Blossburg and Mansfield Elementary school students have been taking part in the evidence-based Too Good For Drugs prevention program being delivered by the Partnership's Prevention Specialist, Coleen Evert. Coleen has noted the abundance of positive
feedback during the implementation of this program. Teachers have reported that kids, "really like this!" and express the need for the Too Good For Drugs program. You see, while t
he Too Good for Drugs program covers
peer pressure refusal skills, it
also incorporates lessons that cover listening skills,
decision-making,
how to be a good friend,
how to set a goal, and how to handle stress and frustration in a positive way.
Other feedback includes how excited kids are to learn from Coleen and her helpers, Carmen the Cat, Wagner the Dog, and Auto the Robot.
Most notably, though, Coleen has reported that the kids are quickly absorbing the lessons and participating enthusiastically. When prompted by a decision-making story that poses a fork in the road, the children echo the lesson's intention by shouting, "Stop and think!"
This educational opportunity is made possible through a contract funded by the Tioga County Dept. of Human Services and with the dedication of the Southern Tioga School District who has made space in their already ambitious curriculum to allow us to offer this beneficial program; a program that is proven to decrease risks associated with drug use, antisocial behavior, school drop out rates, and low academic achievement. We are grateful for their cooperation and support and look forward to more fruitful partnerships that will brighten the future for our Tioga County kids!
Below: Blossburg Elementary kids pose for group photos with their favorite puppet characters, Carmen the Cat, Wagner the Dog, and Auto the Robot.
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