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Drug Free Program |
This program is primarily funded through a federal grant-Title IV, Part A, and is intended to support programs that prevent violence in and around schools; that prevent the illegal use of tobacco, and drugs; that involve parents and communities; and that are coordinated with related Federal, State, school, and community efforts and resources to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports student academic achievement. In implementing the program the District must ensure that the principles of effectiveness are incorporated into all programs and activities that are conducted by the District. The following is a list of these principles: 1. An assessment based on objective data 2, Performance measures must be written to assure that the schools and communities have a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment 3. Programs, strategies, and activities must be grounded in scientifically-based research 4. An effective SDFSC program must be based on an analysis of the prevalence of risk and protective factors that exist in the local community and State 5. Programs must include consultation with, and input from parents 6. The program must be evaluated periodically to refine, improve and strengthen the program
The local Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities meets on a regular basis and plans, implements, and evaluates the local program and activities. The six principles of effectiveness are used as the standard when conducting these programs. Each campus also has a PLAD (Proud Lobos) Club which meet and carry out activities and programs that help prevent violence and educate students about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. |
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Levelland ISD Drug Free Schools Committee |
| Central Office - Jerry Beard |
Student - Jennifer Mara |
| HS - Laurie Terrell |
LCS - Amber Beadles Randall Ramirez |
Don McCormick Kim Moreno Amanda Sims |
Police - Jody Guerra |
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Medical - Greg McKay |
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Judy Whisenant |
| LIS - Jeanette Swaringen |
Local Govt.- Rick Osburn |
Laurie Williams Pam Pitts |
Business - Brett Paxton |
| MS - Philis Esquivel |
Community Org. - Mary Siders |
| Isabel Navarro |
Shirley Ward |
| Nellie Sanchez |
Parent - Cindy Terzenbach |
| Wellness - Fredna Lair |
Carver - Steve Campos |
| Cactus - Pricella Garza |
ABC - Latova Ewings Nicole Morrison |
| Mary Ann Thoms |
ACE - Barbara Phillips |
| Janie Gonzales |
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| South - Liz Pruitt |
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| Robyn Parkinson |
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| Pat Smith |
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NOVEMBER 18, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Precilla Garza, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard announced that we would be able to sell the t-shirts for $6.00 again this year. The shirts will be red and should be available soon.
Mr. Beard presented a certificate of appreciate to Fredna Lair from Susan Combs, recognizing all of her dedication and hard work on the tobacco grant. Mr. Beard also announced that the MADD campaign “Tie One on for Safety” would be coming up in December. He will have ribbons for car antennas or door handles at our next meeting. The plan is to give them to all adult staff members and all high school and middle school students.
Mrs. Lair reported that she and the Voices Coalition would be setting up the “Soles for Souls” display by Lobo Lake to prepare for the Great American Smokeout on Thursday. She also distributed green ribbons and bookmarks for all students. She gave the committee a schedule of times to visit the display. Some campuses would be picked up by bus, and the nearby campuses of Levelland Intermediate and South Elementary would be walking. She also announced that the shoes would be sent to those in need in Africa. The committee then voted on the billboard contest posters. Ken Rodriguez from Cactus won for the elementary campuses, and Tania Alvarado and Amie Lee Herrera from Middle School won for the secondary campuses.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 a.m., and we will meet again December 2nd. |
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NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Precilla Garza, Janie Gonzales, Pam Pitts, Latova Ewings, Steve Campos, Aaron Fuller, Shirley Ward, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard presented the results of Lubbock Coalition Area Tobacco Survey given to middle school and high school students in the spring of 2009. Tobacco use in the area is high among high school males. He also presented information received about G.A.S.P. (Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play). These choking games kill between 250 – 1000 students a year between the ages of 9-16. It can also cause brain damage as the brain is being deprived of oxygen during this dangerous activity. Students who wish to avoid the dangers of alcohol and drugs seem to be turning to this game. Sometimes ropes and belts are used, and it can be a group activity or an individual one.
Mrs. Lair reminded the group of the Great American Smokeout activities on November 19th at Lobo Lake. She needs the shoes by November 11th, and the posters by November 18th. Mrs. Lair had handouts from Voices Community Coalition for parents about keeping their children safe and drug-free.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 a.m., and we will meet again November 18th. |
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OCTOBER 28, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Laurie Terrell, Kim Moreno, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Steve Campos, Aaron Fuller, Shirley Ward, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard reminded the group that Managed Care had provided the red ribbons for the elementary grades and the bracelets for the secondary grades. He also reminded each campus to place orders for t-shirts for the winners at each campus as well as the sponsors. Those will be ordered as soon as possible. Mrs. Lair reported that 400 red balloons had been placed around Levelland in honor of Red Ribbon Week. She thanked those who participated in the half time show at the football game last week. She also reminded the committee that shoes for the Soles for Souls campaign are due by November 11th and billboard contest entries by November 18th.
Mr. Beard reminded the group to order any tobacco education materials from him. He also pointed out that Managed Care has many resources available for any type of drug education. He stated that the tobacco survey results will be provided at our meeting next week. Kristen Gardner of the Llano Estacado Tobacco Coalition of Managed Care presented the program. She showed the group a jar of tar, which illustrated the amount of tar produced in your lungs after smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for one year. She also had a model of a mouth, which showed the damage oral cancer from smokeless tobacco can cause. Ms. Gardner pointed out that West Texas has a high rate of throat and neck cancer because of the use of smokeless tobacco. She noted that smokeless tobacco has three times the amount of nicotine in one can that a pack of cigarettes has. She told the group she will send ribbons for the Great American Smokeout as well as several other informational type handouts. The address of the Managed Care Office in Lubbock is 2345 50th and their phone number is 806-780-8300. Ms. Gardner reminded the group that patches and gum to help smokers quit are available free from their office through the American Cancer Society.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40, and we will meet again next week. |
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OCTOBER 14, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Laurie Terrell, Kim Moreno, Isabel Navarro, Pat Smith, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Latova Ewings, Randall Ramirez, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard discussed some of the highlights of the West Texas Institute which four of us attended last week. Scoot Crandell was the main presenter who discussed the importance of changing social norms in order to combat drugs and unsafe behaviors. Several of us also heard Dr. Beth Robinson in one of the breakout sessions on dealing with parents and children in crisis. She stressed that a plan must be in place in order to effectively deal with emergency situations. Mr. Beard placed several resources, which are available in Lubbock, in our handout.
