“It Takes a Pack” Event Brings Parents Face-to-Face with the Challenges of Being a Teen Today
Wylie High just may be leading the pack on helping parents learn more about the struggles and challenges teenagers face in modern times with the ‘It Takes a Pack” (ITP) event, held Thursday, Feb. 1. The district rallied organizations and professionals from all over the community to inform Abilene parents about the struggles teens experience daily, whether directly or indirectly, and equip them on the spot.
“The unfortunate situations that walk through our halls do not discriminate and can reach any one of our students regardless of class, race, friend group, or gender,” says WHS Principal Reagan Berry. “We’re so grateful that many of our students have not been affected, but for even one to be impacted is too many. Adults in our students’ lives should be educated, aware, vigilant, and willing to work together for our kids.”
Twenty organizations were on hand to share resources with more than 130 attendees about topics ranging from mental health and substance abuse to social media and violence in dating. Students and adults worked hard to make the event a success. Members on It Takes a Pack committee include Mark Blakely, Deandre Brown, Nikki Valdez, Rick Sanders, Emily Gurley and Berry. Additionally, many students helped make the evening a success. Members of Student Council, PALS, Bulldog Productions, Child Development, Culinary Arts, and The Purple Dog Company helped by providing guidance with session location, introducing speakers, providing childcare, baking snacks, and creating and producing audio/visual needs for the event.
Berry, who thanked the committee and students involved in organizing the event, also applauded parents for attending the first-time event, an event she hopes will become a bi-annual event.
“During the school year, our children are with teachers more than they are with us. We should partner together,” said Berry. “This is what Abilene does to show up for our kids.”
Related: It Takes a Pack Event Sheds Light on Teenage Struggles and Provide Parents Tools to Support
By Kristen Johnson