Littlerock High School Prevention Week Wraps

Littlerock – Littlerock High School – On Friday May 13, a week of educating and encouraging high school students to make the right life choices wrapped with non-profits and Los Angeles County agencies presenting to the students during their lunch break.

Littlerock High School Community Schools Specialist Amora Coles collaborated with the Tarzana Treatment Center’s team to bring a weeklong series of workshops and events to bring awareness to students, parents and school staff the dangers of alcohol and other drugs and how to prevent involvement in any of these dangers. Big Al’s contributed by delivering free pizza to feed the presenters each day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

CHP Office Monique Mischeaux conducted her DUI information sessions in the school’s theatre to small groups of students. LASD Detective Soraya Ely brought information about human trafficking.

Eleven non-profits and County agencies generously participated in the Resource Fair during the lunch hour on Friday. Pueblo y Salud, Inc., Los Angeles County Department of Health, NAMI, ABC, DEA, Community Schools, Tarzana Treatment Center, AVPH and Valley Oasis brought information and an array of tchotchkes.

Eight priorities of a Needs Assessment study were identified. Data derived from looking at attendance records, suspensions, graduation rates, numbers of English learners, foster youth, homeless youth and promise youth was used to form the needs list. The eight are:

1. Support for substance abuse

2. Foster youth support

3. Parental support

4. Trauma informed training

5. Food insecurity

6. Before and after school provider

7. Mental health support

8. At Promise youth support

Mrs. Coles remarked, “We are already planning our next event. We want one event like this every semester. We feel it is going to get bigger. ABC, DEA and the Tarzana Center are ready to start bringing awareness and education specifically to Littlerock High School students.

“During the pandemic we could not see all that what was going on with our students on the computer screens. Now we see these addictions, behaviors and we can support our students and families through in person workshops. We can educate our families about human trafficking.

“We will continue to do marijuana and vaping education which contribute to truancy and behavioral issues.”

By Shirley Harriman