Prevention Programs
The Safe School/Healthy Student grant requires the selection and implementation of evidence-based blueprint programs. The following are a listing of the specific programs within the grant:
LifeSkills® Training This service is currently being used in the 6th and 7th grades with training of the 8th scheduled for Spring of 2005. Specific skills addressed are: (1)Drug Prevention Skills, (2)Personal Self-Management Skills, and (3)General Social Skills.
SecondStep® A Violence Prevention Curriculum, this program focuses on the three essential competencies: (1)empathy, (2)impulse control and problem solving, and (3)anger management. Integration activities tie the lessons to academic learning requirements: health, science, math, social studies and language arts. This program is being implemented in grades K-5.
Kids on the Block Providing educational puppet programs which enlighten children on the issues of substance abuse and bullying. Kids on the Block educational curricula help to create positive attitudinal and behavioral changes.
Character Education The commitment of adults to be models of good character and spend time with young people can make a dramatic difference. The Character Education program is being implemented in businesses, social service agencies, churches, and all levels of instruction.
Reconnecting Youth A school-based prevention program for youth that are at risk of becoming a school dropout. Reconnecting Youth was specifically designed to meet the participant needs for inclusion and excitement while teaching adolescents how to be "winners", stay in control, make wise decisions, and evaluate potential consequences of their choices. (Grades 9-12)
Peer Assistance and Leadership - PAL® The PAL program combats problems such as violence in schools, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, gang participation and school dropouts by providing a critical line of defense both at school and in the home through building peer helping skills. This program also includes mentoring and service learning. (Grades 9-12)
Stars The Durant Middle School STARS Program is an innovative approach to early intervention for dropout prevention. Selected students and their families will be invited to participate in a program that enriches the student's basic academic skills and performance while building the personal and social skills necessary to be successful both in and out of school.
Bullying Prevention Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take many forms, such as hitting, kicking, threatening others, teasing, name-calling, excluding from a group, or sending mean notes or emails. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Often, children are bullied not just once or twice but over and over (Olweus, 1993; Roland, 1989; Smith & Sharp, 1994).
15+ "Take Time to Listen, Make Time to Talk" The 15+ Make Time to Listen...Take Time to Talk campaign is based on the premise that parents who talk with their children about what is happening in their lives are better able to guide their children toward more positive, skill-enhancing activities and friendships. The campaign provides practical guidance for parents and caregivers on how to strengthen their relationship with their children by spending at least 15 minutes of daily, undivided time with them and focusing on them.