History
The Stimulus
The Safe Community Coalition of the McLean and Langley High School pyramids was founded as a result of the federal government making funds available, through local school systems, to help localities prevent alcohol and drug abuse, as well as prevent violence, among youth. The Fairfax County Public School System arranged to distribute these federal funds through its Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Use Prevention (AOD) to the school pyramids (elementary, middle, and high school) representing each of the Fairfax County high schools.
In the spring of 1995 AOD sponsored a symposia for the school pyramids in St. Michael’s, Maryland. The symposia provided representatives from the pyramids with up-to-date information on drug and alcohol use and violence among young people, as well as information on prevention efforts and guidance in establishing community programs for school-aged youth. The attending representatives from the Langley and McLean pyramids decided to create a Safe Community Coalition that would serve both pyramids jointly. It became the only coalition among the 21 in Fairfax County that consists of more than one high school pyramid. It also was the only one to incorporate under Virginia law (December 1995), establish a board of officers, and obtain non-profit status under the Internal Revenue Code. This has given it the ability to receive contributions and undertake fundraising activities to supplement its annual federal funding of $21,000 ($10,500 for each pyramid).
The Beginnings (Spring-Summer 1995)
A steering committee selected at the St. Michael’s Symposium staffed a coalition booth at McLean Day, drafted a brochure, ran a "Name the Coalition" contest, and hosted a kick-off meeting in June at Spring Hill Elementary School that drew 120 people. At the kick-off, a former policeman provided information with a demonstration on how youth use substances to get high; afterwards, participants signed volunteer sheets from which the first working committees were formulated.
The First Year (1995-96 School Year)
In November 1995, the SCC established four goals and initiatives that have continued as the backbone of the Coalition’s efforts:
Early Intervention—getting into preschools and elementary schools and involving parents and children in education and identification of aberrant behavior before behavior is set.
Law Enforcement—encouraging enforcement of laws already on the books, and serving as a proactive force for policies and enforcement.
Parental Responsibility—reaching out to parents to increase parental responsibility and holding parents accountable for illegal/inappropriate behavior.
Coordination of Community Efforts—This goal was added as a way to achieve the foregoing goals.
The SCC organized around committees to implement the first three initiatives, and also formed committees for Youth Development; Newsletter; Middle School After-school Programs; Membership; Parent Networks; Single Parents; Publicity; and Programs. It also named liaisons to the Business Community, McLean Youth Incorporated, Private Schools, the Religious Community, and the Rotary Club. Two people were designated to "coordinate" the SCC’s activities with the Fairfax County Public School System’s Safe and Drug Free Youth Section (SDFY), the office that replaced AOD.
Also this first year the SCC established the beginning of the Insiders program--which was renamed "The Connection" in 1998--by arranging for a local talent agency to train over the summer student volunteers interested in assuming the role of a welcoming partner for new students when school resumed in September. This pool of students continues to constitute the SCC’s strongest link with youth in the community.
September publication of first newsletter with subsequent issues in February and May.
September presentation open to the community on how youth get high, by Clarence Jones of AOD Office.
October appearance on Channel 21, the FCPS cable channel, by SCC president and two founders of the Coalition to talk about the organization’s purpose and accomplishments.
January participation with other coalition's Youth Summit, a day of workshops and seminars for sixth-twelfth graders on character-building, responsibility, and coping with pressures that affect teenagers, at the Fairfax County Government Center with 200 participants from around the county.
Logo contest in order to choose a Coalition symbol.
Presentations about SCC to King’s Manor Neighborhood Assn, Longfellow Middle School’s Teen Leadership Conference, to Longfellow’s PTA Board to McLean Citizens’ Advisory Council, Cooper Middle School PTA Parent Network, Great Falls Friends.
Coalition encouragement and guidance at the pyramid level of parent network efforts in individual schools through monthly meetings for representatives of the parent networks in each school to come together.
Assistance to the schools in the pyramids in securing federal financial support for efforts in each school to incorporate character education into the school day.
February "Beach Week and Other Teen Trips" with Bethany/Dewey Beach law enforcement sponsored jointly by Langley and McLean High School Parent Networks.
February Insiders presenting workshop on communication skills for peer mediation students from Longfellow and Cooper Middle Schools.
Assessment by Early Intervention Committee of availability of student and parent support programs in preschools, day care facilities, elementary and middle schools with circulation of survey.
Securing in February of $34,000 federally sponsored "Promising Practices" grant based on proposals of 10 schools to institute projects dealing with the "six pillars of character: responsibility, trustworthiness, respect for others, caring, fairness, and citizenship.
March community meeting for SCC to report past activities and future plans.
Creation of SCC liaisons with community organizations.
Attendance by SCC president, high school counselor and two high school students at PRIDE World Drug Conference (PRIDE=the Parents’ Resource Instituted for Drug Elimination).
Start of Project Hospitality, designed to ensure that underage students are not served alcoholic beverages on prom night or allowed to consume alcohol in hotel rooms reserved for post-prom parties. This initiative dovetailed with Fairfax County’s Police Traffic Division’s year-long initiative called "Safe and Sober."
