LISD Special Programs

The purpose of the Safe and Drug-Free School and Communities (SDFSC) program is to:

• support programs that prevent violence in and around schools

• prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

• involve parents

• coordinate with related federal, state, and community efforts and resources to promote safe and drug-free schools and communities

The Safe and Drug-Free School and Communities Act was established to provide state and local education agencies funding to develop and enhance educational programs of violence and drug prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation referral in elementary and secondary schools. Private nonprofit school children and teachers are assured equitable participation in the purposes and benefits of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program.

To receive the funding for this program a grant application is completed and approved by the Texas Education Agency. LISD participates with the Region Thirteen Education Service Center in a shared service arrangement. The ESC XIII is the fiscal agent for the program and also provides assistance with various parts of the program.

The curricular content of each SDFSC program is presented during classroom activities or small/large group activities. Teachers, counselors, or community representatives, as appropriate, present these activities. The following is a list of some of the activities provided:

• Red Ribbon Week

• Violence Prevention

• Child Abuse Prevention

• Alcohol and Drug Awareness

• Conflict Resolution Training

• Military Presentation

• Criminal Justice Classes

• Family and Consumer Science

The district has a Safe and Drug-Free Advisory Council that is required by statute [P.L. 103-382, Section 4115] to:

1. review and discuss the SAS-213 application

2. review program evaluations

3. promote coordination activities

4. disseminate information

The Advisory Council meets during the year to oversee the program implementation and make recommendations to the district and campus improvement committees.

The school counselors are members of this council. All three school counselors play a major role in the program by organizing and facilitating student activities. Some additional topics covered last year by the Advisory Council included:

• Violence Prevention

• Red Ribbon Month

• Cultural Diversity

• Personal Health

• Save the Sweetheart

• Black History Month

• Drug Free Fun Day

• Crisis Prevention

• Alcohol Awareness

• Camps for Youth

• Suicide Prevention

• Neighborhood Night Out

An annual evaluation is conducted each year and sent to the state to determine the program’s effectiveness.