On Thursday, March 26, 2015, there will be a personal safety / self defense class for the scholars traveling to Greece.  This class will be taught by Newton Police Sergeant Billy Spalding and two other police officers, and will be held in the Adventure Center at McAuliffe from 1:30 – 5 p.m.  Parents and teachers traveling to Greece are welcome to participate, but the class content will be aimed at the middle school age-group.  The cost for the class is $30/participant; scholarships may be available if needed.  Participants must wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and bring a water bottle.  Please register for the class using the form below, and submit the signed waiver and fee to Miss Carr asap.  Checks should be made out to Lori Greene – I will be paying a lump sum on the day of the class.

This is a hands-on class that teaches the kids how to defend themselves in the unlikely event that they are approached by a stranger.  We conducted the class for the Spain travelers last year, and the kids loved it.  By the end of the class it was obvious that they were empowered by what they had learned.  But during the class there were a couple of scholars who became concerned that the class was conducted because the upcoming trip was dangerous.  It’s important for parents to reassure the kids that they will be safe on the trip, but this training is an extra tool in their toolbag.

Billy is a personal friend of mine, and lives a stone’s throw from McAuliffe.  I was at the class last year (I will be at this year’s class too) and he did a great job with the kids – keeping them serious about what they were learning, but also making it fun.  Billy’s program was credited with equipping Newton teen Lily Konowitz with the skills she needed to defend herself from an attacker while on vacation in Aruba.  Lily and her family started a foundation called Stand Up! For Women’s Safety, and you can read Lily’s story on their website.

If you have any questions, send me an email.

~ Lori (Aliya’s mom)