ODAAC Meeting

December 10, 2007

 

Members in attendance:  Gary Lindgren, Eric Bacik, Noreen Julian, Shailyn Tavella

Staff in attendance:  Joan Kreiger, Coordinator

 

Meeting called to order at 7:40 pm.

 

Correspondence:  Joan read two teachers who requested that she make presentations in their classes (7th/8th grade Ezra and 11th/12th grade Amity).  Joan will present the first program on Cigarettes as Gateway Drugs; and the second program on Drinking During Pregnancy and  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

 

Outreach:  Eric reported on the motivational production “Inside-Out” which is a multi-media presentation for middle school students designed to educate them on peer pressures and decision making.  There was one email from a parent complaining about the content; it was responded to by the Principal.  The program was succeeded by a follow-up discussion by students.

Eric also reported that Officer Don Scott (OPD) did a presentation on internet bullying.

 

Noreen reported that the bullying theme is a foundation theme at the middle school, with frequent discussions and programs to make sure that students are not victims or perpetrators of bullying.  She reported on “Mix it Up Day” on November which invited students to further explore the consequences of Bullying.  Also part of the Outreach program was a “Name That Tune” game which encouraged groups to work together to identify and solve problems that teens might be exposed to.

 

The American Lung Association “Breath Express” visited the school.  A new SADD group has been formed and will be visible in the upcoming months.

 

Eric also reported that Club Day will meet monthly during last period to encourage students to explore other interests and develop positive relationships.  Examples of some clubs include Dance, Rugby, Red Sox Nation, Video games, Scrapbooking, Golf, Italian.  ODAAC members recognized and supports the importance of this type of Prevention.

 

Shailyn reported on the Advisory course at Amity, which continues to meet weekly.  She reported that the student drama club recently performed The Laramie Project for all grades, which was followed by a discussion on tolerance, hate crimes, acceptance, etc. 

 

The Hard Truth presentation by MADD is scheduled for Feb 8th.  See Gary if you’re interested in attending this worthwhile production.  It involves a multi-media presentation on the dangers of teen drinking, followed by a presentation of family members whose lives have been impacting by this serious and deadly tragedy.

 

Additionally, Gary also reported on the progress of the Teen Issues series for access TV that he, Joan and Joni were instrumental in launching.  The first issue on “teen stress’ will begin filming next week in the school studio, with plans to air in January.  Members of Amity guidance and nursing department will also be included as guests.  Plans for future sessions will include ODAAC members as guests.

 

Gary reported that the Homecoming Dance last month was incident free, with 100% compliance using the Breathalyzer. The Breathalyzer continues to have no negative  impact whatsoever on ticket sales, as once again, the dance was sold-out in record time.  This led to a renewed discussion about the drinking at the football games and ODAAC’s position that the Breathalyzer would be a useful tool there, as well.  Joan will revise the letter sent to the BOE last spring, to renew ODAACs commitment to the safety of everyone at the games.  The committee also suggested that Joan post the letter on the ODAAC website.  The committee asked Joan to emphasize the importance of police circulation throughout the game.

 

Coordinators Report:  Joan reported that she spoke with Rich Rizzuto (SRO) to discuss a “wish list” for the High School, with respect to some grant funding that WPD may receive for prevention efforts in 2008.

 

Also, Gary asked Joan to present a program to the health classes at Amity on Dec. 20.  Joan will present her PowerPoint Mixed Messages, about the power of alcohol advertising to teens.

 

Joan purchased an easel drug display board which she intended to use for middle school and younger students, but found it to be too advanced for them.  It will be in Gary’s office at the high school if anyone is interested in borrowing it.

 

Lastly, Joan announced that if SADD students are interested in hosting a booth at the Wheeler Clinic Building Tobacco Free Communities seminar on April 8-9, 2008 at the Grand Hotel in Waterbury, see Joan for information.

 

Upcoming Meetings 2008-09:

January 28, 2008 (due to MLK)

March 17, 2008

April 21, 2008

May 19, 2008

June 16, 2008

September 15, 2008

October 15, 2008

November 17, 2008

December 2008 TBA

January 26, 2009 (due to MLK)

March 16, 2009

April 20, 2009

May 18, 2009

June 15, 2009