Mrs. Lair reminded the committee that she would be picking up two students from each campus to attend the signing of the Mayor’s Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week at 9:00 a.m. this morning. She also asked that each campus have students available for helping with the half-time show next week at the football game. The students will be given passes to get into the game. She needs all of the shoes for the “Soles for Souls” campaign by November 11th, and the deadline for the billboard contest is November 18th.
Mr. Beard distributed the pencils for Red Ribbon Week and reminded the group of the activities for that week. Our next meeting will be October 28th, which is National Wear Red Day.
The committee then picked the best poster for the t-shirt contest, and a student from Cactus Elementary, Devin Lopez, was chosen for the winning design. Mr. Beard will send the forms to each campus for the free shirts for the campus winners and sponsors.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 a.m., and we will meet again on October 28th. |
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Kim Moreno, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Latova Ewings, Randall Ramirez, Aaron Fuller, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard reminded those who wish to attend the West Texas Institute next Wednesday at the Service Center to register with him today.
He also reminded the committee of the poster contest and its criteria. The posters will be judged on October 14th at our meeting. He particularly reminded everyone to use no more than 3 colors on their drawings.
All orders for Red Ribbon Week are due by October 1st.
Mr. Beard reported for Mrs. Lair who was unable to attend. She sent plastic bags for the Soles for Souls and yarn to tie the shoes together with their tobacco fact. She also asked that we talk to our principals about placing red balloons in front of the schools and to place on marquees the activities for Red Ribbon Week. On October 14th, two students from each campus will attend the signing of the mayor’s proclamation for Red Ribbon Week. Mrs. Lair will accompany the students. Also on October 23rd at the football game, 1200 hearts will be placed in honor of the 1200 people who die from tobacco effects daily.
Mr. Beard announced that the trailer with the vehicles from the drunken driver accident in Seminole a few years ago will be at High School and Middle School today. Mr. Beard distributed the red ribbons and bracelets for Red Ribbon Week and showed a video about Red Ribbon Week by Michael Pritchard.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 14th. |
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Kim Moreno, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Shirley Ward, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard announced that the West Texas Institute would be on October 7th. He distributed registration forms, which he needs back by Friday in order to receive a discount on the fee.
Mr. Beard reminded the committee that “All in for Drug-Free and Safe Schools” is the theme for our poster contest. Mr. Beard reminded the group of the criteria: 8-1/2 x 11” paper, maximum of three colors, due by October 9th, top 3 from each campus to be voted on for the overall winner, which will be used on a t-shirt, voting by the committee on October 14th, and remember – the simpler, the better. Mr. Beard also reminded the group that any extra supply orders for Red Ribbon Week need to be turned in to him by October 1st so that he can place the orders in time to receive the supplies for Red Ribbon Week. Ribbons for elementary schools and bracelets for secondary schools will be provided.
Mrs. Lair said that Voices Coalition is planning several activities to publicize Red Ribbon Week this year. They are planning to “paint the town red” with red balloons placed at various business. Also the school cafeteria will be serving a “red” lunch on one day.
She also reminded the group about collecting the “Soles for Souls” for the Great American Smokeout. She will bring ribbon by for attaching the tobacco facts to the shoes.
Mr. Beard informed the committee that the federal grant for safe and drug-free schools will not happen next year. There is a possibility that the grant will become a competitive grant, or that it will be combined with another grant. He will be attending a meeting soon where he hopes to receive more information.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35, and we will meet again on September 30th. |
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Laurie Terrell, Kim Moreno, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Amber Beadles, Aaron Fuller, Latova Ewings, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Rachel’s Challenge was presented last week at High School and Middle School. They were reported to be a great success.
Mr. Beard announced that the West Texas Institute would be on October 7th. More information about registration will be coming.
The committee chose “All in for Drug-Free and Safe Schools” as the theme for our poster contest. Mr. Beard reminded the group of the criteria: 8-1/2 x 11” paper, maximum of three colors, due by October 9th, top 3 from each campus to be voted on for the overall winner, which will be used on a t-shirt, voting by the committee on October 14th, and remember – the simpler, the better. Mr. Fuller from the Annex agreed to display the posters from each campus in the Board Room.
Mr. Beard also reminded the group that any extra supply orders for Red Ribbon Week need to be turned in to him by October 1st so that he can place the orders in time to receive the supplies for Red Ribbon Week. Ribbons for elementary schools and bracelets for secondary schools will be provided.
Themes for Red Ribbon Week will remain the same with Thursday still being campus discretionary activities:
Monday Sign posters and pass out red ribbons and pencils Tuesday Put a Cap on Drugs Wednesday National Wear Red Day Thursday Campus Discretionary Activities Friday Say Boo to Drugs Mrs. Lair said that Voices Coalition is planning several activities to publicize Red Ribbon Week this year. For instance at half time during the football game on October 23rd, the band will form a large heart to represent the 1200 souls lost to tobacco daily.
Mrs. Lair reminded the committee that the theme for the Great American Smokeout will be “Soles for Souls” in an effort to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco. Over 1200 people die daily from the effects of tobacco, so we will collect old shoes to place around the courthouse square to visually impact that number. She also gave each campus footprints and cards to write facts about tobacco. Posters will also be made with the tobacco facts to place on the Courthouse Square on November 19th. She asked for volunteers to help with placing the shoes and posters on the square, and Mrs. Terrell said that the Honor Society is always looking for community service projects.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35, and we will meet again on September 23rd. |
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Laurie Terrell, Kim Moreno, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Pam Pitts, Steve Campos, Shirley Ward, Amber Beadles, Randall Ramirez, Jody Guerra, Latova Ewings, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. He asked each member present to introduce himself or herself, as we have several new members. He pointed out that the purpose of this committee is to educate our students about the dangers of drugs and to promote safety.
Mr. Beard also reviewed the 08-09 program and distributed a list of the allocations for each campus. He reminded the group that Managed Care of Lubbock has a tremendous amount of resources available for our use in educating about the dangers of drugs.
