Communi-Key
Cumberland and Lincoln Prevention Coalition
Welcome Back to School!
Whether you sent your child off to Kindergarten for the first time or packed your High School Senior's lunch for their "official last first day", the First Day of School is always filled with excitement, nervous butterflies and renewed optimism for the year ahead!
We would like to extend our warmest wishes to the students, faculty and parents for a wonderful 2016-17 school year!
“You're off to great places
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" -Dr. Seuss
While everyone was at the beach....
Summertime is so short, and members of the Lincoln & Cumberland Prevention Coalition took full advantage of each moment! Although we did not spend our days basking on the beaches, we did "soak up" a ton of knowledge! Members of the Coalitions took time out to educate members as well as strategically plan out this school year. Courses were taken in Worcester, and members also traveled to New Orleans to attend the 1st Annual "Integrating Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Through the Lens of Prevention", so that we can remain up-to-date on ever changing drug & alchohol trends that affect our communities.
In addition to educating our members, we also began working on a new PSA (Public Service Announcement), a new program to be "rolled out" mid-fall for Cumberland & Lincoln Parents, added members to our staff , as well as funded & placed a new Student Assistance Counselor at McCourt and Lincoln Middle School!
So, indeed....it was a busy summer! We are truly excited to share our knowledge, resources & renewed spirit for promoting safe and healthy drug free communities!
Meet our new Student Assistance Counselor!
They asked.....and the Cumberland & Lincoln Prevention Coalitions made it happen! School officials for McCourt Middle School in Cumberland & Lincoln Middle school now have a student assistance counselor! This position was authorized by the School Committee.
The role will be funded through the R.I. Strategic Prevention Framework Partnership for Success grant and coordinated by the Prevention Coalitions of Cumberland and Lincoln.
The counselor, Catherine Williams, has 10 years of experience working in the field, and will collect data while working with students to monitor the need of the program at both schools.
With just a little less than one month in the schools, Mrs. Williams has already made a difference! She is part of a proactive team, meeting each Tuesday in Lincoln to discuss students that may need services, as well as meeting with Guidance Counselors in Cumberland to identify students at risk.
Mrs. Williams reassures students that meet with her that everything is confidential, which in turn, builds trusts. She addresses issues that could be affecting the students ie; peer & school pressures, family or truancy issues, along with substance abuse. Her goal with the students is sort of the concept of "planting a seed to understand that they can find a connection and get help when they need it".
Mrs. Williams is available to meet with students at Lincoln Middle School on Tuesday and Fridays and at McCourt Middle School in Cumberland on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
Welcome aboard Mrs. Williams!
For more information, please click HERE!
Meet our new A.T.I. Coordinator
Join the ATI Crew for the Big Kickoff!!
The ATI (Above the Influence) Crew is hosting an "Open Mic Night" on Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 from 2-3pm in the Lincoln High School Cafeteria! This is the official kick-off event for the ATI Crew for the school year. There will be pizza, drinks, raffles and fun! Are you a musician? Singer? Comedian? Poet? Show us your talent and join in the FUN! Stephanie Bourgeois, ATI Program Director, was in the LHS passing out healthy snacks & spreading the word about Open Mic Night! But if you missed her, be sure to catch up with her on 10/12!!
Also, on Saturday, October 15th at 6:30, ATI students will be having their "Tag It" campaign. Students will be able to have their picture taken in front of a ATI step and repeat banner while holding signs that state what negative influence they are above. This will take place at Cumberland High School.
A.T.I. is a place where teens can learn how to stand up to negative pressures and influences. ATI is an after school program. Youth are able to address the negative pressures that they may be facing. The purpose is to create awareness of the impact of drug abuse and negative pressures on young people. The more aware you are of the types of influence around you, the better prepared you will be to face them.
Fall Family Fun!
Rhode Island is a unique place!
The ocean is just a short drive away & there truly is "No place Like Home" during the Fall months!
It is a perfect time of year to squeeze in some family time. When families are relaxed & spending time together, it opens up a perfect window of time to TALK! Let your children discuss what is going on with their school days, activities & peers. Be present & most importantly, LISTEN!
Enjoy a freshly picked apple, carve a pumpkin, plant a mum, go on a hayride...you choose the activity, let them choose the discussion!
Here's a great list of some activities to enjoy TOGETHER! Click HERE & enjoy your Fall!
Back-to-school stress: Warning Signs!
Tis the season to be stressed, for kids heading back to school. The change from the routines of summer to a new schedule, new teachers and perhaps a new school and soon, homework, are often identified as causes of back-to-school stress for students. As a parent, it is crucial to not only recognize if your child is feeling stressed or overwhelmed but to also have the necessary tools to help your child alleviate the stress factors from their life & have coping mechanisms in place.
For more information, please click HERE!
Stay Connected!
Stay on top of all the latest news, trends and events by "Liking" & "Following us! Our Facebook page is, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition! Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bvprevention/
And last, but not least, we are on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BVPrevention. Be sure to "Like" and "Share" us with your friends and family!
Have questions? Any suggestions? Please email Pam Shayer, at pshayer@lincolnri.org.
We want to hear from you!
Interested in becoming a member of the Lincoln or Cumberland Prevention Coalition?
Interested in finding out or becoming a member of the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition? Please join us for our monthly meeting!
Tuesday, October 18th, 2016
(For Lincoln Residents) at 3:30pm, Lincoln Town Hall
(For Cumberland Residents) at 5:00pm, Cumberland Public Library
Please join us & learn how YOU can be a part of prevention for the community!
Please watch our Facebook page, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition, for more exciting news!