An Open Letter to Blue Jay Parents from Christian Harris,
Jesuit's Coordinator of Student Development
Dear Parents:
In 1987, Bill Oliver, a father in Atlanta, created The Parent-to-Parent Drug Prevention Workshop, a video-based training program for parents. The program's goal is to empower ordinary moms and dads to become the most effective prevention tool ever devised: the committed and informed parent.
Working primarily through schools and other community-based organizations, The Passage Group, Bill's company, has reached over three million parents since its inception. Using a video featuring Bill's dynamic presentation skills, parents teach the program material which delivers practical, understandable, and effective ideas to the audience.
Now in its fifth version, the Parent-to-Parent program combats the false messages of the new millenium's "Toxic Culture." This virulent and seductive culture presents three deadly paradigms to kids:
- Sex as sport
- Drugs and drunkenness as "normal"
- Violence and death as entertainment
Two Popes have called this deviant behavior a "culture of death." This culture now has accessed our very homes and our youngest children via the Internet.
We remain convinced that the only effective way of countering today's "Toxic Culture" is to inoculate the child's parents with the wisdom, love, and courage that will enable them to act quickly and effectively to protect their own child and family.
While schools, churches, and others may help... no one can replace a committed, informed parent. The Parent-to-Parent program is geared to produce them.
If you would like more information on how to get involved, please read the information below or contact me by phone (504-483-3875) or email: harris@jesuitnola.org. See you there! Sincerely,
Christian Harris, LCSW Coordinator, Student Development Jesuit High School
Parent to Parent Program Content/ Meeting Schedule
2009 - 2010 You are invited to join the Jesuit High School chapter of Parent-to-Parent to ensure your son’s success and safety as he continues on his journey to manhood. The Parent-to-Parent Club meetings consist of parents engaging in lively and meaningful conversations surrounding the challenges and the successes of safely raising healthy adolescent boys to adulthood. These exciting and informative discussions are promptly one-hour long. Beginning September 22nd, meetings will be held on Tuesdays from noon until 1pm (bring your lunch). Beginning October 1st, evening meetings will be held on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm. See below for specific dates. All meetings are held in St. Ignatius Hall (3rd floor of the administrative wing). If you cannot make these times, locations, or dates and wish to create a new meeting please contact Christian Harris, LCSW at harris@jesuitnola.org. Module One - Put Yourself In The Way
September 22: Noon & October 1: 6 PM · The power of the Toxic Culture on children · How did we get where we are with the Toxic Culture · Four things Parents can do today to protect their children Module Two - Awareness Is Your Best Friend
September 29: Noon & October 8: 6 PM · Signs and Symptoms of a healthy child and an unhealthy child · How would a Parent know the difference Module Three - Remember The Difference
October 6: Noon & October 15: 6 PM · There is a definite difference between a child and an adult and an adolescent is neither one · Teaches use of trust as a tool to develop good character · Why schools can not raise kids
Module Four - Expect And Inspect
October 20: Noon & October 22: 6 PM · 11 ways to raise a Toxic Child · The Importance of a positive belief system and discussion · Four responses
Module Five - Never Trust The Net
October 27: Noon & November 5: 6 PM · Why and how the Internet is the marketing "arm" of the Toxic Culture · Five questions which Parents can use to evaluate any activity · Managing the Internet in your home
Module Six - Traps To Avoid
November 3: Noon & November 12: 6 PM · Discussion of the seven common traps Parents fall into with children · The importance of a dream
Module Seven- Facts About Drugs
November 10: Noon & November 19: 6 PM · What's wrong with drugs? · Why do kids use drugs?
Module Eight- Prevention
December 1: Noon & December 3: 6 PM · How would I know? · How can I prevent it? · What if prevention doesn't work?
Is it worth the effort? · | 
