new skills that they will carry into adulthood and their working lives.  At the Teen Summit, high schoolers talked openly about what they perceive as the biggest issues they are faced with. They were making suggestions for ways we can help them and, in doing so, practicing skills they will use their whole lives.

      We all know that there is a lot of work to be done…that the challenge to make our community safe is ongoing.  And yet, there are members of our community that don't see the need to work with kids early and often on these issues.   My challenge is to help these parts of our community see the need for SCC and our work, to help nurture the many relationships that SCC has already built within the McLean and Langley communities, to establish new relationships, and to support the SCC Board and volunteers in any way I can to help our programs be successful, including promotion and additional community assistance.  I appreciate the opportunity to do my part in making our community safe for our youth.

      Of course, I also need your support.  Please contact me any time via email at swbmclean@yahoo.com or by telephone at 703-288-2898 to let me know of a community, faith, school, parent, or business group that may share SCC's concerns, so I can tell them about SCC and possibly partner with them to improve the future of our youth. 

Sixth Grade Ethics Day Message to Parents

By Ron Axelrod

 Ron Axelrod is the National Director of the Community of Caring and a former teacher at Robinson High School. He organized and facilitated the Sixth Grade Ethics Day program. He prepared the following letter for parents of participants. The message is applicable to parents of children of all ages, not just those who attended the program, and is therefore reprinted here.

      Eight elementary schools (Chesterbrook, Great Falls, Forestville, Colvin Run, Potomac, Timber Lane, Kent Gardens and Franklin Sherman) participated in our second annual Sixth Grade Ethics Programs that were held on January 12, 25 and 26.  These programs, co-sponsored by SCC and West*Group, were predicated on the premise that parents play the most important role in fostering positive values and ethics, and that schools should be essential partners in helping to reinforce those values. We were extremely pleased with student involvement and reaction to the day.  As a result, we wanted to share with you the concepts that were explored and some ideas that you as parents might want to consider as follow up with your children.

      The goals of the program were to:

      • Give students the opportunity to talk about what it means to be an ethical person

      • Allow students to understand the definitions of values, ethics and integrity:

- Values: qualities we live by and help us to make decisions

- Ethics: a set of principles of right conduct

- Integrity: steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code

      • Provide a context for future discussion of ethics related to the existing curriculum

      • Provide an opportunity for students from different schools to meet one another before middle school

      • Make ethical decision-making a community focus

      After an opening introductory session, students were divided into small discussion groups facilitated by an adult Table Leader.  Each group attended three sessions that focused on the following topics:  Ethical Issues and Human Relations, Cyber-Ethics, and Ethical Scenarios Dealing with Cheating, Shoplifting and Vandalism.  The three sessions gave students the opportunity to think about how they would confront ethical dilemmas.  For example, in the session on human relations issues, students viewed an excerpt from a video about an experiment in prejudice and discrimination.  Students examined the impact of prejudice and what they might do to stand up to discrimination.   Examples of scenarios discussed in the other sessions are: 1) a boy with a limp walks by and other students start to make fun of him, 2) you receive an email message from a friend forwarding embarrassing information about another student, 3) you observe a student offering another student his lunch card to use in the cafeteria line and telling the student to act as if it were his own, and 4) a student borrowed a video game from a friend but lost it and claims she is not responsible for it.

      In each of the sessions, we stressed the idea that there might be many ways that an individual would respond, but the way an individual should respond is always the ethical response.  Our goal was to ask students to consider what kind of person they are and what kind of person they want to be.  In other words, when they look in the mirror are they seeing the kind of person they want to be and the way they want others to think of them. We hope that your children have shared with you what was discussed and their reactions to these important issues that all of us confront throughout our lives.

      As families, we hope you will continue these discussions.  Please consider the following points as we make this discussion of ethics a focal point for our community:

      • First and foremost, talk about ethical issues. Even if our children think we have brought up these topics more than they might like, there can never be too much conversation about sometimes difficult ethical issues.

      • Be sure to let your children know what you believe, but certainly give them the opportunity to share their opinions.  While many ethical issues can appear clear-cut, children need to have the chance to process why an approach would be the most ethical response. 

