In the spring, 2007, the Council on Alchohol and Drug
Abuse presented "Project
Alert", a twelve-week substance abuse prevention
program, in Health and P.E. middle school classes. The relationship
between Lusher and the Council on Alchohol and Drug Abuse dates from
2002, and their work includes outreach efforts, such as supplying
information on substance abuse for parents, now available in the main
office of the Fortier Campus. In
addition, the Louisiana State mandated curriculum for substance prevention
was presented in a series of classes in the High School PE/Health
classes by their teachers.
In
January, an eighth grade assembly was held. David Alvarez, Metropolitan
Prevention Specialist, and Rochelle Dunham, M.D., Head of the Louisiana
Department of Addictive Services, discussed the effects of substances
on the adolescent brain.
Elementary,
Middle and High School Administration have been meeting with Life
Skills Coordinators, Prevention Specialists and the State Department
to discuss the provision of services in our community.
Our
Middle/High School social worker Adrienne Petrosini, LCSW, has been
working with David Alvarez, Metropolitan Human Services of New Orleans
and Rochelle Dunham, M.D., Head of the Louisiana Department of Addictive
Disorders with the aim of setting up an Adolescent Drug Prevention
and Treatment Program (modeled on what is currently in place in Jefferson
Parish) in Orleans Parish.
All
Lusher parents are invited to a presentation at Newman School, presented
by FCD, Freedom from Chemical Dependency, Thursday Feb. 21. This workshop
is free and is in honor of Madeleine Prevost, daughter of Newman faculty
member and social worker Michael Prevost.
On
Friday Feb.22, a recovering substance abuser, Tom Clayton, will be
talking about alcoholism, drug addiction and the negative consequences
of such behaviors and lifestyles. His younger brother, a Lusher High
School senior, will read from his award winning short story, that
tells the impact of his brother’s addiction on his life. This
assembly will be presented to all of our high school students. We
greatly appreciate the generosity and bravery of this family as they
share their experiences.
On
Friday, Feb.22, Renee Soulis, FCD’s southeast regional coordinator
will be in town. She will be meeting with the Lusher Dean of Students,
Charlene Hebert and Social Worker, Adrienne Petrosini, LCSW to discuss
comprehensive programming.
A
March parent meeting is scheduled with David Alvarez, Prevention Specialist,
and William Aprill. NOAH, on the effects of Substance Abuse on the
adolescent brain.
Life
Skills Programs for all of our students will begin in March.
In
April, (pre Jazz Fest) David Alvarez and William Aprill will speak
to all high school students on the effects of substances on the developing
adolescent brain.
The
Middle High School Social Worker, Ms. Petrosini and Ms. Hebert are
working to follow up on all the wonderful suggestions provided by
our parents as to their feasibility.