Russell County Partnership Success with New Policy

Russell County Community Partnership Success Story August 2010

Change in School Policy Russell County has gone through many changes throughout the SPF-SIG process so far. Trying to identify which “Success Story” was the most important at this stage was a little difficult as we are moving in a very positive direction in many ways. One that really stands out the most at this point is the addition of a new Mood Altering Chemical Policy to the 2009-10 School Year for USD 407 and the reinstatement of an older policy taken out several years ago due to the board members not thinking it was enforceable. To be able to best tell the story of how this all came about in our community it would best be stated in a sort of timeline and the following slides should help show this.

Youth reports that some students arrived at last 5th Quarter under the influence of alcohol Held a New Year’s Eve party for youth and used breathalyzers RCCP holds first 5th Quarter Party Dec 5, 2008 Dec 11, 2008 Dec 12, 2008 Dec 31, 2008 Sept 2008 Jan 2009 RCCP holds another 5th Quarter at AmericInn Asked by Russell High School to held administer breathalyzers at school dance Met with County Attorney on use of breathalyzers at 5th Quarter Parties

September 2008 RCCP held our first 5th Quarter Party at the local bowling alley after the home football game. This program was started by RCCP to help keep the kids out of trouble after home football and basketball games. The program was very well received by the youth and the businesses that contributed funds to make it possible. There were well over half of the high school students in attendance at the event. After the event many business members and parents expressed how grateful they were to RCCP for putting this together for the youth and offered funding for future events. RCCP was not sure how the community would accept the program let alone how we were going to fund it. It was determined after this event and the outpouring of support that we would continue to provide these events for the youth. So plans were underway for the future 5th Quarter parties with plenty of funds to cover all entertainment and food for each event.

RCCP holds another 5th Quarter at AmericInn Press release about the event: Hello - RCCP is very excited to announce that the 5th Quarter Program is a huge success made possible by the great businesses and civic organizations of Russell. The program's success is due to the number of students attending and the generous sponsors making them possible. Where: AmericInn (Dole-Specter Conference Center - facility donated free of charge by AmerInn) When: Fri, Dec 5th Time: 9:30 – midnight Activities: Movie-10’ by 10’ Screen (provided by AmericInn) Texas Hold Em’ Tournament Karaoke/DJ (provided by Wilson State Bank) Food and drink (provided by White Energy) Door prizes (provided by Wilson State Bank & White Energy) Previous 5th Quarters were sponsored by RCCP, Russell Police Department, Russell Funeral Home, Dream Theater and United National Bank. Thank you again for all the support of this program the kids really enjoy it! Feel free to call with any questions or if you would like to be involved in any way.

Youth reports that some students arrived at last 5th Quarter under the influence of alcohol Held a New Year’s Eve party for youth and used breathalyzers RCCP holds first 5th Quarter Party Dec 5, 2008 Dec 11, 2008 Dec 12, 2008 Dec 31, 2008 Sept 2008 Jan 2009 RCCPS holds another 5th Quarter at AmericInn Asked by Russell High School to held administer breathalyzers at school dance Met with County Attorney on use of breathalyzers at 5th Quarter Parties

Youth reports that some students arrived at last 5th Quarter under the influence of alcohol I was approached by a youth who attended the 5th Quarter Party at the AmericInn at the local Christmas Fest on Main Street. He asked if he could talk to me in private and then proceeded to tell me that the some youth had been drinking when they arrived at the 5th Quarter event held at the AmericInn. He knew the purpose of the program and was really bothered by the youth’s choice to arrive in that way when the program was clearly to help youth make better choices. I was very upset by what he had told me but assured him we would make sure it did not happen again. I also assured him that his information he shared would stay between he and I and I appreciated his input very much.

Met with County Attorney on use of breathalyzers at 5th Quarter Parties I went and spoke with the County Attorney and explained what I had been told by the youth. We then discussed the use of breathalyzers at the 5th Quarter events. He agreed we needed to have them at all events with the youth from now on. He then gave RCCP two breathalyzers to use at all events.

Held a New Year’s Eve party for youth and used breathalyzers RCCP decided to hold New Year’s Eve party for the youth and this time add the breathalyzers. Youth were able to come in late if needed after they got off work as long as they would blow into the breathalyzer. Once again the youth and community were very excited about the event. Lots of funds and planning were put into the event. There were over a 100 kids in attendance throughout the night.

