| The
intent and purpose of the Student Services Department
is to support comprehensive drug use prevention and
violence prevention programs. A unified and systematic
approach to include the efforts , resources, knowledge,
and experiences from all disciplines is vital for school
safety. Included with these efforts, private entities
within the Metroplex that have expertise in all areas
of school safety is also vital. The unification of these
efforts includes the phases of Prevention, Intervention,
and Enforcement.
As we move forward, we recognize the ongoing strides
that our District has made in its prevention programs
to reduce illegal drug use and violence in schools.
We continue to seek activities to promote the involvement
of parents and coordination with community groups and
agencies.
To maximize the impact of all drug and violence prevention
efforts, SS will create a learning environment where
90% of the students are drug-free by August 2010 implement
the following:
To achieve this goal the following enabling actions
will be implemented:
Prevention – Trainings and awareness
activities on the dangers of drugs and violence for
students, campus staff, parents and community members
Intervention – Physical Assessment, drug
testing, medical referral, and follow up services, other
support services for students with drug-related problems
and their parents.
Enforcement – Collaborate with law enforcement
agencies, Maintain Drug Tip Hotline, Collaborate with
Dallas County and City of Dallas Task Force, Pursue
funding and other enabling alternatives.
Know
the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use
Drug
use is associated with a variety of negative consequences,
including increased risk of serious drug use later increased
in life, school failure, and poor judgment, which may
put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned
and unsafe sex, and suicide. Parents and educators can
help through open communication and recognition of developing
problems. Warning signs may include:
|
Physical
Signs |
•
Fatigue
• Repeated health complaints
• Red and glazed eyes
• Lasting cough
• Not taking care of hygiene & grooming
• Not sleeping or sleeping too much
• Weight loss or weight gain |
| Emotional
Signs |
•
Personality change
• Sudden mood changes
• Irritability
• Low self-esteem
• Poor judgment
• Depression
• General lack of interest |
| Family-related
Signs |
•
Starting arguments
• Negative attitude
• Breaking rules
• Withdrawing from family
• Secretiveness |
| School-related
Signs |
•
Decreased interest
• Negative attitude
• Drop in grades
• Many absences
• Truancy
• Discipline problems
• Sleeping in class |
| Social
Signs |
•
New friends who make poor decisions and are
•
not interested in school or family activities
• Problems with the law
• Changes to less conventional styles in
dress
•
and music
• Drops old friends and activities |
Some
of these warning signs may be indicators of other problems.
Seeking professional help to rule out physical causes
is a good first step to address potential problems.
Source: The Challenge, A Publication of the Office of Safe &
Drug-Free Schools, Vol. 14, No. 3. American Academy
of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, July 2004 (updated).
Facts for Families. Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs,
Washington, D.C.:AACAP.
|
