December 5, 2007

Attendees: Rebecca Katz-White, Melissa Antenberg, Amy Katz, Meryl Ben-Levy, Stanley Stern, Maryann Combs.

I. Committee Charge

There was a discussion of the role of the committee in relation to the East Williston-Roslyn Drug and Alcohol Coalition, which is focusing on parents, as opposed to students and school. Around the time of prom, the school will be doing a follow up to the Coalition’s program on the social host law.

We discussed the need to get information about what the state requires as far as drug and alcohol education and what is being done in school. We need to hear from school staff about this. In addition, we need to make sure that there is adequate information provided to parents about programs done in school about AIDS, drugs, etc. so that parents can respond to questions and discuss these issues at home.

Lisa Kohn, who was not present at this meeting, asked that we look at programs that address the needs of the kids who are making good choices so that they receive the support they need to continue to do so in the face of significant pressure.

The group spoke about the underlying causes and values that lead to the use of drugs and alcohol by our students. There was also discussion of how to create camaraderie and community spirit and how to promote leadership by students who truly are positive role models.

According to the Ophelia Project, we cannot address student behavior until we address parental behavior.

II. Next Steps

A. For the next meeting, we would like to have representatives from the high school and middle school, as well as Dan Brenner come and talk about drug and alcohol curriculum and programs. We need to know what kind of articulation and coordination there is between the various buildings.

B. There was also a suggestion of defining school-wide values and possibly developing a school motto.

III. Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted.

IV. Future Dates: January 11 and February 8, 2008 at 9:15 in the Board Room.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rebecca Katz-White