The Middle School Connections (MSC) Program

MSC assists parents of middle-school students in navigating the critical adolescent years and guiding their children to make informed and healthy choices for their futures

WHAT IS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CONNECTIONS?
It is a free program designed for parents and their middle-school aged children.
During seven weeks, parents learn about techniques, strategies and tools to:
 Survive the challenging adolescent years
 Improve the home to school connection
 Use and set up a home computer learning center
 Prevent their children involvement with drugs, alcohol and gangs
 Assist their student’s success through middle school and high school

HOW ARE THE FAMILIES INVOLVED?
 Parents participate in interactive workshops focused on topics important to children’s success in school and life: adolescent development, parenting strategies, influences and risk behaviors, school success factors, and community resources.
 Parents receive computer training, and learn how to use online resources and educational software to support a home computer learning center.
 Middle-school children participate in a series of technology training workshops at CyberMill and learn how to use software programs to create school projects.

WHICH OTHER AGENCIES ARE INVOLVED?
The program is a collaboration among Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center, CyberMill Technology Center, COPE Family Center and Community Resources for Children.

HOW IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?
Middle School Connections is currently funded at Puertas Abiertas by Auction Napa Valley and Orin Swift Cellars.

Migrant Education is also a partner in the program assisting with recruitment and family case management.

The families that complete all sessions and graduate from the program at Puertas Abiertas receive a free refurbished computer.

Over 55 families have already completed and graduated from the program!

The next Middle School Connections session for Spanish speaking families will start in June 2011. Please  contact Frances Ortiz-Chavez for more information and registration at (707) 224-1786.

For more information about the Middle School Connections program for English speaking families, please contact CyberMill Technoloy Center at (707) 258-8884.

Click on the slideshow below to access the Middle School Connections photo album.