Q: What is an appropriate age to start talking to our children about drugs and alcohol?
A: There are many opportunities to have conversations with your children at any age about staying healthy and drug free. Look for those teachable moments. You can start with young children by talking about safe things a toddler can put in his or her mouth, along with the proper use of medicines such as a daily vitamin. Make sure that as your child grows older you clearly communicate the risks of drugs and alcohol. Let your child know your disapproval of substance use. According to the Partnership for drugfree.org, “Kids who believe their parents will be upset if they try drugs are 43 percent less likely to do so.”
Q: What programs do we have available for our students to be educated on those topics?
A: This is the second year that Kutztown School District in partnership with the Council on Chemical Abuse is participating in Botvin’s Life Skills Training evidence based curriculum. This program consists of learning how to develop a positive self-image, making healthy decisions and coping skills; when students are provided with those skills they are more prepared to handle peer pressures around risky behaviors. Certified Prevention Specialists from the Council on Chemical Abuse facilitate these lessons on a weekly basis. There were a number of high school seniors chosen to be “All Stars” and assist with these weekly lessons. By having the All Stars assist with the program, it provides the sixth grade students with positive role models, who they can relate to and share younger experiences and situations together. The conversations about drugs, alcohol and life skills are not about scaring students; it’s about teaching them practical skills to handle real life situations.
Q: How do the All Stars feel about the All-In program?
A: MacKenzie Sheetz, an All Star from the All-In program said the following: “Being chosen to be a part of the Council on Chemical Abuse has been such an incredible opportunity. I have seen individuals, friends and fellow peers die from addiction, and I do not want to see these seventh graders go down the same path. There are a variety of clubs, activities and sports that students should be getting involved in at Kutztown, and by sharing my experiences the students listen! I hope to instill a sense of hope that sometimes school, and life in general, gets tough, but there is always something to look forward to.”
Karen Vymasal, School Counselor, said: “I find the mission of the All-In program to be a perfect complement to Kutztown Strong. Allowing younger students to meet and talk with positive older students who are involved in positive activities, and to have a professional teaching them the life skills they will need as they move beyond middle school is a comprehensive tool for developing goal-oriented students and young adults. The hope is that this will keep students away from negative, drug-focused behavior.”
Q: I am not familiar with the Council on Chemical Abuse; can you provide more information about this organization?
A: The Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) is a nonprofit organization that serves all of Berks County in the areas of Prevention, Treatment and Recovery from addiction. To learn more about Council on Chemical Abuse you can visit their website at www.cocaberks.org.
Q: Can we as a community do anything to also provide the message to our children?
A: Our community is doing an incredible job trying to reach all age groups. Kutztown Strong has been “going strong” since April 2014 and is made up of subgroups in which all groups have specific concentrations such as education, policy work, research and activities. They are grant funded through Communities that Care. Kutztown Strong continues to partner with outside agencies, the local university, key leaders, teachers and community members. They are always looking for new members and invite you to their next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 20 in the High School Library at 6:30 p.m.