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Directions! school-based programs reach more than 5,000 kids during 2009-10 school year
July 29, 2010
Staff members and volunteers with the school-based programs of Directions! are looking back on another rewarding year in which they served more than 5,000 students in schools throughout Southeastern Indiana.
Directions! provides presentations to second grade students, fourth and fifth grade students, middle schools students from grades six through eight, and high school students on topics geared for each age group. Programs are offered in schools in Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. Those programs are: The Kids on the Block (second graders); Think Smart, Stay Safe! (fourth and fifth graders); Get Real About Tobacco (fifth and sixth graders); Sexual Assault Awareness Program (upper-grade middle school students), and Dating Violence Awareness Program (high school students).
Volunteers and staff members offered the Kids on the Block to 1,460 kids in 22 schools during the 2009-2010 school year. The program instructs children in how to recognize child abuse and what measures to take to prevent or to get help to stop such abuse. Volunteers trained in the use of the puppets present the skits. CMHC staff members with training in the dynamics of child abuse and neglect clarify information and answer questions children may have.
Thirteen hundred and thirty-three fourth and fifth grade students in 20 schools participated in Think Smart, Stay Safe! during the last school year. The main emphasis of the program is on building self-confidence, assertiveness and decision-making skills so children will be able to keep themselves as safe as possible in a variety of situations. The program curriculum also includes information on safe use of the Internet and bullying, including tips on what children should do if they are bullied.
Get Real About Tobacco was presented to 1,076 fifth and sixth grade school students in 13 schools during the last school year. During the program, students learn to become aware of the subtle and not-so-subtle messages about tobacco use from advertising, TV and video, and family and peers. Students are taught skills for “just saying no!,” as well as ways to promote messages against the use of tobacco. Throughout the program, students engage in experiential techniques, assertiveness training through the use of role-playing, and lively group discussions.
Directions! provided the Sexual Assault Awareness Program to 915 upper-grade middle school students in 11 schools during the 2009-2010 school year. During the program, a Directions! staff member visits individual classrooms to discuss general facts surrounding the issues of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Students learn about different rape drugs currently being used, potentially dangerous situations, and prevention methods. Common reactions to sexual victimization are discussed, as well as what to do if a student or someone the student knows is assaulted. Students also learn that no matter what, an assault is never the fault of the victim. The program encourages good communication, assertive behavior, and respect in relationships.
The Dating Violence Awareness Program is for high school students. The program was presented to 612 students in four schools during the last school year. During the program, students learn about and discuss the dynamics of dating violence, warning signs of a potentially violent relationship, and ways to get help if they are experiencing dating violence. The program also teaches students communication skills, assertive behavior and how to recognize a healthy relationship. As teens increase their awareness of these issues, they can begin to recognize and avoid unhealthy and potentially dangerous relationships and situations. Oftentimes, teens have trouble recognizing the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, or they minimize the severity of the violence. When teens do realize they are in an abusive relationship, they may not know how to effectively and safely end the relationship. Directions! provides this crucial information, as well as a crisis hotline number to all students participating in the program.
Comments from teachers, students and parents about the Directions! school-based programs are overwhelmingly positive. Students have a chance to learn and reinforce the lessons and skills taught in these programs, particularly if they are able to participate in each of the programs during their school career.
For more information on Directions! school-based programs, please contact Cathy Dwyer, Adolescent Program Manager, at (812) 537-7381, or Jascia Robinson, Elementary Program Manager, at (812) 537-7381. Directions! annually offers training for individuals interested in volunteering to help present school programs.
All services of Community Mental Health Center, Inc. are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry or disability.
