I would like to introduce you to a small tool that can greatly help you increase the safety and security of your children. It is called the "Caring Homes Directory" and we have been giving parents an opportunity to be included in this annual directory since the 2001/2002 school year. For eight (8) years we have had a steady increase in the percentage of our district children represented in the directory. In the 2001/2002 directory 13% of the district children were included and this past school year there were 43%, Wow! This year our goal is 45% of district children. Allow me a minute to share why the directory is helpful.

You might ask "Why is talking with other parents so important?" In all the years I have been a parent and have worked in the schools, I have learned that establishing open communication between parents is an important prevention measure. Again you might ask "A prevention measure for what?" My wife, Gretchen, and I learned that our children could easily end up in tough situations where the opportunity and pressure to make bad decisions could be intense. Decisions including alcohol and other drugs, violence and destruction, sexual behavior and other risk behaviors.

In the Spring of 2007 we administered the "At-Risk" survey to all of our 6th, 9th, and 12th grade students. We have been conducting this survey every three years since 1995. For the most part the use of alcohol and other drugs by the youth in our community has declined. However, the use of these substances by a large number of our youth is alarming. Besides don’t you think just one kid participating in these activities should be a concern? It certainly would be if that one child were your own.

There are a number of reasons that parents are reluctant to call other parents. Can you relate to any of these? I know I can. One reason is that we don’t want to convey that we don’t trust our child, their child, or other parents. The call may be awkward. You may hear something that might prevent you from allowing you child to visit e.g. no adult supervision. Another reason we might not make the call, and this is a big one, our child will be mortified. Yes, our children are not the only ones who experience pressure. Our own children are fully capable of pressuring us not to make the call. It may be easier if the parents of your child’s friend have also signed the pledge. Basically, they are asking for you to call.

Please review some of the other survey results on the next page. Remember these percentages represent young people not just numbers. When the survey indicates that 40% of the seniors reported drinking alcohol on a regular basis that represents 80 boys and girls. Forty-seven said they drink one or two times per month, 32 said one to two times per week and 1 reported almost every day. To see the survey results, click here.

So go ahead, take a look at the pledge. If you are not already included in the directory, print a copy of the pledge, fill it out, and return it to your school office or mail it directly to me at Indiana Area School District, 501 East Pike, Indiana, PA 15701. For those who participated last year, you need not submit a new pledge card since we will automatically include you in the directory and generate the grade change of your child. However, if there are any other family changes, please complete a new pledge.

 For more information, please contact David R. Allen at 724-463-8713 or dallen@iasd.cc

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Caring Homes Program  

What Is The Caring Homes Program?

Parents today are concerned about the alarming use of alcohol and other drugs among our youth, as well as the social acceptability. Parents also are aware of the need to help children resist alcohol and other drugs. Young people must be able to feel that it is OK to abstain from alcohol and other drugs. Therefore, it is important for parents to take a unified stand on this issue. You are invited to join the Caring Homes Program, a voluntary program sponsored by the Indiana Area School District.

The Caring Homes Program is a way that parents can join together to help provide a safer community for their children.  It does not require a commitment of extra time or effort for already busy family members.  It is simply a public agreement to follow some common sense principles aimed at providing an alcohol and other drug free environment for children.  Caring Homes encourages communication between parents and youth and emphasizes a strong parental support network.

Given that youth begin to form friendships with peers who may be unknown to parents, Caring Homes provides a vehicle for establishing contact with other families with whom your child may be associating.  It also provides a way to know your child’s whereabouts and activities.  The goal is to encourage parents to talk with other parents about what their children are doing.

Last year, over 759 families participated in the Caring Homes Program, representing 1,245 children and youth.  Based on positive feedback and interest, we are offering the opportunity for information to be updated and additional families to be added to this effort.

 If you participated last year, you need not submit a new pledge card since we will automatically include you in the directory and generate the grade change of your child.  However, if there are any other family changes, please complete a new pledge card.

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Why Should I Join the Caring Homes Program?

·It helps parents establish a clear and consistent “no use” message about alcohol and other drugs.

·Your child should know that you are talking with other parents and that parents have agreed on similar rules and guidelines for their children.

·You will have access to a Fall 2010 Caring Homes Directory of parents who support this effort.

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The Caring Homes Campaign Pledge

The Caring Homes Pledge is not a legal contract. Rather, the Pledge is intended to signify a good faith effort to follow its principles.  It creates no legal liability for the Indiana Area School District. Parents do not create any additional legal liability for themselves or their households by participating. 

Every adult in the home is encouraged to sign the pledge.  Only one form per household is necessary. By signing the pledge, unless otherwise indicated, participants grant permission to have all information that they provide listed in the Fall 2010 Caring Homes Directory.

Although I will do my best to uphold this pledge, I cannot guarantee the safety of any child or adolescent that is visiting my home. 

I will:

Provide clear family rules for all children visiting my home.

Provide a safe storage place for all forms of alcohol and prescription medications.

Make an effort to inform any parent of a child that I personally observe using alcohol or other drugs.

Welcome calls from any parent who observes or suspects my child of using alcohol or other drugs.

Welcome calls from any parent whose child has been invited to my home.

I will not: 

Knowingly allow parties or unauthorized gatherings in my home when I am not there.

Knowingly allow illegal drugs in my home.

Serve minors or knowingly allow youth under the legal drinking age (21) to consume alcohol in my home or on my property.

Click here to access the directory information form.  Complete and sign this form and return it to your child's school or mail it Dr. David R. Allen, Indiana Area School District, 501 East Pike, Indiana PA 15701

Personal information submitted on the information form will not be sold or intentionally distributed for solicitation purposes by the Indiana Area School District.

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