Family U Night experienced a great turnout Wednesday, November 9 at John Jay Middle School as Family University hosted a night of informative and fun workshops about the social pressures and dangers teenagers face today. 

Bullying expert and internationally recognized speaker, Rachel Simmons, used humor and stories to teach students about relational aggression, which she defined as use of the relationship itself as a weapon.  

Simmons also spoke to parents about the potentially damaging effects of social media.  “Kids need us to set limits around their social media,” Simmons stated, urging parents to sporadically monitor their teens’ facebook page and texting.  Simmons strongly recommended that parents discuss their ethical expectations around their teens’ use of technology and urged parents to view technology use by their teens as a privilege that can be lost if abused, rather than as a right. 

In her workshop on “TeenSpeak”, local clinician, author and parent, Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder echoed this message.  “Research shows that perceived monitoring is the best deterrent of risky behavior.” Dr. Lunder said, citing research she’d done for the writing of her recent book, Teenage as a Second Language.

Lunder, Clinical Director at Four Winds Hospital, educated parents on the types of limit-setting teens need and secretly want and said ”every household should have written rules and consequences.” 

Dr. Lunder also warned parents about the devastating effects of certain drugs currently being used by teens in the Westchester area.  

“Marijuana’s being laced with PCP very often right now, which means that teens have no way of knowing if what they’re smoking is going to have PCP in it, which can permanently alter and damage the brain.” 

Middle School hallways also buzzed with students’ enthusiastic comments about the surprising fun they’d had participating in a musical presentation with performance artist, Shaun Derik.   

“That was awesome!  We should post it on You Tube,” said one student as she left the performance. One mother shared, “when I picked up my son and his friend I thought they were being sarcastic when they said it was a great program, but my son was really inspired by the musician and went right to Facebook to write to him when he got home.”      

Middle and high school students also participated in a great discussion with a panel of young speakers who are in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Students were visibly moved by the speakers on the panel who spoke honestly and courageously about their own experiences in middle and high school, their first time using alcohol and drugs, and how they got addicted.

Family U events actually kicked off on November 8 when John Jay Middle School students and faculty were treated to a memorable theatrical performance. The Periwinkle Theatre for Youth presented “Halfway There”, a realistic drama weaving poetry written by young people in recovery, music, dance, and humor into a powerful production. The show is based upon the story of five young people in recovery who meet at a drug rehab and together, explore the causes and consequences of their addiction as they stand “halfway between what we are and what we may become” and “work on strength, forgiveness and trust in self.”  

Principal Rich Leprine was very pleased with students’ reception of the program, and remarked, ”as evidenced by the students’ reaction, this was highly successful!  The students were engaged and the show had impact.”

Rachel Simmons also met with Katonah Lewisboro administrators, faculty and staff to discuss effective methods for dealing with bullying and building a community of caring. According to Family U Director, Lauren Smith, Family U Committee members chose Rachel Simmons as this year’s keynote speaker to support and enhance Katonah Lewisboro’s district-wide initiative to address bullying. 

On the morning of November 10, Rachel Simmons also gave a talk to 150 John Jay Middle School student leaders to equip them with information and practical tips they can use in their leadership roles within the school to help peers navigate social aggression. Other highlights included a workshop on Positive Parenting given by Patty Warble, Director of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Council,  and a discussion about the Rachel Simmons presentation and teens' thoughts on bullying led by Dr. Christopher Griffin, Director of Counseling at John Jay High School and Susan Malone, Katonah Lewisboro Social Worker.   

These events marked the 18^th Annual Family U Night.  “We need support to keep these programs going,” explained the Director of Family University, Lauren Smith, and In-School Program Coordinator, Donna Walsh.  Ms. Smith and Ms. Walsh described the long-range partnering with administrators , faculty,  custodial members, P.T.O.s’ and the Drug Alcohol Prevention Council  needed to create this program and added, “It’s been a pleasure to work with them.  You can feel the support from above.” 

For more information concerning Family University’s current and future events, visit www.klfamilyuniversity.org