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

Contact Information:



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

        Website Maintained By:
          Kevin Hatch
Methuen High School Media Assistant

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. 


                                           

Red Ribbon Campaign: 2019 
October 22nd – October 31st
Click here for all activities around the district (this page will be updated as additional information is available.)

MHS SADD group getting ready for Red Ribbon week!

 
Methuen SADD chapters will have several activities district-wide. We are the only system that has a SADD chapter in each of our schools. This year we will hold our annual orientation sadd speaker event. Eric Daddario will speak of his brother and his high school experience and how important having groups like SADD can help. The event will be held on Oct 22 Tuesday in Methuen High School cafe from 6-8 pm..



Every year since 1988 the National Red Ribbon Campaign has celebrated Red Ribbon Week to focus the nation’s attention on encouraging our youth to remain drug-free. Supporting this cause continues to be a priority at MHS. This year, we celebrate Red Ribbon Week from Wednesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 31. Events are planned for each day to educate and remind students about the dangers of substance use and the long-term effects drugs can have on an individual and their entire family. The theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week is: Send a Message. Stay Drug-Free. 


Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a group charged with healthy and responsible decision making, supports and organizes our annual Red Ribbon Week at MHS. The group of student leaders meets regularly with our SADD Advisor, Ms. Rubino, and MPS Drug and Alcohol Resource Coordinator, Mr. Brouder, to plan drug-free activities for students to participate in throughout the year. 


  • On Tuesday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the MHS Cafeteria, district-wide SADD students will attend the Red Ribbon Week Kickoff with special guest speaker Eric Daddario. 
  • Wednesday, October 23 is Substance Abuse Awareness Day at MHS and students and staff are encouraged to wear red. For more information about SADD and substance abuse, 

We encourage all students and families to discuss the harmful effects of substance use. If a student, family member, or community member has questions, concerns, or information to share, please contact us at (978) 722-6040. Together we can make a difference.

          Important notice for students:

 if you would like to schedule an appointment with Mr. Brouder to ask some questions around substance abuse etc. you may contact him directly by using his Methuen Public Schools email address at dnbrouder@methuen.k12.ma.us. All communication is CONFIDENTIAL.


                                                                                     ***CONFIDENTIAL MPS Potential Substance Abuse Referral Form: 2019-2020 ***

Recent OFFICIAL Findings:

When Effectiveness and Quality Count…Botvin LifeSkills Training is the only choice. Evidence Based Prevention Programs for Schools, Families, and Communities

Other Important Information:

Please be aware: Materials used to liquefy for JUUL operation LIQUEFY Sour Alien | Mass Terpenes
E-Cigarettes and Lung Health | American Lung Association
JANUARY 22, 2018 | BY: FCD Prevention Works

KNOW THE FACTS on e-cigarette use among youth and young adults



Please take a moment to read about the harmful effects of vaporizers and e-cigarettes.  Many families and young adults are having conversations about whether or not these devices are legal, safe, or healthy.  Please know that these devices are classified as smoking paraphernalia and/or drug paraphernalia and are strictly prohibited on school grounds.  Smoking and drug paraphernalia will be confiscated and disciplinary consequences will be imposed if students are in possession of vaporizers or e-cigarettes.  Methuen Public Schools remains committed to the long-term health, safety, and well-being of our students.  We encourage every family to have a conversation about the dangers of vaping.


Methuen Public Schools would like all students and families to be aware of the harmful effects of benzodiazepines. No person should be using benzodiazepines unless prescribed by a medical professional. Abuse of "benzos" can lead to long-term effects including lack of energy and interest in doing every day activities, irritability, memory loss, headaches, and depression. It is critical that all students and families are aware of the dangers of this highly addictive drug.  

