An arm of the Parents Council, the Family Network promotes communication and the exchange of ideas on adolescence and parenting. The intent is to provide forums for discussion so relationships may be built or strengthened among parents and between parents and their teenagers. Accordingly, Family Network programs focus on family relationships, teen development, peer and academic pressures, substance abuse and topics suggested by the Administration.

COCHAIRS

Cheryl Bartnett (314/962-9828)
Jeanne Maritz(314/994-3048)

FAMILY NETWORK COMMITTEE MEETINGS
All meetings will be held in the Haertter Hall Conference Room.

Wednesday, September 15, 8:30 am
Wednesday, November 10, 8:30 am
Friday, February 11, 12:30 pm
Wednesday, May 11, 8:30 am

Family Network subcommittees include

• The New Parent Mentor Program pairs families new to JBS with a current family to ease the transition to a new school, help them feel welcome and comfortable and address questions about how thing work at JBS. For more information contact co-chairs Kim Cerny and Mary Riew.

• Brown Bags/Coffee Connections are casual meetings organized for each grade level and held over lunch or in the morning. They feature guest speakers who discuss age-appropriate topics and allow parents the opportunity to meet and talk with other parents from their child’s grade. For more information, contact the grade chairs Laura Kinsell-Baer and Janet Rogers for seventh grade, Mary Lemkemeier and Michelle Strawbridge for eighth grade, Ann Munger and Julie Wood for ninth grade, Ann Frerotte and Lyn Grace for tenth grade, Courtney Beyersdorfer and Meg Shinkle for eleventh grade, and Sally Van Doren and Lana Wright for twelfth grade.

• Book Club provides informal discussions led by parents, teachers and staff on a variety of books including parenting issues, diversity, values, and works of literature. For the specific book titles and dates of discussion, refer to Upcoming Meetings & Events or contact the committee co-chairs Linda Mercer, Anis McLin-Morris, Beth Campbell-Blethroad and Kathy Bratkowski.  Family Network also offers a collection of books, tapes, and videos on a wide range of parenting topics. These are available in the Family Network section of the library.

• Parent to Parent addresses issues of family and community concern relating to our children's social lives, and has sought the perspectives of both parents and students with regard to issues of substance use / abuse.  This committee provides relevant information to parents at all grade levels. For more information, contact co-chairs, Laurie Bellistri and Nina Miller.

• Sophomore, Junior and Senior Health Days