This school year has been very rewarding.  As the newest addition to the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center, I deeply appreciate being welcomed into our local schools and sharing a message so crucial for our youth to receive.  It is our goal not only to educate our young people about sexual violence,  but also a focus on prevention, as well.   In addition to the regularly scheduled school presentations,  there has also been some additional work, which I am grateful for, as well ~ such as Kents Hill Wellness Day, Winthrop High School's Health Fair, and upcoming Teen Issues Days at both Maranacook Middle and High School and Monmouth Middle School.  In addition, Peer Helpers at Winthrop High School has done exceptionally well in "digging deeper" into teen issues and have implemented "Guerilla Theater" at school and also are in the process of putting together some interactive theater pieces regarding sexual and domestic violence.  I commend them on their efforts, as they have worked diligently to bring awareness to their school and community.   I thank all involved for their tireless efforts.

Another topic of interest has been Internet Safety, not only at the Middle and High School levels, but for parents and adults, as well.   With the growing popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Bebo, and Xanga, we have an increasing number of our children potentially being at risk.  Internet crimes are some of the fastest growing crimes in America and it is of utmost importance that we teach our youth and parents how to avoid being targeted by online predators as well the appropriate actions to take, should it occur.    Because of the large number of people currently utilizing the internet and  "popular demand", we now offer "Internet Safety" for adults, as well.    I greatly appreciate the involvement and assistance I have received from teachers, parents, and fellow educators.

 I had the honor of being invited to Erskine Academy to present an "Internet Safety Forum" for parents and educators in March, as well as Palermo Church in Palermo.  The information is more comprehensive for parents, with the focus being educating ourselves (as parents) and working together with our teens to create plans and "Internet Safety Agreements" that work for each individual family.  The goal is that our youth can still enjoy the internet community,  remain safe and reduce risks while online, and be equipped to make proper choices.   This work is something that I hope will continue and expand into other communities, as well.

The next community/parents' forum will be in Waldo County in May and I am very much looking forward to it.  Again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all of those who have welcomed me into their schools and communities and I look forward to a wonderful spring! -Rachel Linton