May factoid:
“What parents may not realize is that children say parental disapproval
of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink.”
Charles Curie, former Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
(SAMHSA) administrator, US Dept. of Health and Human Services
The Task Force met on May 29, for the last meeting of the year.
Susan Livingston and Melpo Fite are both concluding their tenure with the Task Force and they were thanked for their many years of service to the Task Force. Congratulations to Emily Vallario (Youth Outreach Worker) on the birth of Joseph.
John Klemme thanked the Task Force for the support of the Mark Sterner Program, which was reported to be very successful. Many parents, both Middle and High School, attended the evening program. There were a number of students in the audience as well.
The results of the survey administered by the Compact Committee were discussed. There were approximately 950 responses. The unscientific results show that tutoring, sleep deprivation and teenage pressures were some of the major issues the student body is experiencing. Rebecca Hand, a psychologist, will be working with the data to help develop strategies to help the students in how to deal with these and other issues.
The sad and untimely passing of 9th grader, Akshay Menon was discussed. The faculty was on hand to talk to any students who wished to do so. They did a good job shepherding the students through this difficult process. There are plans for a small memorial gathering commemorating Akshay's life. A bulletin board was available for a week allowing students to leave notes expressing their feelings. Mr. Klemme expressed sincerest condolences to the Menon family.
Detective Matt Moraglia from the Scarsdale Police Department reported that generally things are quiet. There were some underage drinking and drug-use issues. The new undercover unit has made 13 arrests in the last 3 months. They are intercepting drugs coming into town. Detective Moraglia spent 4 days in the Middle School with the Health Department and students discussing prevention of drug and alcohol use. He also spent time with Matt Zysman and Lauren Pomerantz (High School Youth Outreach Workers) at the Peer Counseling meeting, where he introduced himself to the peer counselors. Detective Moraglia discussed the graffiti, which has been very evident recently. Suspects have been identified and the police have joined forces with Westchester County police to help with the case. The graffiti is in the High School and all around the village. There are cameras set up and a number of undercover officers are involved in the case, which has been elevated to the level of a felony. Detective Moraglia has asked people to please call the station if anybody sees anything relating to this.
The Youth Outreach Workers reported that the Gourmet Galaxy Dinner Fundraiser was a great success. The ABC trip in August has 7 students signed up and they are hoping for more students to register. 2 peer counselors attended the Task Force meeting.
Jessica Edelman, director of the Teen Center introduced Tashica Clarke, the assistant director of the Teen Center. The figures for students attending in April are up once again. There were over 470 students compared to 200 last April. The April fundraiser was very successful. This was a joint Scarsdale Edgemont event. Melpo Fite was welcomed to the board.
The website has comprehensive information on all the events. ScarsdaleTeenCenter.com
The Middle School Reps reported that a very supportive productive program was held on suicide. The Middle School had a good year with many great events.
The Parent Handbook is now on track after a delay. It will be worked on during the summer, updating information, when necessary and working out how best to distribute the Handbook. This project will be utilizing a great deal of the Task Force funds.
The Nominating Committee (Mary Lou D'silva, Julie Quigley, Anne Lyons, Emily Vallario), submitted
The Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Board for the year 2008/9
Tina Adler and Ann Sacher, Co-Presidents
Robin Gottlieb and Jill Serling, Co-Vice Presidents
Melissa Helman, secretary
Kathy Cutlip, Treasurer
Programs for next year will include;
Parent Coffees for 8th and 9th grade in the fall
Parent Coffees for 6th and 7th grade in the spring
Parent Coffees for 10th grade at the beginning of 2009
The completion of the Parent Handbook
The Spring Break letter
The monthly Factoids
The committee asked for suggestions from the Steering Committee for any new initiatives and wished all a safe and relaxing summer.
Respectfully submitted
Diane Levy
December 9, 2006
Dear Parents,
Last week's Scarsdale Inquirer ran an article by Scarsdale parent Janet Levy about HER experience spending spring break 2006 with her senior daughter in the Bahamas. In case you missed it, we have posted it on the Scarsdale Task Force website, www.ScarsdaleTaskForce.com on the Spring Break 2007 page. Take a few minutes to read what really happens on Spring Break - it's educational and frightening.
The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol
Julie Quigley, Melpo Fite, Co-Chairs
Tina Adler, Stacey Brodsky, Diane Levy, Ann Sacher
Link to Drug and Alcohol website:
Links to items on this page:
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting of September 19, 2006
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting of May 22, 2006
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting of March 21, 2006
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting of January 27, 2006
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting of November 17, 2005
Report from the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol (Meeting Sept 21)
John Klemme addressed the group. He thanked Detective Fatigate for his years of service to Scarsdale and welcomed Matthew Miraglia, the new Police liaison to the schools.
Mr. Klemme informed the Committee that the Standards for Extracurricular Participation continue to be applied. As recently as last week, the Fairness Committee had a hearing and disciplinary action was administered for violations to the District’s Code of Conduct. The institution of disciplinary action is a small step in altering the culture of drugs and drinking at the high school.
