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Tobacco Free School based FAQs
Is the HealthSmart curriculum and training available to all public and private schools in Suffolk County?
Yes, training is available to any public or private school in Suffolk County. There are no charges for curriculum or training. Each teacher receives an individual curriculum for their classroom.
Are there classroom presentations available that specifically address the harmful effects of tobacco use?
Today’s Smoke is a forty minute classroom presentation available to grades 5-12. The program addresses the harmful effects of tobacco use, the tobacco industry’s deceptive advertising techniques and provides cessation referrals for secondary school students.
Tobacco Cessation
What are pre-cessation and alternative to suspension programs, and who should attend these programs?
Pre-cessation and alternative to suspension programs provide an alternative to suspension, detention or other punitive actions when students are caught using tobacco on school property. Training and materials are available at no charge to all school districts. Health Education staff will provide one-on-one training to school personnel who are interested in conducting pre-cessation programs.
Are cessation programs available, and should a student caught using tobacco on school grounds be made to attend a cessation program?
Cessation programs are for students who voluntarily want to stop using tobacco products. Students not ready to quit or who have been caught using tobacco need to be referred to a pre-cessation program. Materials and training for cessation programs are available for all secondary schools at no charge.
Policy
What types of support materials are available to educate students, school personnel and the community regarding the fact that there is no tobacco use on school grounds at anytime?
Tobacco-Free School signs are available to all schools, and it is encouraged that they be posted at every entrance. Small business-size cards are available that state the tobacco-free policy and provide referral for tobacco cessation programs. Cards may be distributed to visitors and parents during school events. There is no charge for signs or referral cards.
Youth Empowerment
What types of youth empowerment programs are available to school districts?
Secondary schools participate in two youth empowerment conferences each year. The conferences typically address several of the high risk behaviors identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High risk behaviors addressed are: Poor Nutrition and Physical Inactivity, Tobacco use, Alcohol and other Drug use, Intentional and Unintentional Injuries, HIV/STI and Unintentional Pregnancies.
Teens as Teachers is a peer leadership program that trains high school students to educate younger students about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Students and a faculty member each spend a full day being trained. They are then encouraged to schedule meetings to finalize their teaching plans, and to schedule their presentations to younger students.
Students also participate in an educational theater program called "Butt Out". Scripts and a background CD are available to schools who are interested in using this program. "Butt-Out" features comedy sketches and musical numbers that encourage people to lead a smoke-free life.
The Office of Health Education is also the coordinator for SADD events in Suffolk County. Two newsletters are distributed during the school year to all secondary schools. Schools are encouraged to submit articles that address SADD or health events they conduct at their school.
For additional information about the school based initiative you can call (631) 853-3136 or click: http://www.esboces.org/SAS/shei.cfm. |
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