Keeping Teens Drug & Alcohol Free in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood & Riverwoods
February/March 2024
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In this Issue: Benefits of the Arts | DHS & HPHS Students Follow the Law | The Power of Encouragement | 2024 Board of Directors | CTAD's New Program Coordinator
For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families
Lifelong Benefits of Exposure to the Arts

Before a child speaks, they sing. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression -- Phylicia Rashad

As a graduate of Deerfield High School, I'm a product of District 113's solid arts education, which led me to a professional career in acting, singing and producing. Not all art students will go on to have professional careers, but the arts are equally important to all students. 

The lifelong benefits cannot be overstated: Students who have exposure to culture and arts education perform better in school and in life. And people who attend live performances are happier, more connected to others and tend to live longer.

During the pandemic many of us turned to art in the form of television, film and music. Art is everywhere around us -- from the design of our homes, clothing and coffee cups to the music on our playlists. Creativity helps us solve problems, learn new skills and understand and empathize with people whose experiences and cultures are different from our own.

Whether your student is an artist, an arts enthusiast or is just taking notice of the arts, encourage their participation and their appreciation. When they see art around them, their appreciation and social awareness grows, and they become more empathetic and more well-rounded.

We are truly fortunate to have two robust Arts Festivals: Focus on the Arts at HPHS, which has a 60 year tradition, and the newly formed Arts Alive! at DHS, which launches in April. To learn more and to get involved with either festival, email TJenkins@113.org.

All of art is a search for ways of being, of living life more fully -- August Wilson

Tamara Jenkins
Director of Arts Festivals
Township High School District 113
For Middle School & High School Families
Most DHS & HPHS Students Follow the Law

There are many reasons our youth make drug-free choices. More than half of DHS & HPHS students say they don't drink alcohol or use marijuana to keep their body healthy, to be a good role-model and to perform their best in sports, art and academics.

The second most popular reason students say they are drug-free is to follow the law. Seems like most of our youth want to do the right thing, since 82% think it is wrong for teens to drink and 80% say it is wrong for them to use marijuana.

This year's awareness campaign at DHS & HPHS highlights some of the reasons students choose to be drug-free, like staying in control and following the law. Whether your child is in high school or middle school, you can help reinforce their good choices by asking about their reasons to be drug-free.
For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families
The Power of Encouragement

Encouragement is a powerful way to show your child you believe in them and support their interests. Here are a few tips on how to encourage your child's creative expression:

  1. Encourage creativity for the joy of it (not as a way to please others).
  2. Treat mistakes as "happy accidents" and a necessary part of the creative process.
  3. Make space and time for your child to create, make messes and enjoy being in the moment.
  4. Take your child to a variety of arts events in the community, including Township High School District 113's wide array of arts offerings. Encourage your child to share their reactions.
  5. Give their creative work attention and praise their efforts. It shows your child you value what they're doing and gives them confidence to explore more ways to express themselves creatively.

It's not one 60-minute conversation.
It's 60 one-minute conversations.
For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families
Tailored Resources for Our Community

CTAD's Parent Committee is hard at work reviewing webinars to gather resources for parents in our community. Stay tuned for specific recommendations on CTAD's social media and future newsletters.

One resource the committee found helpful is Operation Parent. For a sneak peek on a variety of topics from vaping to digital parenting, check out operationparent.org/webinars
2023-2024 Programming for All Parents/Guardians
Check out Glenbard Parent Series for weekly free webinars on relevant topics presented by high-profile authors, educators and clinicians.
For All Community Members
Meet CTAD's 2024 Board of Directors

We applaud the dedication and commitment of our continuing and newly elected board members and those who served us in the past. It's amazing to see so many sectors of the community come together to care for our youth and ensure they have the best possible future. The investment of time and collective efforts of these volunteers make us stronger and our accomplishments a reality.
Erika Berdell *†
OMNI

Jim Boyle †
Village of Bannockburn

Dr. Lilly Brandt †
Township High School Dist 113

Martin Clancy
Lake County Health Department

Scott Coren 
City of Highwood

Vanessa Dugo
Northwood Middle School

Luisa Espinosa-Lara †
Highland Park High School

Jennifer Ginopolis †
Township High School Dist 113
Suzan Hawkinson *
First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield

Amy Hyndman
Highland Park Police Department

Karen Levi 
Lake Co. State's Attorney's Office

Jamie Allene Lorenz
The Lorenz Agency

Al Maciareillo †
Riverwoods Police Department

Lauren Maldonado 
Deerfield Police Department

John Norris
Village of Riverwoods

Dr. Laura Parise
NorthShore University HealthSystem
Alyssa Robbins *
JCFS Response Center

Harriet Rosenthal ‡
Village of Deerfield

Nancy Rotering ‡
City of Highland Park

Eric Steckling 
Deerfield Public Schools Dist 109

Kent Street †
Village of Deerfield

Walt Trillhaase 
Bannockburn Police Department
* New Board Member, † Executive Board, ‡ Honorary Director
Our heartfelt thanks for the time and energy given by our outgoing CTAD board members: Anacany Berrara, Shelley Byrnes and Laura McCarty. 
For All Community Members
Meet CTAD's New Program Coordinator

Hi, I'm delighted to be the new CTAD program coordinator. While originally from Highland Park, I began my career at the CDC in Atlanta, working in tobacco control. I've also managed community health programs at the American Academy of Pediatrics. And, as a mother of two teens and a tween, I've gained a whole new perspective on the challenges of teaching kids about healthy decision making.  

If your New Year's resolution is to become more involved, consider joining either our membership or parent outreach committee. Welcome new members, come up with creative ways to thank our volunteers for their efforts, or select resources useful to local families. We have lots of fun opportunities available and I'd love to speak with you about them.

Lindsay Sweet
We celebrate all of our extraordinary volunteers!
Read all about them in our volunteer spotlights.
Be a part of our amazing CTAD team. Will you consider contributing your time, creativity, unique skills, or a donation? Learn how to make a difference by joining one of our committees!
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Text-a-Tip: 24/7 anonymous support for students who need help for themselves or a friend. To connect with a trained counselor, download the app "Lake County Help" in the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also text the code "224HELP" or "224AYUDAME" to 844-823-LEAD (5323).
Community - The Anti-Drug (CTAD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 451631475). Our coalition of volunteers and community organizations strive to reduce alcohol, marijuana and other drug use among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, Illinois. Funding is generously provided by the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, other foundations/organizations, individual donors and a Drug Free Communities grant from the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect our funders' views, opinions or policies.

Parents/guardians of youth in High School District 113: You opted in to receive these monthly newsletters during school registration and may unsubscribe any time.