With prom season comes a whole list of concerns for some adults who hope their children will act responsibly on their special night.
“Obviously, we want kids to celebrate all these huge milestones in their lives like prom night and graduation safely,” said Michelle Ferland, who teachers media production at the Eastern Monroe Career Center (EMCC) at BOCES in Fairport. “As a teacher, I just want to make sure they’re going to be here the next week.”
This was one reason why Ferland asked her students to brainstorm fun after-prom activites that provide an alternative to underage drinking and drug use.
Earlier this year, Ferland had applied for a mini-grant offered through Monroe County’s STOP-DWI program that gives funding to schools that offer after-prom or post graduation alternatives to parties where underage drinking and drug use may occur.
The grant was awarded, and Ferland’s students decided to use the money to promote safety between classes by handing out fact sheets about DWI, including information about fatalities linked to drinking and driving among youth. The fliers also had tips for safe alternatives to partying after prom.
Called the “PromIsMe" program, students, who attend school in 10 area districts in the county, were asked to write pledges on index cards.
Two students were later selected to win a free bowling party to enjoy with a group of friends, and the 135 cards were displayed at the campus entrance, hallway and at the flagpole. They will remain on display until the end of prom and ball season to remind students to make good choices.
The mini-grant program has been in existence for two decades, said STOP-DWI coordinator Peggy Duffy.
“Our objective is always the same,” she said. “Our goal is to keep them off the road and keep them safe during prom and graduation season.”
This year, 20 area schools are taking advantage of this opportunity. Some will have after-prom parties with a DJ and snack at school.
In Ferland’s class, student Julie Foster helped pick the name “PromIsMe” for their program. A senior at Penfield High School, she said that it’s important for people her age to know the risks of drinking before they use spring dances as an excuse to cut loose and make mistakes.
“I think it’s a huge problem, not just after prom but in the summer when kids go out to parties,” she said. “Everybody talks about drinking, and I think kids should know more about it before they do it.”
As teens approach a fast-paced time of change in their lives, teachers like Ferland hope that steering them toward positive behavior by offering better options will help shape them into safe and responsible adults.
“In the end, it’s always worth it,” she said.
With prom season comes a whole list of concerns for some adults who hope their children will act responsibly on their special night.
“Obviously, we want kids to celebrate all these huge milestones in their lives like prom night and graduation safely,” said Michelle Ferland, who teachers media production at the Eastern Monroe Career Center (EMCC) at BOCES in Fairport. “As a teacher, I just want to make sure they’re going to be here the next week.”
This was one reason why Ferland asked her students to brainstorm fun after-prom activites that provide an alternative to underage drinking and drug use.
Earlier this year, Ferland had applied for a mini-grant offered through Monroe County’s STOP-DWI program that gives funding to schools that offer after-prom or post graduation alternatives to parties where underage drinking and drug use may occur.
The grant was awarded, and Ferland’s students decided to use the money to promote safety between classes by handing out fact sheets about DWI, including information about fatalities linked to drinking and driving among youth. The fliers also had tips for safe alternatives to partying after prom.
Called the “PromIsMe" program, students, who attend school in 10 area districts in the county, were asked to write pledges on index cards.
Two students were later selected to win a free bowling party to enjoy with a group of friends, and the 135 cards were displayed at the campus entrance, hallway and at the flagpole. They will remain on display until the end of prom and ball season to remind students to make good choices.
The mini-grant program has been in existence for two decades, said STOP-DWI coordinator Peggy Duffy.
“Our objective is always the same,” she said. “Our goal is to keep them off the road and keep them safe during prom and graduation season.”
This year, 20 area schools are taking advantage of this opportunity. Some will have after-prom parties with a DJ and snack at school.
In Ferland’s class, student Julie Foster helped pick the name “PromIsMe” for their program. A senior at Penfield High School, she said that it’s important for people her age to know the risks of drinking before they use spring dances as an excuse to cut loose and make mistakes.
“I think it’s a huge problem, not just after prom but in the summer when kids go out to parties,” she said. “Everybody talks about drinking, and I think kids should know more about it before they do it.”
As teens approach a fast-paced time of change in their lives, teachers like Ferland hope that steering them toward positive behavior by offering better options will help shape them into safe and responsible adults.
“In the end, it’s always worth it,” she said.
