Pomperaug High School (PHS) will host events during the week of Nov. 18 to 21 to engage students, staff and parents in meaningful conversations about goal-setting, substance abuse, diversity and the type of school environment that allows for student success.
Two evening events are open to the community. PHS Principal Glenn Lungarini invites members of the community to attend the Tuesday and Thursday night events.
David Desmarais, Pomperaug High School junior and member of the Connecticut Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team, will host an adaptive basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the PHS Gymnasium. The event is part of a week-long series of events at PHS on goal-setting, substance abuse and diversity. (Submitted photo)
Tuesday, Nov. 18, PHS junior David Desmarais and the Connecticut Spokebenders will challenge members of the high school community in a wheelchair basketball game. The game is free to the community and starts at 7 p.m. in the PHS Gymnasium. Donations will be collected at the door to support the Spokebenders team.
“David came to me with this idea, and this team is something he’s really passionate about. This basketball game will raise awareness for students to think about what a day is like for David. It’s also a great way to celebrate one of our students who has found his passion. I’m sure it’s going to be a fun night for the entire community,” Lungarini said.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, nationally recognized motivational and goal-setting speaker Ed Gerety will address real issues today’s youth and schools are facing. The “Making a Difference” program will cover topics such as the power of respect and responsibility, the impact and consequences of our choices and decisions, the issues of goal setting, overcoming adversity, substance abuse and more.
Thursday, Nov. 20, representatives from the Middlebury and Southbury police departments, S.M.A.R.T. (Southbury and Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together) and Spectrum Behavioral will hold a parent education program at the PHS Auditorium from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The program will focus on how drugs affect teens, consequences for parents regarding social hosting, and existing social and emotional resources for teens. After each group’s presentation, the panel will open up for a question-and-answer period.
“We are focusing on some conversations and lessons with the students in the school, and the Thursday night program will provide ways how parents can support us in this work at home,” said Lungarini.
Throughout the week, the students will participate in advisory periods during the school day about diversity, identifying our unique qualities and how we accept our diversity. The periods also will highlight how various substances affect a person’s body.
Lastly, on Friday, Nov. 21, students will meet in an advisory period to review what they have learned over the week. During this period, the students will help design the characteristics of a Panther Moral Compass to improve their decision-making ability and produce a safer, healthier school environment.
“On Friday, the teachers and students will discuss what directions our decisions should take us and what are the values and characteristics that make up strong moral decision-making,” Lungarini said. “The students will then help develop a set of beliefs or guidelines that allow us to further an environment that is supportive of all students reaching their goals and dreams.”
Lungarini developed the weeklong program after he was inspired by parent, student and teacher feedback about substance use and student behavior expectations.
You must be logged in to post a comment.