Seven wellness categories at the high school level were identified in which the district could be doing better: Physical Education, Substance Use, Mental Health, Commitment to School, Bullying, Diversity and Inclusion, Absenteeism and Commitment and Planning.
Among the special concerns of the youth coalition members is a perceived deprioritization of health in our schools.
Four years ago, 70 percent of South Berkshire 12th-graders reported having used marijuana at least once, and 41 percent reported use within the past month. In 2019, those numbers are 52 percent and 36 percent respectively.
“Recreational cannabis means that we are talking about cannabis. That’s a good thing. Young people are asking unsolicited questions, neighbors are talking to each other. … We developed norms … We’re starting to talk about what does safe use look like for adults? What is the norm?” –Chris Tucci, Railroad Street Youth Project deputy director
The videos stress the importance of nonjudgmental communication, and the scientific facts regarding human development and drug and alcohol use.
The Railroad Street Youth Project’s South Berkshire Community Health Coalition is partnering with the Center for Motivation and Change in New Marlborough on a three-part training for parents who are concerned about their child’s drug and/or alcohol use.
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