CDC SURVEY LOOKS AT GRADES

Check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention survey of our nation's youth.

What is the relationship between alcohol and other drug use and academic achievement?
Data presented below from the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) show a negative association between alcohol and other drug use and academic achievement after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and grade level. This means that students with higher grades are less likely to engage in alcohol and other drug use behaviors than their classmates with lower grades, and students who do not engage in alcohol and other drug use behaviors receive higher grades than their classmates who do engage in alcohol and other drug use behaviors.

Not surprising to adults but, something to share with Lawrence Youth who may not see the correlation.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/pdf/alcohol_other_drug.pdf

GIFT FOR YOUR SPORTS FAN

October 27, 2010
Apolo Ohno book tour hits the east coast!
The Century Council is working together with Apolo Anton Ohno as he brings his book tour to the East Coast! His book, Zero Regrets, outlines his journey from growing up in Seattle, WA to becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history. In the book, he discusses the choices he faced during his journey.

"The decisions I made as a young teen heavily influenced where I am today. In fact, many of the decisions I've made off-the-ice have contributed most to my success."

This may be the perfect gift for your young teenager!

Ever heard of Well Commons?
It is a web site community working to improve health in Douglas County, KS. The New Tradition Coalition is linked up to this site and we support its cause.
http://wellcommons.com/groups/new-tradition-coalition/

Win up to $90 in Dillon’s gift cards by entering this Family Day contest

Get Involved - Family Day-A day to eat dinner with your children
The 4th Monday in September - September 27, 2010

See the web site below for ways to win!

http://wellcommons.com/groups/family-day-story-contest/

PRINCETON REVIEW OF PARTY SCHOOL RANKINGS OUT

The Princeton Review just released its ranking of the nation's biggest party schools – billed as the list of colleges where students really know how to have a good time. KU did not make the top ten list. For some kids, those times are starting way before college. CDC research reports that 72 percent of high school students have used alcohol. How can parents recognize warning signs that their teen may have a drinking problem?
Read more...

http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2010/505_sep1/thisweek/100901_drinking.shtml

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW TRADITION COALITION

The New Tradition Coalition has been operating for three years and has already made an impact in our community. Here are some of the things we have been involved in:
Lawrence Social Hosting Laws
Fake ID 101 initiative
S.A.F.E. Homes directory of like minded Lawrence families
Parent Network group with monthly meetings to discuss teen issues.
Web site with parent resources
This Blog site that keeps the community current on underage drinking and substance abuse issues
School, government, health and law enforcement agencies network
And... up to now, we have been unfunded and worked strictly with volunteers.

Because of the hard work of all of our volunteers, we have been awarded a federal "Drug Free Community Grant" that will enable us to move forward on bigger and better programs for Lawrence. Proudly, we are one of 176 recipients and the only one in Kansas. Originally funded by Congress in 1997 with the understanding that local problems need local solutions, the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program now supports over 700 drug-free community coalitions across the United States. As a cornerstone of ONDCP's National Drug Control Strategy, DFC provides the funding necessary for communities to identify and respond to local substance use problems.

Congratulations to all who worked on the grant, who are on the coalition and to the City of Lawrence who will reap the rewards.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/sep/02/coalition-receives-grant-combat-teen-drug-use-drin/#comments

Do your kids have siblings? They may have a great influence on each other. Read this article and share with your family. Parents remain the biggest influence in a child's life but, siblings are too. They want to please each other and make each other proud. Why not utilize other family members to keep everyone accountable to the values you set in your home?
http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2010/503_aug18/thisweek/100818_love.shtml

TEEN TRANSITIONS TO NEW SCHOOLS

The research-based guide “Transitions & Teens: A Guide for Parents” is available as a free download at TimeToTalk.org, and was created in consultation with parenting experts, psychologists and family therapists. The guide helps parents understand how transition periods—like back to school, starting a new school, divorce, and even financial trouble at home—can impact a child’s vulnerability to risky behaviors, including drugs and alcohol.

