Prevention Newsletter

Weekends and holidays are dangerous times on our roadways. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. also are among the most deadly. That's why December has been recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Taking personal responsibility for a safe ride saves lives.

Alcohol is only ONE cause of impaired driving

Drugs — including opioids, marijuana and some over-the-counter medicines — can impair driving by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions and affecting mental judgment and motor skills. Other factors, such as fatigue and stress, also can impair your ability to drive.

Drivers should avoid driving while impaired by any of these factors, just as they would if they consumed alcohol. To learn more about the many causes of impairment, visit:

https://www.nsc.org/impairment

The end of the year can be one of the busiest and most stressful times, with holidays, travel, and changing routines increasing triggers that make smoking or vaping feel comforting. But December is also a season of reflection and renewal—making it a powerful time to focus on quitting tobacco and preparing for a smoke-free New Year. Quitting improves both physical and mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress over time. The temporary “relief” nicotine provides only eases withdrawal and actually fuels anxiety in the long run.

Setting a quit date, identifying holiday triggers, removing reminders like cigarettes or vapes, and replacing tobacco with healthy coping strategies—such as short walks, deep breathing, or keeping hands busy—can make a big difference. Building a strong support system is key, whether through family, friends, a healthcare professional, or the National Quit Line (800-784-8669). Quitting is a journey, and every smoke-free day is a victory worth celebrating.

For teens, it’s important to know that all tobacco products—including e-cigarettes and vapes—contain nicotine and are addictive. Nicotine addiction can happen quickly, and slips are a normal part of changing habits. Teens want support from trusted adults, not pressure. If a teen shows interest in quitting, listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and help them plan for triggers. You can’t force change—but you can support it.

This December, let’s encourage healthier choices, open conversations, and a stronger, tobacco-free start to the New Year—together.

Protective factors grow when we plan for them. As 2025 winds down, December is the perfect time to reflect-- and plan forward.

• What conversations will you have?
• What connections will you strengthen?
• What support systems will help you grow?

When we're intentional about building protective factors--like trust, resilience, and community-- we create the foundation for real prevention in 2026 and beyond.

Start now. Plan with purpose, Build a stronger future.

The next kit will be sent home with students at the end of the day on Tuesday, January 27th.

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through someone else’s eyes? Looking at other people's points of view is one way to describe this month's character trait: Empathy.

See the video below! 👇

🧠 Brain Booster

Be Kind : Sing-A-Long https://youtu.be/ErhUz3CHTTk

🧘🏻‍♀️ Mindful Moments

Rainstorm:

Let’s work together to create the sounds of the Rain Storm. We will divide into 2 groups. The first group will start when I point to you. Then, I will point to the second group to echo the same sound a few beats later.

• Step 1: Rub palms together.
• Step 2: Snap your fingers slowly.
• Step 3: Snap your fingers more rapidly.
• Step 4: Clap 2 fingers against your palm.
• Step 5: Full clap using both hands.
• Step 6: Slap your legs.
• Step 7: Stomp your feet.
• Step 8: Go back through these 7 directions in reverse order to slowly stop the storm.

Join James and his grandfather on a magical adventure where memories float like balloons. James learns the importance of Empathy, Respecting his grandfather’s memories, and valuing his own along the way.

⛄January

• 01/24 National Compliment Day
• 01/27 Dinner Table Project #3
• 01/28 2026 MTSS Summit

💗 February

• 02/02 SAMHSA Prevention Day
• 02/06 Pop The Stigma
• 02/13 Prevention Newsletter

🍀 March

• Vaping Awareness Month
• 03/02 SEL Action Day
• 03/16 I3 Advisory Meeting