Our SOMS sixth-grade students inspired us and made us proud at their D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony on Monday, December 19. We were joined by parents, grandparents, and loved-ones who witnessed our students making a commitment to live healthy lives – lifestyles that are free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The ceremony was also attended by our local elected officials and law enforcement professionals from the Orangetown Police Department who further committed to partner with our school district and its families to prevent substance abuse.
While national data shows that the problem is not getting significantly worse, it is still alarming to note that there are still many school-aged students who are making poor choices. The data can be seen at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/index.htm. The national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) monitors priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. The national YRBS is conducted every two years during the spring semester and provides data representative of 9th through 12th grade students in public and private schools throughout the United States.
Even though the data indicates that we have made slight progress as a nation, we still recognize that there are families in our community that struggle with substance abuse. One of our aims as a school district is to ensure that our students do not suffer from an inability to access the full benefits of a public education due to the harmful impact of drug abuse. In this regard, we are hopeful to work in partnership with our families and human services agencies to eliminate these risks to our students. With this in mind, our plan is to make our schools places where students are physically and emotionally safe. The specifics of this plan can be found at the following link: focus-area-d
In the meantime, if you (or someone you know) has a problem related to substance abuse, mental illness, or generally feel unsafe due to environmental factors that may be occurring in your home or at school, do not suffer in silence – you’re not alone and help is usually only a phone call away in many instances. During school hours when school is in session, it is best to contact a school official such as an administrator, school counselor, social worker or school psychologist. After school hours, especially if you are faced with a life-threatening emergency, it is best to contact Orangetown Police Department (845-359-3700) or call 911.
In non-emergency, after-school situations, there are a wide array of agencies that can provide support to individuals who are facing a substance abuse or mental health crisis. In Rockland County, the Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) offers immediate help to adults, teens and children whenever crisis intervention is needed. Requests and referrals for crisis care can come from anyone: individuals, families, police departments, community agencies, community residences, adult homes, health and human service providers, the Rockland County Department of Social Services, the Rockland County Department of Health and other local mental health providers. These calls are received on the BHRT’s own crisis line: (845) 517-0400, or by dialing 911.
While I have learned much since I started working as the SOCSD Superintendent in July 2015, the most important lesson I have learned is that none of us is ever alone…Together We Can. As the holidays draw near, my greatest wish for this community is that each of you is able to spend time with loved-ones. Happy holidays and I look forward to seeing everyone back safe and sound in 2017!