http://www.timetotalk.org/downloads/transition_guide_1c.pdf

PARENTS, YOU'RE NOT DONE YET

Share these pamphlets and discussions with your child before they go off to college. It will set a healthy foundation of communication when they leave the nest. Check out "College Drinking 101". It is a fun, online test to see how much is too much for your height and weight.

http://www.centurycouncil.org/stop-underage-drinking/initiatives

BINGE DRINKING AND THE ADOLSCENT BRAIN

Studies show that teens who binge drink are doing serious damage to the "white matter" in their developing brain. This causes memory loss and low school performance. Share this article with your teen. They may not know the long term damage they are doing during times of heavy drinking.

http://kansasfamily.com/ns/newsdetail.cfm?NID=65

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND TEENS

Teens see prescription drugs as 'safe' and easy to obtain. If you have prescription drugs in your house, it is a good idea to be aware of what you have and keep them away from the teens who live with you or visit your home. Teens using prescription pain killers, Adderall, Sudafed, and other 'legal' drugs is a growing trend in Lawrence. There is big money in it for those who score from any medicine cabinet. Some Lawrence youth are having 'skittles' parties where they throw all the pills in a bowl and dig in! See this helpful article and video link: http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2010/498_jul14/thisweek/100714_drugs.shtml

Why Do Adults Condone Underage Drinking?

Are you sure there is active parental supervision at the homes where underage drinking is condoned? Are kids leaving the home drunk? Are the parents cutting kids off when they go beyond 'social drinking'? (1 drink per hour is the rate at which the liver can metabolize alcohol-the excess goes into the blood stream and causes inebriation)? Are they also allowing the risky behaviors that go on with teen drinking? Do they ask if the kids are predisposed to alcoholism due to genetics? Do they ask where the kids got the alcohol they are bringing in to the home? Do you ask yourself if it is a wise message to condone teens to break the law?
It is a fallacy that allowing underage drinking in your home is to keep kids safe. Research shows that adolescents may be more vulnerable to brain damage from excessive drinking than older drinkers. Alcohol impairs brain activity in the receptors responsible for memory and learning, and young people who binge drink could be facing serious brain damage today and increased memory loss in years to come. If one begins drinking at an early age, he/she is more likely to face alcohol addiction. Click on the following video link...
http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2010/497_jul7/thisweek/100707_drinking.shtml

HELPING STUDENTS WHO ARE AWAY FROM HOME

As a parent of a college student there are things that you should know and actions you can take to help your child make responsible decisions and avoid many of the problems associated with drinking while they're away at school. Check the local web sites about school alcohol policies and city social hosting laws. KU and the city of Lawrence have instituted many new policies and laws just this year. Send your student off prepared with the facts. Set up open communication about alcohol and drugs so if your child gets in over their head, either by drinking too much or being around it when it is out of control, they can call you for help and advice. Make sure your college student knows the signs of alcohol poisoning and what they must do to help their friends in need. Have them designate two or three friends they can call if they find themselves in trouble and need help themselves. Talk about the dangers of doing 21 shots on their 21st birthday. (Ever heard of a "Shot Book"- a scrap book documenting the progression of the birthday girl doing 21 shots throughout the night?) Below are some good conversation starters for you and your college bound student.

http://cocktails.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/college_drinkin.htm

