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Prevention and Intervention Substance Abuse Programs in the Ten Sleep, Wyoming, School

Steve Sohm, M.S. Ed., NCSP
School Psychologist and Drug Free School Coordinator
Ten Sleep School
Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Abstract This paper examines the programs operating in the Ten Sleep School in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, to prevent the use of alcohol and other drugs. The school's health fairs and their contents are described. Also examined are the individual classroom programs at the elementary school, the positive affirmation wall program, seventh and eighth grade sociology/personal development class, after-school parent programs, and the Community Resource Room. Programs that network with other communities, especially the Youth Alternatives program in Worland, Wyoming, are described. The networked programs allow prevention and intervention for Ten Sleep School students and parents. This paper provides information for school districts, communities, and individuals to develop prevention and intervention programs addressing alcohol and other drug issues. The information is also provided so that readers can vary the content material to meet their specific program development needs.

Ten Sleep School is located in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, in Washakie County, Wyoming. The population of Ten Sleep is about 300 people, and the school has about 160 students, K-12, all housed in one building. Students live in town and on rural ranches, with the farthest students being transported by bus to school about 40 miles one way. The closest city with services is Worland, Wyoming, approximately 26 miles away.

The Ten Sleep Division, which includes the town and surrounding area, has an overall area of 1,137 square miles. Based on 1990 census data, the Ten Sleep Division has a total of 695 people, indicating a population density of 1.6 people per square mile. The unemployment rate is at 5.4 percent, and per-capita income is around $8,000.

The students in Ten Sleep experience some of the same problems related to drug and alcohol use as other students across the United States. The district surveyed samples of parents, students, and staff using questionnaires developed and researched by Pride, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. The results from the last Ten Sleep School drug and alcohol survey are listed in table 1. Data from table 1 indicate close agreement on "perception of use" between students, parents, and faculty. Overall results from table 1 reveal that the main substance currently being abused is alcohol.

Table 2 indicates the perceived availability of drugs to Ten Sleep School students. Data reveal that a wide range of drugs are available to the students. This indicates a need to address the full spectrum of substance abuse in the preventive programs presented at the school. Even though the town is small, a wide variety of drugs are available.

Additional data were gathered from the American Drug and Alcohol Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado. Overall results from this survey indicate that about 15 percent of 6th to 10th graders are at moderate or high risk to use alcohol and drugs. Survey results also indicate that the majority of district students use drugs and alcohol away from school. This should be a concern for the entire community and has guided the content of many of the programs and of the health fairs. Additionally, data reveal that the use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is a concern, with more than 30 percent of the students above grade 6 having used cigarettes and smokeless tobacco at some time

Also, more than 6 percent of 6th graders and above use these products on a daily basis.

The remaining sections of the paper will examine the various programs at Ten Sleep School. Programs have been classified as prevention and intervention. Though the programs are varied in content and presentation format, the overall goal is to continue to reduce alcohol and other drug use. The school will continue its efforts to state a "No Use" message.

Methods

Prevention Programs

Ten Sleep School Health Fairs

The major prevention program is the school health fair. There are about four or five health fairs conducted throughout the year. Each health fair has between one-half to one full day devoted to various presentations. The health fair is open to all students, grades K-12, and to community members. Each health fair has a main theme, and the subject matter is broken down into two presentations. Presentations are given to grades K-6, and to grades 7-12. The subject matter is varied, but the overall theme is a "No Use" message to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The development of healthy lifestyles and methods to protect and take care of oneself and others are promoted.

The Drinking and Driving/Alcohol Awareness program centered on presenting the dangers of drinking and driving. This was accomplished by presenting morning sessions featuring a rollover simulator/seat belt safety van. This presentation was provided by a networked effort between Ten Sleep School and the Wyoming Department of Transportation. A mannequin was used to show what happens when a person does not wear a seat belt in a truck rollover. Next, the main speaker from the Wyoming Highway Patrol spoke to student groups, grades K-6 in one session and grades 7-12 in another session. In addition to the presentations, grades 7-12 viewed the video, "The Aftermath," which showed the tragic effects of drinking and driving on a former Olympic diver who was convicted of killing teenagers in a drinking and driving accident.