Safe Rides Initiative undertaken by SCC’s Law Enforcement Committee. The program would have provided rides on Friday nights for teens who, for any reason, feel they cannot rely on themselves of a friend for a safe ride home.
May attendance by 139 students and advisors at George Mason University’s Mediation Conference, designed to teach dispute resolution skills for resolving differences and managing anger without violence, with registration paid by federal grant money.
Allocation of federal money to cover the salaries of four high school students selected as tutor/mentors for the summer school session held at Franklin Sherman Elementary School.
1996-97 School Year
Informational presentations at Back-to-School Nights by SCC representatives.
Continuation of Insiders activities with outreach to new students at the start of school.
October presentation at the McLean Community Center by Dr. Thomas Lickona on Character Education.
November presentation at the McLean Community Center by Sen. George McGovern about his book on his daughter’s alcoholism.
February Teen Summit at which 134 adults and high school students broke into eight focus groups headed by members of the Insiders and considered two topics: character issues such as lack of honesty, trust and respect; and the occurrence of violence and sexual activity linked to substance/use and abuse.
Recommendations growing out of the Summit included continued teen-adult dialogues, continued character education in schools, school-wide ethics day events for younger students, and student leadership in developing honor codes. Year-long legislative initiative to pass legislation to set a minimum age of 18 for sellers of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption (HR2130).
February training by Insiders from McLean High School of eighth graders at Longfellow. Publication of the SCC newsletter. Three-part series of talks for parents of young children with speakers in February, March and April along with free child-care for young children. April Middle School Forum cosponsored with the McLean Kiwanis for seventh- and eighth-grade students. High school facilitators from McLean and Langley High School as well as Potomac and Georgetown Visitation led small groups in considering issues related to character, peer pressure, communication, and illegal substances.
Continuation by the public schools to develop grant-eligible projects to continue or enhance their efforts in the area of character education. April co-sponsorship with the McLean Rotary of its annual dinner and awards presentation to recognize outstanding youth and senior citizen volunteers in the community, with proceeds from the evening going to the SCC. Focus on the problem of inadequate supervised activity for middle school age children during the time between the end of the school day and the end of their parents’ work day. Survey of parents of sixth and seventh graders concerning middle school after school activities. Repeat of the Project Hospitality campaign with participation by four more high schools (for a total of nine) and more community hotels and broader publicity. Participation with a booth at McLean Day in May. Annual SCC Meeting in June.
1997-98 School Year
Payment with federal grant money of the salaries of three tutor/mentors during the summer school session held at Freedom Hill Elementary School. Informational presentations by SCC representatives at most of the Back-to-School Nights scheduled in September.
Promotion and publicizing of SDFY-sponsored speaker Stephen Glenn, co-author of Raising a Self-Reliant Child.
Publication in October and April of the SCC newsletter.
October participation in the Extended Family Solutions Conference sponsored by the Fairfax County Parent Teacher Association with a presentation featuring students, counselors, and teachers from three schools entitled "Character Education: the Core of Prevention."
November panel of guidance counselors from seven schools presenting "Parenting Tips for the Ages and Stages."
December co-sponsorship with the McLean Branch of the American Association of University Women of a presentation by Dr. David Sadker on gender equity. Subsequent provision of a copy of a taping of this program and a copy of Dr. Sadker’s book to each school in the coalition area.
Continuation of the effort to work with Virginia Delegate Jim Scott to support passage of legislation to set a minimum age for sellers of alcohol for off-premises use.
"Light Up Our Life" holiday program featuring luminaria in Lewinsville Park.
Establishment of the SCC Web page at www.crosslink.net/~scc with an effort to provide reliable posting of the subjects, times, and dates of all of the Parent Network presentations offered at schools in the coalition area.
Repeat of Middle School Forum in April with high school volunteers as discussion group leaders.
First Elementary School Forum scheduled for May 28 patterned after Middle School Forum.
Project Hospitality efforts coordinated with other coalitions and more hotels.
Nearly 200 registrants, students and advisors from every public school in this Coalition, participated in the George Mason University Mediation Conference, paid for by federal money earmarked for this project by the SCC.
Participation with an SCC booth at McLean Day in May.
Co-sponsorship with the McLean Community Center Speakers Series of a June presentation by Dr. David Anderson of George Washington University on family issues.
1998-99 School Year
Sponsored the annual Middle School Forum in April with high school volunteers as discussion group leaders.
Worked with the McLean Teen Center to try to establish an effective after-school program for middle school students.
Used the Annual Membership meeting in May to honor the outstanding accomplishments of student leaders from our pyramid schools, and had them describe their activities to the assembled members.
Worked with WestGroup to provide five surplused business computers to the McLean Teen Center at the Old Fire House.
Used federal grant money to pay tuition for 18 special needs students attending the Kent Gardens enrichment summer school.
Hosted a forum with community business owners and the Executive Director of the McLean Chamber of Commerce to discuss how teens can change their negative image in the business community. One suggestion for graffiti removal projects lead to the McLean Police Department offering supplies and logistics support. A group of McLean High School students later followed up and painted over graffiti in downtown McLean, with a local business providing lunch to the volunteers.
Motivated by the McLean graffiti removal project, Langley Student Connection and National Honor Society students purchased a solvent that removed graffiti and spent a day removing graffiti from outlying areas of McLean and from Langley High School. SCC used donated funds to reimburse the high school for the cost of the solvent.
