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WEST MILFORD - Super trying to keep it real for her students
(by David M. Zimmer - Staff Writer - September 24, 2008)
WEST MILFORD - In an effort to build community and student awareness, Schools Superintendent Bernice Colefield has recommended that the Board of Education implement a new program for K-6 students to educate them about potential dangers including the media, drugs and the Internet.
The REAL Youth Program, which was created by Horace R. Hall of DePaul University in 2000 to benefit school children in the Chicago area, was designed to promote and develop qualities of respect, excellence, attitude and leadership (REAL).
According to the program’s mission statement: “The REAL Youth Program is committed to informing and arousing communities to the various identities, thoughts and concerns of children and adolescents.”
As in the long-running Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, which the REAL program will supplement, the West Milford Police Department will work in conjunction with the individual schools to implement the yearlong program.
Three officers and one detective are already certified for the program, Colefield said. As a result, the program could start almost immediately after it gains approval from the school board, she said.
Students who agree to the terms of the REAL contract will become a willing participant and member of the REAL Team. In order to stay on the team and complete the yearly program, students need to display leadership and a positive attitude, complete team tasks and maintain adequate grades and attendance levels.
Moreover, students must attend and participate in 10 sessions headed by members of the Police Department, who will act as the team leaders.
With an introduction as well as a review session, there will be eight lessons in total ranging from bullying and conflict resolution to bicycle, skateboard and motorized sport vehicle safety. There will also be critical lessons on drugs, alcohol, tobacco and Internet safety.
Created with specific goals in mind, the REAL program emphasizes the positive impact that comes with providing a forum in each of the schools where students can use their liberal arts education to share their thoughts and feelings. REAL also stresses the importance of exposing students to global culture, as well as group dialog and critical thinking, to help students grow emotionally, socially and intellectually.
Though originally designed for pre-teens, Colefield said the REAL program has the potential to be implemented in the middle and high schools where students could benefit from group discussions, especially those dealing with stress resulting from school, family and social pressures.
More information on the REAL program will be made available at the next Board of Education meeting at the Westbrook School on Sept. 23.
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