Community of Concern

Every year the Seton Parents Association and the office of the Dean of Students partners with the Community of Concern, a nationally recognized program for the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco use, for a mandatory meeting for freshman students and parents. This program began at Georgetown Preparatory School, in the Washington D.C. area, in 1999. In the last decade, it has spread nationwide. It is a program begun by parents and is intended to help parents and students have meaningful conversations regarding the consequences of drug and alcohol use.

 

During the month of November every freshman student and at least one parent will be required to attend a powerful program entitled, "Conversations That Count." The evening program consists of comprehensive information shared by heroic students, addiction specialists, legal professionals, counselors, and school administration who will share their knowledge and experience with alcohol and drug use during high school years. These presentations will be followed by parent-student round table discussions.

 

Seton Catholic Preparatory rarely calls mandatory meetings for parents and students, however the Parents Association and school administration feel this issue is of paramount importance and calls for a "mandatory" commitment. Our children face very complex social and cultural pressures; they need our help with regard to making healthy decisions to not use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

 

Each family will receive a copy of the Community of Concern's publication, A Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use. It incorporates the most recent research on the effects that alcohol and other drug use has on the brain, and it provides a resource for you as you continue the discussion of this important issue at home.

Again, out of concern for our students, attendance at one of these evening events is MANDATORY for every freshman student and at least one parent. Delaying first use of alcohol has proven positive results for the safety, health and academic success of teens. We are committed to helping our students make positive choices that support their success.