Robin Lowe's Logo
February 13, 2008
Dear Parents,

A couple of quick notes before we talk about brain research and how adolescents process information:

  • The Valentine's Dance is Friday, February 15, from 7-10 pm. All students should be dropped off at the snack bar. After the dance, 7th graders will be picked up at the same location, while 8th graders should be picked up at the bus lane by the front office. If you have any questions, please feel free to call!
  • Spring Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, February 19. You will have an opportunity to see the proofs before purchasing any packages.
  • The staff has noticed an increase in the number of students drinking energy drinks, both before school and at lunch. We are observing students "crash", both physically and mentally, after the drink wears off. For further information, see the Brown University website, which has an excellent web page detailing issues that may be associated with energy drinks. Remind your child that a healthy diet is the key to long-lasting energy throughout the school day.

http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/atod/energydrinks.htm

Adolescent Brain Research
 Advancements in medical research have paved the way for us to learn so much more about adolescent brain development than we once knew. Current research indicates that the prefrontal cortex of the brain does not completely develop until the end of adolescence. This is important because the prefrontal cortex controls organizational skills, impulse control, mood modulation, and the ability to objectively evaluate situations and consider consequences of one's actions. Whew! That explains quite a bit about the adolescent living in your home, doesn't it?

According to Brighton, impulses are processed directly through the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions, including anger and aggression. When a young teen receives a negative message, the amygdala is activated and an angry or aggressive response results. For example, a teen who is bumped in the hallway may react aggressively, as though the bump was intentional.

What does this mean for the parents? We must step in and act as the "surrogate prefrontal cortex" for our children, since their judgment and ability to respond appropriately is limited. Brighton suggests doing this by: setting clear limits, having reasonable expectations, and allowing our young teens to endure the consequences of their actions, when those consequences are not dangerous or life threatening. Your young adolescent will probably resent it, but it is in their best interest and you will see the results later in their development.

Reference
Brighton, K. (2007). Coming of age: The education & development of young adolescents. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association.

Questions? Concerns? Want to share good news? Please let us know, as always, we are here for you!

Robin Lowe's Signature
Go Mustangs
To change or add an e-mail address to our list-serv click on the web link (http://www.fisdk12.net/jh) below.
phone: 281-482-7818

Forward email

This email was sent to rlowe@fisdk12.net, by kgephart@fisdk12.net

Friendswood ISD | 302 Laurel Drive | Friendswood | TX | 77546