http://www.haverford.edu/firstyear/files/parentsbrochure.pdf

http://www.brad21.org/pdf/Alcohol%20Poisoning_8.05.pdf

KEEP OUR YOUTH SAFE THIS 4TH OF JULY

Underage Drinking-Related Hospital Department Visits Nearly Double over the 4th of July Weekend
Hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinking nearly double during the Fourth of July Holiday weekend according to a new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study reveals that daily underage drinking-related visits to hospital emergency departments are 87 percent higher during the Fourth of July weekend than they are on an average day in July. The report estimates that on an average day in July, there are 502 hospital emergency department visits involving underage alcohol use. For the three day Fourth of July weekend however, the number of daily hospital emergency department visits jumps to 938.
"Underage drinking is not a harmless right of passage. It has far-reaching consequences. In addition to emergency department visits, injuries, arrests and embarrassment, 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 are linked to alcohol each year," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Parents are a leading influence in their children’s decision to avoid alcohol. To help parents make the tough job of raising children a little easier, SAMHSA provides an online action plan to help parents talk with their children about expectations regarding alcohol use."
The study was developed as part of the agency’s strategic initiative on data, outcomes, and quality - an effort to inform policy makers and service providers on the nature and scope of behavioral health issues. It is based on SAMHSA’s 2008 Drug Alert Warning Network (DAWN) report. DAWN is a public health surveillance system that monitors drug-related hospital emergency department visits reported throughout the nation.
A copy of the study is available at: http://oas.samhsa.gov/spotlight/Spotlight003UnderageAlcoholUse.pdf.
Information and materials on how to help prevent underage drinking are available at: http://www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov/
Also be sure to check out the Underage Drinking: Talk EARLY. Talk OFTEN: Get Others INVOLVED campaign Web site.

APOLO OHNO SPEAKS OUT FOR HEALTHY CHOICES

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU DADS OUT THERE!
Apolo and Yuki Ohno celebrate Father's Day with a special message
June 18, 2010
Just in time for Father’s Day, eight-time Winter Games medalist and Dancing with the Stars champ Apolo Anton Ohno and his father, Yuki Ohno, were interviewed by radio and TV shows all over the country to talk about the importance of a supportive parent as well as of an active and healthy lifestyle.
SEE MORE...
http://www.asklistenlearn.com/blog

SHOULD PARENTS ALLOW UNDERAGE DRINKING?

It is easy to turn a blind eye to the underage drinking happening in Lawrence. Some parents feel it is OK to loosen up on the rules around drinking as their adolescents become seniors in high school and on into college. Researchers conclude that the message parents give their children has a great effect on the children's drinking behavior. Parents who disapprove completely of underage drinking tend to have children who engage in less drinking and less binge drinking in college.
Read more about this research on alcohol and the teen brain.

http://www.kansasfamily.com/ns/newsdetail.cfm?NID=100

TOWN HALL MEETING APRIL 7, 2010

As many of you know, the Lawrence Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking, sponsored by The New Tradition Coalition of Lawrence, was held on April 7.

The presentations from Lawrence Police and Douglas County Sheriff's Departments are on the coalition website- www.newtraditioncoalition.org.


http://newtraditioncoalition.com/locallinks.aspx

AMERICA'S WEB RADIO-LISTEN TO STACY DeWITT

Looking for an honest perspective on teenage life
and the choices teens make?

Log On.Tune In.
Monday, May 24 at 1 p.m. EST
America's Web Radio
Book Talk with Ginger and Lisa
is featuring
Chandler DeWitt
Teen author of
Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices That Shape our Lives
and
Stacey DeWitt
National Speaker and founder of Connect with Kids

This is a provocative program that you and
your kids won't want to miss!

Can't listen on Monday?
Come back any time after Tuesday to stream the show to your computer, mobile phone or media player.
Listen while you work, exercise or drive!
After Tuesday, visit
America's Web Radio
Scroll down to Archives
Select 5/24/10 and click LISTEN!

Chandler DeWitt just finished her freshman year of college. She wrote Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices That Shape our Lives with hopes that its stories and information would help teens be true to themselves and resist the dangerous choices young adults often face.

Stacey DeWitt, Chandler's mother, speaks around the country to parents, teens and educators. She is the founder and CEO of Connect With Kids, which produces television documentaries and educational programs to help parents and educators discuss tough teen issues: bullying, drugs and alcohol, Internet safety, and trends such as sexting, anxiety, addiction.

VOTE & SUPPORT BONNER SPRINGS SADD CHAPTER TODAY!

Help support the Bonner Springs High School SADD Chapter. They have submitted a video for the Act Out loud Competition. Go to www.actoutloud.org and vote for Bonner Springs SADD once, every day until May 21. $10,000 is on the line!

Act Out Loud is a teen-led movement to take on the No. 1 killer of teens -- car crashes. It's time to raise your voice against distracted driving in your community. Support KS SADD and vote for Bonner Springs! Only four days left to vote, including today. http://www.actoutloud.org/#/home

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT STARTING AT HOME

Want to know what you can do to help achieve change in our community? Here are some proven strategies. You can start at home. Work small and begin to network with families you know and community leaders to keep all of our Lawrence youth safe and free of alcohol and drugs.

