Welcome to the Methuen Public Schools Drug and Alcohol Resource website!

Important translation instructions : (Google Chrome) right-click on or control-click on your mouse if you're using a Mac  and choose "translate." You will be prompted to select your desired language. If you're on an android device, navigate to the three dock menu (on the top right hand of your screen) and choose"translate."


Contact Information:



Dean M Brouder
Drug and Alcohol Resource Coordinator: MS
Phone: 978-273-4812
              dbrouder54@yahoo.com
   

New videos from www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
These science-based animated videos, produced by Operation Prevention, teach students about the most common forms of substance misuse




Dr. Ruth Potee-Vaping, Marijuana, and the Effects on the Adolescent Brain


Methuen Public Schools Protocol and Standards:
•MPS Drug and Alcohol Policy established in 2018-2020
• MPS Drug Prevention Plan Intervention/ Prevention Strategies
• MPS Re-entry Contract Phase 1(includes CRAFFT Screening Interview) and 2 (Updated 2020-20201 )

 Major Additional Programs and Resources

Local Resources


General resources:

Parents and Guardians
•12 Step Programs-alcoholrehabhelp.org
 • Tips to De-Stress Workshop-Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren


Students:
•Mental Health Screening FAQs (English and Spanish)

Botvin Resources:
  •Addressing the E-cigarette and Vaping Epidemic | Botvin LifeSkills Training


Mission Statement & Policies:

Methuen Public Schools recognizes the priority of promoting a drug-free school community. We are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of the illicit use of drugs and alcohol and strive to support students in making healthy and safe lifestyle choices. Our objective is to collaborate among students, staff, families, and the community to effectively attain goals that value responsibility, productivity, and achievement. This web page is intended for the entire Methuen school community to access information and resources helpful in maintaining our mission.



 Clubs and Activities notice:

Clubs and activities will begin in the coming weeks. Following DESE guidance for student groups and school

events, most clubs will meet virtually and organize virtual events. (Note: advisors and clubs may change). Please contact Associate Principal Mr. O’Loughlin at knoloughlin@methuen.k12.ma.us with any questions regarding clubs and activities.

MPS  prided itself in the fact that our largest prevention model  was the ONLY system in Massachusetts that had a SADD chapter in each of its five schools. We have had more students, who sign drug free contracts,attend drug free seminars,meetings and show their peers that they are proud to live a drug-free, healthy lifestyle and want to help others from destructive decisions. This is a list of our dedicated SADD Advisors: Positions/Short Biography: 

Tenney: Jessica Leal  I am the Junior SADD advisor at the Tenney Grammar School.  I am a graduate of Methuen High School, class of 1997.  During my high school days, there were pressures to try drugs or underage drink.  I imagine that the challenges for teens now are even greater. My goal as the Junior SADD advisor is to create a safe and healthy environment for my students.  All 7th & 8th graders are encouraged to join SADD.  As members, you will be invited to monthly meetings where we will model positive decision-making.  We will participate in various activities outside of the school day as well.












Methuen High School-Jackie Rubino I am the SADD advisor for Methuen High School as well as the Comprehensive Grammar school. As a high school student, I was an active member of the SADD program and truly believed in helping to make my school a healthier, more positive environment. The group worked towards drunk- driving awareness and the prevention of unhealthy activities within the school walls. Today, students are faced with even more challenges.  As a 9th grade English teacher, I see what occurs on a day to day basis in the classroom and hallways of the school. They face constant temptation and persuasion from peers both in school, out of school and on social media. The mission of the high school and CGS SADD groups is to provide the students with fun and healthy activities, both within the school walls and around the community. We have bi-monthly meetings at the high school and weekly meetings at the CGS to discuss issues within the school, plan activities after school and on the weekends, and, in general, have a place to go with like-minded peers. All are welcome to attend meetings and activities, and I especially encourage parents and guardians to attend our out of school activities. If you have any questions at all about the SADD program at the high school or CGS, please feel free to contact me at jerubino@methuen.k12.ma.us.


