I’m a college student who graduated from HCPSS a few years ago. I regularly heard stories from friends and saw posts on social media about teenage parties. Despite not attending these parties, word quickly got around of everything that happened. Drinking, vaping, and smoking marijuana were all popular activities. Typically, a few people would bring…
Teen/Youth Blog
Former HCPSS Student Recommends Life Skills Classes for Howard County Students
Middle schoolers should take advantage of the Life Skills classes this summer! Watching Netflix, playing video games, and going to the pool are all great ways to relax while not in school but the summer break is also a perfect opportunity for middle schoolers to do things that are beneficial to their well-being in other…
Free Life Skills Classes for Grades 6-9
FREE and back by popular demand!!! Life Skills Training for Grades 6-9 8 FREE online sessions July 13 – 28, 2021 HC DrugFree is providing another series of FUN and interactive skills-based classes designed to promote positive health and personal development. This curriculum was designed for students in grades 6 to 9, but for slightly…
Teen Advisory Council Update – Exploring Mindfulness
We were so fortunate to have HCPSS Psychologist, Catherine Panzer, join us for our March TAC Meeting. Ms. Panzer has been a school psychologist in Howard County for for 21 years and enjoys teaching students and adults about mindfulness and how it can help them cope in today’s stressful world!
Giving Back to Howard County with the Life Skills Class
Since I moved to Howard County in fifth grade, I have been able to grow up—through elementary, middle, and high school—in this community. Now that I am over halfway done with college, I have had time to reflect on my experiences in the Howard County Public School System. Looking for a way to give back…
FREE Life Skills Classes for Howard County Students
FREE and back by popular demand!!! Life Skills Training for Middle School Students 15 FREE online sessions to begin on January 27, 2021 HC DrugFree is providing another series of FUN and interactive skills-based classes designed to promote positive health and personal development. This “Middle School” curriculum was designed for students in grades 6 to…
KNOW Connection: Scavenger Hunt Slideshow and Results
Have you ever made a snowman out of household items? Or painted a rock with a positive message to hide somewhere in the community? Perhaps you’re passionate about donating to your local animal shelter or to a food pantry. While some of these things may not seem like a big deal, when you embrace “random…
KNOW Connection (a socially-distanced) Scavenger Hunt
‘Tis the Season to be Socially Distant…but we want to be Jolly, too! This holiday season looks a lot different than it has in years past, and many people are having a difficult time due to lack of connection. But what can we do about it? We would like the Teen Advisory Council to safely…
Students Learn Life-Saving Tips During COVID-19
I was so grateful that HC DrugFree hosted an online CPR training in partnership with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Ever since school moved online in the spring I have been seeking chances to learn important skills. After learning the proper way to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver on both…
Teen Recommends CPR Training
Before attending this HC DrugFree event provided by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, I spent little time informing myself on the necessity of CPR. I would learn about CPR in school, but the details are hard to remember as the last time being taught it was around 3 years ago. This…
What Local High School Students Think You Should KNOW
Parents need to tell their kids that they don’t need to get pressured by other students to try various drugs and things. Kids are too scared to say, “No.” Parents and teachers need to help kids KNOW how to say NO. It is especially bad when kids get pressured, then get addicted. The kids need…
Two 2019 Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City Programs
Monday, March 18, 2019 at Howard High School and Monday, April 1, 2019 at Marriotts Ridge High School Parents (and grandparents!) and high school seniors are invited to attend two 2019 Senior Week: Staying Safe in OC programs. Both events will begin at 7:00 PM. Once again, Ocean City Police Cpl. Howard Caplan, Howard County Public…
Take Back Day Comments by Howard County Student Volunteers
I am grateful to live in a community where people can come together to help one another. The drive-thru was a great way for people to dispose of things they did not need/could abuse in the future. I am grateful that so many people were willing to volunteer and drop-off medications despite the weather because…
Teens or Younger May Want to Read Sunny’s Story
In a recent newsletter, HC DrugFree suggested to our followers that you may want to read Sunny’s Story We asked 2 Howard County Public School students entering 9th and 11th grade as well as adults to read Sunny’s Story and share their thoughts with you: 9th grader: Sunny’s Story is about a dog, Sunny, who was…
Senior Week 2018: Through the Eyes of a Teen
Senior Week 2018: Through the Eyes of a Howard County Teen In partnership with the Ocean City Police, Ocean City Beach Patrol, Howard County Public School System and the PTSAs, HC DrugFree holds at least 2 Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City programs each school year. Our goal is to prepare teens and parents for…
Yippee!!! Senior Year
Senior year!!! What is supposed to be a breeze was so stressful. But don’t let the stress get to you and try not to procrastinate too much. As I get ready for college, I know I’m prepared. The Howard County Public School System has prepared me education wise, by allowing me to take all honors,…
Dear Maryland/Howard County Parents, Teachers, Adults:
We are now in an age where widespread drug and vape usage has increased; now it is not an uncommon sight for school bathrooms or classrooms to be shut down because of needed cleaning or prevention of rapid drug use. Soon where students leave high school environments or go to college there will be more…
What I’ve Seen at HC DrugFree Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings
I have been an HC DrugFee TAC member for the past half year. Attending meetings has helped me see the issues students of different grades, schools, and genders have experienced because they’re very different from mine. I’ve learned that an issue like drugs is not only about what my eyes see, but about the experiences…
Locked School Bathrooms
In high school, the presence of drugs is definitely inevitable. There’s always going to be that “bathroom” in school that is infamously known as a place for drugs and exchanges. For students, it becomes a serious issue. People have to avoid these spots that are meant for a simple human necessity. It’s important that teachers…
Smoking Marijuana in School Bathrooms
I find it both frustrating and surprising that bathrooms are being locked in high schools because teens are smoking marijuana in them. The distinct smell fills the bathroom and makes it hard to stay in there for more than 15 seconds. I shouldn’t have to walk upstairs or across the building just to use the…
Vaping at School: Teen Perspective
Vaping has become an epidemic in HCPSS schools. From foggy cars to locked bathrooms, not a day goes by where I don’t see another reminder of this growing trend. First, it was cars. Then, it was the bathrooms. Now, students are taking hits from their Juul or vape pen in the middle of the classroom.…
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
At HC DrugFree’s recent Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meeting, high school teens discussed what they would tell their younger self entering 9th grade. Here are their answers: Drugs including alcohol have never made a teen’s life better or easier. Don’t stress about everything. Relax. Stressing is a waste of time. Start a club to get…
