Ramsey program recruits dads to serve as role models
Ramsey Elementary School will kick off itsWATCH D.O.G.S., or Dads of Great Students, program on Tuesday with a dads and kids pizza night from 6 to 7 p.m. at the school.
The program is the safe-schools initiative of the National Center for Fathering and was created in response to the 1998 Jonesboro, Ark., school shooting. Since its inception, WATCH D.O.G.S. has spread to more than 800 schools in more than 30 states.
On Tuesday, dads and dad figures are also invited to spend the day at Ramsey, serving as positive male role models and helping increase a sense of security in the building. Dads will have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities, including reading to classes, tutoring students and hanging out with students at recess.
For more information, call Julia Moore, Ramsey prevention specialist and WATCH D.O.G.S. coordinator, at (208) 765-2010. For more information about WATCH D.O.G.S., call (888) 540-3647 or visit www.fathers.com/watchdogs.
Forum aims to start conversation about meth
The Idaho Meth Project will hold a free family forum on Jan. 20 at North Idaho College’s Boswell Hall at 7 p.m. to educate parents, teens, and tweens about the risks and consequences of methamphetamine use. The forum will build on the “Not Even Once” campaign that’s responsible for the shocking anti-meth ads on TV. The forum hopes to move the campaign from the TV into a conversation.
Topics during the discussion include: what meth looks like; why meth is so addictive; dangerous side effects; signs that your child or his or her friends may be using meth; and tactics to start the family conversation.
Idaho Meth Project volunteer and recovering meth addict Brian Lux and Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Wayne Longo will be speaking at the event.
Due to content, organizers have asked that children younger than 10 not attend the forum.
Two CdA teachers gain national certification
Two teachers in the Coeur d’Alene School District recently earned their 2009 national board certification, joining 74,000 teachers across the country who have achieved certification.
Shelly Blank, a first-grade teacher at Borah Elementary, earned her certification in early and middle childhood literacy. Tim Burnside, a science teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School, received his certification in adolescent and young adult science.
According to a press release from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certified Teachers advance student achievement and learning, stay in the classroom longer, support new and struggling teachers and assume other school-based leadership roles.