Seven Strategies to Achieve Community Change

1.Gathering information-educational presentations, workshops or seminars or other presentations of data (like reading this blog!)

2.Enhancing skills-Workshops, seminars or other activities designed to increase the skills of parents and caregivers.

3.Providing support- Creating opportunities to support people in your network and community organizations. Stay tuned in August for another year of the LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP.

4.Enhancing access/reducing barriers- Creating options and opportunities for our youth to make healthy social choices. Group activities with a sense of adventure are sought after by young people.

5.Changing consequences (incentives/disincentives)- Let our youth know the consequences before they make their choices. Reward good behavior. Follow through with consequences.

6.Physical design- Changing the physical design or structure of your environment. Limit access to alcohol (and perscription drugs) in your home and ask other families to do the same.

7.Modifying/changing policies- Know your local laws, school policies and state laws. Talk to community leaders about enforcing and strengthening our laws to help keep kids safe.

THOSE WHO HOST LOSE THE MOST

Hosting minors while they are using alcohol can cause devistating results. Read about this law suit against those who hosted minors in Kansas City.
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/27/1908087/parents-of-pedestrian-killed-in.html?story_link=email_msg

TEXTING AND DRIVING

It's time to talk to the youth of your community about texting and driving. We are 8 times more likely to get in an accident while texting. Just another discussion that will keep Lawrence kids safe! Share these links with the ones you love:

http://www.bookwalterdesign.com/TextandDrive/
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20090505/teens-all-thumbs-when-texting-and-driving

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION FORUM WEDNESDAY

Mark you calendar for this Wednesday April 7, 2010 for the Third Annual Town Hall Discussion on underage drinking in Lawrence. John Drees has a powerful presentation on a night in the ER. It's real! The Lawrence Police Department will also have a presentation about we they and we all can and are doing to keep our teens safe. Click on the link below for more information.
http://newtraditioncoalition.com/default.aspx

SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH (Long blog but worth the read)

April is sexual abuse awareness month. Here are some good resources to share with teens about relationships. Click on the link below for a teen quiz and more information.
Teen Sexual Assault and Abuse-- Let your kids know what it is so they can recognize it if ever happens to them.
Sexual violence is any act (verbal and/or physical) which breaks a person’s trust and/or safety and is sexual in nature.
Victims/survivors of sexual assaults are forced, coerced, and/or manipulated to participate in the unwanted sexual activity.
Adolescent women are at a higher risk for sexual violence than any other age group.
Part of the reason for this is the large number of date/acquaintance rapes, which occur at this age.
This is coupled with the fact that many adolescents are victims of sexual abuse and incest as well.
Due to past or ongoing sexual abuse, teens with these experiences are more likely than their non-abused peers to participate in “delinquent” teenage behaviors including those which result in social problems, conflict with authority, early sexual behavior, and eating problems.
These behaviors may help the teen escape from jeopardy and/or to serve as a cry for help.
Date/acquaintance rape is sexual assault perpetrated by someone known to the victim such as: a friend, an employer, a date, or someone the victim/survivor recently met.
It is almost entirely perpetrated by males against females.
It is NEVER the victim/survivor’s fault no matter what she wore, where she was, whether or
not she fought back, or whether or not she was drinking.
The perpetrators are 100% responsible for their actions.
Rape, including date/acquaintance rape, is violence where sex is used as a weapon. Date/acquaintance rapists often believe myths such as: women owe men sex if they spend money on her; some women play hard to get and say “no” when they mean “yes;” and women enjoy being pursued by an aggressive male.
Individuals who have been assaulted and/or abused by someone they know may feel guilty or responsible for the abuse, feel betrayed, question their judgement, or have difficulty trusting people.
Recovery from an assault can be assisted by contacting an advocate who understands the needs of sexual assault victims.
Many communities have rape crisis centers with 24-hour counseling and advocacy services. Adolescents who are being sexually abused can contact the 24-hour National Child Abuse Hotline for assistance and referral: 1-800-422-4453.
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/apr/03/april-sexual-abuse-awareness-month/
http://www.gadugisafecenter.org/

