JUNE 2024

Pascal, a Seventh Grader at Bridges Charter School,

Raises Awareness Through Passion Project

In the halls of Bridges Charter School in Thousand Oaks, Pascal, a seventh-grade student, took a stand against a silent yet deadly epidemic gripping communities nationwide. Armed with determination and a passion for change, he embarked on a mission to shed light on the dangers of fentanyl and equip his peers with the knowledge to navigate these threats.

The Bridges Charter School Passions Project gives students a platform and encourages students to explore topics close to their hearts. Topics range from pollution, animal rights, or food insecurity. Pascal, however, dove into the harrowing realm of substance abuse, specifically focusing on the potent opioid, fentanyl. The Ventura County Office of Education learned about this project when Pascal contacted Matt Wilmot, Project Specialist with the VCOE Substance Use Services team for some support and guidance on his presentation. While Matt provided a host of local resources about fentanyl awareness and overdose prevention efforts in Ventura County, Pascal did the rest. With his research and dedication, he crafted a presentation aimed at educating his middle school classmates about the risks associated with fentanyl use and what steps to take if someone they care about falls victim to addiction.

On the day of his presentation, Pascal stood before a captive audience of about 80 students, ready to impart crucial knowledge that could potentially save lives. Supported by Matt, Pascal delivered a compelling message of awareness and empowerment. Matt’s presence underscored the importance of collaboration between educators and community stakeholders in addressing substance use issues among youth. Together, they provided valuable insights and resources to Pascal's peers, reinforcing the significance of fentanyl awareness and opioid safety education.

As communities grapple with the complexities of the opioid epidemic, initiatives like Pascal's underscore the importance of early intervention and comprehensive education in safeguarding young people from the dangers of substance abuse. By taking proactive steps to raise awareness and educate his peers, Pascal exemplifies the power of youth-driven initiatives in combating substance abuse. Pascal’s project is a great example of the longitudinal impact peer-to-peer education can have on young people, and in this case, inspiring others to join the fight against fentanyl addiction and advocate for a safer, healthier future.

To learn more about local trends and resources regarding opioid and fentanyl awareness visit the COAST website at coastventuracounty.org

For parents, educators and students visit Natural High and Song for Charlie for resources.

Music Notes Visits Pleasant Valley Unified School District

Started in 2009 by middle school teachers in Los Angeles, California, Music Notes blends education and fun to create an unforgettable experience for students of all ages. They combine hip hop with their teaching experience to create high energy songs, music videos, and concert experiences that promote various aspects of education.

Music Notes visited various schools in Pleasant Valley Unified School District to provide an anti-vaping concert featuring songs and videos on tobacco and fentanyl awareness and prevention. They also shared information on marketing tactics used by companies to target teens, such as new products, flavors, and product placement in music videos. The concert

also explores ongoing changes in local, state, and federal regulations surrounding age and flavor restrictions.

Addressing Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD)

Prevention in Grades K-6

Last month, the Ventura County Office of Education TUPE and Substance Use Services team presented at a statewide webinar hosted by the TUPE Capacity Building Project with the Orange County Department of Education. The webinar explored the guidance provided by the CA Health Education Content Standards and Framework regarding age-appropriate health education, as well as key considerations for educators and families. K-6 prevention resources were also highlighted, including curriculum materials and strategies for engaging families. The VCOE team shared resources on peer-to-peer education and youth development initiatives.

Check out the webinar recording to learn how Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) activities can complement and enhance health education initiatives for elementary students.

TUPE Canvas Courses

The TUPE Canvas courses offer a library of self-paced courses to support professional learning and youth development project curricula. To learn more about the Canvas courses, watch the video and enrollment instructions below.

Songwriting Workshop

The TUPE program hosted an all-day Saturday event for students at the Ventura County Office of Education. Music Notes artists facilitated the workshop with students to create songs to promote and reinforce TUPE initiatives. The workshop included an instructional component with Music Notes artists and students explored information on the dangers of tobacco use and vaping followed by student groups working together to create TUPE songs. Students wrote, performed and recorded their own original songs around the topic of vaping and tobacco prevention. Students also had the option to enter their songs into a songwriting contest. Winners will receive a home studio recording equipment and other prizes! Check out their songs below!

Karina and Araceli

Las Colinas Middle School

Jonathan

Westlake High School

Jeremiah

Casa Pacifica NPS

Gabe

Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School

Noah

Las Colinas Middle School

Parent Night - Rio Lindo Elementary School

Last month, the TUPE/SUS team attended a Parent Night event at Rio Lindo Elementary School to share prevention resources to parents, students and the community. The school also had the opening for their community closet where students and parents can shop for clothing, shoes, toys and other items at no charge.

Pride Month

June 1st - June 30th

Pride Month is an entire month dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and supporting LGBTQ+ visibility and rights. Pride Month is an opportunity to cultivate inclusive spaces on campus and connect with students to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco-related health disparities. Check out the resources below!

Ventura County Office of Education

Comprehensive Health and Prevention Programs

Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Substance Use Services

5100 Adolfo Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012

Made possible through funding from the Ventura County Behavioral Health, Substance Use Services.

There shall be no use of unlawful drugs or alcohol associated with this program.