Mr. Beard reviewed the various activities planned for the coming year. The Back-to-School Bash was a tremendous success with over 400 backpacks of school supplies being passed out. Mr. Beard announced that the next major event will be the Safe Schools poster contest, and he asked that we be considering themes to discuss at the next meeting in two weeks. He also announced that the Safe Driving Display Trailer will be at High School and Middle School around September 30th. Mr. Beard told the committee that the Parenting Conference will be held at the Civic Center this year in Lubbock. Any parents and personnel who work with parents need to register for this as soon as possible.
Mrs. Lair reported that the committee received a $3,000 tobacco grant again this year. The theme for the Great American Smokeout will be “Soles for Souls” in an effort to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco. Over 1200 people die daily from the effects of tobacco, so we will collect old shoes to place around the courthouse square to visually impact that number. Mrs. Lair also distributed the schedule for the radio commercials and Kid’s Zone newspaper pages so that each campus would be aware of that deadline. Mrs. Lair also reminded everyone of the necessity of washing hands to stop the spread of germs during this upcoming flu season.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m., and we will meet again on September 16th. |
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MAY 20, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Khris Oaks, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Kim Moreno, Barbara Phillips, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard reviewed the planned activities for the 2009-2010 Federal Application, as well as the proposed budget. Our budget has some carry over funds, which will help since the budget will more than likely be cut for the next school year.
The committee reviewed the compliance report and turned in the results for Mr. Beard to submit. Mr. Beard reminded the group of protective and risk factors such as the family unit, student involvement, and parental expectations.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and the next meeting will be in August. |
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APRIL 22, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Khris Oaks, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Scott Prothro, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard asked that any requests for tobacco prevention education materials be turned in to him ASAP. He and Mrs. Lair are working on the tobacco grant for next year and would appreciate any innovative ideas for tobacco prevention. They are considering “shoes for souls” and crosses in memory of those who have died due to tobacco related causes. These would be placed around the courthouse square. Mr. Beard also stated there would be a tobacco summit in July at the Woodlands. This conference is geared more for police officers to educate them on new laws regarding tobacco and drug use. Mr. Beard encouraged any who could possibly work Voices Coalition into their schedules to meet with them at City Hall at noon on May 20th. This group is a community centered effort to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol.
Mr. Beard will be on the local radio next week talking about the Safe and Drug Free Schools efforts to promote education against drugs and alcohol. He asked that any news of important events at the various campuses be forwarded to him so that he can discuss these events on the program.
Mr. Beard reminded everyone to prepare a skit for the pizza party on May 11th.
Officer Scott Prothro discussed upcoming programs which he will be presenting on alcohol awareness. He will conduct one for the sixth graders on May 6th and for the fifth graders on May 20th. The main problems he has seen this year have been with prescription drugs and marijuana. The problem with prescriptions drugs is that the drug dogs can’t detect them, so Officer Prothro depends on teacher observation to deal with these. He has made about 15-16 arrests for marijuana possession thus far this year. The school is looking into contracting with a new company that has several drug dogs. Officer Prothro said that administrators can search students based on suspicion, but the police must have probable cause. He also warned against some possible gang related problems with drugs, and the problems Mexico is experiencing right now.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and the next meeting will be announced at a later date. |
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APRIL 1, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Barbara Phillips, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Lee Ann Paxton, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard and Mrs. Lair reported that the Street Smart program, an EMS presentation on using seatbelts and not using alcohol and drugs while driving, was well received at the High School. The Primary Focus program was presented to ABC, South, and Cactus, but next year Mr. Beard will probably invite an adjacent school district to come view it with ABC because the older students are getting burned out on the program.
Mr. Beard presented results of the Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use for 2008 as taken by 4th and 6th graders. Our results were mostly consistent with state results. One huge concern for both state and LISD is the large jump of alcohol use between 4th and 6th grades.
Mrs. Lair reported that Lubbock and San Antonio rate highest in the state on alcohol abuse. The state is in the process of trying to pass House Bill 2096 to require all kegs to be registered. They want to also do some random DWI testing like many states already conduct. Our resource officer, Scott Prothro will be conducting an alcohol awareness program on May 20th for all 5th graders. Mrs. Lair also stated that a current trend with students is to crush the candy cigarettes and inhale the powder. She advised teachers to be on guard for this behavior. Mr. Beard reminded everyone to prepare a skit for the pizza party on May 11th. Mr. Beard introduced Police Chief, Tony Cowan and narcotics officers Shawn Wilson and Ricky Torres. These gentlemen discussed their roles in working the area to prevent the sale of illegal drugs. Chief Cowan said that many of our drugs in Levelland come from Lubbock and the border area of the state. He distributed the DRUG ABUSE magazine which the police department uses as prevention through education. Officer Wilson stated that trends of cheese heroin and tar heroin have not really hit our area. He worries that the hard rock/heavy metal music that students listen to promotes the use of heroin, but meth is still our main problem in Levelland. They also stated that they hear reports of drug sales and investigate carefully. They must go through the proper procedures to insure prosecution goes through. They also stated that there is a high prevalence of drugs in Levelland, but it is not directly related to the college students. Schools need to give the resource officers as much information as possible. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m., and we will meet again on April 22nd. |
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MARCH 11, 2009
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Khris Oaks, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Lee Ann Paxton, Ty Land, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard informed the committee that the Street Smart Program would be presented at the High School this morning at 10:30. This program encourages students to wear seat belts and to not use alcohol and drugs which can impair judgment. He also announced to the group that Primary Focus will be presented to ABC, Cactus, and South students on March 26th. The Pizza Party for end of school will be held on May 11th at the High School Commons. Mr. Beard reminded each campus to prepare a skit or some short presentation.
The Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use will soon be given to three grades to get a feel of use by students in grades 6-12. Our main focus will be on tobacco use.
Mrs. Lair asked for fourth and fifth graders to enter a poster contest for TAR WARS. The posters should promote a smoke free life. The winner could win a trip to Disney World for the whole family. These posters need to be turned in by the end of March.