A mock car crash scene was set up outside the school, which featured a car driven by a legally drunk driver that crashed into a phone pole. Three people were in the car. Working together to create this scene were the Washakie County Sheriff's Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Ten Sleep Fire and Paramedic Departments. The scene displayed an actual car crash for grades K-6 but without the victims. The students had a chance to discuss the scene in individual classroom discussions. Grades 7-12 viewed the crash with victims. The scene, with victims, came alive with the moaning and screams that would be present in an actual crash. All emergency personnel responded as if it were an actual crash. Afterwards, the students were allowed to ask questions of emergency personnel.

The CPR/first aid certification program is conducted every November or December. It is offered to students in grades 7-12, and taught by local paramedics. Students receive training during the course of their regular school day. At the end of the day, all requirements for certification are completed and the students are tested. The average certification success rate is approximately 91 percent. Due to Ten Sleep's rural setting, the school is very proud to be able to certify students to provide initial intervention in emergencies, until the volunteer fire/paramedic departments can arrive.

A drug awareness program featured a previous drug user as the main speaker. This speaker was obtained through a networked effort between the Washakie County Probation Department and Ten Sleep School. This person was required to complete community service work through the Probation Department. Groups were broken down into grades K-6 and 7-12. It was a very real life presentation, which left the entire school audience aware of the consequences of substance abuse. Consequences presented were the physical changes due to addiction and also the legal aspects relating to loss of basic freedoms. After the presentation, the speaker visited individual classrooms to speak with students.

On a more humorous note, the school had a professional rodeo clown speak on substance abuse, and the need to stay in school, graduate, and pursue a college education. This program was a great success and was networked with the local student rodeo club. Students enjoyed the presentation, and in the evening a community presentation attracted close to 30 participants. The program was successful because the clown related very well to the audience and the culture associated with the Ten Sleep area.

A health fair on smoking/tobacco awareness included respiratory nurses from Washakie Memorial Hospital talking to grades K-6 and grades 7-12. The emphasis was on prevention and the effects of smoking and using smokeless tobacco. Pamphlets and displays were presented to the students. Students were allowed, after the presentation, to see the displays first-hand and ask the nurses questions. Individual classroom discussions were held by classroom teachers. Grades 7-12 had the chance to view the video, "Death in the West," which highlighted health problems of men who had previously been in Marlboro cigarette commercials.

Several other activities have been conducted that augment information presented at the health fairs. In May of each year, the entire school, including staff, develops a chain of life. The chain of life consists of the names of everyone in the school, placed on 2 in. by 8 in. pieces of paper. The papers are made into one continuous chain, which is then displayed in the cafeteria. A banner is made and hung next to the chain saying, "Don't Break Our Chain of Life." This project attempts to address drinking and driving by presenting the idea that we are all one group and don't want to lose a life from a drinking and driving accident. In addition to making the chain, elementary students write letters and make greeting cards for high school students. These cards carry a strong anti-drinking and driving message. Elementary students then hand-deliver their cards and letters to high school students a few days before graduation and the end of the school year.

Positive Affirmation Wall

This is an ongoing program throughout the entire school. The program consists of posters, messages, and positive statements that are placed in hallways around the school building. These messages are designed to provide a continuous message to all students and faculty to remain positive, think of the consequences of their behavior, and find alternatives to the use of alcohol and other drugs. Visitors, both adults and students, are also exposed to these positive messages when they enter school to attend meetings and sporting events, etc.

Community Resource Room

The purpose of the community resource room is to allow students, parents, and community members access to information on alcohol and drug use topics. Also available is information on parenting, guidelines for teenage parties, developing positive self-concepts in children, fostering appropriate study habits in children, topics on abuse, and other topics helping people to confront issues they may have an interest in or are experiencing in their life. Placement of these materials in the public library nearby allows access by all community members. The materials are reviewed, replenished, and updated on a regular basis.

Sociology/Personal Development Class

This class was developed to meet the needs of seventh and eighth grade students. Its purpose was to present a curriculum to students that would allow them to develop a greater understanding of social issues. The main part of the class is based on the video series, "Power of Choice." The series has 12 parts and consists of topics including values, self-esteem, coping with pressures, and drugs and alcohol. Students watch the videos, answer questions, and participate in class discussions. Students also participate in a variety of other activities like skits, role playing, and creative writing assignments.

