Family Learning Center Newsletter

2018 ended with a bang. We were excited to offer our first ever college workshop in December. Husani Whitlock, our intervention counselor, gave a wonderful presentation complete with handouts and a slide show providing information about the entire college process. We had an open house in September to introduce the community to MCHS's Family Learning Center. Pizza, refreshments and deserts were served and we had a good turnout. It was nice to have , Greg Magno - the principal of MCHS and founder of the FLC as well as Sara Ramirez - Assistant Vice Principal and many MCHS staff members in attendance. It was great to hear Greg Magno share his vision and future ideas for the FLC.

Brand new to the Family Learning Center in Fall 2018 we had the pleasure of welcoming Michael Bichler - MCHS Instructional Aide, Ashley Harris - MCHS Spanish Instructor and Husani Whitlock - MCHS Intervention Counselor. Returning to the FLC is Sheila Hatfield - MCHS Student Services Specialist. We are fortunate to have these wonderful MCHS staff with us this Spring of 2019.

2019 marks the 4th year of our existence and we are excited about the new plans we are putting into place. With the introduction of workshops last year, we are happy to announce that we will continue forward with more workshops to keep our community academically informed and to provide helpful and useful resources to our families. We are open to any suggestions on topics you wish to have included as part of our workshop program. From this point forward, we will be sending out monthly newsletters to keep you informed on the happenings at the center as well as local events. We are in the process of developing an incentive program for our students which will reward them for all of their dedication in attending the center with the end goal of improving their grades. It's an exciting time at the center and we are grateful to have your students as part of our Family Learning Center Community!!

We welcome any input, suggestions, questions or concerns you may have with regards to our center. I can be contacted at ppark@powayusd.com or by phone during our center hours at (858) 672-3600 ext. 3130. For more information and to download forms, please visit our Family Learning Center website at https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/MCHS/Student-Life/FLC?viewmode=livesite

Hello Families - I would like to introduce myself. My name is Patti Park and I am the Parent and Community Liasion at the Family Learning Center. I am at the Family Learning Center each day we are open, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Welcome to the second edition of the Family Learning Center Newsletter! Our newsletter is designed to share all that is happening at the Family Learning Center, staff profiles, upcoming workshops and current events. To view our first newsletter, please visit our website at https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/MCHS/Student-Life/FLC?viewmode=livesite

As the new year has begun, It is nice to see continual student growth. I've enjoyed seeing familiar faces return and those new faces that soon become familiar faces. We have a nice group of students who are helpful to one another and the sense of community they bring to the center. It's great to see students utilizing our resources.

With the upcoming workshops. monthly newsletters and our developing incentive program, I am excited to see how this new year evolves.

We thank you for entrusting us with your students. As always, I am here ready to answer any concerns, questions or suggestions you may have. I am available by email at ppark@powayusd.com or by phone during center hours at (858) 672-3600, xt. 3130

It's going to be a great year!

Patti Park

Mrs. Hatfield’s

Student Services Minute

Topic:

What do you really know about e-cigarettes/vapes?

E-Cigarettes are battery powered. They deliver nicotine in an aerosol form. They’re also called hookah pens, e-hookahs, or vape pipes. Some are disposable. Some are rechargeable and refillable. A battery powers a heater that forms an aerosol with nicotine and flavors. People “smoking” or VAPING and e-cigarette inhale the nicotine.

Nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug no matter how you use it. E-cigarettes do have fewer chemicals than regular cigarettes but they also have some of the same toxins (like formaldehyde). Tests have also shown that e-cig liquid and aerosol can contain higher levels of metals than regular cigarettes.

Why should you be concerned? Regulations are new and not in place at this time. Nicotine levels vary widely and labels are often not correct. Some claim to be nicotine-free but were found to have nicotine. Although some flavoring ingredients are approved for human consumption in food products, there is concern about the risk of inhaling this hot mix of tiny particles that can damage the lungs. The e-liquids are NOT in childproof containers and children and pets have become seriously ill by drinking and even touching the liquid. Lithium batteries can explode or overheat. Kids like the sweet flavors such as Cherry, Chocolate and Captain Crunch. The FDA has NOT approved these devices for cessation and they feel it will lead our youth to smoking regular cigarettes.

For further information or assistance with cessation, contact Sheila Hatfield in Student Services at shatfield@powayusd.com

Husani Whitlock became a part of the Mt. Carmel High School Counseling Department in 2018. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. After moving to California, Husani has worked in various roles as a Cal - SOAP College Advisor at Lincoln High School and Residential Supervisor for OZ San Diego through the YMCA; while completing his Master's degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego.

Prior to working at Mt. Carmel High School, Husani worked as a School Counselor at Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA and The O'Farrell Charter School in San Diego. He worked to support students through academic and social emotional interventions, preparing them for post-high school decisions through college and career planning.

Husani is motivated to make a difference in students' lives like his High School Counselor did for him. He believes that all students have the ability to be successful in their education when they feel a strong sense of community, are surrounded by caring adults, and are taught skills to recognize and seek out their opportunities. Husani attempts to always operate from these core values as well as utilizing the guidelines of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

Husani is extremely proud and thankful to be a part of the Poway Unified School District and to have the opportunity to contribute to the Poway community. When not at work, Husani enjoys watching and playing sports. He is into playing recreational lacrosse and soccer. Husani loves to travel to different places, and visits a different country every summer. He is always open to new food and restaurant suggestions.

Did you know that Krispy Kreme rewards students who receive "A's" on their report card by giving them an Original Glazed Donut for each "A" received? Students simply have to present Krispy Kreme with their current report card to claim their rewards. There is a maximum of 6 donuts rewarded per report card. The closest Krispy Kreme in our community is located at 11050 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Phone - (858) 521-9051

We are located on the Los Penasquitos Elementary School Grounds at 14125 Cuca Street, Room EB30, San Diego, CA 92129.

We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 - 7:00

For questions or further information please contact Patti Park, Parent and Community Liaison at ppark@powayusd.com or call (858) 672-3600, xt. 3130

Email: ppark@powayusd.com
Website: https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/MCHS/Student-Life/FLC?viewmode=livesite
Phone: (858) 672-3600 - 3130