Khris Oaks and Isabel Navarro presented the program on information learned at the Safe and Drug Free Schools Convention held recently in Arlington. The ladies said that Rick Phillips presented a program on why kids don’t like going to school. The number one reason was because of bullying. He encouraged teachers to be out in the halls and to build relationships with their students. Let them know you care. Another session dealt with suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. It even out-numbers murder. Listen to the cries for help. The abuse of prescription drugs is also becoming a major concern. Students are having “farm parties” where everyone brings a batch of prescription drugs and dumps it into a big bowl. Then party-goers grab a handful and take them, not knowing what effects they will experience. Benadryl is the new “date rape” drug because it makes the victim so drowsy. Cough syrups are also quite popular. Kids feel that the prescription medications are “legal” and don’t realize what the lethal combinations might do. Pressure from friends is the main reason many in the Dallas area site as their motivation for using prescription drugs. Students are hiding drugs in the bathroom and in all sorts of secret pockets in clothing and shoes. Mr. Beard will make copies of a booklet which the ladies received at the convention that lists side effects and symptoms of some of these medications. Another area of concern for the welfare of young students is the game called “GASP”. Students hold their breath or squeeze their necks until they pass out. They sometimes experience seizures which are really mini-strokes that cause permanent brain damage. The thrill that these kids experience as they pass out becomes addictive. Some symptoms of participation in this game include blood-shot eyes, headaches, and marks on the neck. More information can be found on SMETHENY@GASPINFO.com. There is another concern with the alcho-pops which are really difficult to distinguish from energy drinks. Many times these drinks are side by side on the shelves in grocery stores. These alcho-pops promote drinking at an early age.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m., and we will meet again on April 1st. |
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DECEMBER 10, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Barbara Phillips, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Fredna Lair thanked the committee for passing out the GASO materials on the respective campuses while she was out for her husband’s surgery. She also reminded MS and Cactus that she would be picking up the winners of the billboard contest to sign their art work in January.
Mr. Beard reminded members that orders for the t-shirts are due next Wednesday, December 17th. Mr. Beard has distributed the ribbons for the “Tie One on for Safety” campaign to High School students, 8th grade students, and students at the Annex.
The Street Smart program about wearing seat belts and not drinking and driving will be presented to LHS students on March 11th. Mr. Beard passed out some of the results from the Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use taken in 2008 by 4th and 6th grade students. Our results were mostly typical of the state average. The survey will be given to grades 6-12 in the spring of 2009. Approximately 21 classes will be involved in taking the survey.
Glenn Larsen of Managed Care presented the program. He particularly talked about the alarmingly high amount of money being spent on medical needs of those who use tobacco. In our High Plains area there are over 70,000 people who use smokeless tobacco so the state has given a $50,000 grant to help educate the area about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. Around 6,800,000 people are disabled in our country because of smoking related problems. A recent study predicts in 10 years our entire, current state budget will be required to take care of the medical needs of smokers. Advertising targets kids, and more and more are beginning to smoke. Mr. Larsen also discussed the increased use of heroin, and he talked about the destroyed brain cells caused from smoking marijuana. He pointed out that methamphetamines are the dirtiest drug around, primarily because 70% of meth is manufactured by addicts. The mental problems caused by use of these drugs are presenting a real challenge for educators. Mr. Larsen is available to schools to teach about these risky behaviors. He is doing a lot of work with ISS students.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50, and we will meet again sometime next year. |
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NOVEMBER 19, 2008 Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Precilla Garza, Barbara Phillips, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard reminded the committee to pass out the GASO materials on the respective campuses. He also distributed a memo from Mrs. Lair about the materials.
Mr. Beard has delivered the t-shirts to the winners, and now we will begin selling t-shirts. He passed out order forms in English and Spanish for the shirts, which will cost only $6.00.
Mr. Beard announced that MADD did not have enough red ribbons for everyone in LISD, so we will distribute the ribbons for the “Tie One on for Safety” campaign to High School students and the LISD staff.
The Street Smart program about wearing seat belts and not drinking and driving will be presented to LHS students on March 11th. Mr. Beard asked each campus to take more materials for GASO, and then members voted on the winning posters for the billboard contest. The elementary winner was Dominic Chavez from Cactus and the secondary winner was a trio including Maxine Rubio, Geneva Garza, and Vanessa Villegas from Middle School. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 a.m., and we will meet again sometime in December. |
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NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Liz Pruitt, Barbara Phillips, Khris Oaks, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard commended Khris Oaks on the excellent job she did on displaying the winning posters in the board room for our t-shirt contest. He also stated that he had submitted the orders for the t-shirts, and they should be in soon. Mr. Beard is working on getting enough red ribbons from MADD for the “tie one on for safety” campaign so that all LISD students will be given one.
Mrs. Lair is in the process of distributing materials for the Great American Smokeout. More materials will be delivered shortly. If you have any questions about these materials, please call Mrs. Lair at 638-1560. Mr. Beard reminded the committee that posters for the GASO billboard contest are due next week. He distributed a memo stating the criteria. The program was a video “A Kid’s Guide to Smoking Awareness”. The elementary age appropriate video dealt with how hard it is to break a habit as well as nicotine addiction. It also discussed the factor of peer pressure, which causes some kids to start a deadly habit.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on November 19th. |
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NOVEMBER 5, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Liz Pruitt, Barbara Phillips, Lee Ann Paxton, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard commended Khris Oaks on the excellent job she did on displaying the winning posters in the board room for our t-shirt contest. He also stated that he had submitted the orders for the t-shirts, and they should be in soon.
Mr. Beard is working on getting enough red ribbons from MADD for the “tie one on for safety” campaign so that all LISD students will be given one. Mrs. Lair distributed materials for Great American Smokeout activities. Other materials should be coming in soon. She reminded members to distribute the materials which she has already given us some time this week. She really encouraged the committee to try some of the activities in the Tobacco Prevention Curriculum. She noted that they would be especially good for counselors and P.E. teachers. The program gave a short preview of the DVD “Street Smart” which encourages young people to make good judgment about driving, whether wearing seat belts or not drinking and driving. The DVD shows graphic details of what happens when you drink and drive or choose not to wear seat belts.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on November 12th. |
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OCTOBER 22, 2008 Members Present: Jerry Beard, Kris Oaks, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Lee Ann Paxton, Fredna Lair, Jennifer Mara, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard stated that around 34 parents were registered to attend the Parenting Conference on November 6th and that a bus would be taken for those who wished to ride. Mr. Beard reported further on a workshop on alcohol and drugs which he attended last week. Binge drinking is becoming a real concern, as well as prescription drug abuse. Students take medications from their family, thinking that if Mom and Dad take it, the medication must be all right.
