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By Mary Jo Scalzo, Ph.D.
We have amazing teenagers in our communities! In this article, I would like to discuss how both their “amazing” qualities and their “teenage” behavior deserve our attention.
Our amazing young people seek out ways to be engaged in and contribute to the world in which they live. Theirs are finely tuned schedules that juggle studies, church and volunteer activities, fine arts and athletics, family time and social lives. They can participate in state music competitions and district softball games in one eight-hour period. They make “Senior” Prom a grand evening for residents in local retirement communities. They write poignant American Dream essays that reveal insight beyond their years. They text message at the speed of light. They walk to support cancer research, volunteer as coaching assistants for peewee leagues, and participate in faith-based youth groups. The examples go on and on. Their capacity to embrace, engage, and execute is amazing!
But that “teenager” part of the description puts them at risk. These same amazing young people are also quite capable of making some incredibly poor decisions. We know this, not just from our own experiences as teenagers or from what we observe in our own children, but from what we are learning through new technologies that demonstrate the brain in action. For example, brain-mapping studies are showing that the pre-frontal cortex – the place in the brain where decision-making takes place – is not fully developed until the early 20’s. Understanding this helps to explain the frequency with which adults ask teens, “What were you thinking?” Turns out that this lack of a fully functioning decision-making center isn’t the adolescent brain’s only vulnerability. It also appears that experiences are logged into the amygdala – the part of the brain assigned to process emotional reactions. For our teenagers, this can translate into behaviors that may be based less on thoughtful decision-making and more on emotional reaction.
Does this mean our young people should not be held accountable for their poor decisions? Absolutely not. It does shed light, though, on why intelligent teenagers engage in risky behavior and how caring young people can experience emotional meltdowns. I believe it also provides direction to parents, teachers, and all adults who live and work with teens.
For example, we should not assume that an adolescent would always think through a situation on his/her own. We should expect that s/he would benefit from discussing the pros and cons of decisions with a trusted adult. Likewise, we should not be surprised by emotional reactions and should strive to respond with calm, consistent explanations.
Most important to the home-school connection is the consistency we adults apply in clearly communicating to our youth which of their poor decisions cannot be excused because the risk to their health and welfare is too great. Through community forums and future communications I plan to explore this topic with our parents and staff. Our amazing teenagers are worth the dialogue.
At the recent awards assembly at Oakwood High School, AP Chemistry teacher James Slagel, at left, was presented the Educator of Distinction Award by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation. Mr. Eric Pfiffner, at right, representing the local Coca-Cola bottlers, presented the award that recognizes teachers who are nominated for making an impact on their students’ education and lives. Only 250 teachers nationwide receive this honor. Congratulations Mr. Slagel.
Four people have been nominated or renominated for the Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor. These nominees were teachers or other employees involved in the school system who have been retired from their service for at least three years. At this time, we are requesting members of the community to send letters of support for the nominee(s) of their choice. Please send letters to Dr. Mary Jo Scalzo, Superintendent, Oakwood Board of Education, 20 Rubicon Road, Dayton, Ohio 45409, by Friday, May 25, 2007.
The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, September 14, 2007. The public is invited to attend. The following persons are nominees:
Dolores Barnes Smith Elementary School Teacher (1951-1955)
Oakwood Junior High School Tutor (1976-1980)
Harman Elementary School Tutor/Teacher (1980-1988)
Lester Steinlage Oakwood High School Math Teacher (1972-1995)
Ralph Furguson, Oakwood Junior/Senior High English Teacher (1968-1996)
Warner Simpson, School Psychologist/Director of Special Services (1981-1995)
We look forward to your letters of support for your nominee. Please respond by May 25.
Oakwood Junior and Senior High School will offer summer school classes beginning Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Summer school packets are now available to students. Open enrollment began on Monday, March 19. A completed registration form with parent signature as well as full tuition and any fees for all classes must be paid in the form of cash or check at the time of registration. Registration will take place in the Senior High Bookroom. For more information please call 297-5325.
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