Since 2006, the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a Program of the Center for Prevention & Counseling, in Collaboration with participating Sussex County School Districts, conducted a biannual survey of students in grades 6th-12th on their attitudes and behaviors regarding mental health, alcohol, tobacco and other
drugs.
begins Friday, October 23rd and this year’s theme is “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free.” As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week, we are sharing ideas for daily activities, as well as social media posts to utilize within your school community. Don’t forget to send us pictures of what your students are doing for Red Ribbon Week, we will be sending out emails to highlight your activities.
June is traditionally a time for celebrations and, school graduations are truly a milestone to remember! Although this year is a bit different it is still a time to celebrate. When celebrating, keep in mind that teens and even some adults might think it’s okay to include alcohol as a rite of passage.
We are excited to announce the winners of our 2020 Alcohol Awareness PSA contest “I Can Be Anything I Want to Be … Alcohol-Free!”, where 10 Sussex County schools had winning entries! With over 150 submissions, these entries truly stood out.
New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) Coordinates the Tobacco-Free for a Healthy New Jersey (TFHNJ), statewide project which focuses on increasing New Jersey residents’ access to smoke-free air where they work, live and play. The project is funded by the NJ Department of Health, Office of Tobacco Control, Nutrition and Fitness to provide regional outreach efforts in partnership with Atlantic Prevention Resources and Center for Prevention and Counseling.
Using the Covey model “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teen”, this program introduces the seven habits as they apply to teens and how each can enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. This program utilizes evidence-based strategies, such as being strength-based, culturally competent and focused on resiliency and youth protective factors. The program applies the timeless principles of the “7 Habits” to teens and the tough issues and life-changing decisions they face. By providing all participating youth with this training, the “7 Habits of Effective Teens” will become the foundation upon which other social competencies will be developed. Social competencies are those skills and abilities which, according to research published by Hawkins and Catalano, help youth to become resilient and able to make healthy life choices. The goal of this training is to improve social competencies among youth through various skill-building opportunities designed to increase their resiliency and ability to make healthy life choices. Outcomes can be a reduction in alcohol and other drug use and an increase in leadership skills.
This is an evidence-based 4 week program for 3rd – 5th graders that addresses bullying using interactive activities including skits, role playing, games and DVD scenarios. Topics include: Are You a Bully?, Help! I’m a Bully, Five Ways to Stop a Bully and Don’t Stand By! All components are designed to encourage students to practice assertiveness skills and promote a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. Special handouts for teachers, parents and administrators provide useful reinforcement tools for the entire school community.
Botvins Life Skills TrainingLST is comprehensive, dynamic and developmentally appropriate substance abuse and violence prevention program for youth in 3rd – 6th grade. This evidence based curriculum focuses on personal self-management skills, general social skills and drug resistance skills.Audience: 3rd – 6th gradeCost: Call for DetailsLength: Eight 45-minute sessions
Too Smart to Start addresses underage drinking using a research-based curriculum with interactive activities designed to engage students. Remote response clickers are utilized, group activities are conducted and fatal vision goggles are demonstrated when appropriate. This comprehensive program addresses alcohol and does so in a way that is educational and fun, thus encouraging students to be active participants. Additionally this workshop can be done with youth and parents together, thus allowing them to hear the same message and then be able to discuss the topic with a better understanding of the issues surrounding underage drinking.
The Boy’s Council is a group for boys that focus on strengthening each boy individually and as a group in a safe, healthy, and positive manner. The goals of the group are to examine messages that are sent to males in today’s society, allow different options for self-expression and team experiences, and aide in building their own unique skill set. The boys will be engaged through thoughtful discussion and interactive activities as they touch upon such topics as competition, bullying, diversity, feelings, role models, violence, relationships, and decision making.
