Schools: Programs offer safety net Continued from Page 9 dents, teaching them about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs. It also addresses peer pressure, bullying and computer safety. “It is a well-rounded program,” said Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown about the program. “C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors will offer fifth-graders interesting ways to deal with the growing number of problems and topics facing them each day.” It is developed by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and replaces DARE. “We want to present it as a positive impression on fifth-graders in a way that they can relate to and take going into the sixth grade,” said RCSO Deputy Lisa Thompson during a program last year. Both Newton and Rockdale public school systems also recently installed tobacco free signs that were provided through a grant with the East Metro Health District. In exchange, the school system agreed to revise its tobacco policy, if necessary, to prohibit tobacco prod-
ucts of all kinds on school property, in school-owned vehicles and at any schoolsponsored activities or functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other special programs and safety nets in area schools include local chapters of Students Against Destruct Decisions, or SADD, peer mediators and the implementation of mental health services, often provided through volunteers, interns or special grants. Area schools also recognize the national program Red Ribbon Week in October to raise awareness about drug prevention efforts, often bringing in special visitors and holding contests and special events for students. Some schools also provide special programs at the elementary and middle school level to teach students not to bully each other and to tell an adult if another student bullies them. Any Newton County group interested in having Cripps and Beau visit their students can contact him at jcripps@cityofporterdale.com.
Juvenile: Court aids at-risk youths Continued from Page 10 and under who commit a moving traffic violation, are delinquent, ungovernable; and/or abused, neglected or otherwise deprived. The Juvenile Court works with other agencies and community groups, such as Court-Appointed Special Advocates, and Schneider specifically mentioned significant help from RCSO. “The Sheriff’s (Office) showed us that they’re interested in helping with the kids, as well,” Schneider said. The court also provides several programs, such as a community service program and teen court. However, the court is dealing with the effects of reduced funding. Schneider specifically pointed to
reduced funding to the Evening Reporting Center. ERC is a sort of alternative to juvenile detention where youths would go after school for homework help, counseling and other structured youth activities. County funds have provided the location and necessary utilities, according to Schneider, but there’s a shortage of funding needed to hire staff, so the center is currently closed. “When we had our Evening Reporting Center opened for folks who were at-risk, it completely turned those kids around,” Schneider said, pointing to higher school grades as an example. For more about Rockdale County Juvenile Court, call 770-278-7777.
Building Diamonds and Dreams. Enter your local diamond for a chance to receive a big league makeover. along the way, you could score a new Chevy. STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Go to chevybaseball.com and enter your ZIP code to qualify your community playing field... as we begin to rebuild local ballparks nationwide.
Choose a Chevy vehicle you’d like to win. Your entry also gives you a chance to win your choice of a select Chevy car, truck, or crossover.
Get involved, and stay involved. Improve your community’s chances by encouraging others to participate, and coming back to enter every day.
No Purchase Necessary. Ends 7/16/10. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC, 18+. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received for the applicable drawing. For rules, visit chevybaseball.com. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com. ©2002-2010 The Scotts Company LLC, Worldwide Rights Reserved. ® or ™ indicates a trademark of The Scotts Company LLC or its affiliates. The Chevrolet Emblem is a registered trademark and Chevy is a trademark of General Motors. ©2010 General Motors. Buckle up, America!
Only a strong bank can remain part of the community for over 60 years. While other banks come and go, we’ve maintained a sound fiscal policy providing our customers hometown service, comprehensive financing and innovative banking solutions. For mortgages, checking or savings, count on us to be here today and tomorrow. After all, we’re not a big bank, just a better one.
chevybaseball.com CHEVROLET
JOHN MILES CHEVROLET
770-483-8766 or 1-800-644-1229 950 DOGWOOD DRIVE • CONYERS, GA www.johnmileschevrolet.com or www.johnmileschevy.com
Serving you from 3 convenient locations 3175 Highway 278 NE Covington
•
8258 Highway 278 NE Covington
•
By Pass Rd & Hwy. 36 Covington
770-786-7088 • newtonfederal.com
MAY 16, 2010 • CRISIS • THE CITIZEN • PAGE 11