Roots of Resilience
For the past two
years, ARHS has offered a series of lectures for the parent and guardian
community as an opportunity to explore topics around the central theme of ‘teen
wellness’. Tackling topics like ‘communicating in a digital age’, ‘pressures of
a competitive society,’ or ‘building a positive self-concept,’ have provided a
window for parents into the challenging issues facing teens today as well as
insights from experts in the field of adolescent psychology and education.
The series’ theme
this year, Roots of Resilience, will explore the broad elements that can help
young people succeed – in school, in the community, and in
their lives. Four evenings of topics will provide insight across a range of
topics including:
1. What Our Kids
Think We Think
October 11, 2012
Join us for the
results of an ARHS school survey on students’ attitudes on topics ranging from
substance abuse (what they think we think about substance use), school climate
and the culture of ‘cool.’
2. Guest Speaker
Paul Tough, NY Times Best-selling author of How Children Succeed:
Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
Why do some children
succeed while others fail? The story we usually tell about childhood and
success is the one about intelligence: success comes to those who score highest
on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in How Children Succeed, Paul
Tough argues that the qualities that matter most have more to do with
character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism,
and self-control.
“In this absorbing
and important book, Tough explains why American children from both ends of the
socioeconomic spectrum are missing out on these essential experiences.”
- Annie Murphy Paul,
New York Times Book Review
3. Resilience and
Building Strong Students December 6,
2012
Join us to explore
ways to encourage student resilience. How can we we help young people deal with
disappointment? Where is the teachable moment in a young person’s frustration
and failure, and when should parents/guardians intervene?
4. Pressures of a
Competitive Society February 7, 2013
At a time when
pressure among teens is rising – in academics, sports, among peers and in society
– to achieve, acquire and do – where is the balance? Join us for a discussion
on teen pressures - external and internal and some insights for
dealing with
those pressures.
5. Today’s Teen and
Media April 4, 2013
The media is a
powerful force in shaping and affecting young people today – what are the
messages, where do they get them, how do they use media as a tool, socially,
for homework and for entertainment? How much is too much, and are setting
limits on the table?
