SUPPORT PROJECT GRADUATION

Last year, nearly 1/3 of youth under 21 killed in traffic crashes died in alcohol related crashes during April, May and June -- Prom and Graduation

Open the link below for Project Graduation contact information. Support this drug/alcohol free party for all Lawrence graduating seniors.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/apr/04/graduation-party-give-safe-option-seniors/

NEW TRADITION COALITION TO APPLY FOR GRANT

In order to serve our community better, the New Tradition Coalition is applying for a Federal Grant aimed at helping community coalitions just like ours. We'll keep you posted!
See the full press release at:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1001215249.aspx

Press Release:
Date: 1/21/2010
Media Contact: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Press Office


ONDCP and SAMHSA Accepting Applications for $18.75 Million to Harness the Power of Drug Free Community Coalitions
WASHINGTON, DC—The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced the availability of new Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funding. ONDCP expects to award approximately $18.75 million for 150 new competing grants to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Project Graduation committee is grappling with the idea of using breathalyzers.
Ask your kids what they think? Check out the Lawrence Channel 6 news story below and add your comments to this post.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jan/16/party-planners-face-sobering-decision-whether-test/

DO WE NEED TO TALK TO OUR KIDS ABOUT IT?

Check out these numbers about how much time our kids spend plugged in. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey released this week, kids spend more than 7 hours a day on their phones, video games, iPods and computers.

What about school work? Family time? Face-to-face conversation? Says Vicky Rideout, director of Kaiser's Program for the Study of Media and Health, "Anything that takes up this much time, we really do need to think about it and talk about it."

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-01-20-1Avideokids20_ST_N.htm

LAWRENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND DRUG POLICY

Ever wonder what the drug and alcohol policies are at our Lawrence schools? Follow this link to see and share with your student.

http://www.dccca.org/prevention_docs/Lawrence%20Schools%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20policy.pdf

LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP MEETINGS

These parent meetings are helpful in two very important ways. They offer powerful information about what is happening in our child's world that we may not be aware of-(being the parent). And, they serve as a way to bring parents out of the isolation of our own families so we can connect and share ideas that will help us all raise healthy adults. Please plan to attend.

Who: ALL PARENTS AND CARE GIVERS ARE WELCOME
Where: Free State High School Library Classroom
When: Wednesday, January 27 - 6-7 PM
What: The Choking Game
RSVP: schiefferus@yahoo.com

Among children and teens, it's a game that consists of getting "high" by causing themselves to pass out. It goes by several different names: "choking game", "pass out game", "fainting game", "dream game", "space monkey", "American dreaming game", "tingle game" or simply "black out." Whatever name it goes by in your neighborhood, the game kills. Protect your loved ones by finding out everything you can about this deadly game. Lawrence parent Carol Wilson will join us for this extremely important discussion. In the meantime, feel free to visit www.8thdayfoundation.org for more information.

NEXT MEETING Thursday, February 25 - 6-7PM Free State High School Library

I have received many requests to discuss kids' use of technology. Facebook, MySpace,Twitter, texting, sexting, etc etc etc -- there's a lot out there for parents to stay on top of, and it can be intimidating and overwhelming. I am partnering with a Lawrence police officer to present to you the latest and greatest information, tools, and techniques to help you navigate. It may be more than we can tackle in one meeting!

THE COOL SPOT

Here is a fun, interactive web site put together by the National Institute of Health that your adolescent can visit again and again. It is a young teen's place for information on alcohol and resisting peer pressure. It is full of facts and more importantly, real life teens and their stories. Teens listen to teens. Pass it on to yours!

http://www.thecoolspot.gov/