web1_wvcxc02.jpg

Hockenbury, Rome defend WVC XC titles

web1_Psycho-Nurse-2.jpg

CBGB regulars Psycho Nurse to play 30-year reunion show Oct. 24 at F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Valerie Spencer looks forward to a successful future for her son, Carter, 11, complete with participation in sporting activities, interactions with friends and attendance at a quality college.</p><p>The &#8220;Strengthening Families Program&#8221; at Dodson Elementary is helping make that hope a reality.</p><p>The nationally recognized, evidence-based, seven-week program is designed to encourage communication between children and their parents, reducing problem behaviors.</p><p>A coordinated effort between the Penn State Cooperative Extension, United Way of Wyoming Valley and Wilkes-Barre Area&#8217;s Dodson Elementary School, the program brings parents and children in fifth and sixth grades together to share a meal, conversation and activities which will encourage communication and mutual respect.</p><p>An event on Tuesday, marking the second week of the program, found participants in the school&#8217;s cafeteria enjoying time with their children and getting to know other members of the school and community.</p><p>Melissa Tomascik, prevention coordinator at the Penn State Cooperative Extension, said the program, which has been operating for 14 years in the Wyoming Valley West School District, provided opportunities for families of all demographics to grow together, strengthening family bonds and enhancing their ability to problem solve.</p><p>To Spencer, the program, free to participants, is both an opportunity and a responsibility.</p><p>&#8220;It is a commitment,&#8221; said Spencer of attendance at the program. &#8220;Just like we want our children to honor their commitments, we need to model our ability to follow through.&#8221;</p><p>Spencer, 28, recently graduated from Luzerne County Community College and is aware of the importance of both role modelling and good communication.</p><p>&#8220;I want Carter to have a better life than me,&#8221; she said. &#8220;This program is allowing me to learn how to make that possible.&#8221;</p><p>As Spencer spoke, Bill Jones came and sat down next to her.</p><p>Jones, executive director of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, immediately seemed to put Spencer at ease, sharing information about the effectiveness of the program.</p><p>&#8220;This is an evidence-based program in a fun environment,&#8221; said Jones, &#8220;with very important material being covered that will help families for years to come.&#8221;</p><p>The United Way changed its model in the last several years, shifting their focus to ending childhood poverty.</p><p>&#8220;The more we invest in children, the better our community will be in the long term,&#8221; said Jones.</p><p>&#8220;I truly believe that children are our future,&#8221; said Spencer.</p><p>Although the program&#8217;s goals are lofty, the implementation of those goals is often pragmatic.</p><p>&#8220;If Carter comes home from school and doesn&#8217;t do his homework until bedtime,&#8221; said Spencer, &#8220;I can ask him what can he do differently, how can we fix this problem.&#8221;</p><p>Dodson Elementary School guidance counselor and program coordinator Anne Goffredo is on board with the concept.</p><p>Goffredo said in addition to understanding how to more effectively interact with each other, participating parents and children often have opportunity to share a laugh and to spend relaxed quality time together.</p><p>Participants said they looked forward to such activities as putting together a family tree and participating in role-playing activities.</p><p>Dorothea Aytch and grandson Troy Mitchell, 10 and a fifth grader at the school, seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere, the company and the food.</p><p>&#8220;This is good for both of us,&#8221; said Aytch.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_dodson1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Dorothea Aytch has a conversation with her grandson, Troy Mitchell, 10 and a fifth-grade student at Dodson Elementary, on Tuesday over slices of pizza in the school cafeteria during a community event at the school for parents and children. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_dodson1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Dorothea Aytch has a conversation with her grandson, Troy Mitchell, 10 and a fifth-grade student at Dodson Elementary, on Tuesday over slices of pizza in the school cafeteria during a community event at the school for parents and children. </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Program at Dodson Elementary School aims to give kids, parents a leg up