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Safe and Drug-Free Schools

The Olathe Public Schools have initiated a number of programs to promote safe and drug-free schools for children of all ages. The programs include school-focused policies and curriculum, student and parent-focused initiatives, and participation in community programs.

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools Office and each school have brochures available to learn more about how to talk to children about drug and alcohol prevention.

Anyone with questions about the Safe and Drug-Free Schools initiatives should contact Safe and Drug-Free Schools Facilitator Heather Schoonover at hschoonovernlsc@olatheschools.org or (913) 780-7002.

NOTICE: Please be aware that some links on this Web page will take you outside the Olathe Public Schools website. We do not necessarily endorse these third-party sites and are not responsible for their accuracy or current content.

Parenting Tips

Because it is important for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other similar hazards, the district has provided some tip sheets for parents.

Communities That Care Survey

In the 2006-07 school year, the district administered its first Kansas "Communities that Care" student survey as part of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools strategy. The Kauffman Youth Survey was used in prior years. The Kansas Communities that Care survey was provided by funding from Addiction and Prevention Services, a division of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). About 70 percent of Kansas school districts use the survey, which provides data to support prevention planning across the state.

The survey was taken voluntarily by students in sixth, eighth, 10th and 12th grades during the 2006-07 year. The survey measured risk and protective factors that predict alcohol and other drug use, delinquency, gang involvement, and other problems. It also measured the prevalence and frequency of drug use and antisocial behaviors.

Data from the survey was shared with school administrators, staff, and parents to help guide Safe and Drug-Free Schools strategies.

Community-Based Programs

Olathe invests resources for many after-school programs to keep students involved with positive activities at their school and in their community.

The effort expands beyond the schools with community-focused programs such as YouthFriends mentoring (visit http://www.youthfriends.org/), mental health liaison teams, Olathe Youth Congress, community planning, gang prevention task force, STOP Underage Drinking Coalition, and the Human Relations Committee. Diversity training is also part of our efforts.

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools Office and each school have brochures available to learn more about how to talk to children about drug and alcohol prevention.

Anyone with questions about the Safe and Drug-Free Schools initiatives should contact Safe and Drug-Free Schools Facilitator Heather Schoonover at hschoonovernlsc@olatheschools.org or (913) 780-7002.

The following websites provide valuable information about anti-drinking, anti-smoking, and anti-drug campaigns.

Community Resources

Despite a parent's efforts to keep children drug free, one day they may suspect or know that a child is using drugs. If this occurs, it's best to take action immediately because the longer a parent waits, the harder it will be to deal with the child's drug use.

Two websites with resources are the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign at www.theantidrug.com and the Johnson County Court Services' juvenile treatment providers list at http://courts.jocogov.org/cs_jctp.aspx.

Policies and Curriculum

School-focused initiatives include the Drug-Free Schools policy and a Safe Schools policy.

Project Alert is an 11-week substance abuse prevention course for sixth-graders, with supplemental lessons in seventh-grade health class. Sophomores also receive prevention lessons in their health curriculum as well.

The Student Code of Conduct provides guidelines for students to follow.

The Olathe district works hand-in-hand with the Olathe Police Department's School Resource Officers to provide on-site security in each school, education in the classroom and routine canine searches.

Schools participate in Red Ribbon Week and Project Graduation, as well as assemblies throughout the year to promote a healthy environment and lifestyle.

Bullying policies are in place, with guidance counselors teaching lessons on how to deal with a bully, the victim and bystander.

Second Step is a curriculum resource for character education.

Olathe has several after-school programs and all-day kindergarten sites, which serve as a protective factor so students are not home alone, but are engaged in positive learning or activity programs.

All schools participate in the annual Communities That Care Survey to assess our needs.

Student, Parent-Focused Initiatives

Students and parents may participate in the H.E.L.P. Clinic for counseling sessions or anger-management classes.

Olathe is committed to providing alternative education through Hope, SOAR, Choices, and Prairie Learning Center.

District policy provides funding for drug evaluation for any student in activities or athletics who has been involved with alcohol or drugs. Many schools and alternative programs have on-site support groups for those dealing with substance abuse or for students whose families are dealing with drugs and alcohol.

Hispanic families have benefited from Parent Education Preparation Program (P.E.P.P.), which integrates families to our schools. Parents are involved in our parent-teacher organizations, site councils, parenting sessions such as Families and Schools Together, Parent Leadership Team, District Site Council, and Parents as Teachers.