Too Smart to Start

Dear Parents and Guardians of Fifth Graders:

We want to let you know that soon we will be presenting “Too Smart to Start” to the fifth graders at Nottingham.  This is an exciting program designed to educate the students on the dangers of drinking alcohol at a young age.  The instruction will be provided in two forty five minute lessons for the students and will conclude with a family event that will include parents and guardians.  At this point in your child’s life, it is important that they develop the necessary skills to prepare them for the new and exciting middle school environment! 

This program is required for all fifth graders in Arlington Public Schools.  Together in a partnership Dr. McCormac, the school counselor, school nurse, and a police resource officer plan to present a set curriculum and conduct a pre and post evaluation. The lessons are scheduled to be taught January 3 & 10, 2013.  Arlington also requires we offer families an opportunity to see first hand what their children have been taught in this alcohol prevention program. We plan to make it clear that most middle schoolers do not drink alcohol, and to give them important facts about the health effects of alcohol.

The family event for “Too Smart to Start” at Nottingham will be a breakfast meeting on Friday, January 11, 2013 from 8-9 a.m. in the library. We hope that you will mark your calendar and plan to attend.  It is important for parents to learn how they can support their children in avoiding alcohol and other risks that come in middle school.  The highlight of the event is the children performing skits to show the refusal skills they will learn.  We will also be sharing information about Internet Safety and providing all families that attend a useful handbook on this important topic. We look forward to seeing you at the Family Event.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth McCormac                                                       Mary Beth Pelosky

Professional School Counselor                                             Principal