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
Please email, or call Rachel for more information.
education@silentnomore.org
377-1010, 338-4622, 594-8580
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