participate in a free program to help them increase positive
interaction with each other. Family Nights debuted last year to help
families learn to develop healthy habits and spend more quality time
together.
Participants will also learn about the risk factors that lead to binge
drinking and other substance-abuse problems. The program will start at
Myers Park High on Oct. 13 and at Turning Point Academy on Oct. 14.
Additional classes will be held this fall at Hawthorne and North
Mecklenburg high schools, and other locations are being planned for
the spring. Each location will hold a series of meetings.
Families who are interested should contact Shirnell Addison, program
secretary, at 980-343-2612 for specific meeting times and to reserve a
space in the group. Students do not need to attend CMS in order to
participate, but families must pre-enroll in the program. To qualify
for participation, families must have at least one child enrolled in
public, charter or private high school in Mecklenburg County. The
program is funded with federal money.
Developed by the school district's High Risk Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Program, Family Nights will provide dinner and gift-card incentives
for participating families and child care and/or tutoring services for
younger siblings who attend. The program will also engage parents and
students in activities related to developing positive behaviors,
critical- and creative-thinking skills, goal setting, and the
importance of investing in family life. Follow-up services will also
be provided to the families who participate.
Data collected last year shows that parents felt more confident in
their parenting skills after participating in the class. For
additional information on the program, please contact Danielle
Doskocil at 980-343-2610.
