KANSAS RATES HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

Underage drinking is a significant issue that affects every Kansas community and it is a huge drain on our state budget. The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee has put together some research information to educate communities and state leaders about how underage drinking affects Kansans.

The white paper outlines the effects of underage drinking; youth alcohol use rates in Kansas; the economic impact of underage drinking; current Kansas policies to reduce youth access; and suggested policy changes and effective strategies to address this issue.

The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee encourages you to distribute this document widely throughout your networks via e-mail, newsletters, listserv, social networking pages (facebook, Twitter, etc.,) and Web sites. For questions or additional information about the document, contact Keri Renner at: krenner@kansasfamily.com or Michelle Voth at: mhvoth@kansasfamily.com or call Kansas Family Partnership at 1-800-206-7231.

http://www.kansasfamily.com/documents/KSSOSUAD2010.pdf

LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP MEETING THURSDAY FEB 25th

At our last parent meeting on Wednesday, January 27, Carol Wilson led a very informative and heartfelt discussion about the "choking game". For those that were unable to attend, it is a very dangerous (sometimes fatal) "game" many kids are choosing to participate in, and you need to be aware of it. Visit Carol's website for more information.
http://www.kimberwilson.com/

In an effort to facilitate communication within our Lawrence Parent Group, Dave Schieffer has established a Yahoo Group. You do not need a Yahoo email account; any email account will work. If you are on the Lawrence Parent Group distribution list, I will add you to the group, and you should receive and email. Meeting details and reminders will be on this site going forward. I welcome all feedback about the group and the site!

NEXT LAWRENCE PARENT MEETING -- FREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL 6PM THURSDAY FEB. 25TH
Officer Jay Bialek, School Resource Officer at Southwest Junior High, will join us to highlight some of the latest and greatest information, tools, and techniques to help you navigate through the internet world our kids know so well. We will have a lot of material to cover, so the meeting will be extended to 1.5 hours. Dave have seen Jay's material, and he gets straight to the heart of the matter. Please try to be at this meeting! RSVP to Dave Schieffer at schiefferus@yahoo.com

HOME ALONE

Staying Home Alone While Parents Are Away
There are two sides to this issue. Some parents have no problem trusting their teens to stay home when they are away for the weekend, some would never dream of doing that. It just goes to show that teens, parents and families can be as different as their fingerprints. Here is a parenting contract for your personal use that you can print out. Please feel free to use as it or make it your own. At least, it is a good discussion starter. It is always a good idea to tell your neighbors you're leaving and ask someone to watch the house while you are gone.

Parents and Teens Contract: Staying Home Alone While Parents Are Away
I know that being able to stay home alone while my parents are away is a privilege. I respect that my parents love me and want to keep me safe. My parents respect that I am getting older and want the privilege of being able to take care of myself. With that in mind, we agree:

1.I will strictly follow the rules set by my parents for the time that I am home alone.

2.I understand the routine my parents and I have developed and will follow through with it.

3.I understand what to do in case of an emergency.

4.I understand what to do if someone comes to our door.

5.I understand what to do if the phone rings.

6.I know who to call if I need help for minor things and for major things.

7.I know how to contact my parents if I need to.

8.I will not have a party while my parents are away.

9.I will not use illegal substances while my parents are away.

10.I will be where my parents expect me to be, with whom I am expected to be with, the entire time my parents are away.

The consequences for not following through with these expectations and limits are:

FAKE ID 101 CAMPAIGN

Lawrence law enforcement conducts first of four fake ID stings in Lawrence.

Lawrence police performed the first of four planned fake ID stings at local businesses Monday. The stings are part of a two-month effort to reduce underage drinking.

Look for the Fake ID poster in your neighborhood businesses and high schools.
http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2010/02/ku_mclovins_beware_fake_id_crackdown_underway_in_lawrence.php