Several high-school teens volunteered to form a Youth Fast Action Committee for the SCC. They redesigned the SCC tri-fold brochure, which was printed and distributed throughout the SCC pyramid schools.
Hosted an evening adult forum on "The Effect of TV Advertising on Kids" with point-counterpoint speakers from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Beer Institute, the pediatric medical community, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies.
Hosted Dr. John English (principal of Langley High School) and John Slifka (director of the Langley HS Guidance Department) to discuss the ways SCC can help meet the needs of area high schools and high school students.
Hosted Dr. Bernie Gross and Janice Szabos (principals of Longfellow Intermediate and Cooper Intermediate Schools, respectively) to discuss the ways SCC can help meet the needs of area intermediate schools and intermediate school students.
Provided SCC materials and speakers for pyramid back-to-school nights.
Hosted Teen Production's presentation of its "Guilt or Innocence", which resulted in this group of students from John Marshall High School providing this performance to students and parents at St. John's school.
Provided snacks for the students at their Student Connection planning meetings.
Secured a grant from the Fairfax Board of Supervisors that enabled students from Longfellow Middle School and from Cooper Middle School to provide after-school tutoring for students at Timber Lane and Forestville Elementary Schools. SCC also provided T-shirts for participating students.
Published and distributed three newsletters to members during the school year.
Supported student and community efforts to press for State Legislature passage of a bill that would raise the age to 18 for selling alcohol for off-premise use.
Worked with WestGroup corporation to provide surplus community equipment to the McLean Teen Center.
Contributed to the All Night Grad parties at Langley, McLean, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools.
Hosted the Teen Summit forum of 49 community adults and 38 teens in February to discuss underage alcohol abuse, respect for self and community, violence in our community and schools, and teen participation in the downtown McLean revitalization program.
1999-2000 School Year
Sponsored an evening lecture by Barbara Coloroso, a recognized parenting expert and author of Kids Are Worth It! Parenting with Wit and Wisdom. She also meet with Churchill Road counselors in the afternoon prior to her talk to parents and other interested members of the public in the evening. Ms. Coloroso's visit was sponsored jointly by the Churchill Elementary School Parent Network in collaboration with the Safe Community Coalition and the Safe and Drug Free Youth Section of the Fairfax County Public Schools.
Hosted about 60 staff and parent leaders from the schools in the Langley and McLean High School pyramid areas to a "thank-you" buffet supper and social reception at the McLean Community Center. The leftover food was donated to the D.C. Central Kitchen.
Continued support of the Middle School After-School Program (MSASP) funded by the Board of Supervisors for the second year. Cooper MS students tutored at Forestville ES and Longfellow MS students tutored at Timber Lane ES, as they did last year, on Tuesday afternoons; and the Teen Center hired someone to run a MSASP at the Teen Center on Tuesday afternoons. In addition, the National Honor Society of the high schools provided teens to tutor and do recreational activities at the Teen Center on Thursday afternoons. SCC contributed to provide an additional Teen Center bus to support the programs.
Sponsored regular meetings the third Wednesday of each month designated for discussions/workshops led by school counselors paid a stipend with SDFY funds as long as there is a prevention component. Provided SCC brochures and speakers to schools wanting them for back to school nights and student backpacks. Continued liaison and helped with training for the Student Connection groups at Langley HS and McLean HS. (At Student Connection training on Aug. 30, six teens trained 52 others.)
Published four newsletters this year.
Purchased a new PC and ink jet printer for the Teen Center and helped West Group move four used computers it donated to the Teen Center.
Helped support the Women's Club of McLean provide a new leadership training program, HS Community Leadership Workshop, modeled after a program of the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation (HOBY), for high school sophomores. The program included discussions of pregnancy, drug use, and violence problems, and had a community involvement component.
The SCC President was nominated for the Leadership Fairfax nonprofit group leadership award. Attended an SDFY-sponsored training retreat at George Mason University that highlighted successful coalition programs, including the SCC's own Youth Forums.
Hosted a discussion of School Extra Curricular Participation Honor Codes, given by school the two School Resource Officers (SROs) as well as administrators and coaches from McLean and Langley HS.
Contributed towards the All Night Graduation Parties at Langley HS, McLean HS, and Thomas Jefferson HSST.
Sponsored a panel discussion at Cooper MS by Langley HS students speaking to Cooper parents and 8th graders about HS freshman year social and academic expectations. Again sponsored the Middle School Forum and the Elementary School Forum. Meet with Waples Mill Elementary School representatives to discuss what the SCC did to help their coalition get more active.
Sponsored Project Hospitality for the fifth straight year. The purpose of this program, which has expanded from 12 Fairfax county schools five years ago to 30 high schools – all those in Fairfax county, plus now also those in Arlington county and the city of Alexandria – is to publicize and educate parents and students about the importance of a safe Prom night and after Prom party, and to have the teens take a "Prom Pledge" to conduct themselves accordingly to make the high school prom and graduation parties "safe as well as sober." As part of Project Hospitality, the police, restaurants, hotels, and a limo services in the area work with the schools and parents to help assure this.