Mr. Klemme also shared an article by Abigail Baird, a leading authority in the field of adolescent brain development. She theorizes that teenagers think differently from adults because of very different brain structures that do not allow adolescents to anticipate the consequences of their actions.
The Prom Committee, represented by Rachel Freiman and Josh Milstein, presented a report. The prom is scheduled for Thursday, June 8th at Gotham Hall in New York City. Prom tickets currently are on sale for $140, although the price is expected to increase. The Committee asked the Task Force to help subsidize the cost of the buses that are needed to take kids to and from the prom. The Task Force agreed to contribute $1000.00 this year toward the cost of the buses but could not make a commitment to helping out in future years.
The treasurer reported that the Task Force has $11,236.00 in their account.
Nominating Committee
Nancy Michaels reported on the Nominating Committee:
The following slate was approved -
Co-chairs Melpo Fite and Julie Quigley
Co-vice Chairs Stacey Brodsky and Diane Levy
Secretary Ann Sacher
Treasurer Tina Adler
Upcoming Events
Six coffees are planned for Middle School parents over the next few weeks.
Diane Levy presented Detective Fatigate with a gift upon his retirement and shared some heartfelt words of gratitude.
Detective Fatigate introduced his successor, Matthew Miraglia. Detective Miraglia is looking forward to working with the Task Force and to being a liaison between the Police Department and the community. He asked that we call him directly if we have any concerns or problems, and he mentioned that there recently has been a rash of graffiti around town. The Youth Services Unit of the police department is dealing with these incidents.
Underage drinking continues. Detective Miraglia encourages parents to call the police if they hear about a large party. If you are going to be out of town, advise the Police Department, and they will send an officer to drive by as a deterrent. The police are expecting more activity with the warmer weather approaching.
The Task Force is planning a web site and hoping to have a student design it. The goal is to have it completed before the fall.
Julie Quigley reminded everyone about the Gourmet Galaxy on Wednesday May 3rd. This event supports the Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling Center.
Emily Vallario, the Middle School Youth Outreach worker, reported that the parent support groups have generated a lot of interest and are quite full. There also was good attendance at the information meeting for the summer trips program for Middle School students. She also reported that the subject of internet safety is being incorporated into the MS health curriculum. HS Peer Counselors are presenting skits on proper decision-making on internet safety at the elementary schools’ health fairs.
High School Counselors
Ernie Collabolletta, SHS psychologist, continues to be concerned about the kids who are using and abusing alcohol and drugs regularly but do not see a connection between getting high and getting into trouble. Dave Mendelowitz agreed that the Deans need to be pushed to pay more attention to kids who may need help. He runs two small groups but feels he could do more. He would like to form a group for ninth grade students identified by the MS and encourages parents to be supportive of the school staff working with the students.
A suggestion was made to try to educate the seniors about the increased independence they will face in college. Ann Cowen cited Senior Transition Day in early June when a panel of returning college freshmen speak to the seniors about what to expect in college.
Teen Center
The last point of discussion concerned the Teen Center. Under consideration is a plan to partner with the Edgemont School District, and some events, such as mixers, are planned to bring together students from the two high schools. It also is necessary for the Teen Center to develop additional sources of funding because its operating expenses are increasing.
The Task Force held its third meeting of the year on January 27, 2006. The Youth Outreach Workers reported that the 5th Grade Parent Support Groups have recently been established. The program has been a huge success with a total of 64 groups in grades 5-12. Parent group coffees will be held again this spring for 6th and 7th grade parents, with details to follow. There will be an information session on February 13th in Room 330 of the Harwood Building for the Summer Adventure Program. The program will sponsor day trips for 11-14 year olds during the week of August 7th.
The topic of internet safety was brought up by the Youth Outreach Workers. There has been considerable concern about the dangers of such "social networking" sites as myspace.com, xanga.com and facebook.com. These sites are increasingly being used not just by high school students, but by middle schoolers as well. An article in The Scarsdale Inquirer on safety tips and how to speak to your children about the risks of these sites has been submitted by the Youth Outreach Workers. In addition, the Middle School and High School PTAs will be sponsoring a joint PTA meeting focusing on the topic of Internet safety. The meeting will be held on March 15th at 7:30PM at the High School. Other Internet topics such as cyberbullying are already covered in the 7th and 8th grade health curriculum.
At the High School, the Peer Counseling Program has begun to interview candidates. This year there are 30 candidates from the sophomore class with a large increase in male participants to one-third. Next year a new program will begin to better connect sophomores with adults. Once a month, homeroom will be extended so that the classes can engage in group activities. The video "Dying High" has been incorporated into the 10th grade health curriculum. A Nurses Network of America video on alcohol poisoning as well as an Emergency Room Nurses power point presentation on the symptoms of and steps to take in the event of alcohol poisoning are being shown to some High School students.