Mrs. Lair reminded the group about the upcoming Great American Smokeout activities, including the billboard contest. Those posters will have the theme Stand Up Against Tobacco, and they are due on November 19th. There is no color limitation for these posters. She also distributed fliers about tobacco, which are to be sent home the first week in November. Mrs. Lair announced that flu shot will be given around the week of November 10th.
Mr. Beard distributed the red ribbons for each campus and announced that the order has been placed for the t-shirts. They should be ready in about 2-3 weeks for the winners, and those which we sell should cost approximately $6.00.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on November 5th. |
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OCTOBER 15, 2008 Members Present: Jerry Beard, Khris Oaks, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Precilla Garza, Lee Ann Paxton, Fredna Lair, Barbara Phillips, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard stated that anyone wishing to attend the Parenting Conference on November 6th must get their registration in to him no later than this Friday. He also reminded the committee of the events planned for Red Ribbon Week.
Mr. Beard reported on a workshop on alcohol and drugs which he attended last week. The growing concern is Alcopops, energy drinks with alcohol in them. Drinks with alcohol are not required to give a nutrition breakdown, and so many minors are buying these drinks without the sales clerks realizing that there is alcohol in the drink.
Mrs. Lair reminded the group about the upcoming Great American Smokeout activities, including the billboard contest. Those posters will have the theme Stand Up Against Tobacco, and they are due on November 20th. Mr. Beard distributed a form to each campus for the sizes of t-shirts for the winning posters and the sponsors. The committee then voted on the overall winner, which was Ana Acosta, a Middle School student.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 22nd. |
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OCTOBER 8, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Barbara Phillips, Jennifer Mara, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard reminded the committee to bring the winning posters to the next meeting, where the overall winner will be voted on for the 2008 t-shirt design with the theme Elect to Live Drug-Free.
He also mentioned the Parent Conference in Lubbock for those who wish to attend and the West Texas Institute in Lubbock. There will be a workshop at the Service Center on alcohol and drugs on Friday, October 10th.
Devon Casey with the State Health Department presented the program. She is an excellent resource for many different types of educational programs for our students. She has worked with Shattered Dreams, DWI Mobile Trailer, Health and Safety Fairs, seat belt roll-over demonstrations, Youth Summits, Bike Rodeos, Teen Straight Talk seminars, and Teen Leadership Summits on Tobacco. She would be very willing to help Levelland ISD with any of these programs. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again October 15th. |
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MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro, Steve Campos, Janie Gonzales, Khris Oaks, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Fredna Lair, Paul Coronado, Lee Ann Paxton, Scott Prothro, Barbara Phillips, Jennifer Mara, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard reminded the committee that the posters for the t-shirt contest are due on October 15th.
Mr. Beard displayed a certificate of appreciation sent by Comptroller Susan Combs for the tobacco grant. Mrs. Lair reminded the group about the radio commercials and newspaper pages. She also reminded them of the requested $35 for an ad from each campus to support their Kids Zone pages. She will give more information on the Great American Smokeout activities at a later date.
Mr. Beard asked for volunteers to attend the Safe Schools and Healthy Students Summit in Arlington from Feb. 11-13th.
The program was a video, “Smoking: The Burning Truth”. The video showed students who talked about how easily they became addicted to tobacco, and some students who discussed why they chose not to use tobacco. One million teens start smoking every year, and one out of three who try it will become addicted. The average smoker spends approximately $1,600 a year on cigarettes. Mr. Beard reminded the committee that our tobacco grant is a result of a settlement between the state of Texas and tobacco companies.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 8 or 15th, depending on when our speaker can meet with the group. Mr. Beard will send e-mails. |
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MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro, Steve Campos, Janie Gonzales, Chris Oaks, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Amber Beadles, Barbara Phillips, Jennifer Mara, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and introduced new members Barbara Phillips from ACE and Jennifer Mara, student representative. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard reminded the committee of safe schools in October. The theme for the poster contest will be “Elect to Live Drug-Free”. The posters are to be drawn on 8-1/2 x 11 in. paper, with no more than 3 colors. Each campus is to choose its top three winners, and the committee will vote on the winner on October 15th. The winning poster will be made into a t-shirt. Chris Oaks volunteered to display the winning posters in the Board Room. Mr. Beard reminded those interested in the Parenting Conference that the deadline for submitting registration to him is October 15th. The activities for Red Ribbon Week, which is October 27-31, will be:
• Monday – Sign posters and pass out red ribbons and pencils • Tuesday – Put a Cap on Drugs • Wednesday – National Wear Red Day • Thursday – Campus Discretionary Activities • Friday – Say Boo to Drugs
Orders for any supplemental materials for Red Ribbon Week must be submitted to Mr. Beard no later than September 19th.
The committee then watched a Red Ribbon Week Video by Michael Pritchard. The video emphasized that the origin of Red Ribbon Week was to honor the death of Drug Enforcement Officer Enrique Camerana. It also gave several suggestions for activities during the week. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on September 24th. |
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MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Scott Prothro, Leanne Paxton, Fredna Lair, Nellie Sanchez, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Shirley Ward, Janie Gonzales, Chris Oaks, Pricella Garza, Isabel Navarro, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and introduced new member Leanne Paxton from ABC. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard reminded the committee of safe schools in October. The theme for the poster contest will be “Elect to Live Drug-Free”. The posters are to be drawn on 8-1/2 x 11 in. paper, with no more than 3 colors. Each campus is to choose its top three winners, and the committee will vote on the winner on October 15th. The winning poster will be made into a t-shirt.
Mr. Beard distributed information about the annual Parenting Conference in Lubbock on November 6th. The fee is only $10, which will be paid by the grant money, and a bus will be taken if needed. The deadline for turning in registration to Mr. Beard is October 15th. Mr. Beard has already ordered Red Ribbons and pencils for Red Ribbon Week, which is October 27-31. We will follow the regular schedule of: • Monday – Sign posters and pass out red ribbons and pencils • Tuesday – Put a Cap on Drugs • Wednesday – National Wear Red Day • Thursday – Campus Discretionary Activities • Friday – Say Boo to Drugs Orders for any supplemental materials for Red Ribbon Week must be submitted to Mr. Beard no later than September 19th.
