What Is It?
In the 2018-2019 school year, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office and the Davie County School System partnered together to implement an improved Drug awareness and resistance program in our schools called, Empower DC. This new program has been a transition from our previous program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) that previously was for fifth graders and now begins in the sixth grade. A team of educators and law enforcement officers have researched and developed updated materials that include national concerns about vaping, Juuls, opioid use and the latest information about marajuana abuse and alcohol. What Do Students Learn? Empower DC is based upon Project Alert, a research-based substance abuse prevention program, and it consists of twelve lessons that are being taught in PE classes,DC Proud, and the middle schools’ character education program. The lessons taught span over an 8 week period to allow for questions and discussion throughout. Each Middle School Resource Officer (SRO) presents the lessons about drugs and the dangers of drugs. In smaller groups, middle school teachers lead Empower DC lessons that focus on pressure and resistance skills. Empower DC lessons incorporate developmentally appropriate videos with real-life situations that prompt discussion, brainstorming, and role-playing. Lessons also include a follow-up ‘homework’ aspect to promote conversation between students and parents/guardians or other trusted adults. Why Is It Important? Empower DC gives SROs the opportunity to build positive, mentoring relationships with students within the schools they serve. By establishing an open relationship between students and SRO’s, it allows students to feel more comfortable to come to law enforcement for guidance and advice. While maintaining a relationship with law enforcement it also empowers students to have open communication with parents, trusted adults and teachers about serious issues. Empower DC provides students with the knowledge, education, skills and confidence to deal with real life situations. |
High School Course?
Lead SRO, Lieutenant Jeff Jones, has served at Davie County High School for 9 years. Each year, he teaches drug awareness and prevention lessons to all freshman, approximately 400 students, through Health/PE classes. His current lesson topics include the dangers and consequences of vaping/Juuls, marijuana (including synthetic, DAB pens, and wax), prescription drugs, heroin, fentanyl, and meth, but he continually revises his information and lessons to stay up-to-date and relevant. Lieutenant Jones incorporates a video with testimonials from young adults who were addicted and charged with drugs as a youth. He also presents a scenario about being at a party where drugs and alcohol are present. Students engage in discussion about whether it is okay to attend even if they are not participating. Lieutenant Jones says, “I emphasize that surrounding yourself with the right group of friends is one of the most important decisions you will make. You are who you hang around with. If you are making new friends and they are making bad decisions and using drugs, it will be very hard not to follow in their footsteps.” Furthermore, Lieutenant Jones realizes the importance of teaching and talking with all students during their freshman year in high school. “I have found that this makes me more approachable for the kids to come up and talk to me when there is something wrong.” Ultimately, connecting with students and building positive relationships enables him to ensure school safety better. http://davie.k12.nc.us/district/news/school-matters-friday-february-1-2019/ 
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FAQ's
What is an E cigarette?
E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.
What do E cigarettes look like?
E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.
What do E cigarettes look like?
How many high school students use E cigarettes?
In 2018, 1 in 5 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past month.
What are the health risks for using E Cigarettes?
Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.
How do I talk to my child about E Cigarettes?
sg_parent_tip_sheet.pdf
In 2018, 1 in 5 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past month.
What are the health risks for using E Cigarettes?
Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.
How do I talk to my child about E Cigarettes?
sg_parent_tip_sheet.pdf
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