Contact Person: Clarence Jones
Program Overview:
The purpose of the 5-day Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Intervention Seminar and the 1-day Tobacco seminar is to provide an alternative educational program and information to students who have violated the FCPS school board policy and regulation found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities booklet. The student participates in activities and learning experiences that focus on the many ways alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs use can impact their lives. This program also gives students the opportunity to assess their own behavior as it pertains to use of these substances. Guided discussions with a school psychologist, conflict resolution and restorative justice specialist help students recognize that their actions have an impact on self and others and to take responsibility for their choices. The seminar includes presentations by the Fairfax County Police, and members of the Fairfax Bar Association.
Students who participate in the program are given the opportunity, with parent permission, to meet with a counselor from Alcohol and Drug Services. This opportunity links the student and parent or legal guardians with community resources that can continue after the student has completed the school sanctioned or court ordered portion of the program.
Parents of all students who attend these programs meet on Tuesday evening to get the most up to date information on adolescent drug trends and to receive follow-up resources including treatment options.
The budget to operate the seminar cost $150,648, which covers the salaries of two teachers and one instructional assistant. All materials and supplies for both seminars are provided through the Student Safety and Wellness budget. For more information on the budget as it applies to the AOD/Tobacco seminars, please see page 188 at the following link: http://www.fcps.edu/fs/budget/docs/FY2012 programBudget.pdf
High school students attend the seminar at Pimmit Hills Center. Staff from the program goes to elementary and middle school students students and provides an intervention program at their school. For more information about the ATOD programs, follow link: http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu.ssse/ssaw/index.htm