Youth reports that some students arrived at last 5th Quarter under the influence of alcohol Held a New Year’s Eve party for youth and used breathalyzers RCCP holds first 5th Quarter Party Dec 5, 2008 Dec 11, 2008 Dec 12, 2008 Dec 31, 2008 Sept 2008 Jan 2009 RCCPS holds another 5th Quarter at AmericInn Asked by Russell High School to administer breathalyzers at school dance Met with County Attorney on use of breathalyzers at 5th Quarter Parties

Asked by Russell High School to administer breathalyzers at school dance I was asked to come and help with the 2009 Winter Sports Dance to administer the breathalyzers. The school thought they were a great idea but there was nobody willing to actually test the youth as they came in. So I came to the dance and brought the breathalyzers and tested every child as they entered. It was not taken very well by some but for the most part kids knew that is what it took to enter so they did not argue. It was announced prior to the kids that they would have to take the test so it was not a surprise. It was rumored by many of the parents opposing the test said that none of the kids were going to come because of the test but they were wrong and more attended than had in the past years.

Booster Club sponsors Welcome Freshman Dance Provided USD407 Superintendent with CTC Data Sept 2009 Fall 2009 to Present Aug 2009 July 2009 USD407 adds Mood Altering Chemicals Policy Continued debates on breathalyzers and underage drinking

Provided USD 407 Superintendent with CTC Data I contacted the USD 407 Superintendent because RCCP had heard that the school board was thinking of redoing the Student Handbook and was going to address the Drug & Alcohol Policy. When I spoke with him I gave him the current CTC Data for Russell County and pointed out that Russell was not only the WORST in the State of Kansas but the numbers were on a steady incline the past few years. He took the information and said that they were working with other communities and the board members to come up with a much better policy for the 2009-10 School Year.

USD 407 adds Mood Altering Chemicals Policy MOOD ALTERING CHEMICALS POLICY PRELIMINARY STATEMENT This policy applies to students participating in any non-graded extra-curricular activity or activities. If a student is involved in more than one activity, penalties apply to all. Accusations of violations of this policy will be considered valid when substantiated by a law enforcement official, a faculty member, or a school administrator. Participation in non-graded extra-curricular activities is a privilege for each participating student. Unified School District No. 407, through its Drug Free Schools Policies and Tobacco Abuse Policy, recognizes the use of mood altering chemicals as a significant health problem for many adolescents, resulting in negative effects on behavior, learning and the total development of each individual. The misuse of mood altering chemicals by adolescents negatively affects extra-curricular participation and development of related skills. In order for a student in Unified School District No. 407 to be involved in any non-graded extra-curricular activity or activities, he or she must abide by the following policy. POLICY Twenty-four hours each day during the season of each activity, a student shall not use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any beverage containing alcohol, any illegal drug or controlled substance, tobacco, or any mood altering chemical in any form, including chewing tobacco. Illegal drug or controlled substance does not include such a substance that is legally possessed or used under the supervision of a licensed health care professional or that is legally possessed or used under authority of any federal or state law. However, students are prohibited from trading, selling, or sharing prescription drugs. (Continued next slide)

PENALTIES Except as hereinafter provided, these penalties shall be in addition to any sanctions that may apply under the Unified School District No. 407 Drug Free Schools Policies and any sanctions which may apply under the Unified School District No. 407 Tobacco Abuse Policy. Any student involved in any non-graded extracurricular activity violating this policy shall be sanctioned as follows: First Violation: Upon the first violation during any one school year, the student shall lose eligibility for the next two (2) consecutive dates of competitions or performances for all contests or performances during any period of suspension from student activities under the U.S.D. No. 407 Drug Free Schools Policies, whichever is the greater number of contests. Second Violation: Upon the second violation during any one school year, the student shall be immediately dismissed from the activity/activities for the remainder of the season during which the second violation occurs. Third Violation: Upon a third violation in any one school year, the student shall be ineligible for participation in any non-graded extracurricular activity for the remainder of the school year. For the purpose of determining whether a violation is a first, second, or third violation of this policy during any one school year, a prior violation includes being previously found to have violated this policy, the Drug Free School Policies, and/or the Tobacco Abuse Policy. RECOMMENDATIONS Upon one (1) violation of this policy involving a beverage containing alcohol or any illegal drug or controlled substance, it will be recommended that the student receive an evaluation and any necessary counseling from a professional chemical dependency counselor. Upon two (2) violations of this policy involving a beverage containing alcohol or any illegal drug or controlled substance, it will be recommended that the student enroll in and maintain good standing in a chemical dependency treatment program. Upon three (3) violations of this policy involving a beverage containing alcohol or any illegal drug or controlled substance, chemical dependency treatment will be recommended. Participation by the student in any counseling or treatment program will be at the expense of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).

