At the recent Orcas Island Prevention Partnership town hall meeting, the need for more parent education and support for ways to talk to teens about alcohol, drugs, tobacco and adolescent sexuality was brought up several times.

Active Parenting for Teens, a nationally recognized program for parents of 6 to 12th grade students, will begin the first of four meetings on Monday, May 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center. The follow-up meetings will be on Monday, May 24, and Thursdays, June 3 and 10. Classes are designed to help parents strengthen their communication and problem-solving skills; help promote respect and cooperation with your child; learn how to use positive discipline techniques; and encourage your teens to assume more and more responsibility as you support their courage and self-esteem. Surviving and thriving in our changing world with tools to build resiliency will be a focus of two of the classes. A $25 donation to help offset costs is asked for the series, but no one will be turned away.

Call the Orcas Island Prevention partnership at 376-1547 and leave your name, address and phone number to register.