Committee for Racial Justice presents: 
   
MENTAL HEALTH – KEEPING IT REAL & MOVING FORWARD
                
May 5th  6 - 8:00 pm – POTLUCK SUPPER at 6:00pm & PROGRAM at 6:30pm
 

Join the Committee for Racial Justice on Sunday, May 5th for an enlightening evening dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. Dive into crucial discussions at our hybrid workshop, "Mental Health: Keeping it Real & Moving Forward," featuring a dynamic panel of experts.

Date & Time: May 5, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Thelma Terry Bldg., Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Event Details: POTLUCK SUPPER at 6:00 PM, followed by the PROGRAM at 6:30 PM
For those unable to join us in person, participate virtually by registering here to receive the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkf-qqpzMsHdwxGkx1KjFcT8Ry2Jjem80y

This month, we are focusing on navigating the complexities of mental health in these challenging times. Gain insights from:

• James Coomes, a seasoned clinical social worker with over 20 years of crisis intervention experience, spearheads initiatives at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.  He is a member of the Department’s Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Staff Advisory Council.

• Dr. Joni Johnson, a pediatrician, health coach, and author of "My Blue Eyes: Viewing the World Through an Atypical Lens," focuses on neurodiversity and brings over 15 years of expertise in supporting individuals with ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges by helping them develop executive function skills to overcome obstacles to success.

• Reverend Albert Starr has passionately advocated for racial justice and inclusion throughout his distinguished career in ministry and community leadership.  As a pastor/teacher he delights in helping to lift up & engage the gifts and talents of people, celebrating their capacity to build a better world.

This workshop promises to equip you with practical advice and expand your understanding of available mental health services and support systems. Whether in person or online, don’t miss the opportunity to engage in this vital conversation and connect with our community.

Additional Details:

• Child care is available upon request by May 3rd. Please email committee4racialjustice@gmail.com.

• For further information, contact Joanne at 310-422-5431.

We look forward to seeing you there and moving forward together in our journey towards better mental health!

All-Ages Free Event at Annenberg Community Beach House in Support of Families Resettling as Refugees in the United States.

FAMILIES WELCOME

Sunday, April 14

2 – 5 pm

Annenberg Community Beach House

Santa Monica Youth Orchestra has made free tickets available to VAP community for

The Westside Chamber Orchestra Concert 

7pm - Saturday, April 13th

  St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 958 Lincoln Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90403

Claim your free tickets by clicking on THIS LINK.  Promo code "VAP".

Edison families, please join the JAMS Science Magnet meeting to SAVE THE SCIENCE TRIPS that will be held IN PERSON only on Wednesday February 21st at 5pm in JAMS, in room 73.

We need as many parents there as possible to find out how we can save these special trips for our incoming 6th graders. The 8th graders just returned from 3 days at Astrocamp, the 7th graders went to Yosemite National Park for 6 days in January, and the 6th graders go to Catalina in the fall. These are unique and amazing opportunities to explore nature, STEM, and spend time with friends and classmates. These trips are a huge undertaking to plan, execute and fund. And we need more support on all fronts! Please, come to the meeting to get a feel of what's going on at JAMS. JAMS’ teachers and parents thank you! 

You can find more information about this program here:

https://jamssciencemagnet.org/

Familias de Edison, por favor únanse a la reunión del Programa Magnet de Ciencias de JAMS para SALVAR LOS PASEOS DE CIENCIAS, que se llevará a cabo EN PERSONA el miércoles 21 de febrero a las 5 pm en JAMS, en la sala 73.

Necesitamos la mayor cantidad de padres posible para resolver cómo podemos salvar estos viajes especiales para nuestros estudiantes entrantes de 6º grado. Nuestros alumnos 8º grado acaban de regresar de un viaje de tres días en Astrocamp, los de 7º grado realizaron un viaje de 6 días al Parque Nacional Yosemite la última semana de enero, y los estudiantes de  6º grado viajan a la Isla Catalina en el otoño. Estas son oportunidades únicas y asombrosas para explorar la naturaleza, STEM, y pasar tiempo con compañeros y amigos. Estos viajes son muy difíciles de planificar, ejecutar y financiar. ¡Y necesitamos más apoyo en todos los frentes! Por favor, asista a la reunión para tener una mejor idea de lo que está ocurriendo en JAMS. ¡Los maestros y padres de JAMS le están muy agradecidos!

Puede encontrar más información acerca de este programa aquí:

https://jamssciencemagnet.org/

For caregivers with children ages 3-5. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required. Sign up HERE.

Para cuidadores con niños de 3-5 años. Hay espacio limitado, se necesita apuntarse con antelación. Puede hacerlo AQUÍ.

Family Service of Santa Monica is excited to announce the upcoming 2024 Reflective Parenting (RPP) Groups! We will be offering two virtual English RPP groups to parents/caregivers of School-age (6-12 y/o) and one of HS Teens. These groups are FREE to FSSM and SMMUSD families.

Reflective Parenting Program (RPP) is an interactive and experiential 10-week workshop designed to enhance critical parenting skills, most notably the capacity to make meaning out of a child’s behavior. Workshops enable parents to discover new ways to think about the links between behavior, feelings, and actions, while learning new strategies and techniques designed to enhance their reflective functioning. Parents will begin to recognize how their capacity for reflection can serve as a powerful tool toward building stronger and more satisfying relationships, as well as to reduce emotional discord and maladaptive behavior in the child.

Direct link to JotForm registration for both groups: https://form.jotform.com/203376223444148

​***Spanish RPP Group***

 FSSM will be offering a third group in Spanish for mom's/women caregivers of School-aged kids (6-12 y/o) at the end of January! This group will be in-person at a Santa Monica Community Corporation residential site. Flyers, registration link and more details to come!