Booster Club sponsors Welcome Freshman Dance In September of 2009, Booster Club sponsored a Welcome Freshman Dance for the Russell High School students. The event had a live band instead of a DJ as the Boosters wanted it to be a fun event a little different from a regular school dance. The Booster Club was notified by the school that they would have to use the breathalyzers on students before they could enter the dance as it was on school property. The Booster Club would not provide anyone to do the tests so I was asked once again to come and test the kids. This time I brought parents that were in favor of the testing with me to help. It was rumored once again that kids would not come because of the test but once again they came and had a great time.

Continued debates on breathalyzers and underage drinking Parent Against Breathalyzers- “Why is there a breathalizer at school dances encouraging the ones who don't fit in any way to avoid the school dance and just go out and party ... at least if they were able to come to the dance they might not be out on the streets getting into trouble, or perhaps in danger. There was never a breathalizer at our school dances, and there was no harm. In fact, a lot of my friends who might have gotten into trouble chose to end up at the dance instead and "you become like the people you hang around" so getting around other friends having fun in a school environment was probably better than being excluded.” Parent AGREES w/Breathalyzers- “I don't see any problem with dragging main, but I do see a problem with enabling our children to consume alcohol by turning the other way. Laws have become more strict because parents have become more relaxed. The legal age of drinking is 21 for a good reason. Studies have shown that the earlier a person is introduced to alcohol, the greater their risk of becoming addicted. As adults, it is our responsibility to keep our children safe and to send the message that it is not ok to break the law. When we allow alcohol into our school dances (by turning the other way), then we also run the risk of raising the threshold of behavioral tolerance. That is, when we 'tolerate" that our children are destined to drink alcohol, and therefore allow it, then we also open the door to greater rebellion and more harmful drugs. If alcohol is seen as "ok," then it is only natural that kids WILL up-the-anti. If you give kids an inch, they will take a mile. I don't see lawmakers as the problem. “ Parent Against Breathalyzers- “Please don't misunderstand me - I am not in favor of enabling anyone to drink alcohol. I have been on both sides of the spectrum with alcoholics in our family and have also lost family members to suicide, and seen depression first hand. I'm just asking - are we helping, or are we hurting with all of the "security" we have. I just never realized that everything we did as kids had been "outlawed" as far as hanging out in town. I heard today that 1993 was the last year anyone was allowed to even pull up and talk on main because of the "gangs" scare. I'm just now learning all of this... and I guess I'm just in shock that there is not a single thing they can do as far as hanging "in town" and I wish there was. I'm not in favor of alcohol - if anything it is just the opposite... In a town the size of Russell there is not a lot to do, and I am just asking if we are helping or hurting by running them off the streets?”

Parent AGREES w/Breathalyzers- “I didn't grow up here and have only heard about dragging main. I imagine this included consuming alcohol? I imagine if the cops can say no dragging main they don't' have to worry about finding the kids who are drinking. I imagine finding the kids means they have to make a the choice of charging them, which I understand was never the case when your generation dragged main. They just took them home. Because of all the deaths associated with drinking and driving, this is no longer an acceptable or reasonable practice...a slap on the hand. But in Russell no one gets charged with DUIS because everyone knows someone who gets them off! This is what is sending the wrong message! I believe it is actually the leniency of the law that has caused this to become such a problem... and parents. I agree totally with the you on allowing kids to hang in town, but I also don't want to see innocents lose their life b/c of a drunk teens. My old town buckled down on drunk driving & its working!” Teen Against Breathalyzers- “You know my thoughts, and I'm really glad you went through with writing this. I couldn't have said it better! and as a side note and a little look into the mind of an average high school student for all who would like to hear: not last year but the year before, the school had a guest speaker come in and talk to us about drinking and driving, both the dangers and consequences. in the process of telling us these things it was reviled to us that after taking the annual state polls regarding drugs, alcohol, and gang activity our school came out on top. that's right, Russell high school is the number one school for binge drinking in Kansas. did that stop students? HECK NO. I can’t tell you how many people I heard say.. "number one! gotta keep the reputation!!“ telling us its wrong is not going to stop it from happening, so I'm not asking for encouragement I'm asking for acceptance and a safe place IN TOWN for myself and peers to have a good time, whether that includes alcohol or not.” Parent AGREES w/Breathalyzers- “I can sure think of better things in the world that we could be proud of than being the number one binge drinking community in the state of Kansas. Seriously. Why don't we put away our banjos and moonshine and accomplish something intelligent that we can all be proud of? In my opinion this is an epic failure. We are failing our kids. The line between parents and children has been a little too fuzzy for too long. It's time to change. Kids DO need rules. Who will be brave enough to say, enough is enough?”

Russell County Partnership Success with New Policy

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