Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School
Minutes of Health Advisory Council Meeting
June 11, 2003

Call to order: 9:00 A.M.

Member present: Reference attached.

Council members introduced themselves and were provided with a copy of the agenda.

Jane Silveira reviewed what has happened since our fall meeting:

• Discussed Massachusetts Healthy Schools Summit attended by Tom Goebel and Jane. Printed materials made available for council review. Introduced Tom Goebel. Discussion followed
• Discussed cancellation of Fake ID Program due to MCAS scheduling.

Provided senior class with an Internet safety program through the Bristol County Sheriffs Office. Discussion followed.

• Discussed inquiry into providing onsite Weight Watchers program for students. Discussion followed.
• Discussed an Anti-Drug Education program with The New York Times: Focus on Marijuana. Sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Discussion followed.
• Announced the administration of the exit health assessment and results.

Jane Silveira reminded the council members of the issues identified at the last council meeting needing immediate attention: marijuana use, bullying, internet safety, improved nutrition, depression and suicide.

Discussion followed:

Linda Pacheco discussed a new bullying program, which incorporates depression and suicide. Also discussed increased potency of marijuana. Often times laced with PCP and cocaine. Discussed widespread use and the belief that it is safe.

Jane Silveira informed the group that she is researching a high school suicide prevention program. Also shared her impressions of the Internet Safety program. Recommended it be offered to parents on 9^th grade parent orientation night in August and to incoming freshman in September.

Steve Turner discussed the recent canine search, thanked the health advisory council, administration and faculty for their cooperation and support. Pleased that prior discussion and recommendation led to a successful search and a positive police/school partnership.

Tom Goebel discussed upcoming changes in the cafeteria menu. Elimination of high fat/high sugar products, more healthy choices being offered. Limited snack choices that will be simple and nutritious. Invited council members to visit the cafeteria.

Cindy Brogan discussed free and reduced lunch eligibility. Grant money based on poverty rate. Need to make parents aware of the program, inform parents on freshman orientation night, and post the guidelines and application on Bristol Plymouth web site.

Col. Gavigan introduced himself as a former teacher, guidance counselor and vice principle. He has served in the military and is currently the Commander of Special Operations, Bristol County Sheriff's Office. Discussed the effectiveness of the bullying program and the availability of other school safety programs for teachers.

Made note that the Sheriffs Office partners with the Taunton Police Dept.

He is involved with MIAA Wellness Programs and has a library of over 200 films available for borrowing. Recommended the establishment of a "School Based Team" to identify students at risk for school violence. Looking forward to working with Bristol Plymouth. Suggested that providing nutrition facts with each meal might make it easier for students to make healthier choices.

Susan Davis recommended offering parent programs on parent teacher night.

Linda Hannant voiced concern about students not getting information home to parents regarding school events activities and programs.

Linda Pacheco recommended that the school post more information about school activities on its web site including issues related to health and the health program. Also recommended a download file, so that BP can access resource material from the Sheriff's office.

Marguerite Lapierre suggested that the school hire a part time nutritionist or dietician

to work with overweight students and menu planning. Also voiced concern for unsafe driving habits of teens.

Jane Silveira reviewed driver/occupant safety programs and activities that were presented this year.

Steve Turner reminded the council that the free female self-defense training program "RAD" is still available. It's a 5-week, 14-hour program that could be run through gym class for juniors.

Discussed Northeastern University's MVP (Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program). A group of student leaders would be trained to implement the program.

All members agreed to focus next years program on previously identified issues.

Jane Silveira thanked the group for coming especially the parents for their continued support and interest.

Meeting Adjourned: 10:25 AM

Next Meeting: January 2004