August/September 2024

For Spanish, click here. / Para español, haga clic aquí.

In this Issue: Keeping Kids Safe | Drug-Free Because They CARE | Starbucks Giveaway | 60 Second Conversation Starter | Volunteer Spotlight

Keeping Kids Safe is a Group Responsibility

A new school year means new friends and navigating new social circles for children and their parents. The expected questions parents ask other parents before a playdate or get together include food allergies, family pets, and whether an adult will be home. The same conversation can include questions on alcohol, marijuana and gun safety. Similar to how CTAD suggests asking if alcohol or marijuana in the home is locked away, BeSMART recommends asking if a family owns guns, and if so, how they are stored. Making this part of the same conversation helps normalize the topics and lessen the taboo.

It may feel awkward to have this conversation with other parents, but remember, you’re not questioning why they have a gun or marijuana, you’re just confirming they are stored securely. Here are some tips for asking about gun storage.

Guns are currently the number one killer of children in America, and researchers estimate that roughly 30 million American children live in homes with firearms—up 7 million since 2015. When guns aren’t properly stored, tragedy can strike if a child finds a firearm and harms themselves or others, either intentionally or accidentally.

Our kids know more than we think, so it’s also important to ask your kids what they know and ensure your message is age-appropriate. Here are tips for talking to kids about guns and CTAD's age-appropriate talking tips about drugs.

These simple 'Be SMART' steps were designed for both gun owners and non-gun owners alike, and are also applicable to alcohol or marijuana in the home:

• Secure all guns in homes and vehicles
• Model responsible behavior around guns
• Ask about the presence of unsecured firearms in homes your child visits
• Recognize the role of guns in suicide
• Tell your peers to Be SMART

As parents, our main concern is keeping our kid(s) safe, but every adult plays a role in keeping ALL kids safe.

Jenner O'Hagan & Ellen Gebel

BeSMART Co-Leads for Deerfield, Highland Park & Highwood.

For additional info/resources on gun safety, please visit BeSMART For Kids or email Jenner O'Hagan at jennerohagan@gmail.com.

Check out CTAD's "Talk, Monitor, Secure" tips specific to home supplies of alcohol and marijuana.

Photo caption: Lauren Brown and Jenner O'Hagan at DPS 109's Community Well-Being & Safety Night at Shepard Middle School.

"Drug-Free Because YOU CARE"

DHS & HPHS Awareness Campaign

DHS & HPHS students in CTAD's youth program Delta helped design this year's awareness campaign. They selected the slogan, the topics and the images. They even surveyed their peers to find out what they care about.

Each poster makes a connection between being drug-free and something important to our students. For instance, over 80% of DHS & HPHS students say they are there for their friends, focused on their goals, stand up for what they believe in and want to make a difference. Reminding them that avoiding alcohol and marijuana helps them achieve those things strengthens their personal resolve to make drug-free choices. Each topic comes from the 40 Developmental Assets Framework, a list of assets proven by research to help young people be more resilient to challenges and avoid risky behavior.

The school year kicks off with a poster celebrating the 84% of students who said "I'm there for my friends." Being drug-free means they are ready to help - or get help - when their friends need it.

Espresso Yourself for a Starbucks Gift Card

DHS & HPHS PARENTS espresso your voice and help CTAD tailor resources that will have the most impact in our community. 

Take this 8 minute survey before the end of September and receive TWO entries into a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. Double your chances for a treat while helping CTAD figure out how we can further support students and parents.

• English survey
• La encuesta en español

Farewell from CTAD's Executive Director Barbara de Nekker

After more than 8 years as Executive Director, I’m writing with the sad news that my time with CTAD is coming to an end. Due to personal circumstances, I’ve been working remotely from the Netherlands for quite some time. I’m beyond thankful for CTAD’s Executive Board being supportive of this and to CTAD Coordinator Lindsay Sweet for taking care of on-the-ground strategies. Unfortunately, international labor laws prevent this from continuing long-term. The decision is simply out of our hands.

Throughout my time with CTAD, I’ve been continually impressed by community leaders, our schools, parents and students. Their drive to ensure a strong, healthy future for our young people is inspiring. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with them and CTAD’s dedicated volunteers. They brought me personal joy at the same time that we made a positive difference together.

While a selection committee works on hiring a replacement, the Executive Board has asked Erika Berdell to serve as a transitional Executive Director. As CTAD’s (now former) Co-President and with their experience as a prevention specialist, they are well poised to maintain oversight of our grants, finances and programs until the new Executive Director is hired. Read more about Erika below.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you - and for you. I had a great time and will miss you.

Pictured: National Coalition Academy Graduation in Washington D.C., 2018, with CTAD staff and officers (L-R) Michelle Culver, Barbara de Nekker (center), Minelle Amezquita and Catherine Spencer

60 Second Conversation Starter

Talking with other parents is the best way to normalize the conversation around alcohol and drugs at social gatherings. When one parent starts the conversation, others will join in, and everyone is doing their part in keeping our kids safe.

If you're hosting...

• Have an open and honest conversation with your child about your expectations and ground rules for parties.
• Ensure you and your child's friends' parents are on the same page by sending an email in advance of the party outlining your expectations.
• Have a visible adult chaperone who checks in on guests often, such as when replenishing refreshments.
• Keep alcohol and marijuana out of sight or locked away so kids don't feel tempted.
• Pre-plan drug-free activities, like Karaoke or color wars, to keep the fun going!

If your teen is going to a party...

• Contact the host parent and ask if they'll be home and that alcohol and other drugs won't be allowed.
• Role play with your child on handling a situation where alcohol is available. For example they can say, "No thanks, I have a big game tomorrow."
• Know where your teen is going and ask them to text if they change locations.
• Make it easy for your teen to leave a party and make it clear they can text/call anytime with an agreed upon code word or text like, "I forgot to feed the dog."
• Be awake to greet your teen when they get home.

Additional tips to safely hosting teen parties can be found HERE.

Research shows that 3 out of 4 youth say their parents -- not their friends -- are the #1 influence in their decision not to drink alcohol. Talking with your teen and answering their tough questions are addressed in CTAD's Alcohol & Teens Parent Guide.

Conversation starters in CTAD's Family Resource Guide (English) and en español can help you navigate many topics.

2024-2025 Programming for All Parents/Guardians

Check out Glenbard Parent Series for weekly free webinars on relevant topics presented by high-profile authors, educators and clinicians.

Erika Berdell, CTAD's (Former) Co-President

Volunteer Spotlight

In January, Erika Berdell became CTAD's Co-President. Just recently, they agreed to help maintain oversight of CTAD grants while CTAD works on hiring a new Executive Director. Throughout it all, they continue to make a difference for our youth!

"I became involved with CTAD through my work in substance use prevention at OMNI Youth Services. I have long volunteered and worked in the Highland Park and Highwood communities and have been a resident of Highland Park since 2019. I want to make sure that the students from Deerfield Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park and Highwood are all healthy, safe and substance free. It's important that our youth from all backgrounds and ethnicities are empowered to make healthy decisions.

For parents/guardians it's important to know that each individual choice you make impacts the community at large - You have the power to create the change! It's important that our students see that our community cares for them and empowers them to make the right choices." 

Support is Always Available: Students who are struggling or worried about a friend are encouraged to talk to a counselor, parent, or other trusted adult. When they aren't available, or it just doesn't feel right for the situation:

• Check this list of free, 24/7 confidential support lines
• Support options via text, phone, online chat or email
• Bookmark the page so it's there when you need it