Classroom Programs

An integral part of prevention programs is the individual classroom presentations that are taught by the school psychologist/Drug Free School coordinator. Individual teachers contact the psychologist to present units of interest throughout the school year. Units presented include responsibility, making friends, cooperation, doing the right thing, and more. Emphasis this school year has been placed upon the development of study skills and organization in the elementary grades. All students in school, grades K-12, were provided with academic planners for this school year. This has allowed the students to organize their work to a greater degree, and to keep them focused on the academic tasks they need to complete. The school psychologist presents study skill improvement lessons to individual classes at teachers' requests. Also presented at teachers' requests are individual lessons on drug and alcohol education. Video series used in classroom presentations include the elementary "Power of Choice" series, and the "Your Choice . . . Our Chance" series.

After-School Parent Programs

Two after-school parent programs that have been presented help parents to discuss drug and alcohol issues with their children and also allow parents to develop techniques to improve parenting skills. The first program helps parents talk with their children about drugs and alcohol. It is adapted from the video series that is shown to upper elementary grade students, "Your Choice . . . Our Chance." Parents are shown the same videos that the children view and then develop strategies to work with their children. The other series is from Boys Town, and is titled, "Video for Parents Series." It consists of 12 videos and helps parents develop skills on a wide range of topics, from school to personal life.

Intervention Program

Minor in Possession Program (MIP)

The major intervention program is the Minor in Possession (MIP) Program. If a student is charged with possession of an illegal drug or alcohol outside the Worland city limits or in Ten Sleep, but inside Washakie County, the youth appears before the Justice of the Peace Court. If charged within Worland city limits, the youth appears in Municipal Court. The youth then must take a 10-session MIP program, each session about 1 hour in length.

The emphasis of the MIP program is on the dangers of substance abuse, building healthy communication with others, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, getting a grip on pressures from peers and parents, practicing refusal skills, responding to current research on alcohol and its effects, and building a positive perspective of oneself. A parent or guardian must accompany the youth to the sessions.

Before a youth starts the program, both the parent/guardian and the youth undergo an intake session. Both parties must complete intake forms that investigate when a youth took his or her first drink, what responsibilities the youth has at home, communication between parents and their children, and other questions to investigate the current situation. The MIP program is operated under the Youth Alternative Program, and is taught by the Youth Officer.

Networked Agencies

The following agencies are networked in cooperation with programs that are presented to Ten Sleep students or are available to Ten Sleep students. These agencies have a direct role in the school health fairs that are presented during the year: Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Washakie County Probation Department, Washakie County Sheriff's Department, Washakie Memorial Hospital, Ten Sleep Fire and Paramedic Department, and the Three Rivers Student Rodeo Club. Their respective roles in the health fairs were previously discussed.

Human Resource Council

Monthly meetings during the school year are held by the Human Resource Council. The Council consists of the following agencies and personnel: Washakie Memorial Hospital Care Coordinator, Washakie Memorial Hospital Home Health, University of Wyoming Extension Office, County Library, Department of Agriculture, Youth Alternatives, Best Beginnings, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Minister of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Worland Schools Drug Free School Coordinator, Counselor at Worland High School, Washakie County Sheriff, Washakie County Community Health Coordinator, the Worland Senior Citizen's Center, and Ten Sleep School.

The Council meets to discuss problems that members have and to announce upcoming group programs. Problems are discussed in an open forum, and recommendations are developed by participants. Representatives of individual agencies involved in solving problems have the opportunity to meet after the meeting and to discuss their particular situations further. The Council has also developed a video library list that a member can use to locate and borrow a video. The list consists of all the videos that each member has in organization.

Youth Alternatives

The Youth Alternatives program is operated in Worland, Wyoming and is available to all youth and parents who reside in Washakie County. Services for youth include monitoring and meeting individually with youth who are participating in any of the youth alternative programs. The program is operated by a youth officer and an assistant youth officer.1 In addition to monitoring the programs, the officers also meet with appropriate school personnel, restructure study modes for grade deficient youth, and keep informed of negative youth activity through contact with the local Law Enforcement Center.

