LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Paris Cooperative High School is opening its doors to families next week for a special event designed to connect the community with local organizations and provide parents with tools to help their teens navigate today’s challenges. The school will host a Community Resource Night on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school. A free spaghetti dinner will be served beforehand from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the DEN, and free childcare will be provided during the evening sessions. The event is open to all Paris High School and junior high families, though Vice Principal Denise Young emphasized that surrounding communities are welcome to attend as well.
“We’re better together,” Young said. “The goal is to bridge community resources with schools and the issues our teens are facing. The more information parents have, the more we can create a safe space for our kids both here and in the community.”
The idea for Community Resource Night began as a simple brainstorm about what kinds of local support could benefit families. After reaching out to one group, Young was connected to another, and the list of participants grew quickly.
“It just kind of snowballed,” she said. “One person would say, ‘You should reach out to this group,’ and before I knew it, we had a network of people willing to help.”
The evening will feature a series of rotating sessions, each lasting about ten minutes, where parents can choose which topics they want to attend. Sessions will be held in different classrooms, with tables from local organizations also set up in the building.
Among the sessions offered will be “Hidden in Plain Sight,” a walk-through of a mock teenager’s bedroom with paraphernalia hidden throughout to teach parents how to spot signs of at-risk behavior. Because of the sensitive nature of the exhibit, participants must be 18 or older.
Other presentations include “Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health” by Michelle Creech of the Human Resources Center, who will help parents recognize warning signs and learn how to start conversations with their children; a cyberbullying and sexting session led by Detective Goff of the Paris Police Department; and an anti-vaping program presented by the Edgar County Health Department, which will also share details of its INDEPTH intervention program already in use at PCHS. Mikayla Downs, also from HRC, will lead a session on the mental health resources available in schools, while Camille Gordon of Hope of East Central Illinois will present on healthy relationships and teen dating violence. HRC staff will also provide information about marijuana and alcohol use. In addition, groups such as ROSC, HRG, the Edgar County Health Department and Restored Hope of Paris will have tables set up to share resources with families.
Young said the event is meant primarily for parents, though junior high and high school students are encouraged to attend with their families. For younger siblings, the school is providing childcare so parents can focus on the sessions.
As both an administrator and a parent of a teenager, Young sees firsthand the challenges students face today.
“Schools have changed a lot since I went,” she said. “There are just things kids go through now, especially with phones and social media, that we never had to think about. Add in mental health issues, and it can be overwhelming. We want parents to feel like they’re not alone, that there are people and resources ready to help.”
One of the most eye-opening exhibits, Young noted, is the “Hidden in Plain Sight” room. Parents are always surprised at the everyday objects that can be used to conceal risky behaviors.
“You don’t necessarily want to give kids new ideas, which is why it’s only open to adults, but it really is an eye-opener for parents,” she said.
Ultimately, Young hopes Community Resource Night will not only give families useful information but also strengthen ties between the school and the community.
“The reality is, the school can’t do it all alone,” she said. “But when we connect with outside resources and parents, we’re stronger. If even one parent walks away with information that helps them support their child, then it’s worth it.”
The event also provides grandparents, many of whom are raising grandchildren, an opportunity to get up-to-date guidance on issues facing today’s youth.
“Things look a lot different now,” Young said. “This is about making sure everyone in the family has the tools they need.”
Paris High School encourages all families to attend the Community Resource Night on Oct. 15. For more information, contact denise.young@pchs.k12.il.us.