February 9, 2017

Spreading Awareness with Pizza

Members of Irvington Middle School’s Positive Impact Club recently spread awareness about keeping young people in their community safe, healthy and free of alcohol and drugs with the help of two local businesses.

To convey their message, the students placed more than 400 stickers, reading in part “While underage drinking and drug use is no one’s fault, prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” on pizza boxes at Tony’s Pizzeria in Irvington and Capri Pizza & Pasta in Tarrytown.

“The project took place last week in anticipation of the increased number of pizzas that were expected to be purchased for the Super Bowl,” said Jennifer Nunziato, advisor of the Positive Impact Club and student assistance counselor. “This was a great example of coordination in our District and community.”

The Irvington Recreation Department provided transportation to both businesses with Nunziato chaperoning the students. Irvington About Safe Kids, a coalition established through a grant awarded to the Village of Irvington and Community Advisory Board, sponsored and provided the stickers.

“[Superintendent of Schools] Dr. Kristopher Harrison surprised the students at Capri Pizza and purchased a pizza to congratulate them on their hard work,” Nunziato said. “The owner of Tony’s Pizzeria also provided the students with pizza, drinks and snacks as a token of his support for the project.”

The Irvington Middle School Positive Impact Club is a leadership club that focuses on promoting healthy decision-making and spreading messages of prevention and awareness across the school and local community.

in iASK-CAB Notes
February 5, 2017

Passenger of an Impaired Driver?

Did you know…1 in 3 teens surveyed say they have been a passenger with an drinking or drug impaired driver at least once in the past year?

Tips to Keep Your Child Safe: 

1) Teach your children refusal skills

2) Establish an emergency exit code with your child

3) Communicate clearly to your child that you are willing to pick them up if he/she doesn’t have a safe ride home

Speak to your son or daughter today about the dangers of being a passenger in the car with someone who is impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs.

in iASK-CAB Notes
January 21, 2017

How to Deal with Mid-Term Stress

With Mid-Term Season upon us, many IHS students are feeling stressed. Research has shown that teenagers experiencing significant stress are…

~ At a higher risk for physical or mental illness

~Twice as likely to smoke, drink alcohol, binge drink, & use illegal drugs

Tips to Help Your Teen Manage Stress:

1) Teach them to budget their time. Help them to develop a “to-do” list and prioritize what needs to get done 1st, 2nd, and so on.

2) Encourage them to balance work and “play” by scheduling regular breaks in their study schedule.

3) Encourage them to regularly use healthy stress-relievers

(i.e. exercise, meditation, listening to music, drawing/coloring, etc.)

 

Source: Jennifer Nunziato (Traditi), LMHC, Student Assistance Counselor, Irvington High School & Middle School

Phone: 914-269-5469
in iASK-CAB Notes
January 8, 2017

Surgeon General Issues Landmark Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health

A new Surgeon General’s report finds alcohol and drug misuse and severe substance use disorders, commonly called addiction, to be one of America’s most pressing public health concerns. Nearly 21 million Americans – more than the number of people who have all cancers combined – suffer from substance use disorders.

“Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Most Americans know someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change.”

Read more.

in iASK-CAB Notes
January 1, 2017

Alcohol and Risky Teen Behaviors

It is not surprising to find that a teen who uses alcohol or other drugs is more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Using alcohol or other drugs can lower a teen’s inhibitions and cloud their judgement by influencing their ability to assess that a behavior is risky and can have lasting consequences.

Read more.

in iASK-CAB Notes
December 20, 2016

How to Prevent Underage Drinking During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for fun and celebration, but, unfortunately, also a time of risk for young people.

On an average December day, more than 11,000 young people in the United States, aged 12 to 17, will use alcohol for the first time. Some of these young adults will not make it to the New Year, as nearly 400 young people under age 21 die from alcohol-related causes every month, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Read more.

in iASK-CAB Notes