Used the annual membership meeting to highlight and officially recognize what area teens and other SCC-sponsored groups have done this past year.
Sponsored staff from the McLean and Langley pyramids to attend the national Community of Caring conference in Utah.
Represented SCC at McLean Day with a booth.
Several SCC members attended a McLean Clergy luncheon speaker, Charles Haynes, who addressed the issue of how communities, religious groups, and schools can work together.
2000-2001 School Year
The Safe Community Coalition began the year with four goals:
- Present programs focused on youth skills with emphasis on upper elementary and middle school children;
- Present programs to develop parenting skills;
- Facilitate increased community collaboration; and
- Stem the trend of living on income from prior years.
The SCC succeeded in meeting all four objectives.
Youth Programs
Unless otherwise noted, youth programs were funded with federal Safe and Drug Free Youth grant monies. These programs included: A middle school forum in which about 30 McLean and Langley high school students facilitated discussions among about 100 Longfellow and Cooper middle school students on topics such as violence/bullying, stealing, destructive peer pressure, underage substance abuse, and negative cliques/stereotyping. An elementary school peer mediation workshop in which eight middle school students trained in peer mediation skills helped elementary guidance counselors train 73 elementary students from eight schools in peer mediations skills. Two after-school tutoring programs (Cooper/Forestville and Longfellow/Timber Lane) in which almost 50 middle school students worked one-on-one with an elementary school student one afternoon per week. (The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors funded these programs.) Middle School After-School Program, involving 25 students from Cooper and Longfellow at the Teen Center after school two days a week for recreation and community service activities. Continued support of McLean High School's McLeadership program, in which upper classmen are paired with freshmen to help ease their transition to their new school and to serve as positive role models. Student Connection, a program whereby current students welcome transfer students to their school. Development of a Character Education program at Haycock Elementary School to foster student responsibility, respect, caring, and other values. Programs to reduce prejudice, promote tolerance, and promote character education values at Longfellow. George Mason University Student Mediation Conference in which students throughout the county learned mediation and conflict avoidance skills. Safe Prom Night at McLean High School to provide students an alternative to after-prom parties where alcohol is served. All-night graduation parties at McLean, Langley, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools; the SCC helped to fund these parties. Production of teen crisis cards, which are wallet-size cards containing hotline and other numbers to help teens in times of need. Cards were distributed to local high and middle schools, child psychologists, and other mental health professionals. The SCC funded production and distribution of the cards.
Parenting Programs
Unless otherwise noted, the following parenting programs were funded with SCC funds: Pre-school parenting workshops, a three-session program for about 75 parents taught by area child development professionals on parenting skills for pre-schoolers. Co-sponsorship of a talk at Oakton High School by Barbara Coloroso, a noted child development authority. Preparation and distribution of a four-page summary of the tips provided at the pre-school parenting workshops and the Coloroso lecture. A speaker panel of local referees and coaches on adult behavior at youth athletic events and what parents can do when problems arise. Former Washington Redskin Rick Walker chaired the panel. A speaker panel of local professionals on how to curb children's access to pornography on the Internet. Five-session parenting course at Timber Lane elementary school supported by federal Safe and Drug Free Youth funds. Speaker at Franklin Sherman elementary school on helping parents to teach their children how to cope with stress, supported by federal Safe and Drug Free Youth funds.
Community Collaboration
The Safe Community Coalition funded several efforts to bring members of the community together to achieve a common goal. These included: Teen Summit, in which 22 students and 34 adult community leaders came together to discuss student stress and eating disorders, cheating and lack of respect, underage alcohol abuse and binge drinking, vandalism and violence, substance abuse and use of designer drugs, and school parking issues. Reception for 60 administrators and key faculty in local public and private schools to meet and network with one another. Project Hospitality, a countywide program to gain commitments from area hotels not to rent rooms to students on prom night. An awards reception to honor students and adults whose efforts were essential to successful implementation of the above programs. The SCC recognized in particular Evelyn Fox, Sherry Wells, Cathy Bierman, Alice Starr (West*Group), Bill Bersie (McLean Community Center), Lauren Mire, and Lauren Terrill.
Financial Balance
For the first time in several years, the SCC was able to fund all its programs on current year income. The total program cost was almost $4300 while income as of June 1 was $4600. In addition, Mike DeRose and Steve Levy of CommonHealth Chiropractic committed to continue their practice of donating a day's proceeds to the SCC. The commitment should yield approximately another $1000. The SCC raised funds through a mailing to all McLean Chamber of Commerce members. In addition, the SCC was able to save administrative costs by switching companies for liability and accident insurance, and by canceling phone service and having phone messages left at the McLean Community Center. Only 13% of SCC funds were used for non-program expenses.
2001-2002 School Year
The Safe Community Coalition began the year with three goals: 1) present programs focused on youth skills with emphasis on upper elementary and middle school children, 2) present programs to develop parenting skills, and 3) facilitate increased community collaboration. We also hoped to improve our financial status. The coalition succeeded in meeting all these objectives.
