No more runaways
The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) has a curriculum specifically for educators who work with teenage students.
Preventing runaway behavior means understanding the dynamics of what makes kids leave home. Often teachers are able to identify problems before anyone else.
NRS supports classroom efforts to educate students on alternatives to running from home.
"Let's Talk" is an interactive curriculum intended to build life skills, educate about runaway resources and prevention, and encourage youth to seek help from trusted community members. The curriculum includes the companion film, "1-800-RUNAWAY." Both the film and the curriculum can be accessed online at www.1800runaway.org.
Lighting the way
A new event to raise college scholarship money for students across New York whose parents have or had cancer is being held Oct. 22 at Oceanside High School in Long Island.
The "Walk of Lights" is being sponsored by www.susansatrianofoundation.com. Food, face painting and live bands will be part of the ceremony, which will feature a walk lit by candles inside gold and pink bags.
Scholarships are available for qualified students throughout New York state. In its six-year existence, the foundation reports providing $130,000 worth of college scholarships to 130 students.
Susan Satriano was a member of the United Federation of Teachers who died of cancer; her husband, Joe, is a retired member of the Roslyn Teachers Association.
School bus safety
School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 17-21. It is important for teachers, bus drivers, SRPs and administrators to review with students proper procedure for walking to the bus, behavior while riding the bus, and getting off and on the bus.
Visit http://kids.askacop.org/schoolbussafety.html for tips, games and powerpoints. At http://educate.crisisprevention.com/School-Bus-Safety, find tips such as keeping your rules short and simple and giving a copy to all bus riders.