S
UMMER WENT BY IN A FLASH. Now we are faced with new challenges: Getting back into a routine that hasn't been there for many months will be a challenge. Most students I have talked to are excited to return to in-school learning and some are still opting for remote learning. No matter which choice makes sense to you, our students have been experiencing mental stress and possibly making poor choices in substance use.
by Carol Jackson, Executive Director
a great alternative to tobacco. It’s extremely addictive and it Vaping is is illegal under the age of 21. This is a vulnerable time for our children. Our job is to ensure that their educational, personal and mental development continues to increase and prepares them to become tomorrow's leaders. Read on to see how you can help. The most important thing you can do to make an impact is simply to pay attention to new behaviors in your youth. Problems with substance use starts in middle school. Yes, you heard that right: middle school. Signs include too many bathroom trips, a dry cough, keeping secrets, objects that looks like a charger for a computer (which are actually a charger for a vape pen), shortness of breath, headaches, increased thirst, emotional problems and that's just to name a few. Young people can actually purchase clothing made to facilitate vaping surreptitiously, like a hoodie with ties that are actually a delivery system for the vapor. SEOC tries to teach parents and teachers to pay attention and provide alternatives to keep our young people active. Some of the prevention strategies SEOC offers are a Join Our Youth group (run by students) in the school, to help troubled students get support from their peers. Other programs include Financial Literacy, Health, Wellness & Nutrition and Life Skills, to help young people learn prevention strategies. We don’t preach, we educate and have fun while doing it. We have sponsored the following activities for many years prior to Covid: Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Domestic Violence Awareness, Safe Night, PRIDE Month, Coats for Kids, SEOC Youth Group, and holiday events. If you have a student in your life, give us a call at the coalition for more information. These young people are our future leaders, we need to give them all the opportunities we have in our tool box. n Submitted by Carol Jackson, Executive Director 586-747-1394 carol.jackson@ferndaleschools.org Hiram Harris, Youth Programs Director 248-979-2212 hiram_harris@yahoo.com
The SouthEast Oakland Coalition (SEOC) has been in Ferndale public schools for many years. We are a 501c3 charity with a mission “To bring together all segments of the community to reduce substance abuse, especially among youth and promote a mentally, emotionally and physically safe and healthy environment in which to live and work." SEOC is responsible for Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Twp and a sliver of Oak Park. Underage and binge drinking, marijuana, use of E cigarettes and vaping has increased nationally among youth during the Covid-19 pandemic.
SOUTHEAsT OAKLAND COALITION
Welcomes Parents & Teachers Back 140
2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION
