Parent and family newsletter-January 2018

Parenting is incredibly rewarding and demanding.  We all have strengths we bring to our parenting. Even though it can feel daunting, we may be surprised by all of the qualities and skills we bring to our parenting.   Our children benefit from our strengths.  To be honest, we also all struggle, because parenting is hard, and we are human.  Struggling as a parent is normal, but it doesn't have to be lonely, and we can always learn more tips, skills, and strategies to help.
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Jenison Public Schools and our community partners are providing opportunities this winter and spring for you to grow, learn, and connect as parents.  We care about your and your family and hope you'll take advantage of many of these opportunities to connect and grow.

Strengthening families program

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Register for Strengthening Families Program

Attention, families with 10-14 year-olds!
Strengthen relationships and build communication during pre-teen years. Join us for this FREE 7-week program. Separate sessions will be offered for parents and pre-teens/teens (ages 10-14) as well as combined family sessions.

Free family dinner and childcare for siblings (ages 1-9) are provided. 

Where: Sandy Hill Elementary

When: every Monday, February 5 - March 19 from 5:30 - 8:00pm

*Please enter through the front doors and head to the library

To register: 
Contact Howard Matthews at
(616) 396-2301 ext. 145 or by
​email at hmatthews@arborcircle.org

For more information, contact Howard, or Angela Tracy at atracy@jpsonline.org

This program will cover topics such as:

• Encouraging Good Behavior
• Using Consequences
• Protecting Against Substance Abuse
• Appreciating Parents
• Dealing with Stress
• Following Rules
• Handling Peer Pressure 
• Understanding Family Values
• Building Family Communication
• Reaching Our Goals

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Building strong families

Register for Building Strong Families

This group is designed to connect, empower and strengthen families and is targeted to families with children prenatal through age 12, and is a partnership with the Ottawa County Intermediate School District and the Great Start Collaborative.

This may grow into a monthly group meeting. We currently plan to meet one time, and use a survey and discussion to determine the future wants and needs of the group.  
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Meal and childcare are provided.

When: Thursday, Feb. 1
Where: Pinewood Elementary
When: 5:30-7:30

For more information or to register, contact Angela Tracy at atracy@jpsonline.org

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social media workshop

Come join us on February 7 to learn more about social media and your children.

Stephanie Tuttle, a local attorney and social media speaker will present and answer questions about

• the potential dangers of inappropriate use of social media by your children
• practical tips on how to protect your family
• guidelines for safe social media use

When: February 7, 2018 at 6:00 PM
Where: Jenison Junior High Media Center

For more information  contact Mary Veldink at mveldink@jpsonline.org

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JPS READS

Family Read Aloud 

Creating a Culture of Literacy in Every JPS Home
_________________________________________A program designed to create a shared reading experience within our elementary school families.
This year our title is...
​The Boxcar Children® Great Adventure #1: Journey on a Runaway Train 
Created by: Gertrude Chandler Warner

​The cost of the Family Read Aloud book is $1.00. ​

We will read for 4 weeks, beginning Feb. 19th, and ending March 16th (read 2 to 3 chapters per week). By reading together as a family, you create a strong foundation for literacy in your child’s life. 

Order your book here

Check your child's backpack for an order form, or
Download book order form at:
jps-elementary.weebly.com 

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Community opportunities

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Emerging drug trends

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The Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention group is offering a FREE parent workshop focusing on what youth are currently engaged in for emerging substance use trends and what parents can do to help prevent that behavior.

When: January 21 at 7:00 pm
Where: Fellowship Reformed Church
6610 36th Ave, Hudsonville

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Women's health clinic

City on a Hill Health Clinic in Zeeland is offering health screening appointments for women and the chance to win a free flat screen TV.
 
Health screenings for underinsured and uninsured women include:

• Free blood pressure screening, diabetes and cholesterol Screening
• Free height, weight and BMI screening
• Free pap tests and clinical breast exams
• Referral for free mammograms
• Food, door prizes and other fun services! 

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CALL FOR APPOINTMENT
616-748-6009
City on a Hill Health Clinic-100 S. Pine st, Suite 140-Zeeland MI 49464 

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