In a workshop designed specifically for parents, Dan Levine and Laura Moy of Engaging Minds will:

1.   Demystify the term “executive function” and explain which skills it encompasses

2.   Explain why executive function skills are such an increasingly important aspect of every child’s education, especially in today’s ever-changing world

3.   Offer tips and strategies that parents can begin to employ at home to better support their children in strengthening these vital skills

The Newton Health and Human Services Department was recently awarded a mental health and well-being grant by the West Suburban Community Health Newtork. The project focuses on raising awareness about youth stress in Newton, the negative impacts, and resources available for managing stress in healthy ways. This grant was written as a direct result of Youth Risk Behavior Survey quantitive data and two recent Newton Youth Summit’s qualitative results.

As one piece of the project, Newton Youth Services has partnered with Engaging Minds, a learning center located in Newton focused on teaching executive function skills. These skills include organization, prioritization, initiationof tasks, time management, goal-setting, planning, etc., and are useful in reducing students’ stress. The partnership is focused on bringing programs about executive function to parents, students, and school staff.