Family University Brings Port Chester Students, Parents Together To Make Smart Choices

Substance abuse trends, bullying and cyberbullying, along with salsa dancing, using Zumba to improve your health and money management are just some of the seminars for students and their parents that are part of the free "" Tuesday night at Port Chester Middle School.

The event organized by the Port Chester Cares Community Coalition is designed to empower students in grades 5 to 12 and their parents to make smart choices within their family. The evening will include workshops in English and Spanish exploring a variety of subjects affecting today’s teens.

is in session from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Middle School, 113 Bowman Ave. Acknowledging the positive effect family meals have on teens, students and parents will also enjoy a boxed dinner together provided by Garden Catering.

Childcare will be provided for children ages 3-9, which will provide activities such as Open Door’s Let’s Move, music from Graham Clark and an art project from the OASIS after school program.

Family University is comprised of several workshops for parents, students and families including alcohol and substance abuse prevention, bullying prevention for parents, “Keeping Your Family Safe on The Internet” and “Zumba Your Way to a Healthy Life.” Guest speakers include MSNBC consultant Tom Grimes, who will speak about internet safety and Author of “Bullyproof Your Child For Life,” and Joel Haber, who will help parents talk with their children about bullying.

All of the workshops will provide students and their families with information exploring constructive solutions for families when faced with issues like bullying, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol.

The Port Chester Cares Community Coalition along with it’s community partners  hope for an even greater turn out than last year’s 400 attendees. Family University is organized in partnership with Open Door Family Medical Centers, the Carver Center, The Council of Community Services, Family Services of Westchester, Garden Catering, Greenwich Hospital, the Guidance Center, Hudson Health Plan, Michael S. Goldstein, Esq., LCSW Adoption and Family Law, Port Chester School District, the Port Chester Middle School PTA and the Port Chester High School PTSA.

For more information and to register for this free event, visit http://pcccc.org/ or e-mail familyu@pcccc.org.