 Chemical Health Rule Wellness Advisory Committee Newsletters
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Parents, Athletes, Coaches/Advisors Workshop
Handout and Discussion Material
We recognize and accept that drinking/drug usage problems come in the form of people and not in the shape of bottles, cans or pills. The drug isn't the problem. It's the person who uses the drug!
We accept the responsibility as a school
district to respond to students who are exhibiting behavior that can be linked to chemical
usage and are proud to report that the programs we have designed are meeting with some
success: early intervention, treatment center linkage, support groups, etc.
Finally, we recognize the need to respond
not just as a school district, but further as families and as a community. We realize the
only possible way to affect change is to pursue as broad a based program as possible.
Responsibility of the Parent:
- To clarify with your child the terms of the eligibility rules of
the school and the state activities association.
- To identify the consequences of student behavior which violated
the eligibility rules of the school/state activities association.
- To follow through consistently with the terms of this contract . . . i.e., these consequences are non-negotiable. Do not stand between your children and the natural consequences of their drug-using behavior.
Do not sign the school eligibility form
if you can't uphold this agreement with the school and your child.
What Can We Gain?
- Credibility- If we, as parents respond in a consistent manner when
students choose to violate the team rules and follow through with the consequences agreed
upon, athletes will recognize the validity of this contract.
- We will affirm the values of the non-user and give support to the
"straight-kid."
- Improved teamwork and performance.
- Healthier adolescents.
What Problems Could Occur
- A "split decision" in the family . . . i.e., Mom wants
to follow through, Dad wants to enable . . . consider the implications.
- One set of parents could respond to a violation while your
son/daughter's friends' parents choose to ignore . . . consider the problems.
Guidelines for Parents
Increase the awareness of the role that drug use plays in your own life. Become familiar with how your personal values and attitudes on this subject impact on your children's drug using behavior.
Communicate openly and honestly with your children about drug use rather than moralizing about the dangers of drugs. Try to create a caring and sharing atmosphere within your home.
When establishing rules about drug use, be
sure to explain to your children how your personal values, attitudes and experiences form
the basis of your position on this subject.
Meet your children and talk with them
after they return home on weekend/weeknights.
If your children break the rules you set
concerning drug use, be sure the consequences of their actions are understood before the
fact. These consequences should be non-negotiable. It's better to have no stated
consequences than ones you set but fail to carry out.
Do not stand between your children and the
natural consequences of their drug-using behavior. Remember: Tough love is a rare gift to
the children of today.
Reactions resulting from your own panic,
fear or anger will only inhibit communication between you and your child. Take a walk,
then talk.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if things
dont improve. This is a responsibility you have to both your children and yourself.
The following people are available for
assistance:
South:
Chemical Awareness Counselor; Boys
Athletic Director; Girls Athletic Director
West:
Chemical Awareness Counselor; Boys
Athletic Director; Girls Athletic Director
Central Educational Center:
Chemical Awareness Coordinator; District Athletic Director
Philosophy of the Pre-Season Meeting
Sample Agenda for General Information Meeting
Sample Agenda for Individual Sport or Activity Meeting
Sample Press Release for Pre-Season Meeting
Parents, Athletes, Coaches/Advisors Workshop Handout and Discussion Materials
Involving Students and Parents in Prevention
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