The Saratogian (saratogian.com), Serving the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. region
District honored for anti-tobacco initiatives
Sunday, December 13, 2009
BALLSTON SPA — The school district was recently honored for their work with the Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Healthy School Policy Program, at the Southern Adirondack Tobacco-Free Partner’s sixth annual community recognition ceremony.
Twenty-four businesses, organizations, schools and municipalities from Saratoga County were honored at the event for their efforts to promote community health and reduce the harm caused by tobacco use.
Ballston Spa Central School District was the only one in Saratoga County honored for their work.
Ballston Spa has been working on this initiative for more than years. During this time, under the leadership of health teacher Ellen Predmore, the district has developed a new more comprehensive tobacco-free school policy. Since the policy was adopted, the school has continued to educate teachers, parents, and staff of the dangers of tobacco use, at many school events.
Prevention programs in schools are most effective when supplemented by strongly enforced tobacco policies.
“Students face many tough decisions at this age,” said Kristi Jensen, Ballston Spa High School principal. “And collectively we can promote positive decision-making.”
“Together our mission is to stop most from trying tobacco products. For those already using, we are trying to offer help and support to quit. It is never too late to get healthy,” Jensen said.
“The administration and faculty have made the health of their students, staff and the school community a priority,” said Greg Stevens, Tobacco Free Healthy Schools coordinator. “Recognizing them was truly our honor.”
The Tobacco Free Healthy Schools Program increases the capacity of schools in the state to implement effective policies that are in compliance with state and federal laws. The program provides schools with resources and technical assistance to develop, communicate and enforce comprehensive tobacco-free school policies.
URL: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/12/14/bspalife/doc4b22c5605b174686739024.prt
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