Workshop to discuss teen violence, gangs

The Lebanon Special School District's Family Resource Center and local law enforcement are again partnering to address important and timely issues with a workshop entitled, “Teen Risky Behaviors – Self-Esteem, Violence and Gangs."  
 
“We know that parents are struggling with discipline for their pre-teen and teen students. We know students are struggling with their own identities and self-esteem and sometimes succumb to peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors. We want that to stop," said FRC Coordinator Beth Petty.

The workshop is not just for parents, though. Petty said she would love to see every youth minister in Lebanon attend, as well as any other individuals and organizations who are working closely with teens.

“Positive change starts when we all get involved," she said, adding that the FRC is bringing in local police and the sheriff's department to spread the message.
 
“We are very lucky to have involvement from both the Lebanon Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. They know the law; they see the consequences; and they want these risky behaviors to cease too,” Petty said, adding that she has had numerous conversations with Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen and Wilson County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Moore.

“These two gentleman are excited about partnering with the school system to get the word out to parents and students alike. They want our homes, schools and community to be safe and healthy," Petty said.

Lebanon Officer Jay Spicer and Moore will be among the speakers, who will focus on self-esteem issues and violence and gangs. Moore, who is the school resource officer supervisor, will also address changes that have recently been implemented to increase school safety.
 
Other community speakers will include Suzanne Prince, a licensed professional counselor with Hendrick Counseling.

"We will be discussing the relationship between low self esteem and gang membership and how parents can discourage gang participation and encourage their teen in healthier behaviors," Prince said.

Nancy Guethlein, a retired Castle Heights Elementary School counselor, will facilitate a discussion of “Active Parenting of Teens.” Parents will receive a free parenting manual, which includes chapters, such as "The Active Parent," "Winning Communication," "Responsibility and Discipline," "Building Courage," "Redirecting Misbehavior," and two chapters on "Drugs, Sexuality and Violence."
 
The "Teen Risky Behaviors – Self-Esteem, Violence and Gangs" workshop will be Tuesday and Jan. 24 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Castle Heights Elementary School library at 1007 Castle Heights Ave. N.

Free childcare will be provided during the workshop, and refreshments will be served. The workshop and materials are free to anyone who is interested in attending. Teachers may attend for in-service credit, and local childcare workers may attend for state credit hours.
 
For a list of all workshops for the school year,  visit lssd.org. For any questions or to RSVP to this or any other workshop, contact Petty at 615-453-2693 or pettyb@k12tn.net.