       CGS: Mr Matt Twoomey:  I am the Junior SADD advisor at the Comprehensive Grammar School. I am a graduate of the Methuen High School class of 1996. During my years at MHS, I was was always aware of the temptations and pressures that existed within the school setting, as well as the peer pressure that was present outside of the walls of MHS. Now as a seventh grade teacher I see that students face far greater challenges than we ever did at their age, and I hope that having an open dialogue about making healthy decisions will empower students to feel confident that they can make positive decisions that will impact their lives for years to come. The mission of SADD is to provide students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drug use, risky and impaired driving, and other destructive decisions. All grade 8 students are encouraged to join SADD at the Comprehensive Grammar School. As members, will attend monthly meetings where we discuss strategies for healthy living andsitive decision making. My hope is that students will also participate in activities outside of the school day that will help to raise continued awareness for the importance of positive decision making. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at mwtwomey@methuen.k12.ma.us. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!








Marsh- Stacey Zraket I am the Junior SADD advisor at the Marsh Grammar School. I am a graduate of the Methuen High School class of 1990. During my years at MHS, I was a very active member of the SADD organization under the direction of Dean Brouder. The mission of SADD is to provide students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drug use, risky and impaired driving, and other destructive decisions. As a grade 8 teacher at the Marsh, I understand the importance of empowering students to make healthy, positive life choices when faced with the pressures of being a teen. All grade 8 students are encouraged to join SADD at the Marsh. As members, you are welcome to attend monthly meetings where we discuss strategies for healthy living and positive decision making. We also participate in a number of activities outside of the school day where students are invited to have fun with friends in a safe environment. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at syzraket@methuen.k12.ma.us. I look forward to seeing you at my next meeting!










METHUEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE DIANE ALAIMO ON HER RETIREMENT. 10 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH SADD AND 20 YEARS OF TEACHING FOR THE DISTRICT.


Timony Diane Alaimo, I am the Junior SADD advisor at the Timony Grammar school. Students are faced with many difficult decisions and are left making choices that may impact their future even at the middle school level.  I wish to help raise student awareness about this impact and urge them to be positive role models for their peers. This will be accomplished by student involvement in organizing and participating in various activities encouraging physical and social health and well being. We support SADD's mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them in their daily lives.  I can be reached at dealaimo@methuen.k12.ma.us














 Marijuana: Tips for those tough questions.

We know that talking about marijuana with your kids can be difficult – especially these days, with the drug becoming legalized in some states and the increasingly casual presence of weed in the media and pop culture. But with the right tools and skills, you can have easier, more productive conversations with your teen about marijuana, despite these unique challenges. 

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new YouTube video series for parents, featuring Heather Senior, LCSW, our Director of Family Support Services. The videos are designed to give you quick and simple tips and skills that will help you answer all kinds of tough questions and respond to push-back from your teen. 

Launching each Thursday for the next few weeks, the videos will cover topics like: 
How to respond to challenges from your teen like, “But you smoked when you were younger”; and more. 

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know when we upload a new video in the series. 

These conversations can be challenging, and we’re here to help. For more tips on how to talk about marijuana, download our free Marijuana Talk Kit.
Important Articles and Resources for Parents: Click to view our archive of additional resources   

Prevention Informational Websites for families seeking assistance for loved ones

MOAR-sahusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery
c. Find resources here for prevention, treatment, recovery, and advocacy.”
Learn to Cope - A support organization that offers education, resources, peer support and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to heroin, opioids or other drugsg addiction)
The Herren Project (Providing assistance in taking the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety, educational programs and resources to increase awareness on the signs of addiction and bring hope for a rewarding Children to Lead Safe and Healthy Lives
Alcoholics Anonymous® (AA) (Over 100 meetings in Merrimack Valley Weekly)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) (Over 100 meetings in Merrimack Valley Weekly)
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups in Massachusetts (If someone else's drinking troubles
Private Local Support Groups: