Adolescence Symposium Presented in Ballston Spa Schools

The Ballston Spa CSD is offering an evening symposium on adolescence this Thursday, October
28th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the High School auditorium. Entitled “Adolescence: Knowing Our
Children and Empowering Them to Make Good Decisions”, the program is being organized
by the Ballston Spa Middle School and Principal Michael Selkis. The evening will feature a
panel of knowledgeable professionals from a variety of human services and community agencies.
This unique opportunity is designed to engage the school community in a discussion regarding
our children and how we can help them to be happier, healthier and more successful during
adolescence.

In addition to the actual symposium, local human service agencies will distribute helpful
resources and information, the Saratoga YMCA will provide childcare services and there will be
a raffle with some great prizes, including a year-long YMCA membership and gift certificates to
local businesses. This night is about coming together as a community for the sake of our
children. Some of the topics that our panel will discuss include bullying and peer pressure, the
complex social structure of the teenage years, understanding how the adolescent brain and
emotions work, self-identity, substance abuse, media influences, communication, responsibilities
and privacy issues.

The knowledgeable panel includes the Honorable James Murphy, District Attorney; Jeanne
Obermayer, Dean of Students at Siena College; Patti Simonds, WSWHE BOCES; Dr. Clifford
Passen, Adolescent Psychiatrist; Joseph Commisso, PhD, Program Director of Child &
Adolescent Services at Four Winds; Dawn Howk, At Risk Counselor and Coordinator for
Families in Transition; Michelle Palmer, Middle School Counselor; Richard Ruberti, Middle
School Administrator; and Patty Kilgore, The Prevention Council. Middle School Principal
Michael Selkis will emcee the evening, including engaging parents in discussion with the panel.
Organizations represented in the resource area include the Saratoga County Prevention Council,
Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Youth & Family Services, Saratoga County Economic
Opportunity Council, Ballston Area Recreation Commission, Ballston Area Community
Center, YMCA of Saratoga, Community Human Services of Glenville, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts,
and the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Capital Region.

This opportunity is free and open to parents as well as their children, community members and
interested people from related organizations. Free childcare for children 7-12 years old (similar
to an Activity Night) will be available for pre-registered youth in the High School gym. Please
sign up children by contacting the Middle School at 884-7200 x4362. Additional information is
on the website at: http://www.bscsd.org/Middle.cfm.