Schools seek community connections to kids

Forest Grove district’s ‘Power of Five’ program aims to help kids succeed

By Nancy Townsley

The Forest Grove News-Times, Oct 1, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Courtesy photo

Derek Peterson

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It could be the soccer coach who plays everyone on the team.

It might be the English teacher who takes the time to go over your essay with you one extra time.

It could be a minister, a mentor, an employer or a friend — anyone who supports a child or teenager and acts as a caring adult influence.

The Forest Grove School District is looking for dozens of folks to play just that role in the healthy development of local students as it rolls out “The Power of Five,” a new program that continues the work of a “40 Developmental Assets” initiative started five years ago.

“We’re trying to build relationships and connections with others for the benefit of kids,” said Connie Potter, district spokeswoman.

Finding out how to do that is easy, said Potter. “Just come to our initial meeting and get inspired,” she said.

The kickoff happens tomorrow evening at Neil Armstrong Middle School, 1777 Mountain View Lane, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Five caring adults

Youth development advocate Derek Peterson, who helped kick off the district’s “40 Developmental Assets” campaign in 2004, will introduce community members to the concept that “every child needs at least five caring adults in his or her life,” Potter said.

“Derek is a really dynamic person,” Potter noted. “He doesn’t present a lecture — he’s interactive with the audience.”

Research shows that when children have a solid base of support, “they have a greater chance of being successful in both school and life,” Potter added.

Peterson will lead a couple of trainings in the district this week to lead staff members and volunteers through exercises designed to whet their appetites for helping kids.

“We’re bringing together everyone from students to city leaders to faith community representatives and business leaders,” said Potter. “We want to continue building a web of support for our young people to make sure they have the assets they need.”

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