Scott Prothro of the Levelland Police Department reported to the committee that use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and meth has stayed about the same. Cocaine use is down, but heroin and OxyContin use is on the rise. OxyContin use is extremely hard to detect. Officer Prothro remarked that trends in Dallas drug use will soon be in our area.
Mrs. Lair reminded the group of radio commercial and newspaper deadlines. She reminded members to ask their principals to sponsor a $35 ad when their school is responsible for the newspaper page. She also announced that the theme for the Great American Smokeout Billboard contest will be “Stand Up Against Tobacco”. Details will follow for this contest, but the deadline for the posters is November 19th.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on September 17th. |
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Shirley Ward, Scott Prothro, Amber Beadles, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the first meeting of the new school year to order at 7:00 a.m. and then introduced the members of the committee. He explained that the purpose of the committee is to promote drug-free and violence-free education in our schools. We have a federal grant which requires us to act as advocates for drug-free education. Mr. Beard reviewed reports which indicated that our schools had a large increase in violation of code of conduct. We also had a slight increase in possession of a controlled substance in our schools. We should be getting the Texas School Survey results back soon which will compare drug use in our schools to the state of Texas. Our compliance report indicates a need for more parental involvement. Mr. Beard also reviewed the campus allocations which will be distributed from our grant.
Fall activities were discussed. The Back to School Bash, sponsored by VOICES and Managed Care, was a big success with over 400 people attending. We will try to have Character Counts assemblies with Primary Focus for ABC and the elementary campuses, Safe Schools Week with a poster (t-shirt) contest, Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 27-31), Great American Smokeout (November 20), Tie One on For Safety (December), and PLAD Club Meetings.
Mr. Beard reminded the committee of the community organization, VOICES Coalition of Levelland. They are part of an area grant with Lubbock Cooper and helped to sponsor our Back to School Bash. Managed Care of Lubbock also helped sponsor the Back to School Bash, and they are an excellent resource for drug-free information. They will also be providing our red ribbons.
Mrs. Lair distributed the schedule for radio announcements and the Kids Zone page in the News Press. She asked that each campus representative ask the respective principal to sponsor a $35 ad for the newspaper during their month to publish. She said that we will again have a poster contest for the billboards during the Great American Smokeout.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again September 10th. |
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MAY 21, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Kris Oaks, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Fredna Lair, Sarah Tucker, Brett Paxton, Rick Osburn, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and welcomed community members Brett Paxton and Rick Osburn, as well as the new High School representative Kris Oaks. He asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed with Frank Barker giving his last traditional dissenting vote since he is retiring. He will be greatly missed!!
All agreed that the annual Pizza Party was one of the best we’ve ever had. The students were very well behaved, and the skits were wonderful!!
Mrs. Lair reported that Shattered Dreams went very well at High School last week. A speaker who had himself caused the death of his best friend while driving intoxicated made a tremendous impact on the students. The community helped support the event which was so timely right before the prom. Mr. Beard reviewed the DFSC application with the committee. The entitlement has been reduced to just under $12,000 for next year, down from $25,000 just five years ago. The committee also completed the evaluation report. The PEIMS report will provide more current data in the fall, and adjustments can be made as needed. Planned events for the coming year were also discussed, with the Back to School Kick-off scheduled to open the year’s events on August 23rd.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m., and the committee will meet again next fall. |
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| April 23, 2008 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Nellie Sanchez, Latova Ewings, Joan Pitts, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Fredna Lair, Sarah Tucker, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed. The Texas School Survey has been given to 4th graders and middle school students. Results should be back by next fall. The Pizza Party will be held May 13th, at the High School Commons from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Each school should prepare a skit of some sort. Mr. Beard reminded the sponsors that they must stay with their students until parents have picked them all up.
Mrs. Lair reported that the tobacco grant has been submitted. The majority of the grant is used for the bill boards against smoking, and they will only be up for one month this next year. That should allow for more money for other activities. The Back-to School-Bash has been scheduled for August 23rd. Eddie Burton, a police officer with Levelland Police Department, gave the program about crystal meth. It poses a real threat because it is so cheap and so addictive. Officer Burton said that a variety of mental health issues have arisen because of this drug. Although restricted availability of cold medicines has made it more difficult to manufacture, the drug cartels in Mexico have begun producing large quantities. He said the use of meth hits a wide spectrum of users, from rich to poor and young to old.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on May 21st.
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| April 9, 2008 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro Latova Ewings, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams. Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard recognized Cactus for selling over 150 t-shirts.
The Texas School Survey is presently has been given to 4th graders, Middle School tests should be finished soon. Results should be back by next fall.
The Pizza Party will be held May 13th, at the High School Commons from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Each school should prepare a skit of some sort. Mrs. Lair reported that the tobacco grant is being worked on now. Any requests or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The majority of the grant is used for the bill boards against smoking. She also distributed a flier which will be sent to all senior parents encouraging them to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Isabel Navarro discussed the ideas about violence which she heard at the SDFSC Conference. She said the speaker was very much against allowing young children to view all of the violence on TV, as well as being against all of the violent video games. She said that he also discussed the fact that schools do not prepare their staff or the students well enough for dangerous shooting situations. She gave the members of the committee a card which listed several hotline numbers in case of emergencies.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on April 23rd. |
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MARCH 12, 2008
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro Latova Ewings, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Liz Pruitt, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard said that over 250 t-shirts were sold this year, with over 150 being sold at Cactus. The Texas School Survey is presently being given to 4th graders and 8th graders, and the results should be back by next fall.
The Pizza Party will be held May 13th, at the High School Commons from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Each school should prepare a skit of some sort.
Mrs. Lair reported that the billboards would remain on College Avenue through April 10th. She provided the committee with a website to access free videos on tobacco (www.dshs.state.tx.us/tobacco/pdf/smoke.PDF). Mr. Beard reported that “Shattered Dreams” will be held at High School on May 14th and 15th .