      • Use literature, current events and personal examples to open up conversation.  Sometimes ethical discussions are not easy but having a point of reference will often allow the conversation to be more natural.

      • Use the vocabulary of values, morals and ethics.  Your children have experienced lessons at school that deal with these words and should be familiar with them. Referring to the terms makes them a natural part of everyday conversations.

      • Give children the opportunity to problem-solve by considering what is the most ethical response to a particular issue or problem.

      • Try to listen and not always talk.  As parents, this is definitely one of the hardest things to do, but listening to our children certainly reaps tremendous rewards.

      • Most important, model the values you want your children to have. We have seen in our discussion about ethical issues that children want to live in a world where people treat one another with kindness and respect, the basis of ethical behavior.

Parenting the Adolescent

A six- week parenting course, Parenting the Adolescent, will once again be offered at Longfellow Middle School.  This will be the eighth year that this popular program is offered.  Topics to be covered include adolescent development, communication and problem solving skills, using natural and logical consequences, and information about adolescent issues such as alcohol, drugs and parties.  The format of the sessions includes both presentations and discussions.                                                        

      Each session is two hours, from 7 to 9 p.m. starting on Thursday, April 27, 2006.  The other session dates are:  May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, and June 1.

      The program is sponsored by SCC under a grant from the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.. The only cost to attendees is $16 for the S.T.E.P. TEEN Manual. Make checks payable to Longfellow Middle School.

      The instructors for the class are Estelle Brauer, Counselor at Longfellow Middle School; Marge Bleiweis, Conflict Resolution specialist at the Office of Safe and Drug Free Youth; and Mitch Kamins, Counselor at Lanier Middle School.

      Parents of students in grades 6, 7 and 8 are encouraged to attend.  Contact Estelle Brauer at Longfellow MS, 703-533-2637, for further information and to register.

Inhalant Abuse: Danger Under the Kitchen Sink

Excerpted by Kim Mackay from an article written by NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D.

      Drug abuse among the Nation's young people declined substantially in the past three years, with 600,000 fewer teens abusing drugs, according to the most recent NIDA-University of Michigan Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey. Abuse of inhalants, however, is an exception. The percentage of eighth-graders who have at least once sought intoxication by inhaling spray paints, nail polish remover, lighter fluid, glue, marking pens, aerosols, cleaning fluid, or other volatile substances has increased two years in a row and now stands at 17.3 percent.  This trend is alarming and unacceptable.

      Why would anyone empty a container of lighter fluid into a cup and inhale the fumes, or repeatedly sniff marking pens? Inhalant abusers breathe in a substance's vapors for effects resembling alcohol inebriation, including mild stimulation, loss of inhibition, and distorted perceptions. Inhalants generally affect the same areas of the brain as alcohol and other addictive drugs, so it is not surprising that abusers experience intoxication in addition to nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Older children and young adolescents may seek out inhalants as an easily obtainable substitute for alcohol. Intoxication occurs quickly and usually lasts only a few minutes, making abuse of inhalants easier to conceal than abuse of alcohol or marijuana.

      We cannot take lightly even one-time experimentation with these toxic chemicals.  For some unlucky children, just a single session of repeated inhalations has caused permanent organ damage or death. Organs at risk from inhalant abuse include the lungs, brain, liver, heart, and kidneys. From 2001 to 2002, the Nation's emergency departments reported a near tripling of the number of people requiring medical treatment after inhalant abuse (from 522 to 1,496). Some abusers experience restlessness, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and other symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking the drug. Like any other drug when abused, inhalants can also lead to accidents and injuries.

      NIDA is concerned that the latest MTF survey shows that the percentage of eighth-graders who believe it is dangerous to try inhalants once or twice has declined for three years and is now only 38.7 percent. These survey results parallel and may help to explain the current rise in abuse. Evidence shows that the public's perception of the risk involved in drug taking can affect rates of drug abuse. The abuse of inhalants by older teen dropped in tandem with a rise in the perception of risk.

