The young teens place for info on alcohol and resisting peer pressure: www.thecoolspot.gov <http://www.thecoolspot.gov/> .
Vernon SODA (Students Okay without Drugs and Alcohol) includes all students in grades 6 -8 who are willing to pledge to a drug-free lifestyle.
Each grade level has its own captains, voted into service by their peers. The captains are responsible for bringing activity ideas to the sponsors, to set-up and help at events, selling concessions, and various other duties. They are the role models in which the other students turn to for their cues on behavior and life lessons.
The goal of the group at Vernon is to teach students how to gather together for fun, safe, drug-free activities. Education and prevention play an important role in the group. Speakers and assemblies are also a tool SODA uses to educate and promote safe choices.
Group activities include many of the following: football tailgaters, bowling, roller-skating, open gyms, YMCA nights, movies, sledding, ice skating, hockey games, Playstation events, trips to Adventureland during Substance Free Weekends, dances, and much more.
Students also help with the Red Ribbon activities, and other community service activities. They have marched as a group in the Swamp Fox Parade and won Best School entry three different years, and the Grand Marshals' Award two separate years. They help with activities in the elementary and intermediate buildings as well as their own. Serving others and good role modeling is a BIG part of safe communities.
This year all meetings will be held before school at 7:45 in the gym.
Students MUST have a signed contract turned in previous to attending an activity. Part of year outgoing 2000 survey showed us that students felt that was the best way to become a member. Students may still join at ANY time during the year - but will do so by attending a meeting, and/or picking up a contract BEFORE participating in any activity.
We will try student sign-up for most activities in lieu of permission slips. (Slips will still be used for large events that require busses.) Students will sign up outside the main office for an upcoming activity or captains will come around to study halls prior to an event to sign students up. There will always be an informational flyer with date, time, event details; cost, etc. and students should TAKE HOME THIS INFORMATIONAL FLYER! Please ask to see these flyers so you will be informed on all details of the event. All event sign-ups have a cut-off date and time. Students should check the message center outside the guidance office and listen to announcements.
Mrs.
Thomason is always looking for adult help at activities. Please feel
free to call her if you would like to help.
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