The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is an organization which has helped ensure the protection of children in schools since 1897. Created to advocate for the conditions of youth education, the PTSA consistently supports legislation for the betterment of public education and the safety of schools for all participating members. West Forsyth’s chapter of the PTSA has worked hard to uphold these standards set by both the national and state organizations, and one upcoming event in particular demonstrates their commitment toward child health and keeping parents informed.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the PTSA will launch an event called “Getting Real About Our Children’s Social Experience,” in which trained professionals will give vital insight into the meddlesome world of drugs, mental health and social media that youth reside in. This event is open to the public, and it will be held in the West Forsyth Anderson Performing Arts Center, located near the end of the second student parking lot off of Southwest School Road. The session’s lineup features three highly qualified speakers: Dr. Margaret Ruyle Rukstalis, an associate professor at Wake Forest University who specializes in addiction and has studied brain and behavioral changes for more than 25 years; Deputy Samuel Joyner, West Forsyth Student Resource Officer; and Kathy Fitzjefferies, director of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Safe and Drug Free Schools program. The panel will be available for a question and answer session following the presentation.

To join the PTSA and work on behalf of the staff, students and school, parents, teachers and students need only pay a $5 membership fee per person. For more information regarding the PTSA and “Getting Real About Our Children’s Social Experience,” call West Forsyth High School at 336-712-4400.