      Parents of teenagers may be unaware of the risks on inhalant abuse. Even those who are watchful of signs of alcohol or drug abuse may not realize the risk associated with products found under the kitchen sink and in the garage. For this reason, NIDA is offering science-based information on inhalant abuse to today's parents and young people at a new website, www.drugabuse.gov/inhalantsalert. Adults don't have to clear out cabinets, utility closets, and garage shelves to keep young people safe from inhalant abuse. Rather, they should store these products carefully to avoid accidental inhalation and communicate with children in a way that guides them toward healthy life choices.

Saturday Night in the Suburbs

      On November 9 the Langley High School PTSA sponsored a student panel to discuss "Saturday Night in the Suburbs." It is an annual event during which parents hear from teens on what it is like growing up in our community. The article below summarizes what the teens said. It represents their perspective, which may or may not be shared by other teens or by adults.

Alcohol

      Teens noted that alcohol consumption among teens is a problem across the country, but they believe the problem is less acute at Langley than at other schools. Teens drink because:

      1. They believe it to be cool, i.e., they see older siblings and friends and their parents drinking and feel it is more mature to drink than not drink

      2. They want to test the "forbidden fruit" and test the waters of adulthood

      3. Some teens believe they can't have fun if they don't drink

      4. There is so much stress in teens' lives that alcohol is a means of "blowing off" that pressure

      Langley teens believe they have really gotten the message about not drinking and driving and they approach drinking more responsibly than students at other schools. Teens take a lot of responsibility to make sure their friends get home safely. Being a designated driver is a convenient excuse not to drink at a party. They noted that, at some parties, teens are asked at the door whether they plan to drink; if they do, they hand over the keys to their car so they can't drive home.

      There was disagreement among panelists whether teens feel free to call their parents if they feel they shouldn't drive themselves home. All advocated for a parent relationship where students could call their parents in that situation. They argued it is more important for the teen to get home safely (or be permitted to spend the night at a friend's house) than it is for parents to enforce a strict no-alcohol policy. If they know you will disapprove of their behavior, they are likely to lie to you about it. They also said it is important for both parents to have the same policy regarding teen drinking so that teens don't get conflicting reactions from their two parents. Also, they mentioned that students who never drink in high school often go overboard when they get to college, so it is better for teens to learn to drink responsibly while still living at home.

      Teens find it easy to get alcohol. The primary source is older friends/siblings. They also get it from their parents and by using fake IDs. They say about half the parties occur when parents are home (and with their knowledge and permission that teens are drinking alcohol) and half occur when parents are away. If parents are home, parties are much more controlled (i.e, the house is less likely to get trashed). A member of the audience noted that conviction for providing alcohol to minors carries up to a $2500 fine and a year in jail per offense.

      The best way to avoid having your children go to drinking parties is to provide them alternatives. Take them to fun places. Or have their friends come to your house. Teens also advised not to judge friends on appearance but talk to them and get to know them. If the friends know you and know that you don't condone drinking, they are less likely to disrespect you and disregard your wishes.

      Panelists cautioned parents about letting freshmen hang out with seniors. Older mentors are fine but maturity levels between freshmen and seniors are such that a true friendship is highly unlikely.

Trust

      The entire panel was adamant that parents should not sneak around, check their teen's backpack, search their room, use spyware on their computer, or put computer chips in their car. If you show lack of trust in your teen, that lack of trust will be returned and your teen will not be honest with you. One option when you confront your teen is to plea bargain, i.e., indicate that the penalty will be less if they are honest with you than if you find out their behavior from others. Look your teen in the eye. If they fail to make eye contact with you, then likely something is wrong. If you are worried about where they are, call them and listen to noises in the background.

      Teens said the kids really love their parents, whether they act like it or not. If you say to your teen, "I really, really trust you" it will make them think twice before engaging in a behavior they know you disapprove. As one teen put it "Guilt is your best weapon." If they do behave the way you wanted them to, be sure to acknowledge that with a verbal pat on the back. If you find out your teen has lied to you, depending on the violation, making them feel guilty may be sufficient punishment. Regardless of the offense, give them an opportunity to win your trust back.