RITALIN ADDERALL AND DEXEDRINE ABUSE

Some kids think that taking adderall helps them study and do well on tests. Researchers of 6,000 students showed 1 in 7 taking the drug off prescription.
Widely abused as a recreational drug. They're known on the street as Fatty Addy, A.D., Study Buddies, Ralls, Headlight Through Fog, Smart Pills, Beenies, Amps, A-Bombs, Addies, Poopy, Blue Buddies, Blue Betties, Orange Tic-Tacs (name used for the higher-dosage orange versions), Blue Dutchman, Candy, A Candy, Blue Boy, Jollies, Smurfs, Rinky Dink, Diet Coke, Davies (for their founder, Dave Herrington), Team Blue, Derallo, The A Train, A+ (in reference to its stimulant effect -- Ambien is often referred to as "A-", the reverse effect of Adderall). In some regions of the U.S. they are known as Railguns and "That'da Boy(s)" (from noted increase in productivity).

In some schools, junior high, high school and colleges, taking Adderall is known as Taking the A-Train, most likely inspired by the song "Take The A Train" by Duke Ellington. The 5 and 10 mg doses are also known in the northwest as "BBs", which is short for "Blueberries", named for their blue color. Heavier users tend to use the term "GBs", short for "goof balls". Some Adderall abusers crush and snort the 5 and 10 mg. pills, to experience a stronger "rush" and a more rapid onset of the drug's effects. This has led to the term "Smurf Snot," used to describe how the pills color one's mucus blue.


Ritalin, Dexedrine and adderall are all stimulants. Technical difference: Dexedrine and Adderall both contain amphetamine type stimulants where Ritalin contains a stimulant that is not an amphetamine. Dexedrine is made up of 1 amphetamine salt which is dextroamphetamine. Adderall is made up of 4 amphetamine salts, 1 of which is dextroamphetamine which makes up 25% of the Adderall pill. Ritalin usually requires a dosage similar to Adderall and twice that of Dexedrine to be effective.
Read the article below for more information to share with your children.

http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/printer/100317_ritalin.shtml

AOPOLO OHNO "NO" TO UNDERAGE DRINKING

Apolo Anton Ohno Partners with The Century Council to Promote Ask, Listen, Learn Nationwide

Most Decorated U.S. Winter Olympian to Launch Apolo Anton Ohno Foundation; First initiative is a five-city tour to encourage kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking.

See the full story at...
https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:9612.6612189104/rid:bd928ca492d3e8c43ab0f81f7ebb5fd4

KANSAS RATES HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

Underage drinking is a significant issue that affects every Kansas community and it is a huge drain on our state budget. The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee has put together some research information to educate communities and state leaders about how underage drinking affects Kansans.

The white paper outlines the effects of underage drinking; youth alcohol use rates in Kansas; the economic impact of underage drinking; current Kansas policies to reduce youth access; and suggested policy changes and effective strategies to address this issue.

The Kansas Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Committee encourages you to distribute this document widely throughout your networks via e-mail, newsletters, listserv, social networking pages (facebook, Twitter, etc.,) and Web sites. For questions or additional information about the document, contact Keri Renner at: krenner@kansasfamily.com or Michelle Voth at: mhvoth@kansasfamily.com or call Kansas Family Partnership at 1-800-206-7231.

http://www.kansasfamily.com/documents/KSSOSUAD2010.pdf

LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP MEETING THURSDAY FEB 25th

At our last parent meeting on Wednesday, January 27, Carol Wilson led a very informative and heartfelt discussion about the "choking game". For those that were unable to attend, it is a very dangerous (sometimes fatal) "game" many kids are choosing to participate in, and you need to be aware of it. Visit Carol's website for more information.
http://www.kimberwilson.com/

In an effort to facilitate communication within our Lawrence Parent Group, Dave Schieffer has established a Yahoo Group. You do not need a Yahoo email account; any email account will work. If you are on the Lawrence Parent Group distribution list, I will add you to the group, and you should receive and email. Meeting details and reminders will be on this site going forward. I welcome all feedback about the group and the site!

