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, Georgia, 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 e-mail, harris@jesuitnola.org.   See you there!                                                                         Sincerely,     Christian Harris, LCSW        Coordinator, Student Development Jesuit High School     Parent-to-Parent   Program Content/Meeting Schedule 2007-2008 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.  Sessions will be held on Monday evenings at 7:30 in Metairie (near Severn & W. Esplanade) beginning February 25th and on Thursday mornings at 11am at Jesuit, in room 329 beginning February 14th. A Tuesday evening option is also being considered. Each session lasts about an hour. Please encourage other parents to attend. Our job as parents becomes a little easier when we are on the same page with the parents of our children’s friends! For more information on locations, dates and times, please contact Gary & Claudia Levy at 837-9121 or Claudia@carrigeemoore.com.   Visit the Parent to Parent Website at www.thepassagegroup.com     Session Content   Module One - Put Yourself In The Way ·                                 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 ·                                 Signs and Symptoms of a healthy child and an unhealthy child ·                                 How would a Parent know the difference Module Three - Remember The Difference ·                                 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 ·                                 11 ways to raise a Toxic Child ·                                 The Importance of a positive belief system and discussion ·                                 Four responses Module Five - Never Trust The Net ·                                 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 ·                                 Discussion of the seven common traps Parents fall into with children ·                                 The importance of a dream             Wealth without work             Education without character             Entertainment without conscience             Adulthood without childhood             Freedom without accountability             Love without limits             Life without a vision             The importance of a dream Module Seven- Facts About Drugs ·                                 What's wrong with drugs? ·                                 Why do kids use drugs? Module Eight- Prevention ·                                 How would I know? ·                                 How can I prevent it? ·                                 What if prevention doesn't work? ·                                 Is it worth the effort?