Drugs

      Teens say that many students have never taken any drugs, including marijuana, and that drugs are much less a problem at Langley than at other schools. If students are taking drugs, most likely they are marijuana or ataral. The latter is intended to boost energy levels and is more frequently taken around SAT time, although students noted how it backfired on a couple of students who took it and then "bombed out" on the test.

      Kids who are frequent drug users are few and are typically friends of one another. It is this group who will try different types of drugs, such as cocaine or LSD, but not stick with them. Methamphetamines and date rape drugs are not issues here, although all teens appear to know that, if they go to clubs, they have to take their drink with them or else run the risk of someone putting something in it. Students also noted that you can't always tell who is taking drugs and who isn't; some students on both sides of the usage issue don't conform to the stereotype.

Teens noted that a number of teens will try marijuana once or twice and then drop it.

      If you suspect your teen is using drugs, confront them about it. Another option is to cut off their money supply. Drug dealers don't take credit cards. Giving your child money through debit cards enables you to track where their funds are going. Teens said to let your children know what your morals are. Be honest about your own past drug use since teens will recognize that you know what you are talking about concerning risks of use if you are speaking from your own experience. If you are going to use slang terms to refer to drugs, make sure you are using terms that are current. Teens appear to know that marijuana today is far more potent than the marijuana used a number of years ago.

      Teens acknowledged that their peers are far less cognizant of the dangers of drugs and driving than they are of drinking and driving. Parents need to make sure they understand those dangers.

      In response to a question from the audience, panelists agreed that extra-curricular activities provide an alternative to drugs and alcohol. However, they advised to let your teen find their own niche and don't force them into a particular activity they are not passionate about. They said a sense of responsibility to teammates is a clear deterrent to alcohol or drug use.

Curfew

      The typical weekend curfew is midnight or 12:30. Teens under 18 are not in most cases supposed to drive after midnight but it is a secondary offense, i.e., teens would need to be stopped for another violation and then cited for being out late. Parents should set a curfew but allow for extenuating circumstances if your teen calls and explains a situation. It is better for them to be late and home safely than speed to get home on time and be involved in a traffic accident. Teens advised to let them sleep out at a friend's house once in awhile. If the friend's parent is home, the evening can be fun and alcohol-free.

Responses to Questions

      In response to a question from a parent, panelists acknowledged that eating disorders among girls at Langley is a serious problem. The school's stigma is an image of being very fashion-conscious. Girls think they need to look gorgeous. The problem begins in middle school when girls start being concerned about their image. Parents should help children adopt healthy life-styles, but beware of comments about their children gaining weight since children might turn to anorexia or bulimia to address the weight gain. Diet pills are not an issue with teens.

      Some panelists have jobs but most get spending money from their parents. They believe it is more important to participate in extra-curricular activities than to have jobs.

      Panelists said they frequently discuss intellectual issues, particularly politics and government, with their friends. They noted that parents play a large role in instilling intellectual curiosity in their children.

 

Bill Clendaniel's Comments

      Principal Bill Clendaniel made some observations after panelists left. He acknowledged an incident of a student smoking marijuana on a school bus the week before, and the recent arrest of three teens drinking alcohol in the school parking lot during a football game. However, he said that county suspension cases for marijuana use are declining. He agreed that alcohol remains the major drug problem at Langley and that these students acknowledged less use than students in previous years.

      He noted he was surprised at the extent of the problem noted by students regarding eating disorders and urged parents to call the school if they felt their student or a friend is having a problem. Eating disorders can be fatal if left untreated. When asked if male athletes, particularly wrestlers, have an eating disorder problem, he said he thought not. The scholastic athletic association has instituted a requirement to monitor body fat which is a means of monitoring rapid weight loss.

Female Teens: Sexual Health and Risky Behavior

      Dr. Marian Wulf-Gutierrez spoke to about 35 parents and teens on December 6, 2005. Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University. She was formerly the Director of the OB/GYN Clinic at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Below is a summary of her presentation.

What Is Normal About Puberty?

      In the first year or two of menstruation, it is normal to have irregular periods. While periods for most women become regular after 18-24 months, for some women they never become regular. However, this group of women is often the easiest to treat for infertility.