Youth Programs
Unless otherwise noted, youth programs were funded with federal Safe and Drug Free Youth grant monies. These programs included: A middle school forum in April in which 28 McLean and Langley High School students facilitated discussions among about 75 Longfellow and Cooper Middle School students on topics such as violence/bullying, cheating, underage substance abuse, and negative cliques/stereotyping. While the students were meeting, school counselors and teachers met and discussed three areas of concern: fashion/anorexia, inadequate citation of internet sources of information, and need for videos on character education. An elementary school peer mediation workshop in February in which 19 middle school and 19 high school students trained in peer mediation skills helped elementary guidance counselors train 75 elementary students from seven public schools and two private school in peer mediation skills. Two after-school tutoring programs (Cooper/Forestville and Longfellow/Timber Lane) in which 43 middle school students worked one-on-one with an elementary school student one afternoon per week. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors funded these programs. One after-school tutoring program in which 14 McLean High School students worked with Longfellow Middle School students one afternoon per week. Middle School After School program, involving about 15-25 students from Cooper and Longfellow at the Old Firehouse Teen Center after school three days a week for recreation and community service activities. Support of McLean High School’s McLeadership program, in which upper classmen are paired with freshmen to help ease their transition to their new school and to serve as positive role models. A leadership and character education program for Langley High School freshmen. Student Connection, a program whereby current high school students welcome transfer students into their school. All-night grad parties at McLean, Langley, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools. George Mason University Student Mediation Conference in April in which students throughout the county learned mediation and conflict avoidance skills. Distribution of teen crisis cards (wallet-size cards containing hotline and other numbers to help teens in times of need) to local high and middle schools. The Safe Community Coalition funded production and distribution of the cards.
Parenting Programs
Unless otherwise noted, parenting programs were funded with Safe Community Coalition funds: A talk in January by Dr. George Bailey, Medical Director of the INOVA Kellar Center, a behavioral health care facility, to 35-40 parents, school guidance counselors, and teachers. Dr. Bailey described normal and abnormal behaviors in childhood and adolescence and recommended when parents should seek professional help. A talk in March by Dr. Ted Feinberg, Assistant Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists, to 60-70 parents on the problem of bullying. A panel of local elementary, middle, and high school guidance counselors helped respond to questions. Six-session parenting workshop taught by guidance counselors from Longfellow and Churchill Road schools. This course was also supported by Safe and Drug Free Youth funds. Support of a six-session computer training course for 20 parents at Timber Lane Elementary School.
Community Collaboration
The Safe Community Coalition sponsored several efforts to bring members of the community together to achieve a common goal. These included: Community dialogue regarding the student parking problem at McLean High School. In December over 35 residents of the neighboring community and civic leaders met to identify options for reducing the number of cars parked on neighboring streets. The group identified and prioritized options for reducing the number of cars being driven, increasing the number of spaces available on school property, and parking in potential off-campus sites. McLean High School Principal Dr. Donald Weinheimer is pursuing several of the options discussed at the meeting. Initiative in cooperation with Fairfax County Police and the McLean Citizens Association to support strong enforcement against parents and establishments found to facilitate teen drinking. A press conference held in March drew coverage by two television stations, two radio stations, and four newspapers. Reception in October for over 50 administrators and key faculty in local public and private schools to meet and network with one another. Project Hospitality, a countywide program to gain commitments from area hotels not to rent rooms to students on prom night. Limousine services and hotels supported the initiative. An awards reception to honor 80 students, 27 school faculty and staff, 22 local businesspersons, and five other adults whose efforts were essential to successful implementation of the above programs. Special recognition was given to Evelyn Fox for her management of many of the student programs described above. A booth at McLean Day in May to disseminate information about the Coalition’s programs.
Financial Balance
An October solicitation of local businesspersons netted over $5,000—more than double the amount from the previous year. In addition, parents donated about $2000. The $7000 in income was more than twice as much as expenses, which were about $3000. For the first time in five years, the Coalition was able to increase substantially its carryover balance, which now stands at about $14,000.
2002-2003 School Year
The Safe Community Coalition has a three-part mission: 1) present programs focused on youth skills with emphasis on upper elementary and middle school children, 2) present programs to develop parenting skills, and 3) facilitate increased community collaboration. This report lists the activities we conducted to meet those objectives.
