awareness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District to host “Parents Only” Event             On March 5, 2009 the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District is hosting an event aimed at raising parents’ awareness of substance abuse in the young adult population.  This evening event will feature a presentation by Orange Police Department Resource Officer Chad Softic and Athol Police Officer Peter Buck.  Parents will be provided with an education on the various substances that have presented in the teen population around the Commonwealth.  The presentation will be followed by an open and honest discussion between attendees, school officials and at least one parent who struggled with her own child’s battle with addiction.  “This event is going to be up close and personal” said Mahar Superintendent, Dr. Reza Namin.                        Dr. Namin indicated that this event is not being held in response to any problem that the school has recently faced.  Dr. Namin stated, “Our heads are not in the sand when it comes to the activities of middle and high school students.”  Under Namin, The Student Support Services Department at Ralph C. Mahar has taken the social and emotional health of students very seriously.  New to Mahar this year is the development of counseling groups focused on the needs of students as they present themselves during the school year.  Student Support Services Director, Michael Baldassarre indicated that the March 5 event, entitled “Not My Child” is being held as a proactive measure to educate parents about what is going on in our community and every other community in America.  “Too often schools respond to issues, rather than proactively addressing them before they happen.  That is not the way we think here.” said Baldassarre.   “Not My Kid” Substance Abuse Awareness NightRalph C. Mahar Regional SchoolMarch 5, 20096:30 PMParents Only Event For more information contact: Michael Baldassarre, Director of Student Support Services978-544-2535mbaldassarre@rcmahar.org