      A menstrual flow requiring more than seven pads per day is excessive. If this persists it should be treated by a doctor. Severe menstrual cramps often affect adolescent females. They should not be simply accepted because there are whole families of non-steroidal medications and hormones that can address the problem. Birth control pills provide menstrual predictability and shorten the menstrual cycle. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to prevent the severe uterine contractions and pain caused by prostaglandins. It is easier to prevent menstrual pain than it is to control it once the uterine contractions begin.

      Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez advises everyone between the ages of 15 and 50 (i.e., women of child-bearing age) to take vitamins and folic acid. Folic acid can reduce the incidence of spina bifida, a birth defect involving the nervous system.

      She recommends that women have their first Pap smear at 21. Women who begin sexual activity before the age of eighteen need Pap smears at an earlier age.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) 

      Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the most important health issues affecting adolescents. Abstinence is the best way to prevent STDs. For those women who choose to be sexually active, condom use by their partner is essential. The proper and consistent use of condoms is the next best means to prevent STDs. Oral sex is no precaution against STDs since many types of STDs can be transmitted if skin surfaces meet. 

      Because of the importance of using condoms, Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez advises teens not to tell anyone if they are taking the pill. It is a personal matter. Boy friends may take the information as a sign they don't need to use condoms. Condoms are strongly recommended for anyone who is having premarital sexual relations.

      Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is actually a group of viruses that affect three out of every four sexually active people in the U.S. Most people don't know they are infected. A majority of infected people develop immunity in a year or so. If there is a visual symptom, it most commonly is a genital wart. It is unclear what the benefits to a woman might be of disclosing to a partner that a Pap smear has revealed an HPV infection. Certain types of "high risk" HPVs are the main risk factor for cervical cancer. Women who receive regular Pap smears have a dramatically decreased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer.

      About one quarter of all sexually active adults have genital herpes, although 90% of those infected do not know they have it. She advises patients who do know they have herpes to tell their partner. Genital herpes can affect pregnancy and a child during labor.

      Hepatitus B and C are other types of STDs. Immunization against Hepatitis B is now recommended for children to prevent the infection during adulthood. Some parents have expressed concern that allowing their children to be immunized might promote their promiscuity. Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez says there is no evidence this is true. Women also are at risk of sexual assault and immunization would protect against infection from Hepatitis B under these circumstances.

      She noted that some STDs such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia can result in tubal infections. Tubal infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), is a leading cause of tubal infertility which may not be apparent for ten or fifteen years. Some women who get repeated cases of STDs have issues that contribute to poor decision making. Binge drinking and substance abuse have been associated with repeated STD infections.

      Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez noted that teenage years are times for seeking one's identity, and that includes gender preference. She urged parents to be supportive while teens are going through this search. 

      She stated that teenage pregnancies have been declining the last ten years but there are still many pregnancies that are not by choice. She urged teens to think of the potential consequences of sexual activity and that teenage parenthood deprives the teen of time he/she needs to mature. Condoms are not 100% effective for birth control but they are the only form of birth control that provides protection against STDs.

Other topics

      The Patch. The Patch can be used to reduce menstrual cramps. It can be placed on the abdomen, back, or arms, but not the breast. One must consider the lack of privacy that wearing a patch confers as a woman decides if it is the right contraceptive choice for her.

      Initiation of Breast Exams. Starting at the age of 18, women should conduct breast exams since that is the youngest age at which breast cancer has been diagnosed. The exam should be done after the menstrual cycle since breasts are typically enlarged and sensitive just prior to menstruation. Many young breasts are naturally lumpy so women need to know what is normal for them. If a woman detects a pea, marble, or cyst-sized growth for more than one month, she should contact a doctor.

      Genetic incidence of bad periods. Heavy periods and endometriosis do run in families. Endometriosis can cause menstrual cramps in teens as well as in adults. The definitive method of diagnosing endometriosis is with a surgical procedure called a diagnostic laparoscopy.  This is not necessary for the majority of adolescents who are able to have the pain controlled medically with the use of birth control pills and NSAIDs.

      Puberty Weight Gain. It is normal for teens to gain weight when they start menstruation. If they don't there could be significant negative health impacts later in life.

