45°
Two members of Darien's Youth Asset Team say the group has been reaching out to teachers and parents to create relationships that help young people lead healthier, more productive lives. Sarah Smith and Marguerite Morgan represented the YAT before the Board of Selectmen Monday night, describing some of the steps the team has taken.
The YAT focuses on building attitudes and behaviors, known as assets, that were the subject of a survey taken by more than 1,800 Darien students in 2008. The assets include externals, such as school environment and adult role models, as well as internal qualities, such as responsibility and motivation.
Sarah said the team has been working with teachers to build better relationships with their students. "We encourage teachers to send out emails and letters before midterms and finals, saying, 'We're pulling for you,' " she said. Some teachers have gone a step further, inviting students to dinner before finals, Sarah said. "Teachers are starting to do great things to show students that they really do care."
Marguerite said the team is also helping parents understand school and life issues from a student perspective. The YAT hosts panels at the middle school and elementary schools where they talk to parents and answer questions about their concerns. "It's a good way to let parents get an honest answer about what's really going on at the high school and middle school."
Last year the team polled students and determined that Uncle's Deli was the restaurant in town that did the most to promote positive qualities in Darien's youth. They've since hung a plaque inside acknowledging this. "It's good because it spreads awareness about the assets and encourages other restaurants to do more asset building," Morgan said.
The girls said that the middle school has started its own, smaller version of the YAT, which will help spread awareness about healthy behaviors and attitudes before another survey of Darien students is conducted next year.
The YAT was created by the Community Fund of Darien and the organization Thriving Youth: Connected Community.
How do you think Darien is doing in building assets in the youth? Share your thoughts in the comments below, on Facebook and on Twitter.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Darien and receive free news updates.