Latova Ewings and Isabel Navarro presented the program on their trip to the SDFSC Conference. Latova shared a video clip of G.A.S.P. (Games adolescents shouldn’t play). The video dealt with the choking game (also called passout, suffocation, and several other names) in which kids try to get a brain rush by depriving themselves of oxygen for a few seconds. Brain cells are permanently damaged, causing possible death or a vegetative state. It can also be addictive. Adolescents from 9-16 seem to think this is safer than using drugs or alcohol. Some warning signs to look for are bloodshot eyes, frequent headaches, strange marks on neck, disorientation after being alone, locked doors, knots tied around the room, and marks on bedposts or closet rods. Isabel shared some handouts regarding violent acts in our schools. Students seem to become desensitized to violent happenings because of video games and television. She will provide more information and more handouts at the next meeting, as we ran out of time.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on April 9th. |
| December 5, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Nellie Sanchez, Latova Ewings, Janie Gonzales, Steve Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Amber Beadles, Sarah Tucker, Fredna Lair, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed. Sarah Tucker reported that the Rachel’s Challenge program is going great at High School. They will be singing at the nursing home, taking 400 stockings for kids in Lubbock, and baking brownies or cookies for the custodians and cafeteria workers.
Mr. Beard reminded everyone that t-shirt orders and money are due to him by December 14th. Mr. Beard also had packets with red ribbons for each campus’ drivers for the “Tie One on for Safety” campaign. There was also a narrative to distribute which explained the concept behind the campaign, sponsored by MADD.
Mrs. Lair reported that Cactus would be recording their radio announcement this month and that tents would be placed in local restaurants with the winning designs from the billboard contest. She also reminded the group that she has puppets and scripts available to be checked out in her office for various anti-tobacco and anti-drug topics. She will be taking the winners of the billboard contest to Lubbock on January 9th to sign their winning designs.
Sheriff David Kinney gave an overview of the methods the sheriff’s department uses in fighting drug use in Hockley County. He emphasized that education is the key to stopping drug use. His group presents a program for sixth graders each year, and he applauded the work that the Drug-free Schools Committee performs. He also said that law enforcement and prosecution of the cases are key deterrents in stopping drug use. He offered his help in any area that he could be of assistance in our fight against drug use in Hockley County.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again in 2008. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Joan Pitts, Latova Ewings, Janie Gonzales, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Liz Pruitt, Fredna Lair, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed.
The Rachel’s Challenge program went very well at the High School, and Mrs. Barker reported that about 140 students are actively working as “friends of Rachel”, as they plan what projects on which to work.
Mr. Beard distributed the t-shirts from the “Play Hard, Play Safe” contest for the winners and sponsors at each school. He also provided order forms for those interested in purchasing the shirts for $6.00. All orders must be turned in before Christmas. Mr. Glenn Larsen from Managed Care is making presentations to High School and Middle School health classes this week and the week of November 27th about the dangers of drug use. In December, red ribbons for antennas from MADD will be distributed for all adult staff as well as High School students to remind drivers of the dangers of driving while drinking alcohol. Mrs. Lair reported that she had distributed materials for the Great American Smokeout to each school. If the weather permits, the ABC students will walk around the courthouse square tomorrow with their anti-smoking posters. Mrs. Lair also said that tents will be made of the winning posters for the “Gone Smoke: A Tale of the New West” contest, and they will be placed on tables in various restaurants around Levelland. The secondary winner was Roy Flores, a High School student, and the elementary winner was Jacklyn Escamilla, a Levelland Intermediate School student. Their posters will be on billboards on College Avenue during February and March.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on December 5th. |
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| October 31, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Joan Pitts, Janie Gonzales, Steve Campos, Maria Campos, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, Sarah Tucker, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard reminded everyone to check the rules for the poster contest for the billboards, and to bring those (two from each campus) to the next meeting.
Mr. Beard has turned in the orders for the t-shirts, and we should be able to sell them to those who are interested for about $6.00. Mr. Beard reminded the committee of the next event after the Great American Smokeout, which is the “Tie One on for Safety” campaign against drunk drivers. He will be ordering the ribbons for antennas on cars for all high school personnel and students and for the staff at all other campuses for the month of December. The program was presented by Glenn Larsen, of the Managed Care Center at 50th and University in Lubbock. He brought several cases which can be checked out for the classroom on drug education, such as a drug identification kit, the consequences of smoking kit, and a methamphetamine display. He also had various pamphlets, posters, and videos on various drug education topics. Managed Care is a wonderful resource for the classroom, particularly since our drug education budget has been cut. Mr. Larsen pointed out the overwhelming consequences which drug use has on our society, such as 400,000 dying per year from smoking and 55 million alcoholics in the United States. Methamphetamine is such an impure drug that its consequences are very unpredictable, and depression is very much on the rise. Managed Care is willing to make presentations to individual classrooms or to large groups.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on November 14th. |
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| October 24, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Latova Ewings, Janie Gonzales, Steve Campos, Fredna Lair, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed.
Primary Focus performed for ABC and Cactus at the Middle School on October 16th, and reports were that it was an excellent program. Mr. Beard reminded those who had not turned in their t-shirt orders to get those to him ASAP so that we can get the shirts printed.
Mrs. Lair reported on plans for the Great American Smokeout. The poster contest will have two winners from each campus, and an elementary winner and a secondary winner will be chosen for the two billboards. The theme this year is “GoneSmoke!! A Tale of the New West”. The poster should be on 8-1/2 x 11” paper, no limit on colors, and the picture should follow the theme (usually the simpler the better). The posters will be judged at the November 14th Drug-free Schools Committee meeting. The winning designs will be displayed on billboards on College Avenue in February and March. In addition, Managed Care will be making plastic tents to place on various restaurant tables in Levelland. Mrs. Lair also asked that each campus consider wearing cowboy hats on November 15th to celebrate our theme. It was suggested that P.E. teachers have some sort of obstacle course to run, and then have the students try it breathing through a straw to demonstrate the damage smoking does to your lungs. Mrs. Lair also suggested having tobacco facts added to morning announcements that week. She distributed various materials which are tied to the curriculum to emphasize the dangers of smoking.