      Effect of Physical Activity on Menstrual Cycles. There is a significant impact of heavy physical activity on menstrual cycles. Athletes like ballerinas who are not having normal periods may need to take estrogen.

      Physical Feelings for Boys. There is tremendous variation in when girls start having physical feelings for boys. Often it is peer pressure rather than hormones that cause the first feelings. She noted that lots of people don't date until college and that lots of people don't have sex until they are in their 20's or 30's or until marriage.

      Safety of the Pill. Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez believes birth control pills are safe for the women taking them and there is no reason why women can't stay on them for years. She noted that women who have been taking birth control pills for at least five years have a lower risk for some forms of cancer.

      IUDs. There are two types of IUDs. One lasts for ten years. The other lasts for five years and contains hormones that stop menstrual cycles. It is good for women in their 40's with pre-menopausal bleeding. There is very little use of IUDs by teens since there is a risk of infection in the first few weeks after insertion.

      Effectiveness of Condoms. Condoms are 85% effective. Some birth control failures are the result of non-use or misuse.

      Female condoms. Female condoms are not used very much. Dr. Wulf-Gutierrez has talked with older women who tell her they like them. There are technical issues related to fitting different size women that need to be overcome before female condoms see increased use.

      Oral sex. She remarked that many teens believe oral sex is not sex. However, oral sex can lead to oral herpes or other infections.

Fire Safety

      Virginia's Department of Fire Programs (www.vafire.com) reports that in 2004 over 100 people were killed and almost 700 injured from fires. Recently, a seven-year old child died in a house fire; he had learned fire safety at school but had not practiced an escape plan with his family at home. In the home, 50% of all fires begin in the kitchen, 18% in the bedroom, 10% in the laundry room, 7% in the living room, 6% in the bathroom, 6% in the garage, and 4% in the chimney. The web site contains tips for reducing the risk of fire. Some of those tips follow.

Kitchen Safety

      Establish a "safety area" in the kitchen to keep small children confined and away from hot surfaces, hot liquids or flames.

      Always attend to pots and pans heating on the stove. If you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the heat.   A distraction can be an invitation to disaster.

      Keep cookware away from a child's reach. Use the back burners and turn pot and pan handles in.

      Avoid storing things above the stove. People can get burned when reaching over the stove.

      Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose sleeves could catch fire easily.

Appliances

      Avoid overloading an electrical outlet. And avoid having two heating appliances (e.g.. toasters and iron) on the same outlet at the same time.

      Unplug small appliances (e.g. toasters, can openers and blenders) after use.

      Keep paper, cardboard boxes, grocery bags, etc. away from stove elements.

      Make sure that the oven, burners and exhaust hood of your stove are clean and free of grease.

      Always wait until appliances are cool before putting them away. Never wrap a cord around a warm appliance.

Deep Frying

      When deep frying: Use only a thermostatically controlled electric deep fat fryer.

      Keep a tight fitting lid nearby to cover the pot if the oil ignites.

      If hot oil vapors catch fire, smother the flames by covering the pot/pan with a lid. Turn off the heat.

      Do not throw water on a flaming pot. Do not carry the pot/pan or throw contents into the sink. Hot oil can reach temperatures over 200 C and contact with skin would cause deep burns instantly.

      Keep a suitable portable fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Microwave Ovens

      Fires or heat injuries can happen in microwave ovens too.

      Take lids or coverings off carefully to avoid burns from steam.

      Use oven mitts to remove dishes from the microwave

      Avoid using metal in the microwave (e.g.. aluminum foil, staples in bag, twist ties). It may spark, become very hot, and ignite combustible items such as paper and plastic.

      Check foods being heated for extended time periods. If a fire occurs, keep the oven door shut. Unplug the appliance.

Burn Prevention

      Provide continuous and appropriate supervision of young children.

      Check smoke alarm batteries regularly and replace when needed, or at least twice a year.

      Teach children fire safety - stop, drop and roll; have an escape plan; keep low in fire.

      Keep electric cords out of the reach of children.

      At night, children should wear clothing that is specifically designed as sleepwear and labeled "flame resistant" to prevent injury or death as a result of fire.

