Are there classes you would like us to offer to help your children with their homework or well-being? You can phone the MSAD#5 Adult & Community Education team at 596.2018 or email Vanessa Richards at vrichards@msad5.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Adoption 101

Instructor: Melissa Huston. If you have been contemplating adoption, but still have lots of questions - this is your opportunity to get some answers. Join staff from MAPS Adoption and Humanitarian Aid for an informational evening to learn more about the options that are available to make your parenting dreams a reality. MAPS’ guiding principal is that “all children deserve and need a family of their own”. Your desire to parent is the first step toward becoming the family that a child is waiting for right now. This evening will provide an overview of the adoption process including family requirements and the costs involved.  We will explore current trends in MAPS extensive domestic networking and international adoption programs. Please register in advance to ensure adequate space and materials are available. For more information visit www.mapadopt.org or e-mail Melissa Huston @ melissah@mapsadopt.org.

Alcohol and
Drugs Awareness

Instructors: Woody Moore & Sergeant Don Finnegan
Please join MSAD#5 Health Coordinator Woody Moore and Don Finnegan of the Rockland Police Dept in this essential three-part informational series on alcohol and drug abuse. Handouts will be provided to all individuals who attend. Please choose any or all of the FREE sessions that are most convenient for you. Bring your questions, concerns and thoughts to this supportive, interactive presentation.

This awareness project is a collaboration among Knox County Community Health Coalition partners. Since underage drinking does not occur in a vacuum it is important to address all the contributing factors to this ever-growing problem in Knox County. Research shows that environmental factors play a significant role in whether a child chooses to drink or not. These factors include parental, peer and media influence, availability, access and enforcement to name a few. Join us at Georges Valley High School for the next Meeting on Underage Drinking. Help us work to make Knox County a safer place to live.

The Critical First Three Years & More

This class is on practical parenting skills focusing on the critical first three years of your child’s life. This information will be helpful in living with a toddler or preschooler. We also will touch upon the sensitive first six years. Having the right tools can make a positive difference in the quality we bring to our job of parenting and how much we and our children enjoy our family life together.

The First Decade & Beyond

While the previous classes are more lecture, this class is more discussion. What conditions inspire children to grow to be confident, happy, motivated individuals who have the capacity to love and live well? You will be reminded of what you are doing right as a parent, as well as what you could be doing better. What ideas can we share to inspire your kids to aspire?

Effects of Depression in Children

Instructor: Carrie Horne
This workshop includes: information on what depression looks like in children; information on treatment and what the long term effects of depression would be both if treated, and if left untreated. The Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Maine is the nation’s foremost grassroots organization for families with members that have mental illness. They have a number of education programs on issues relating to mental health. Carrie Horne is an experienced presenter and has an extensive background in the field of mental illness and how it affects children in Maine. Continuing education credits will be available. For more information or to register, please contact Suzanne Philbrook at 594-5650 or Lynne Hall via e-mail lhall@msad5.org.

Effects of Divorce &
Separation on Children

Instructor: Carrie Horne
This lecture will present current information on what the long term effects are on children who experience divorce or separation of their parents. Specific interventions to help children surviving the divorce and separation of their parents will be provided. The Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Maine is the nation’s foremost grassroots organization for families with members that have mental illness. They have a number of education programs on issues relating to mental health. Carrie Horne is an experienced presenter and has an extensive background in the field of mental illness and how it affects children in Maine. Continuing education credits will be available. For more information or to register, please contact Suzanne Philbrook at 594-5650 or Lynne Hall via e-mail lhall@msad5.org.

Having a Baby

If you are having a baby or thinking about it, this class is designed for you. We will learn about what babies, mothers, fathers, families ACTUALLY need; normal healthy development; and realistic expectations. The information, parenting skills, and encouragement offered in this class will help you to raise your infant or small child to be a joy to know and love.

HypnoBirthing®

This course, facilitated by certified Hypnotherapist and HypnoBirthing® practitioner Emily Genever, is designed to teach couples who are expecting a child to eliminate fear and tension before, during and after birthing. For detailed information, look for this course on the Creative Economy page.

Internet Safety
& Your Kids!

Instructor: Anne Fensie.
Keep your family and personal information safe in cyberspace. Learn commonly accepted practices of Internet communication, as well as how and when to safely transmit personal information. We will explore secure transactions and the use of personal pages, such as MySpace and Blogger. Parents are encouraged to take our “Introduction to the Internet” course if they are not familiar with basic Internet principles.

My Space Accounts:
What you need to know

Instructor: Michael McGuire.
Have you ever heard of MySpace? Has your child ever talked to you about wanting a MySpace account? Does your child already have a My Space account? What do you know about the account? Do you know who your child is chatting with? Have you read your child’s profile? Do you even know what My Space is? This class will discuss the popular phenomenon of My Space accounts and pros and cons (as well as the dangers) for children of all ages. Come to this class to learn what you need to know to protect your child during Internet use with My Space.

Parenting Series

Instructor: Koko Preston. The following three courses will be offered at Rockland District High School: Having a Baby; The Critical First Three Years & More; The First Decade & Beyond. The cost per course is $5 per couple, or $10 per couple for all three courses.

Sea Stories for Scuppers

Instructor: Cullen Teel
Explore a vast maritime world through story, shanty, and lore! Join us at Atlantic Challenge for a fun-filled hour of maritime adventure. This class is on-going from January 29th through April 30. Children and parents are admitted for free. This exciting activity is open to young people, ages 2 to 5! Meet us at Atlantic Challenge, where craftsmanship, seamanship, and community converge.

Scrapbooking:
Digital-style

Instructor: Anne Fensie.
As your child grows, you take pictures of their first steps and significant moments in their lives. But how can you start scrapbooking now that have purchased a digital camera? Learn how to transform your precious family moments from their digital format to a creative and personalized scrapbook you can share with your friends and family. Provide a home for all those precious moments of your child’s school year with other proud parents!

Special Education in School

Instructor: Bunny Goodman
Join MSAD#5 Director of Special Education Bunny Goodman for an informative overview of special education. Federal mandates, local services and accommodations, technology’s role in service, tutoring, and much more will be discussed. Come with your questions, your thoughts and your enthusiasm and learn how special education services might enhance your child’s education. Please call to register.