Youth Programs
A middle school forum on March 27 in which 25 McLean and Langley High School students facilitated discussions among about 80 Longfellow and Cooper Middle School students on bullying/intimidation, cheating/plagiarism, underage substance abuse, shoplifting, eating disorders/body image/dress code, and sexual harassment. While the students were meeting, school counselors and teachers met and expressed concern that attention is so focused on standardized tests that we are losing sight of the whole child. An elementary school peer mediation workshop on February 3 in which about 40 middle and high school students trained in peer mediation skills helped elementary guidance counselors train 100 elementary students from McLean public schools in peer mediation skills. Presentation on teen fashion and eating disorders at McLean and Langley High Schools in March by Kathy Camisa-Goetz, president of a local modeling agency; the message was that conservative clothes and a healthy life style (exercise and nutritious food) characterize her agency’s models. Three after-school tutoring programs (Cooper/Forestville, Cooper/Great Falls and Longfellow/Timber Lane) in which about 60 middle school students worked one-on-one with an elementary school student one afternoon per week. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors funded these programs. One after-school tutoring program in which 15 McLean High School students worked with Longfellow Middle School students one afternoon per week. Middle School After-School Program, involving about 15-25 students from Cooper and Longfellow at the Old Firehouse Teen Center after school five days a week for recreation and community service activities. Support of McLean High School’s McLeadership program and Langley High School’s Freshmen Transition Team, in which upper classmen are paired with freshmen to help ease their transition to their new school and to serve as positive role models. Co-sponsorship with the Langley High School PTSA of a two-day appearance at the school by a recovered drug addict, Scot Anthony Robinson, known as the Vision Warrior. Students considered his powerful presentation to the entire student body and his follow-up with individual students as a highly effective method of conveying the anti-alcohol/drug abuse message. Student Connection, a program whereby current high school students welcome transfer students into their school. All-night grad parties at McLean and Langley High Schools. Sponsorship of the banner "Don’t Get Smashed" next to a wrecked car outside McLean High School for two weeks prior to their prom. Completion of a business plan for four middle school character education videos (one each on responsibility, respect, trustworthiness and caring); SCC will seek funding to produce the videos next year. Survey of McLean and Langley High School implementation of the pledge athletes make not to drink or take drugs; results indicate that consistency in enforcement may be an issue. Notes from elementary school students placed in tuxedo jacket pockets and corsage boxes urging prom-goers to have an alcohol-free night. Distribution of teen crisis cards (wallet-size cards containing hotline and other numbers to help teens in times of need) to local high and middle schools.
Parenting Programs
A panel discussion on April 30 on teen fashion and eating disorders. The panel, moderated by Dr. Bill Licamele, included Dr. Adrian Brown of the Georgetown University Eating Disorder Clinic, Washington Post reporter Laura Sessions Stepp, modeling agency president Kathy Camisa-Goetz, and University of Virginia student Erin Mackay. A three session pre-school parenting series, with childcare provided by the McLean Community Center staff. On March 18 Jack Petrash spoke on "Coast to Coast: Providing Guidance and Care During the Long Journey of childhood." On April 3 Gail Dezube spoke on "Finding Balance between Academic Performance and Healthy Development." On May 20 Wendy Jones spoke on "The Perils of Praise." A six-session parenting workshop taught by two guidance counselors from Longfellow Middle School and the county’s peer mediation coordinator. Sponsorship of a pilot course for 5th-8th grade parents at Chesterbrook Elementary School on "Guiding Good Choices." The three-session course was so popular that it was extended for a fourth session. Support of a series of six-session computer training courses for 20 parents at Timber Lane Elementary School.
Community Collaboration
Reception in October for all McLean and Langley public school principals, the Potomac School principal, key faculty and staff, and PTA presidents to meet and network with one another. The buffet dinner was donated by Café Oggi. An entry in the McLean Community Center’s Scarecrow contest. The SCC scarecrow, a takeoff on Mr. Clean, held a place of honor in the Community Center lobby for the entire month of October. Teen Summit: On February 8, 45 adults and 45 students met for three hours to discuss eating disorders, managing stress, alcohol use, drug abuse, safe social alternatives, and enforcement of school policies. Follow-up meetings were held to prioritize the recommendations in each category. Initiative in cooperation with Fairfax County Police, McLean’s two middle and high schools and their PTAs, and the McLean Citizens Association to urge parents not to leave their teens home alone, since most alcohol consumption occurs in homes without parental supervision. A press conference held in April drew coverage by the local NBC affiliate, the Washington Post, and the Sun Gazette. Project Hospitality, a countywide program to gain commitments from area hotels not to rent rooms to students on prom night. Limousine services and hotels supported the initiative. An awards reception to honor 100 students and 50 adults whose efforts were essential to successful implementation of the above programs. A booth at McLean Day in May to disseminate information about the Coalition’s programs. The SCC board passed two resolutions during the year. The first supported the inclusion of questions for sophomores and seniors regarding sexual activity in the student behavior survey, which was to be administered by Fairfax County Public Schools in April, 2003. The survey was aborted due to contract difficulties. The second supported initiation of a random drug testing program for all middle and high school students, and the inclusion of a test that would detect alcohol consumption as well as drugs. Three newsletters reporting on SCC activities and containing parenting tips. Articles and other information also appeared on the SCC website.
Financial Balance
Generous donations from Vance Zavela and Jean Schiro-Zavela, West*Group, Michael DeRose and Steve Levy of CommonHealth Chiropractic, and Doug Megill of the McLean Insurance Agency, as well as many smaller donations, enabled the coalition to spend $3,000 to help fund the programs cited above. The coalition also transferred $16,000 in Federal Safe and Drug Free Youth funds to the schools for the youth programs. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors also provided $19,000 for the middle school after-school programs. The Coalition’s carryover balance stands at about $14,000.
2003-2004 School Year
The Safe Community Coalition has a three-part mission: 1) present programs focused on youth skills with emphasis on upper elementary and middle school children, 2) present programs to develop parenting skills, and 3) facilitate increased community collaboration. This report lists the activities we conducted to meet those objectives.