      Store chemicals in secure or elevated areas out of the reach and sight of children.

      Supervise young children around any source of hot water - scald burns can occur when children turn on the hot water in the bathtub or kitchen sink. Use caution when microwaving liquids.

      Exercise caution when using candles or smoking in the home. Keep candles out of the reach of children or do not use them when young children are present.

      Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children.

      Water heater thermostats should be set at a maximum of 120 º F.

Furnace Safety

      Have your furnace checked and cleaned regularly by a qualified repair person.

      Be sure all furnace automatic controls and emergency shutoffs are in good condition.

      Leave furnace work to the experts. Don't attempt repairs unless you are qualified.

      Have the repair person check the wall and ceiling near the furnace and flue. If they are hot, additional insulation or clearance may be needed.

      Check to ensure the flue pipes are well supported, free of holes and clean.

      Make sure the chimney is solid with no cracks or loose bricks. All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.

      Keep trash and combustible storage away from the heating system.

Fireplace Safety

      Have your chimney inspected annually for damage and obstructions.

      Clean the chimney regularly to avoid buildup, also known as creosote, that could ignite your roof.

      Be sure to use a screen in front of your fireplace large enough to catch rolling logs or sparks.

      Don't use flammable liquids to start the fire.

      Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build a fire. It's possible to ignite soot in the chimney by over-building the fire.

      Never burn charcoal in your fireplace. Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

      Be sure no flammable materials hang down from or decorate your mantel. A spark from your fireplace could ignite these materials and cause a fire.

      Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper can help hot ashes build up heat, causing the fire to flare up and ignite your room.

      Store cool ashes in a tightly sealed metal container.

High School "Color Wars"

      On April 1st, the Safe Community Coalition and McLean Youth of Faith will co-sponsor an evening of games for ninth through twelfth graders. Participants will be divided into color teams to compete in potato-sack races, marshmallow eating contests, shoe wrestling, and other games.  A simple dinner and ice cream will also be provided.  The event will be held at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. If you are interested in helping to promote or chaperone this fun event, please contact Sheri Berman at 703-288-2898 or swbmclean@yahoo.com.

Parent Talk on Bullying

By Kim Mackay

      The Empower Program works with students, faculty, parents and counselors on issues that impact student life. On November 8, 2005, Marlon Cummings of the Empower Program (www.empowerprogram.org) spoke to parents at the McLean Community Center about various aspects of teenage social networks and structures. He summarized the Empower program designed for students, ages 10-18, which offers 16 different topics to address a wide variety of teenage social issues.  He said that the program always divides students by gender and grade to facilitate openness and comfort. 

      A typical program begins with a discussion on the "Big Picture: Culture, Femininity, and Masculinity." The Empower definition of culture is everything that one knows, but never actually learned in a conventional way. Femininity—in the minds of many teenagers—is having a great body, being attractive to males, being in control, and being smart enough to get people to do what you want. Masculinity—also as defined by many teenagers—is having a good body, wanting attention from girls, having money to buy cool stuff, and being able to discuss professional sports with some authority.

      Similar to a brainstorming activity used during discussions with teenage girls, Mr. Cummings invited parents to call out the characteristics that girls may think they must have in order to attain and maintain a high social status in school.  Parental responses included being thin, tall, smart, athletic, pretty, having large breasts, long hair, the right clothes, attitude, and "stuff" or gadgets, such as Ipods. He then asked the parents to call out qualities or characteristics that could get a girl teased in school. The responses to this question were, not surprisingly, the opposite of the first question: wearing the wrong clothes, being fat, ugly, too smart, too tall, having no boyfriend or "stuff."  Mr. Cummings wrote the responses on a white board, placing the "in" characteristics inside of a box and the other characteristics on the outside of the box. The box, both inside and outside, he then labeled as "Girl World."

