Parents invited to 'Not My Kid' at Stevenson High School Sept. 6

The Stand Strong Coalition, which includes Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 and Stevenson High School as members, is holding its third annual "Not My Kid" seminar for parents, guardians and other community members at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Stevenson High School's West Auditorium, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire.

The event, aimed at parents with students in grades 7-12, is free and open to the public. Register in advance through www.eventbrite.com.

Topics for the evening will include helping teens navigate social events such as school dances, spring break and graduation parties; how current curfew and social hosting laws affect teens and parents; and information on "vaping" and e-cigarettes.

The evening will feature a panel discussion offering tips to parents on raising alcohol- and drug-free children.

Panelists will include SHS Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Dr. Cristina Cortesi; addiction specialist Dr. Adam Rubenstein; Lincolnshire Police officer Rick Coakley, who is assigned to Stevenson; Claudia Kasten, chief of the juvenile division of the Lake County State's Attorney's Office; and Stevenson Principal Troy Gobble. There also will be a current and former student who have struggled with substance use.

In addition to the panel discussion, there will be an exhibit called "Stay Out of My Room," a mock teen bedroom displaying possible indicators of teen drug or alcohol use. The exhibit will remain open until 9 p.m.