School Team members include faculty, staff and parents representing public and private schools. Work focuses on surveying students, helping to identify and respond to substance use issues, working with existing groups in the schools to promote healthy lifestyles. Each school or district team functions in ways that best match their needs and resource. However, school teams share information and strategies with one another thereby maximizing the efforts of all teams. Accomplishments and current projects include the following:
- Partnering with community agencies to create a locally-focused DVD for parents and community members about youth substance use
- Conducting yearly surveys of students to gather information about youth alcohol/other drug use, perceptions of harm, perceptions of disapproval, ease of access and other important data.
- Offering substance abuse services in the school setting provided by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
- Conducting school connectedness activities. Connections to school and community act as protective factors against substance abuse, violence, teen pregnancy, drop out and other risk factors for youth.
- Reviewing school curriculum for inclusion of best practices in educating about and prevention youth alcohol and other drug use.
- Reviewing school activity offerings to help ensure opportunities for youth engage in healthy, safe and structured activities.
- Investigate other best practices in substance abuse prevention for implementation in Rice County with an emphasis on environmental strategies.
- Continue to expand Coalition membership with special emphasis on including members of ethnic communities, businesses and faith communities.
Meeting Notes
Important Communication