Financial Balance
Wellness Week – the week of November 10 at Langley High School; the week featured programs on nutrition, fitness, stress reduction, eating disorders, impact of tobacco and drugs on the body, and related topics. A middle school forum on March 25 in which 16 McLean and Langley High School students facilitated discussions among about 80 Longfellow and Cooper Middle School students on alcohol and drugs, peer relationships, self-esteem, stress, family communication, respect, and bullying. While the students were meeting, school counselors and teachers met and expressed concern about instant messaging, cheating, and lack of good role models for students. An elementary school peer mediation workshop on February 3 in which about 40 middle and high school students trained in peer mediation skills helped elementary guidance counselors train 100 elementary students from McLean public schools in peer mediation skills. Three after-school tutoring programs (Cooper/Forestville, Cooper/Great Falls and Longfellow/Timber Lane) in which about 50 middle school students worked one-on-one with an elementary school student one afternoon per week. In addition, 20 upper elementary students at Great Falls Elementary tutored students in lower grades at that school. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors funded these programs. Middle School After-School program, involving about 30 students from Cooper and Longfellow at the Old Firehouse Teen Center after school five days a week for recreation and community service activities. An Elementary Ethics program on November 17 involving 4th graders from Kent Gardens Elementary and Potomac School to discuss bullying. Support of McLean High School’s McLeadership program, in which upper classmen are paired with freshmen to help ease their transition to their new school and to serve as positive role models. Co-sponsorship with the McLean High School PTSA of a presentation by a recovered drug addict, Scot Anthony Robinson, known as the Vision Warrior. After his talk, he met in small groups and one-on-one with students, and stayed in email contact with several of them after he returned to New York. Student Connection, a program whereby current high school students welcome transfer students into their school. All-night grad parties at McLean and Langley High Schools Advocacy of consistent application of the pledge taken by student participants in after-school activities not to drink or take drugs. Distribution of teen crisis cards (wallet-size cards containing hotline and other numbers to help teens in times of need) to local high and middle schools. Launching of a mentoring program between Langley High School and Cooper Middle School students.
A panel discussion on December 2 on risky sexual behaviors. The panel, moderated by Dr. Bill Licamele, included Carol Dopp of Potomac School, Detective Wayne Promisal of Fairfax County Police, and Langley High students Lexy Gutierrez and Liz Morgan. A talk on March 10 by Joan Almon of the Alliance for Childhood on disciplining the pre-school child. A panel discussion on March 22 on the impact of alcohol and tobacco advertising on teens. The panel, moderated by Ed Rothschild, included Meg Gallogly, a Research Associate with the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids; Amy Gotwals, Manager of Grassrooots Advocacy for the Center for Science in the Public Interest; and Emily Newman, a senior at Langley High School. A talk on April 27 by Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes, on bullying and development of good moral character. A presentation on May 27 on internet safety by Iris Beckwith, Director of Abuse Prevention Programs for Children for Childhelp USA-Virginia. A six-session workshop for 45 parents taught by two guidance counselors from Longfellow Middle School. Support of a series of six-session computer training courses for 20 parents at Timber Lane Elementary School. Reception in October for public and private school principals, key faculty and staff, and PTA presidents to meet and network with one another. The buffet dinner was donated by Café Oggi. Teen Summit. On February 7, 40 adults and 40 students met for four hours to discuss drinking, drugs, and dating; managing stress; suicide, depression, and self-mutilation; weight, self-image and eating disorders; parent-student communication; and morality. Follow-up meetings were held to prioritize the recommendations in each category. Initiative in cooperation with Fairfax County Police, McLean’s two middle and high schools and their PTAs, and the McLean Citizens Association to urge neighbors to call the police if they see teens acting suspiciously. A press conference on April 19 was one of a series intended to curb underage drinking. Project Hospitality, a northern Virginia regional program to enlist the support of area hotels, restaurants, and limousine services to ensure an alcohol and drug-free prom night. See article in the Winter/Spring 2004 newsletter for more details. An awards reception to honor 90 students and 40 adults whose efforts were essential to successful implementation of the above programs. A booth at McLean Day in May to disseminate information about the Coalition’s programs. Three newsletters reporting on SCC activities and containing parenting tips. Articles and other information also appear on the SCC website. In December 2003, Dranesville District Supervisor Stu Mendelsohn sent a letter to area business and private leaders urging financial support of SCC. In June 2004 Principals Bill Clendaniel of Langley High School and Don Weinheimer of McLean High School sent letters to their parents with the same message.
First Service Bank makes a donation to SCC each time a client opens an account and designates SCC as the non-profit they wish to recognize. SCC raised over $7300, plus an additional $2300 in program fees, during the year. These funds enabled the coalition to spend $5,000 to support the programs cited above. The coalition also committed over $11,000 in Federal Safe and Drug Free Youth funds to the schools for the youth programs. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors also provided $16,000 for the middle school after school programs. The Coalition’s carryover balance stands at about $18,000.
2004-2005 School Year
The Safe Community Coalition has a three-part mission: 1) present programs focused on youth skills with emphasis on upper elementary and middle school children, 2) present programs to develop parenting skills, and 3) facilitate increased community collaboration. SCC offers programs for youth, parents, and members of the community in collaboration with other community sectors concerned about the safety of our youth: schools, PTAs, churches, businessmen, police, the medical community, and civic organizations. This report lists the activities we conducted to meet those objectives. On October 1, 2004 SCC received a $72,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to operate its programs. The new federal grant enabled SCC to expand significantly its programming for the year.