This article published by Georgetown University's School of Nursing highlights key social factors that influence adolescent e-cigarette use, along with significant statistics regarding this issue in the United States. Also highlighted in the piece is how e-cigarette use is used as a gateway to tobacco use, which had been glossed over in previous research, attempting to promote total smoking cessation in teens



Recent Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) 


    Methuen Public Schools Protocol and Standards:

    MPS Drug and Alcohol Policy 2018-2019

    MPS Drug Prevention Plan Intervention/ Prevention Strategies

    MPS Re-entry Contract Phase 1 and 2 (Updated November 2018)

     Additional Programs and Supports:



    Video Resources Presented By Dr. Ruth Potee

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

    Marijuana Awareness with Dr. Ruth Potee



    Impact of Legalized Marijuana | Connecting Point | June 6, 2016
    Featured Articles and Events
    Click on "view more" to see the full list of articles.
    Showing posts 1 - 6 of 45. View more »
    Methuen Public Schools Cable Show- "Let's Talk with Dean Brouder" is broadcasted on the Educational Channel,  Comcast Xfinity Channel 99, Verizon Channel 31. Click here to watch recent episodes online.


     Recent social media posts relevant to the Drug and Alcohol Resources community. Resources


     
    • NFT will be presenting to the 7 th & 8 th graders in Methuen on October 25th
      Posted Oct 20, 2017, 10:15 AM by Kevin Hatch
    • Archived posts
      Posted Oct 20, 2017, 9:01 AM by Kevin Hatch
    Showing posts 1 - 2 of 2. View more »




    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 and positive 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!













    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












    Special announcement from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

     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 strategies used by MPS staff and Dean Brouder 

    Methuen Public Schools Cable Show- "Let's Talk with Dean Brouder" (8 seasons total)  Click here to watch recent episodes online. . You may also watch the show on our Educational Channel, Comcast Xfinity Channel 99, Verizon Channel 31.

    Here are a list of the episodes.

