Each year, I work with Officer Zimmerman to speak with fifth graders about the importance of making good choices. In this discussion, we utilize the Plaza/Middle School handbook to discuss consequences of using, having, buying, selling, or transmitting drugs, alcohol or weapons. The main goal for this lesson is to educate students about the consequences involved with drugs, alcohol and weapons, both immediate and long-term.
We begin the lesson by talking about actions that are deemed unacceptable by the district. We review the listed items, what they mean, and we also talk about how additional actions may be deemed unacceptable even if they aren't cited in the list. We also talk about the district's policy on aiding, abetting, counseling or procuring in others' choices or behaviors.
We looked specifically at what constitutes a weapon -- any item that can be used to harm another person, including both home and school supplies. We spoke about the importance on intent, or why a student is doing what they are doing, and how this can play a part in determining consequences. We spoke about legal ages for alcohol and tobacco as well as what can happen both immediately and long-term when students use either.
We ended our lessons by speaking about being smart in who you choose to be around, what you choose to be around, and where you choose to put yourself.