Finally, the Youth Alternatives Program operates two additional programs. These are the New StartùPrevention Alternative Program and the Diversion Program. Both of these programs try to help youth who are experiencing behavior problems and academic failure. The goals are to provide alternatives to improve behavior and academics.

The New Start Program is especially designed for elementary and middle school youth who have been placed on probation for a period of 6 months. These youth have been placed on probation from either the Municipal Court or Justice of the Peace Court. The youth must attend 14 sessions. In addition, parents are required to attend the 1st, 7th, and 14th sessions with their child. Parents can also voluntarily attend parent support sessions, and they receive a certificate of attendance when they have accumulated a total of 10 hours' attendance. A mixture of videos and discussions is used during each 1-hour session.

The Diversion Program was developed as a need to supervise youth and grew from sessions that parents and high risk and/or adjudicated youth attended. A parent was concerned that she might have to file a CHINS (child in need of supervision) petition on her children. Out of this concern the Diversion Program was developed. This program allows individual children to meet separately with the youth officer or assistant one to two times per week. The parent of the child or children checks in two to three times per week to discuss positive and negative behaviors. The current consequences are also examined, and changes are made if needed.

Many of the youth who are potential participants for the program have experienced academic failure. Where families have failed to give appropriate or adequate support and youth have dropped out of school, the program offers GED study materials and then sets up times for testing. Some of the parents are also requesting GED study materials so that they, too, can pass the GED exam.

Finally, intake forms are completed by both the parent and the youth. These forms provide guidelines on family needs and provide information on the direction and duration of the program. The needs and duration are discussed at the first session. Upon completion of the program, outcome forms are written by the parent and youth. These provide a basis to examine the positive changes that have occurred.

Problems Encountered and Solutions

The main problem encountered in working with students, parents, and community members is their unwillingness to attend drug and alcohol programs offered at the school and other programs offered in Worland, Wyoming. Because this is a very small community, individuals do not want other people to know that they have problems. Just attending a program often leads others to assume that the person has a certain problem.

Another factor may be entering into people's decisions to not attend programs. In Wyoming, people hold their independence in very high regard. Even though problems are present, and a majority of people know who has these problems, being independent and not seeking help is the chosen action. People feel that they can solve their problems on their own and that they do not need any outside assistance. This appears to be the main reason that people tend to avoid going to the programs offered.

A final problem is cultural factors leading to alcohol and tobacco use. The image of the "cowboy" still prevails. Alcohol consumption and chewing tobacco are a way of life in this area. This leads to two distinct problems. First, alcohol consumption is not viewed as inappropriate by numerous adults and students. Cattle drives and branding time tend to naturally lead to alcohol consumption. The second problem is the enabling displayed by students and adults. If a student becomes intoxicated or has a drinking problem, other students and adults will tend to dismiss the situation or problem as being minor. Other students also try to cover for the student who is drinking so that the student does not get into trouble.

Results are difficult to produce. Programs are available, but until cultural norms and behavioral expectations change in adults and students, alcohol consumption will continue to be a major problem in the area. It is important that all members in the community work together to reduce alcohol use in the community.

Conclusions

Overall, alcohol use is the major concern in the Ten Sleep area. Other drugs are available, but the predominant drug of choice continues to be alcohol. This may be due to numerous cultural factors that encourage the use of alcohol.

Prevention efforts have centered around the school health fairs. A variety of material is presented at each fair, and is available to grades K-12, and also to parents. Individual programs are presented at different grade levels, depending on each teacher's class needs. Ten Sleep School also networks with a number of different agencies to provide prevention and intervention programs.

It is very difficult to reach students and parents in the community, due to cultural beliefs surrounding the use of alcohol. Successful prevention techniques and help for students, parents, and families experiencing substance abuse will have to center on a total community effort. An attempt will be made to develop a community coalition involving churches, the Ten Sleep School, special groups, and individuals. The purpose of the coalition will be to address critical issues and find solutions for these problems. If a large majority of community members can be involved, there is a favorable chance that progress can be made to reduce substance abuse in the area, especially alcohol.

Last Updated 11-7-02