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PLEASE NOTE UPCOMING MEETING DATE
The next meeting of the Roane County Center for the Advancement of Youth & Communities (RCCAYC) has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 1998, at 3:45 PM, at the Center building. No meeting has been scheduled for March 1998 due to West Virginia Department of Education-sponsored Life Skills (Safe and Drug Free Schools) curriculum training in Charleston for our Director and appointed teachers.
A meeting of the members of the Roane County Center for the Advancement of Youth & Communities (RCCAYC) was held on Tuesday, February 3, 1998 @ 3:45 PM at our new "Center," housed at the former "Professional Development Center (PDC)" across from Willard Starcher's. A sign has been placed upon this building, designating its new purpose.
We discussed several topics that impact upon the success of this new organization, which we hope will become a statewide model for serving "at risk" children and youth through an innovative, community-based approach. Highlights of the February 1998 meeting are summarized below:
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Please see attached "attendance log" for the February 3, 1998, meeting. We wish to thank those who were in attendance for their participation, and extend a warm welcome to those who were unable to attend to consider the upcoming April 7, 1998, meeting at 3:45 PM.
1. Life Skills Training Program - Description
Center members discussed scheduling options for the Life Skills (Safe and Drug Free Schools) Curriculum, which targets Grades 6, 7, and 8. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is making training available for substance abuse prevention teachers. It was recommended that this curriculum, if adopted, commence during the 1998-99 school year, and that individual schools consider the best curriculum delivery options (i.e.: via Health, Developmental Guidance, the Responsible Students Program, Advisor/Advisee, etc.). Discussion ensued about offering "course credit" if this training were to be held over the summer concurrently with the Roane County Schools Summer Institute. [NOTE: The WVDE will now be training Steve Goffreda/Director of Student Services, Esther Morrison/Spencer Middle School Teacher, John Gray/Walton Elementary-Middle School Teacher, and Shelly Stalnaker/Geary School "Head Teacher," on March 3-4, 1998, in Charleston. The cost of training ($300.00/person) will include the curriculum materials for each of the three schools participating.]
2. Tobacco Diversion and Cessation Programs Update - Connie Taylor, Roane County Schools Substance Abuse Prevention and Cessation Nurse Connie Taylor reported that she had attended the West Virginia School and Health Task Force meeting. She also noted that she is working with at least eight (8) participants during lunch period "tobacco cessation sessions" at Roane County High School. In addition, the "Tobacco Free You and Me" video has been presented to Spencer Primary Center Grade 4 students. A "folder design" contest option was being shared with eligible Student Assistance Program Coordinators (appropriate for Grades 6-9), and the "Tar Wars" program was discussed.
Steve Goffreda reported that progress was being made with the scheduling of Responsible Students Program Staff Development. All Roane County schools are sending delegations to be training; the State Department is pleased with our county's response. Dr. Marsha Carey of the West Virginia Department of Education is bringing the training to Spencer at no charge.
The Roane County Central Office will be requesting rosters of Student Assistance Program "team members" and may review documentation of meetings/student services at some point in the near future. Student Assistance Program Coordinators will be responsible for providing this information, upon request, as such activities are components of their job responsibilities.
We have entered into a partnership with Colorado State University to conduct the American Drug and Alcohol Survey during late winter/early spring in Grades 7-12. This survey provides valuable data required to renew the Safe and Drug-Free Schools grant. Though the purchase cost of the survey can be nearly $1500.00, Roane County Schools will be receiving the materials, scoring services, and survey reports "free of charge" this year, with Colorado State University absorbing expenses for research purposes. Steve Goffreda and Connie Taylor may assist Student Assistance Program Coordinators with survey administration. Chuck Conner offered additional assistance via West Virginia Rural Health Education Partnership medical students. Survey materials have been received, and the survey will be administered in February/March 1998.
Last month is was announced that the Roane County Center for the Advancement of Youth & Communities (RCCAYC) had been invited by the American Lung Association of West Virginia and the American Cancer Society to support the "Coalition for a Tobacco-Free West Virginia's" tobacco tax initiative. Pros and cons of the proposal were discussed. Center members recommended that the new tax be used for children's substance abuse prevention and cessation issues and/or children's health care. The project was unanimously endorsed by members present, so our group's name will be added to a growing list of supporting community organizations.
Connie Taylor discussed this project, the involvement of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free West Virginia, and the fact that the Roane County Tobacco Free Teens would be participating with their advisor, Wendy Romine. There may be state television coverage of this event.
8. Members' Progress Reports of Community-Based or School Site-Based Projects/Student Assistance Program Activities
Ellen Carpenter, Roane County Family Resource Network (FRN) Vice President, reported that the county's Parks and Recreation Committee is looking at "former school sites" as potential community recreation centers. There is a special interest in the old Walton Middle School site. The need for "day care" in the Walton area and the potential uses of the old WMS facility were discussed. The "FRN" may discuss interests with school administrators.
Kathy Whoolery, Spencer Primary Center Assistant Principal/Student Assistance Program Coordinator, reported that her school's "after school" program is going well. It targets student "self esteem." Teamwork is evident.
Greg LeMaster, Spencer Middle School Assistant Principal/Student Assistance Program Coordinator, reports his school's work on refining its Responsible Students Program and Student Assistance Program. "Putting on the Glitz," another school initiative, has been a very successful, positive campaign for school morale. A "magician" sponsored by "Pepsi" will also be presenting a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program for students.
Roger Miller, Walton Elementary-Middle School Assistant Principal/Student Assistance Program Coordinator, reports his school's success with its "Oprah-like" talk show/assembly to introduce Student Assistance Program services to his middle school students. He also lauded the "teen resource guides" he received for his students from Connie Taylor via Chuck Conner's office, an example of community partnerships developing in Roane County.
Diane Vanhorn, Roane County Family Resource Network Administrator, invited Center members to the FRN retreat to be held at the Spring Heights Education Center on February 16, 1998. She also shared several handouts describing local FRN work and "requests for [grant] proposals." [NOTE: Roane County Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Jones, will be representing the school district at the February 16th FRN retreat.]
Chuck Conner, WV Rural Health Education Partnership (WVRHEP) representative, noted that he was encouraged to see all the initiatives being undertaken by local schools in the areas of substance abuse prevention which are happening independent of the [county schools] administration. There are many "grass roots" projects. He noted the many tobacco issues already being addressed with students by WVRHEP, and the potential work that could still be done with our schools. Chris Dawson, a new WVRHEP medical student, was introduced as a potential resource for our Safe and Drug Free Schools program to utilize.
9. Miscellaneous Comments, Questions and Discussion
The next meeting of the Roane County Center for the Advancement of Youth & Communities (RCCAYC) has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 1998, at 3:45 PM, at the Center building.
For additional information, please feel free to contact me at the Roane County Board of Education Office. My extension/phone number is 927-6412.
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