District
Reports on Student Drug Use, Steroid
Specialist's Duties
February 24, 2005
Parental Attitudes, Prevention Programs
Keys to Declining Student Drug
Abuse
The collaborative effort among school district staff, parents
and drug abuse prevention programs are keys to the
decline of drug abuse among Plano ISD students. This message was shared
with school
trustees at their February 15 work session by the district’s
student services department, which reported results of the 2004 Texas
School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use.
The survey was administered
to Plano ISD elementary and secondary students last
spring. “A
review of the data shows a continued decline in the
use of substances by our students,” said Rick Hooker, Safe and
Drug-free Schools coordinator. “This decline covers the last
four surveys or the last eight years. It also shows lower rates when
compared
to peers statewide. ”
Mr. Hooker reported that, “Key factors
contributing to this decline are parental attitudes and education
programs in the schools. Clear policies and
enforcement of the policies are also positive factors.” Though overall
data is positive, Mr. Hooker said that the survey results will be used to identify
areas of concern, review of current programs, provide training as needed and
enhance or improve the prevention efforts in our district and community.
Carrie
Stevens, one of three newly-appointed substance abuse specialists, provided
trustees with an overview of the substance abuse program. “Each day we try to meet
with students who may be at risk for tobacco, alcohol and other drug abuse,” she
said. “Our goal is to be able to talk with them, communicate with parents
and provide resources when necessary. Education and prevention need to begin
early.”
Related Links
Specialist to Educate Students, Coaches, Parents
on Damaging Effects
of Steroid Abuse
 School trustees at their February 15
work session were introduced to Bart Rosebure, central
cluster security police specialist, whose additional duties will include
gaining expertise in the area of steroid substance abuse. Selected for the role
due to his education and experience, Mr. Rosebure will train and educate students,
coaches and parents on the damaging effects of steroid abuse.
“The safety and security department has among its goals to
ensure student safety districtwide,” noted Mark Hinshaw, director
of safety and security. “Certainly
the presence of steroids impacts student safety.” Mr. Rosebure holds
degrees in kinesiology and criminal justice, is a former college football player,
has
a diverse background as a teacher and coach and extensive law enforcement experience.
He will work closely with schools and the athletic and student services departments
to combat steroid abuse through training of coaches and athletic directors,
students and parents.
Cliff Odenwald, athletic director, also addressed the
school board on February 15 regarding how the athletic department promotes
drug resistance education.
He noted that coaches’ inservices have included steroid abuse presentations,
and athletic directors “have always used daily teachable moments to
educate student athletes on the harmful effects of substance use and abuse.”
Mr. Odenwald also reported that Plano ISD athletic department representatives,
athletic directors and senior high school trainers will attend a North
Texas Steroid
Summit on February
28 to heighten their awareness of the issue.
Related Link
Athletic
Department Report to School Board (7k)
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