      "Boy World" is similar in many respects to "Girl World."  In "Boy World" boys think they must prove their masculinity by garnering respect from peers. The characteristics that bring respect to teenage boys are being muscular, tall, smart, articulate, liking girls, sports, and music, having good skin, money, "stuff," and the right friends.  Characteristics that usually get a teenage boy picked on are being short, small, fat, uncoordinated, having the wrong clothes, and acne. Mr. Cummings noted that many television shows, even the Disney channel, reinforce these stereotypes. Unlike the fluidity of the characteristics in "Girl World" that often change with the times, the characteristics that put and keep boys in the "in-box" are rigid and unchanging.

      Mr. Cummings spoke of the social dynamic and structure within Boy and Girl Worlds. The groups or cliques typically have a leader, a second in command or "side-kick," a banker who collects gossip and information about others and dispenses it at strategic times (more common in Girl World), a victim or target who is the subject of teasing, the bystander who sympathizes with the victim, the messenger who carries messages between groups and the floater who moves in and out of the group with apparent ease, not seeming to care about his/her status within the group.

      During Empower sessions, students are asked what is good about being popular or being on the "inside." The answers vary from bringing power, popularity, and security to being seen as a trendsetter. The negative side is the pressure to maintain the status. Teenagers often feel a clash of values being on the "inside." They may stifle natural talents that are not viewed as cool by the group. They are not sure if their friends are truly their friends or only pretending to be so.  Positive aspects to being on the "outside" are freedom and independence. Some kids relish the "outside" because they have nothing to lose. They can be far enough out of the group that members of the "in" group actually accept them. 

      Mr. Cummings feels that the "box" is the foundation of bullying with all of the power and privilege that children feel come with it. It demonstrates the impact of racism, class-ism and homophobia. The closer one gets to the center of the box, the less room he/she has to breathe. They sacrifice their personal boundaries. The box encourages silence and/or compliance.  Mr. Cummings noted that society can help change the "box" by helping parents raise boys to be both strong and caring and raising girls to be caring and strong. Children must learn to analyze how the culture impacts their decision-making and ask themselves who is in control of their lives. Only they can differentiate the desire for social status from their own definition of what they want for themselves and want from their peer relationships.

      As part of the discussion on bullying, Mr. Cummings spoke about relational aggression. Relational aggression includes behaviors that harm others by manipulating relationships with peers in an attempt to injure one's feeling of social acceptance. Girls tend to ruin relationships through gossip and rumors, often using technology to this end such as instant messaging or cell phone use. Teens use the Internet to embarrass or humiliate. This type of bullying has escalated in the last 5 years. It is difficult to monitor, often flying under the radar screen of adults. The perpetrators are not caught and therefore not reprimanded for their behavior. Parents need to have a serious conversation with their children about this form of bullying.

      Mr. Cummings noted that both teens and parents struggle during the teenage years. There is parental peer pressure to conform to society's norm. Parents are afraid of making mistakes. To offset this fear, Mr. Cummings suggested that parents become more involved in their teenagers' lives. He suggested talking less and listening more. He said it would be useful for parents to occasionally buy a teen magazine or watch a teen video in order to understand the messages our teenagers are encountering, processing and filtering. 

      For more information Mr. Cummings suggested that parents visit www.Empowerprogram.org. His personal email address is mcummings@empower.org.

Drugs/Alcohol Talk for Elementary Parents

      Churchill Road Elementary School is hosting a talk by FCPS Assistant Principal John Werner about drug and alcohol prevention on March 22 at 7:00 pm. He will be presenting information about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse facing our children today. He will also be sharing important messages on how to communicate with your children about this serious issue.  Parents of 5th and 6th graders at all elementary schools are invited. Churchill Road Elementary School is located at 7100 Churchill Road.

Donations

 

      SCC's major vehicle for requesting private donations is the brochure that is mailed home to the parents of students in local public and private schools. If you no longer have, or never had, a student in a local school, you have no way of being reminded of the merits of contributing to SCC. To correct that deficiency, mail the following information with a check to the address below. Thank you.

 

Name(s):__________________

Organization:_________________

Address _______________________

City/State/Zip:__________________

Amount: $100_____    $50_____     $35_____     Other________

To volunteer for SCC programs, please check here _____

 

Safe Community Coalition
P.O. Box 7001
McLean, VA 22106

http://www.safecommunitycoalition.com/

 

Hardcopy printing for this newsletter was funded by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act