Background
In 2006 the Seaway Valley Prevention received funding from New York State Department of Health to assist school districts in St. Lawrence County with the development and implementation of effective tobacco free school policies and procedures.
For the purpose of this project the Council’s focus is on district buildings housing grades 7-12, the exception is in instances where the entire school districts can be engaged. School districts are instrumental in creating healthy attitudes and behaviors among students, their families and members of the community.
By creating an environment that supports and promotes tobacco free values and behaviors, schools become leaders in the fight for tobacco free lifestyles for children and adults. Working collaboratively with students, parents, school staff & community members the Council will utilize a Tobacco Policy Rubric, designed by NYS Department of Health, to develop and implement effective tobacco free school policies that:
- Prohibit students, staff and visitors from using tobacco on school grounds, in school vehicles and at school functions
- Prohibit tobacco advertising the use of tobacco “gear” in school buildings and grounds, at school functions and in school publications
- Require that all students receive instruction on avoiding tobacco use
- Provide access and referrals to tobacco cessation programs for students and staff
- Provide alternative to suspension programs to help students who violate tobacco policies to move toward the goal of quitting tobacco use
- Establish a procedure to handle violations of tobacco policies by staff and visitors