Pubdate: Fri, 27 Oct 2006
Source: Spectrum, The ( St. George, UT)
Copyright: 2006 The Spectrum
Contact: http://www.thespectrum.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.thespectrum.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2483

EDUCATORS PASSIONATE ABOUT DRUG AWARENESS

ST. GEORGE - While the number of youths using drugs in Utah is lower 
than the national average, parents and educators are still concerned 
with the perception youths hold - that use among their peers is much 
higher than reality.

"All these kids seem to think most kids are using and that's the cool 
thing to do and that's what's happening. But most kids don't (use)," 
said Kami Farr, with Southwest Center Prevention, who works with 
prevention advisers at each school throughout the Washington County 
District, assisting with minigrant applications and in planning 
activities and assemblies.

The Sharp Survey, Farr said, compares national, statewide and 
district averages and shows that overall Utah's stats are low and in 
Washington County drug use among students is roughly 12 percent to 15 
percent. Most children surveyed, however, believe use among peers 
ranges as high as 30 percent to 70 percent.

During the month of October, parents, teachers and community leaders 
nationwide focus on antiviolence and drug awareness. In Washington 
County, Farr said, most schools pick the last week of the month as 
their focus week called "Red Ribbon Week."

Activities and events throughout the week provide an educational 
platform for violence and drug awareness.

"It's just a way for the schools to create an awareness during that 
month," said Farr.

Some schools, like Little Valley and Sunset Elementary, used 
different themes throughout the week to bring the discussion to the 
forefront. Little Valley students wore funky socks one day with the 
theme "Sock it to Drugs" while Sunset students enjoyed an assembly 
featuring the Dixie State College mascot, football and cheer teams to 
"Team up Against Drugs."

"They look up to us as role models in the community. They'll listen 
to us along with their parents," said DSC's wide receiver Travis 
Brown, who with his fellow team members shared the message "Say no to 
Drugs," with elementary students before, during and after Tuesday's assembly.

Bringing the message home to students at the elementary school level 
is vital, said Cinthanie Crenshaw, Sunset PTA president, "so that 
when they get to an age when they're approached about drugs, they've 
already made up their minds."

Lesson plans children learn throughout Red Ribbon Week continue with 
the Utah State Office of Education's prevention curriculum throughout 
the school year.

See video footage of Red Ribbon Week at local schools at 
www.thespectrum.com/news/extras/redribbon.html
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MAP posted-by: Elaine