Youth Programs
A Middle School Forum on March 17 in which 16 McLean and Langley High School students facilitated discussions among about 60 Longfellow and Cooper Middle School students on alcohol and drugs, peer relationships, self-esteem, stress, family communication, respect, and bullying. While the students were meeting, school counselors and teachers met and expressed concern about instant messaging, cheating, and parenting issues.
An elementary school peer mediation workshop on January 24 in which about 40 middle and high school students trained in peer mediation skills helped elementary guidance counselors train 100 elementary students from McLean public schools in peer mediation skills.
Three after-school tutoring programs (Cooper/Forestville, Cooper/Great Falls and Longfellow/Timber Lane) in which about 50 middle school students worked one-on-one with an elementary school student one afternoon per week. In addition, 20 upper elementary students at Great Falls Elementary tutored students in lower grades at that school. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors funded these programs.
Initiation of a weekly after-school tutoring program between McLean High School students and 2nd graders at Timber Lane Elementary School.
Middle School After-School program, involving about 50 students from Cooper and Longfellow at the Old Firehouse Teen Center after school five days a week for recreation and community service activities.
SCC assisted Longfellow Middle School to establish an after-school program at the school for three days per week for 15 students. SCC paired Longfellow with the McLean Community Center staff who operated the program.
An Elementary Ethics program on March 4 for all 250 6th graders attending Kent Gardens, Franklin Sherman, and Timber Lane schools. Students discussed cheating, bullying, and shoplifting.
Support of McLean High School’s McLeadership program, in which 50 upper classmen are paired with freshmen to help ease their transition to their new school and to serve as positive role models.
Major funding of Langley High School’s Senior Ethics Day for 500 seniors. The all-day program, held at Gannett’s headquarters in Tysons Corner, focused on small group discussions of a variety of ethical issues. Over 60 community leaders facilitated these discussions.
Support of Homework Haven, a weekly after-school tutoring program at Cooper Middle School using students from Langley High School.
Presentation at both Langley and McLean High Schools by a recovered drug addict, Scot Anthony Robinson, known as the Vision Warrior. After his talk at Langley, he met in small groups and one-on-one with students, and stayed in email contact with several of them after he returned to New York. At McLean, he attended government classes and met with students who heard him the year before to reinforce his message of leading a responsible life and helping peers do the same.
Student Connection, a program whereby current high school students welcome transfer students into their school.
All-night grad parties at McLean and Langley High Schools.
Advocacy of consistent application of the pledge taken by student participants in after-school activities not to drink or take drugs.
Distribution of teen crisis cards (wallet-size cards containing hotline and other numbers to help teens in times of need) to local high and middle schools.
Parenting Programs
A presentation on April 12 for parents and children by Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes. Ms. Wiseman discussed bullying, peer pressure, and the importance of establishing one’s own identity.
Guidance staff from Longfellow and Cooper Middle Schools spoke to 100 parents on April 27 on the social and emotional changes occurring in children as they begin middle school.
A six-session workshop for 45 parents taught by two guidance counselors from Longfellow Middle School.
Three six-week parenting sessions for elementary parents—at Colvin Run, Forestville, and Chesterbrook Elementary Schools.
Support of a series of six-session computer training courses for 20 parents at Timber Lane Elementary School.
Community Collaboration
Teen Summit. On February 6, 40 adults and 25 students met for four hours to discuss safe social alternatives and dating; alcohol, drugs, and peer pressure; bullying, harassment, and typecasting; parent-student communication; and suicide, depression, and self-mutilation. Follow-up meetings were held to prioritize the recommendations in each category. The recommendations factored into SCC’s programs for 2005-2006.
Project Hospitality, a northern Virginia regional program to enlist the support of area hotels and restaurants to ensure an alcohol- and drug-free prom night.
An awards reception to honor 120 students and 60 adults whose efforts were essential to successful implementation of the above programs.
A booth at McLean Day in May to disseminate information about the Coalition’s programs.
Three newsletters reporting on SCC activities and containing parenting tips. The newsletter and other information also appeared on the SCC website.
Forty-five teachers from Potomac private school and Chesterbrook, Kent Gardens, and Haycock public schools received training in Responsive Classroom, a program designed to make the school day more efficient and to incorporate character education throughout the curriculum. The course was taught by a Fairfax County Public School trainer and was held at Potomac School—a true public/private partnership.
Financial Balance
In addition to the SAMSHA grant of $72,000, SCC also received $15,000 from Fairfax County Public Schools’ Safe and Drug Free Youth Office. During the year 111 people became members or renewed their membership in SCC. These members donated more than $5300, bringing the total funds available to more than $92,000. By the end of June, SCC had spent $36,064 of the SAMHSA grant funds, $8,919 of the SDFY grant funds, and $754 of its own funds, for a total of $45,737. (The SAMHSA grant fiscal year ends on September 30, by which time SCC expects to use all of the $72,000 that had been allocated.) In addition, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors provided $18,000 for the middle school after-school programs. The Coalition’s carryover balance stands at about $24,000.
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