Our Parents Advisory Council met today. We discussed the alumni center that is still in the planning stages, and how we can utilize our alumni as resources for helping our students pursue careers and connections. At the health center the parents and grandparents had a lively discussion with our nurses. The most common health issue we find our students facing is allergies and asthma. We talked about the procedures when a student gets an illness or injury that necessitates a trip to the hospital.
Head lice and childhood obesity are two health issues that can be embarrassing for youth to deal with, but also occur with increasing frequency. We discussed ways to work with these students in ways that don’t damage their self-esteem. Another self-esteem related issue is bullying. Julie, our Residential Coordinator and Jennie, our Student Coordinator explained ways we are addressing the effects of bullying on our students. Sadly, that has been such an ongoing problem for kids of every generation.
Donna, our HR Director, got parental input on ideas for continuing to recruit more Native American staff, across all departments, but particularly in the Homes. When our students have mentors who can more closely connect with their American Indian culture and experience, that is an invaluable resource.
