Interactions Meaningful

High School Guidance sessions tackle the transition to college and encourage empathy towards fellow students.

Parents of 12th graders joined their children for the annual Parent-Senior Breakfast in November at the high school. More than 300 parents gathered for a morning of bonding and inspiration.

Following the breakfast, guests were greeted by Rabbi Naftali Besser, Dean of Students, and heard from recent JBHS graduate Michael Chattah about his experience transitioning from high school to young adulthood. In the second half of the program, parents and students attended separate interactive sessions. These sessions gave them an opportunity to exchange ideas on various topics related to the evolution of the parent-child relationship during this time of transition. Themes included trust, independence, responsibility and communication within families before children head off to college. The discussion allowed adults and teenagers to hear about important topics from different perspectives. Parents had the opportunity afterwards to reconnect with their children and discuss their thoughts and session experiences. The event was coordinated by Guidance Counselor Dr. Teddy Chattah.

Also in November, as part of a year-long initiative to enhance the school culture and student sensitivity, the SAFE Department invited senior students to speak with freshmen during a program geared towards strengthening student kindness, preventing bullying and encouraging respect. Students and members of Guidance discussed the importance of finding gratitude in everyday life to have a more positive outlook towards oneself and others. The event was created and spearheaded by SAFE teacher Mr. Michael Gurock.