Keeping Teens Drug & Alcohol Free in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood & Riverwoods |
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In this Issue: Homecoming & Halloween | Teen-Approved Party Tool Kit | YOU MATTER campaign | Starbucks Giveaway | 60 Second Conversation Starter | Volunteer Spotlight
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For Middle School & High School Families |
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Homecoming, Halloween & Helpful Tips
by HPHS Resource Officer James Eldridge
As the weather changes from summer to fall, I look forward to Friday night football games, Homecoming dances and costume parties. As the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Highland Park High School, I'm fully aware these events present the possibility of underage drinking and drug use. I try to educate students on how to stay safe at these events, how to say no to drugs and alcohol and how to report emergencies.
Speaking with teens early, often and honestly plays a significant role in how they will react in scenarios involving alcohol and drugs. Studies show YOU are always your child’s biggest influence.
Conversation tips to keep your teen safe:
- Ask them to call/text you if there is any change of plans.
- Discuss an exit plan if they feel uncomfortable and want to leave.
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Remind them that curfew is 11 pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Driving curfew is one hour earlier.
- Let them know you’ll stay up to make sure they arrive home safely.
- Reinforce your expectation that they stay safe and avoid risky behaviors, which includes not consuming alcohol or marijuana.
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Not only is it illegal for them, social host laws mean that parents can also get into trouble if underage alcohol or drug use occurs on their property.
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Assure them it's ok to call 911 in emergencies. If a minor calls 911 for medical aid for intoxication or overdose, neither the caller nor the person they're helping are held criminally liable for consuming alcohol or drug possession.
With Halloween around the corner, parents should be aware of a new rainbow-colored fentanyl pill recently seized in multiple states across the country. The pills can easily be mistaken for candy.
Together we can keep our youth and communities safe!
James Eldridge
Highland Park High School Resource Officer
Visit CTAD's Teen Parties fact sheet to learn more tips on keeping your teen safe when hosting parties or when your teen attends one.
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For Middle School & High School Families |
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Online Party Tool Kit for Parents: What Teens Want You to Know |
“It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your teen to right size expectations.” - Student in Delta program
Local parents and students in Delta teamed up to create an online Party Tool Kit for Parents to help teens feel safer--and be safer--at social gatherings. It's a one-stop resource that includes teen-approved activities, suggestions for party hosts, and info on local laws.
There is also a video presentation by DHS students on what students think about alcohol/marijuana at parties, how it gets there and what you can do about it. According to their survey of 181 DHS & HPHS students:
- Most prefer going to parties that don't have alcohol (59%) or marijuana (70%)
- 26% of alcohol at parties is purchased with a fake ID
- 24% of alcohol is provided by a parent
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For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families |
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"YOU MATTER" Campaign
The new awareness campaign YOU MATTER launched at DHS & HPHS last month. Created by CTAD and Delta students, the posters remind students how important they are and why that makes being drug-free important too. Their health matters. Their decisions matter. Their future matters.
With so much going on in their lives, our community and the world, the first poster focuses on self-care.
The campaign also encourages students to talk to someone if they are struggling or worried about a friend. Each poster includes info on a 24/7 text support line for those times a counselor, parent or other trusted adult isn't available. Help is always a text away for students of all ages.
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Espresso Yourself for a Starbucks Card
DHS & HPHS PARENTS -
DOUBLE your chances for a Starbucks gift card by taking this 6 minute survey by October 15.
You'll receive two entries in a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. Results help CTAD tailor resources for our community.
Starting this year, CTAD will only conduct this survey every other year. NOW is the time to espresso your voice!
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For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families |
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Real Life Example
60 Second Conversation Starter in Practice
"The CTAD concept of having 60 short conversations instead of one long one gives me courage to bring things up more often with my son (now a senior at HPHS). He AND I have learned from them. For example, before he goes to a party, I always bring up drinking and what time he’s coming home. One night his usual 'I know, Mom' turned into a real discussion about his perspective (my rules are to control him) vs. my perspective (the real reasons for the rules and how much I worry about him). It was eye opening for both of us.
"Whenever I’m waffling about bringing something up, I remember - lots of short conversations - and this gives me the courage to overcome my worry about annoying my kids for 'bringing it up yet again' (drinking, safe driving, Instagram, whatever topic). In the end, we’ve had a lot more (short) conversations!"
--Kristin, HPHS Parent
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It's not one 60-minute conversation.
It's 60 one-minute conversations.
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For All Community Members |
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Volunteer Spotlights: Carolyn Cerf & Amy Hyndman |
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As a new CTAD board member, Carolyn Cerf jumped right in and is instrumental in expanding CTAD's mission in Highwood. She is always thinking of ways to include CTAD's message. As a board member of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, Carolyn is active in planning family activities such as the upcoming October 28 Trick or Treat. Save the date for Small Business Saturday with Santa on November 26 at Highwood City Hall.
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Amy has been an influential and very visible presence at the District 112 middle schools, actively educating students and parents on substance abuse prevention. She organized Red Ribbon Week activities, positively impacting many middle school students. Amy attended conferences, wrote articles for this newsletter, and provides law enforcement reports to CTAD. According to Amy: "Research shows when parents talk to their kids about their expectations, kids do listen!"
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Be a part of our amazing CTAD team. Will you consider contributing your time, creativity, unique skills, or a donation? Learn how to make a difference by joining one of our committees!
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Text-a-Tip: 24/7 anonymous support for students who need help for themselves or a friend. To connect with a trained counselor, download the app "Lake County Help" in the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also text the code "224HELP" or "224AYUDAME" to 844-823-LEAD (5323).
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Community - The Anti-Drug (CTAD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 451631475). Our coalition of volunteers and community organizations strive to reduce alcohol, marijuana and other drug use among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, Illinois. Funding is generously provided by the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, other foundations/organizations, individual donors and a Drug Free Communities grant from the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect our funders' views, opinions or policies.
Parents/guardians of youth in High School District 113: You opted in to receive these monthly newsletters during school registration and may unsubscribe any time.
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