May eLetter

UCFSD Takes Aim at Anti-Social Behavior

Last November 20th, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District in partnership with Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services invited the school community to hear the results of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). PAYS is given every two years throughout Pennsylvania and to all Chester County students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey information provides data for county schools and communities regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. The survey is funded by the Chester County Commissioners, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department on Crime and Delinquency and started in the 1999-2000 school year.

The November presentation, attended by community members, parents and district staff, was a continuation of the efforts of the local Communities That Care program (CTC). CTC is an initiative of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is a process and a program that engages diverse community stakeholders to assure safe schools, safe children, and safe communities.

The PAYS data served as the starting point for this year’s efforts at reducing anti-social behavior by our youth. While the data from the students is concerning, the district, parents and community members are answering the challenge. Jim Fulginiti, the District’s Director of Student Life has conducted numerous meetings and department presentations, informing bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance workers, teachers, staff and parent-teacher organizations about the data and to deliver a message.

The message is one for the entire community – “We are all part of the solution”. Everyday, we have contact with young people and have an opportunity to act as positive role models, to model appropriate behavior and have expectations of that behavior in our youth. We can listen to and observe young people in crisis. And importantly, we should have the right information to address the situation.

The district’s guidance counselors, student assistance specialists, psychologists and teams of teachers and staff are some of the main resources available at school. Also joining the CTC effort is FOCUS. FOCUS, or Family Outreach Community Unionville School, was formed in the early 1980’s by parents concerned about drug and alcohol use among young people. Today, FOCUS provides educational programs for parents and students that cover a variety of topics.

CTC is using the PAYS survey data as one source of information to develop goals and strategies to address the problem. Reaching out to parents is a major part of that plan. By providing our parents the resources and training to recognize and deal with these issues, young lives and dreams can be saved.

If you would like to become a part of this effort, please keep looking at the CTC website at www.ucfsd.org/ctc will soon provide opportunities to help. If you think this is your child – contact your school – we can be a conduit to receive assistance.