Fifth grade students, like these in Margaret DiMartino’s Stratford School class, participated in Project Pride, an age-appropriate drug and alcohol awareness program led by Detective Rich Pedone. Although Congress recently approved budget cuts aimed at cutting federal funding for school drug prevention programs, including those available to Long Island school districts, the Garden City school district continues to include drug and alcohol prevention awareness as a vital component of its educational program. Garden City receives very little federal aid for our schools, however. “We consider substance abuse prevention activities to be very important,” commented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen. “We work to promote healthy lifestyles in each school and appreciate efforts to preserve funding for special programs designed to address the challenges faced by our students and community.”

A sampling of recent awareness programs offered in the school district includes:

At the high school - Last month, Assistant District Attorney Teresa Corrigan presented a comprehensive summary of addiction and drug/alcohol-related crime in Nassau County to juniors and seniors. Ms. Corrigan focused much of her attention on the marked increases in heroin use, addiction, and overdoses by high school students and young adults. For example, in 2004, deaths related to heroin in Nassau County totaled 24. In 2008, the death rate had nearly doubled to 46. The A.D.A.’s message to students was very clear - drug and alcohol use can and does have deadly results.

From the high school health class perspective, topics are covered through interactive and hands-on lessons. For example, recovering addicts from the Phoenix House, a rehabilitation house in Suffolk County, speak to the students in the health classes about how drugs have affected their lives and their families.

At the middle school - “We have health education in every grade,” commented Principal Dr. Peter Osroff, “which is above the State requirement. Every year in health classes we focus on the factors of a healthy lifestyle, and empower kids to make healthy choices and resist bad influences. Additionally, pro-health (tobacco, alcohol and drugs) messages are incorporated into our daily Home Base program. We also have guest speakers, programs and videos throughout the year.”

At the elementary level - The elementary schools celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a National Family Partnership activity that is completed after an in-class group presentation by social worker Michele Degati. As a symbol of their pledge to “Say No to Drugs,” fourth and fifth grade students plant tulip bulbs in the fall around each elementary building. The following spring, when the bright red tulips bloom, students are reminded of their pledge to make healthy choices in their lives.

Fifth grade students at Stewart and Stratford also participate in the Project Pride program facilitated by the Village of Garden City Police Department. Detective Rich Pedone, conducts a four-part Project Pride workshop designed to raise student awareness of drug and alcohol abuse. Detective Pedone discusses the dangers of drugs, including prescription drugs found in home medicine cabinets, and alcohol. He emphasizes the pitfalls of peer pressure and advised at a recent Stratford School workshop, “You may be in the company of kids who want you to try drugs or alcohol. You have to learn to make good decisions for yourself and your family.”

Students participating in Project Pride are assessed on their comprehension of the areas covered during the workshops with a true-and-false test. The fifth graders also receive packets of drug and alcohol prevention information and, as a reminder of their pledge to stay drug and alcohol free, receive Project Pride pencils, rulers, and bumper stickers.

“The students in my class found the Project Pride workshops conducted by Detective Pedone to be enjoyable, valuable learning experiences,” commented teacher Margaret DiMartino. “He created a comfortable, respectful environment that encouraged the students to ask thoughtful questions. The class remained attentive and engaged throughout his informative and thought-provoking presentations. He provided information in a meaningful way to help students make informed, wise decisions when confronted with drugs and alcohol in the future.”

Two Stratford students voiced their approval at the workshop’s conclusion: “During Project Pride, Detective Rich taught us about peer pressure and how to just say no to people who give us drugs. We learned how important it is not to smoke, drink, or do drugs.” (Jessie.) “Detective Rich was an amazing teacher about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Now that I know what is in them, I hope I will never do drugs.” (Kaitlyn.)

The school district would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Teresa Corrigan and Detective Pedone and the Village of Garden City Police Department for sponsoring Project Pride, as well as social workers Michele Degati, Noreen Bonagura, and Lori Kuster for program coordination.

Additionally, on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Garden City High School Auditorium, Dr. Stephen Dewey, a neuroscientist at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at North Shore L.I.J., will be presenting, “Our Kids - Our Community - Our Concerns; How Can We Help Our Children Make Healthy Choices?” Parents and students (grades 6 - 12) are welcomed to attend this presentation sponsored by the Garden City Community Coalition in partnership with Garden City UFSD, Carle Place UFSD and PTSA, Mineola UFSD, Lynbrook UFSD, and the Rockville Centre Drug-Alcohol Task Force, PTA and RVC Youth Council. This informative program will explain how alcohol and drug use affects the developing adolescent brain and the adult brain; provide an overview of a range of drugs, beginning with the most addictive, from caffeine to heroin; illustrate brain changes with MRI slides, and empower parents with the knowledge and confidence to guide their children through their adolescent years.