NEXT LAWRENCE PARENT MEETING -- FREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL 6PM THURSDAY FEB. 25TH
Officer Jay Bialek, School Resource Officer at Southwest Junior High, will join us to highlight some of the latest and greatest information, tools, and techniques to help you navigate through the internet world our kids know so well. We will have a lot of material to cover, so the meeting will be extended to 1.5 hours. Dave have seen Jay's material, and he gets straight to the heart of the matter. Please try to be at this meeting! RSVP to Dave Schieffer at schiefferus@yahoo.com

HOME ALONE

Staying Home Alone While Parents Are Away
There are two sides to this issue. Some parents have no problem trusting their teens to stay home when they are away for the weekend, some would never dream of doing that. It just goes to show that teens, parents and families can be as different as their fingerprints. Here is a parenting contract for your personal use that you can print out. Please feel free to use as it or make it your own. At least, it is a good discussion starter. It is always a good idea to tell your neighbors you're leaving and ask someone to watch the house while you are gone.

Parents and Teens Contract: Staying Home Alone While Parents Are Away
I know that being able to stay home alone while my parents are away is a privilege. I respect that my parents love me and want to keep me safe. My parents respect that I am getting older and want the privilege of being able to take care of myself. With that in mind, we agree:

1.I will strictly follow the rules set by my parents for the time that I am home alone.

2.I understand the routine my parents and I have developed and will follow through with it.

3.I understand what to do in case of an emergency.

4.I understand what to do if someone comes to our door.

5.I understand what to do if the phone rings.

6.I know who to call if I need help for minor things and for major things.

7.I know how to contact my parents if I need to.

8.I will not have a party while my parents are away.

9.I will not use illegal substances while my parents are away.

10.I will be where my parents expect me to be, with whom I am expected to be with, the entire time my parents are away.

The consequences for not following through with these expectations and limits are:

FAKE ID 101 CAMPAIGN

Lawrence law enforcement conducts first of four fake ID stings in Lawrence.

Lawrence police performed the first of four planned fake ID stings at local businesses Monday. The stings are part of a two-month effort to reduce underage drinking.

Look for the Fake ID poster in your neighborhood businesses and high schools.
http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2010/02/ku_mclovins_beware_fake_id_crackdown_underway_in_lawrence.php

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/

ALCOHOL AND THE BRAIN

Here is an interesting article from the "University Daily Kansan", Dec.7, 2009 about the culture of binge drinking on the KU Campus and our Lawrence community. It states that many of the incoming freshmen come to school with a binge drinking mentality. Visit the link below for the entire article. You will also find out more about the adolescent brain and binge drinking on this blog site.

http://www.kansan.com/news/2009/dec/07/alcohol-brain-look-long-term/

LAWRENCE PARENT GROUP MEETINGS

As a parent of a teenager, I'm often reminded how little I know these days. However, one thing I know well is that the busier my kids are, the less opportunity they have to get into trouble!

Join us Wednesday, December 16 from 6-7 PM, in the Free State High School library classroom for the next Lawrence Parents Group.

This month's Parents Group topic will focus on activities our kids have found and are involved with in Lawrence. I pLan to compile a list and post it on the New Tradition Coalition website and blog. I hope you will join us - it should be a fun discussion!

Please RSVP so I know how many parents to expect. Also, please continue to spread the word about our group. All parents are welcome!

For planning purposes, I would also ask that you put the following upcoming Parents Group meetings on your calendar:

Wednesday, January 27 - 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.

Thursday, February 25 - 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!

Wednesday, March 17 - Topic to be determined

Thursday, April 22 - Topic to be determined

If you have any questions please send me an email!

Thanks!
Dave

David Schieffer
SCHIEFFERUS@YAHOO.COM

SOCIAL HOSTING LAWS IN LAWRENCE

The recent KU parent newsletter included a small article about our city's social hosting ordinance. Click the link below to read it. Please share this with your child whether they are under 21 or over 21, it is against the law to host underage drinking.

http://www.vpss.ku.edu/Parent_enews/1109/#Party