    • Episode 1 "SADD" (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Guest: Jackie Rubino- Jackie has been a member of the Methuen High School staff for about 7 years. As well as being the advisor for MHS SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) since she began teaching! In this episode, Jackie gives us a breakdown of the prevention model, what SADD is and what it means and a little background into her life about her relative who struggled with substance abuse.
    • Episode 2 Guest: Anthony Sediri- Anthony had it good, or so we all thought. He wasn't part of a messed up family. He did not grow up in the projects. He grew up in a good area of North Andover. He was a straightedge high school sophomore until he began drinking and using drugs at parties. Bottle after bottle, pill after pill, Anthony became addicted. Worse came to worse and he landed himself in jail. Now, Anthony is back on his feet, married and has a baby girl. In this episode, we learn how a normal high schooler gets caught up in the wrong crowd and makes bad decisions, leading him to the worst possible thing he could imagine. 
    • Episode 3 Guest: Shane Godek-Shane is currently a senior at Methuen High School. He has been a member of SADD for 5 years, beginning in 8th grade at the Tenny Grammar School. In this episode, this high school senior dispels the myth that all kids use substances, or drugs as parties and social events. Shane gives us some background on his life and how he was raised, pointing him in a positive direction for the future. He also gives us a glimpse into what colleges he has applied to and where he has been accepted. We wish you the best of luck, Shane! 
    • Episode 4 Guest: Patty Comeau-In this episode, we meet the School Nurse Leader, Patty Comeau. Patty tells us about the role the nurses play in the support of students struggling and dealing with addiction, mental illness, bullying, and/or substance abuse, etc. We learn that Patty has been a nurse with Methuen Public Schools for about 24 years. We also learn that there are two other nurses that assist Patty that are available during the day at the high school. Tune in to find out more information!
    • Episode 5 Guest: Anthony Curet
    • Episode 6 Guest: John Crocker
    • Episode 7 Guest: Jeff Osgood
    • Episode 8 Guest: Tom Walters -In this episode. we meet the Fine Arts Department Chair, Tom Walters. Tom gives us a taste of what the new Methuen High School has to offer in the Fine Arts Department. Tom tells us of the various activities and festivals the MHS Fine Arts Department does within the 2014-2015 school year.Episode 9 Guest: 
    • Episode 9 Guest: Steven Crowell-In this episode of "Let's Talk with Dean Brouder" Dean discusses with Steven Crowell from the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center the hot topic of Narcan. He talks about the effects of Narcan and what it does to reverse the symptoms or an opiate overdose.’’
    •  Season 2 Episode 1 Guest: Doug Griffin:  Dean Brouder talked with Doug Griffin, father from New Hampshire who lost his daughter Courtney to a drug overdose. He discusses the difficult times his entire family went through In the hopes he has an opportunity to educate and help others through similar situations. Doug and his family hope to open a sober house in Courtney's name.
    • Season 2 Episode 2 Guest: Chuck Rosa:  Dean Brouder Invites Chuck Rosa from New Hampshire, Who has lost two sons to accidental drug overdose.  Chuck and his family decided to turn this tragedy Into non-profit organization  "Chucky's Fight."   The primary focus is to educate Teens and young adults about the dangers of substance abuse.  For more information, please visit www.chuckysfight.com
    • Season 2 Episode 3 Guest:  Evelyn Rodriguez from the Methuen/ Lawrence Substance Abuse Coalition
    • "Season 2 Episode 4 Guest: Colleen Welch “Haven of Hope”
    • Season 3 Episode 1 Guest: Amanda Aziz-Dean Brouder Interviews Amanda Aziz-,  "a graduate of Methuen High School about  how the Methuen chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) played a role in her success. They also discuss her future plans and ambitions of being a college-level educator."
    •  Season 3 Episode 2 Guest: Maryanne Frangules-Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR)- Maryanne Frangules, The executive director of MOAR explains in detail what the organization’s mission is and she explores some initiatives which Massachusetts is involved in. They provide education and awareness of the current epidemic of overdoses currently in the state. For more information visit the MOAR website.
    • Season 3 Episode 3 Guest: Jeff Bellistri "The Role PBIS Plays in  Creating A Positive Learning Environment"
    •  Season 3 Episode 4 Guest: Joshua Rogato “Positive Life Choices”
    • Season 3 Episode 5 Guest: Kevin Hatch"Methuen High School Produces Very Special People. Overcoming Obstacles"
    • Season 4 Episode 1 Guest Michael Gorman MHS Graduate Paying it Forward. Dean's speaks with former Methuen High School graduate about the way he chooses to pay it forward to help other less fortunate people in our community. His organization called The movement Family can be reached at the information here.
    • Season 4 Episode 2 Guest Gina Currao She spoke regarding her struggle with substance abuse and how she has used those experiences to turn her life around and positive and very productive lifestyle. Gina speaks about how Methuen public schools and has had a tremendous positive impact in her life.
    • Season 4 Episode 4 Guest Kevin Geary “MHS Special Education Update”
    • Season 4 Episode 5 Guest Eric Daddario
    The purpose of these shows is to inform and highlight the Methuen community of the work being accomplished towards the prevention of substance abuse in our schools.

    Informational Websites/ Policies

      Community Education and Substance Abuse Services (This list is intended to provide our community with information related to all matters concerning substance abuse.)

      rehabspot.com-Addiction truly is a family disease. Rehab Spot is here to help family members of those struggling with substance abuse.
      MOAR-Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery
      SAMHDA—the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive!
      AddictionCenter.com-  Guiding You From Rehab to Recovery
      129aday.org- “We can change this national epidemic. 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 drugs
      Drugrehab.com  (Information and answers for people fighting 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 better tomorrow.)
      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 you)

      Private Local Support Groups:
      The Empty Chair- Phil Lahey and his daughter explore all aspects of addiction and the family.(Methuen Community Cable- Channel 22 (also found on youtube.com)

      Circle of Hope- A local support group for families of addicts. To attend one of the local meetings, contact Phil Lahey @ 978-886-2949.