Mr. Beard announced that the High School will be having an assembly on November 5th which will feature the materials of “Rachel’s Challenge”.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 31st. |
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| October 10, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Latova Ewings, Joan Pitts, Pricella Garza, Janie Gonzales, Steve Campos, Fredna Lair, Liz Pruitt, Pat Smith, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed. Mr. Beard asked that any who wished to attend the Parent Conference in November get their registration forms to him by October 22nd. Primary Focus will be performing for ABC and Cactus at the Middle School on October 16th. Nine members of the committee attended the West Texas Institute on Tuesday. The focus was on relationships and positive behavior reinforcement.
Mrs. Lair reported that the November radio commercial date will be November 8th for Levelland Intermediate. Their newspaper page will come out today. The Great American Smokeout will be November 15th. ABC students will be bused to the square for this event. Posters for the billboard contest will be due on November 14th. Mrs. Lair reminded everyone that there will be an elementary and a secondary winner this year. The billboards will display the winning designs in February and March. Mr. Beard informed the committee that he will deliver red ribbons to the various campuses next week. He distributed the pencils at today’s meeting. Mr. Beard gave a legislative update on various bills which affect Safe and Drug-Free Schools Committees, such as seat belts on buses purchased after 2011, reports of sexual misconduct, and the ability to expel students and place in an alternative setting for felony conduct.
The committee selected the winning poster of Justin Sanchez, a high school student, for the t-shirt. Mr. Beard gave one order form to each campus for the winners and sponsors.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 24th. |
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| September 26, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Tracy Barker, Janie Gonzales, Isabel Navarro, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Steve Campos, Joan Pitts, Fredna Lair, Cindy Terzenbach, Amber Beadles, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mrs. Lair reminded the group that radio commercials would begin next Monday with Levelland Intermediate School. She will have more on the billboard contest after the safe schools poster contest is completed. Mr. Beard reminded the committee to bring the posters for judging at the next meeting.
Mr. Beard also reported that the Achieve Success meeting went very well. The speaker stressed some of the more practical aspects of sex education. Some of his suggestions included parent modeling of proper date behavior, always being up to greet your child when they get home, and keeping televisions and computers in common areas so that content can be monitored better. Mr. Beard reminded those who work with parents of the Parent Conference in Lubbock on November 6th. The West Texas Institute will be held on October 9th in Lubbock. Those interested in attending need to get their registration form to Mr. Beard by Tuesday, October 2nd.
Mr. Beard also gave out nomination forms for the Kitty Harris Award, and those need to be mailed by this weekend.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again on October 10th. |
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| September 12, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Janie Gonzales, Nellie Sanchez, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Steve Campos, Shirley Ward, Amber Beadles, Sarah Tucker, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections to the minutes. The minutes were approved as printed.
Mr. Beard reminded the committee of the Achieve Success Program, which will be held September 18-19 for High School and Middle School students and parents.
We will continue the tobacco grant newspaper articles, with the first one being one that was done by Capitol 4th graders last May and inadvertently left out during the paper’s busy end-of-school-year schedule.
If there are any additional orders for Red Ribbon Week, other than ribbons and pencils, they need to be turned in to Mr. Beard by September 21st.
The committee voted on a theme for Safe Schools Week, and the results will be distributed at the next meeting. Mr. Beard reminded everyone that the posters should be on 8-1/2 x 11 paper, with a maximum of 3 colors, and that each campus would select 3 winners. The committee will select the overall winner, with that poster being printed on a t-shirt for all of the winners and committee members. Additional shirts will be sold.
The deadline for the posters is October 5th, and the district selection will be on October 10th.
The program was presented by Tori Prothro and Angela Burson from High School on “Rachel’s Challenge”, a program designed to help teens realize the full ramifications of bullying, name-calling, and gossip. This program is inspired by the life of Rachel Scott, the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Mrs. Prothro and Mrs. Burson showed a video clip which explained how Rachel’s family is taking this message to schools all across the country to promote a chain reaction of creating safer and more productive places to learn. Sarah Tucker also explained how she had become concerned about the atmosphere at LHS last year and read a book called Rachel’s Tears during the summer. She went on a mission trip and challenged her group to help in her efforts to promote a better place for learning at LHS. Next she talked with Mrs. Burson and engaged her help. Mrs. Burson told Sarah about the program “Rachel’s Challenge”, and they are pursuing ways to raise funds for the program. As building relationships is an important goal of our district this year, the program is being favorably considered.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m., and we will meet again next Wednesday, September 19th. |
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| September 5, 2007 |
Members Present: Jerry Beard, Frank Barker, Tracy Barker, Janie Gonzales, Pricella Garza, Nellie Sanchez, Isabel Navarro, Pat Smith, Liz Pruitt, Steve Campos, Fredna Lair, Joan Pitts, Shirley Ward, and Laurie Williams.
Mr. Beard called the first meeting of the new school year to order at 7:00 a.m. He reviewed the purpose of the committee, which is to promote drug free education in the schools. He reminded members that they would get a stipend at the end of the year for sponsoring the PLAD Clubs and for attending the meetings.
Mr. Beard also distributed copies of the PEIMS 425 Record, which indicated a significant improvement in several areas, such as conduct punishable as a felony, violation of code of conduct in AEP, violation of code of conduct, and fighting/mutual conduct.
Mr. Beard gave each campus their allocations for the coming year and reminded them that the amount has been lowered.
The Back-to-School Bash, sponsored by Managed Care, on August 25th was a great success. Over 500 people attended the event at which free hot dogs, drinks, chips, and school supplies were given away.
Mr. Beard gave an overview of the various programs with which the Drug-Free Schools Committee will be involved with during the fall. The first one will be the Achieve Success Program for parents and middle and high school students on September 18-19th.
This is an abstinence based program dealing with sex education.
Mrs. Lair announced that we received a $3000 tobacco grant, most of which will be spent on the billboard campaign. This year there will be a primary winner and a secondary winner. We will also participate in radio commercials with a 30-60 second limit on an anti-tobacco message. Mrs. Lair distributed a schedule for each campus on when the commercials will be due. She reminded the committee that no more than six students were allowed in the group and no more than 3 if they are singing.
Managed Care will be conducting the Protecting You/Protecting Me program for all 1st graders and the All-Stars program for 6th graders, beginning sometime in October. These are both drug intervention programs which will be expanded through the grades as these students advance.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 a.m., and we will meet again next week on September 12th. |
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