Holiday Issue 2024

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In this Issue: Celebrating our Delta Youth | Delta Collab 2024 | 60 Second Conversation Starter | Last chance for a Starbucks Giveaway for DHS & HPHS Parents | Drug-Free Because YOU CARE campaign

Bella Oviedo, Justine Taitler & Ava Van Every

Celebrating our Youth Role Models & Delta Presidents

We celebrate our inspiring Delta Drug-Free Youth Coalition Presidents this holiday season. They share something about themselves, their passion for Delta, and their New Year's goals!

Bella is a junior at HPHS and currently serves as President of Delta. In her role, she is most proud of the opportunity to develop leadership skills through fundraising, leading meetings, and recruiting new members. Bella is on the varsity cross country and track & field teams, volunteers as a swim instructor with Working Together, and enjoys baking and spending time outdoors.

"My New Year's goal is to 'disconnect to reconnect,' meaning I plan to decrease my daily screen time and focus on activities that grow my mind, such as reading, cooking, and spending quality time with friends." 

Justine is a senior at DHS and is Delta Co-President along with Ava Van Every. As a result of her work with Delta and her position as Co- President, Justine is thrilled to be part of a group which continues to have such a positive impact on the community and all the District 113 students it serves. In her free time, Justine loves to dance, cook with fun pastas, and travel to warm destinations.

"My New Year's goal is to join a workout class so I can continue to stay healthy and active, even during my dance off season." 

Ava, who serves as Co-President with Justine, is also a senior at DHS. She is most proud of how Delta helps maintain a positive environment, where students feel supported and empowered to make healthy decisions. Ava enjoys being a member of the dance team and loves to travel.

"My New Year’s goal is to try to get more sleep, especially on the weekdays, so I can be the best I can be at school and in my extracurricular activities."

We celebrate all of our Delta students & extraordinary volunteers!

Read all about them in our volunteer spotlights.

Delta Collab 2024 Youth Activism Training

Delta Students Take the Initiative

Students from the Delta Drug-Free Youth Coalition (formerly Delta Youth Advisory) invited their DHS & HPHS classmates to join them for their annual Delta Collab 2024 Youth Activism Training, held Sunday, November 24th. Payton Murillo-Huhn (one of CTAD’s extraordinary volunteers) spoke candidly to the students about what he sees as a counterdrug operator with the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as well as in his work with the FBI and the US Army Illinois National Guard. Students also participated in an interactive drug prevention and youth leadership training led by Julie Berry and Erika Hahn from the Illinois Human Performance Project. 

Reconnect with Your Child this Holiday Season

60 Second Conversation Starter

Holiday breaks are a perfect time to reconnect with your child.  It’s not so much about what you do, but that you are doing it together.  Who knows, a new year’s resolution might stick because of the enjoyment you get out of it as a family:

1. Consider playing tourist in your own town while enjoying quality time together.  Ask your child for suggestions on exploring a cultural site, discovering wintertime outdoor activities, or trying out a new cuisine. You’ll learn what’s in your own backyard and, more importantly, about what each of you likes to do/experience.
2. Do good as a family.  Giving back offers a new perspective, builds resilience, develops positive traits, and is good for everyone's health!  Let your child choose a charity they are either passionate about or want to learn more about, and decide on a “giving” time together. 
3. Be creative as a family to express yourselves, bond with each other in unexpected ways, and reduce overall stress.  Making homemade gifts, dusting off an “old family recipe,” or creating a “family favorite” music playlist are a few ways to relax, lean into each other, and let all of your creativity shine.

Espresso Yourself by December 14

and Earn a Starbucks Gift Card

DHS & HPHS PARENTS: Here is your final opportunity to espresso your voice and help CTAD tailor resources that will have the most impact in our community. 

Take this 8 minute survey to be entered into a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. CTAD appreciates the feedback on how we can further support students and parents. And, you can earn a Starbucks treat in return!

• English survey
• La encuesta en español

"Drug-Free Because YOU CARE"

DHS & HPHS Awareness Campaign

The latest poster in the "Drug-Free Because YOU CARE" campaign celebrates DHS & HPHS students who stay focused on their goals to perform their best. 83% of our students report they don't drink alcohol so they can focus on what matters most to them. By making the connection between sense of purpose and drug-free choices, the campaign hopes to increase students' personal motivation to stay drug-free.

Each poster theme comes from the 40 Developmental Assets Framework, a list of assets proven by research to help young people be more resilient to challenges and avoid risky behavior. DHS & HPHS students in CTAD's youth program Delta helped design this year's awareness campaign. They selected the slogan, the topics and the images, and surveyed their peers to find out what they care most about.

2024-2025 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.

Support is Always Available: Students who are struggling or worried about a friend are encouraged to talk to a counselor, parent, or other trusted adult. When they aren't available, or it just doesn't feel right for the situation:

• Check this list of free, 24/7 confidential support lines
• Support options via text, phone, online chat or email
• Bookmark the page so it's there when you need it