The Teen Center Representative spoke about broadening its program and appeal by partnering with Edgemont, gaining some corporate sponsorship and inviting the 8th graders to the Center. At the request of the Teen Center, a Task Force executive committee member will begin attending Teen Center Board meetings. A suggestion was also made by the Teen Center representative that the Task Force address teen stress and anxiety, as they are conditions that can result in self-medication.
Susan Livingston spoke about SOS4Education, a non-profit organization that has been formed to help revive the Bay St. Louis/Waveland school district in Mississippi. The organization is hosting a fundraiser on May 9th. Many Scarsdale organizations have lent their support, including the Task Force, by lending their name, helping with publicity and notifying membership.
Julie Quigley, co-chair of the Task Force, read an excerpt from “Parents: The Anti Drug” on the dangers of marijuana use and how to talk to your kids about drug use. This article and others from the website www.theantidrug.com offer valuable information about teen drug and alcohol use.
There was further discussion about obtaining an alcohol poisoning card and potential guest speakers.
Finally, the Task Force wants to congratulate Detective Fatigate on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the Scarsdale community.
The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol, a community action group made up of representatives from the schools, Village, civic and religious organizations, held its first meeting of the school year on September 21st. Co-chairs Diane Levy and Julie Quigley began the meeting by reiterating the mission of the Task Force: to educate youth and adults about drugs and alcohol, help foster drug-free attitudes and habits, and recommend resources to those affected by drug and alcohol dependency.
Scarsdale High School peer counselors reported on the success of the new “buddy system”, where high school upper classmen orient incoming freshmen to school. Last spring, peer counselors visited Scarsdale Middle School to introduce the buddy program to eighth graders; they then matched the students according to interest with upper class high school students who met the incoming students and discussed how they were faring at the High School. Peer counselors also reported on the freshmen BBQ and freshmen orientation that took place during the first week of school to continue the effort of helping new students acclimate. Claire Besen-Rost, youth outreach counselor at the High School informed the group that the peer counseling program is offered to 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Counselors are trained in peer issues and listening skills and their roles include offering friendship and personal growth to peers, and involvement in community events, such as health fairs and parent coffees.
Co-chair Julie Quigley reviewed several programs that have been instituted by the Task Force including, (i) Safe Homes; (ii) the High School assembly last spring with Mark Sterner; and (iii) the parent coffees.
Co-chair Julie Quigley then read excerpts from the “2004 Monitoring the Future Survey”, a research project sponsored by the University of Michigan. Select information from that survey includes the following: between 8th and 10th grade, the number of teens using prescription drugs and inhalants doubles; teens are using stimulants today seeking to improve performance on college applications, school exams, and SAT’s; inhalants are among the most popular substances abused by children today, and in fact one time use can result in death; one in five 8th graders are reportedly using inhalants which are easily available to most children within their home; marijuana abuse is more common and available today, with the newest research establishing that marijuana is addictive, contrary to previous thinking; the earlier children begin marijuana use the more likely they are to become dependent on it; among individuals prone to depression and anxiety, marijuana can exacerbate and accelerate symptoms; children who use marijuana are more likely to be involved with delinquency problems, multiple sexual partners, friends exhibiting deviant behavior, and other drug use.
Athletic Director Michael Menna reported that on October 25 the Task Force will be co-sponsoring an evening panel discussion with the athletic department on “performance enhancing substances and the high school athlete”.
Emily Valerio, youth outreach worker in the Middle School, informed the group that Jay Genova, youth outreach worker at the High School, will be leaving his position this fall. He has accepted a position with Andrus Children’s Center where he will be coordinating a new program offering mental health services to the Eastchester school district. The High School is in the process of looking for a replacement for Jay.
Detective Richard Fatigate, youth outreach and community resource officer, reported that the beginning of the school year has been quiet regarding alcohol and drug-related activity among students. He discussed one significant arrest that took place over the summer of a young adult who was dealing marijuana in the community. The arrest was made possible by a parent who telephoned the police to report suspicious activity at a house where the dealing was ultimately discovered. Detective Fatigate reiterated the import of parents making such reports and assures the community that the identity of such callers will remain anonymous. Individuals with such information should call Scarsdale Police Headquarters and leave the information on Detective Fatigate’s voice mail (no caller I. D.!). Detective Fatigate also raised the issue of “spring break” vacations for seniors because students begin thinking about their plans now. He described the dangers involved when students travel out of the country where drinking ages may be lower or not enforced, and supervision is non-existent. The Task Force will be mailing a letter shortly to all parents of seniors which outlines various issues related to “spring break.”
Ray Coplin, new director of the Scarsdale Teen Center, discussed many new social events being planned for the Teen Center in the hopes of making it more attractive to a wider audience. Renovations at the Center took place during the summer and a successful open house occurred where over 100 guests attended. The Task Force intends to focus its efforts this year on drug use and abuse. In this light, we welcome suggestions from the community on speakers who could effectively address students and/parents on this important topic.
Janet Rivkin Zuckerman, High School Representative