About Community of Concern

In 2004, Sandy Spring Friends School joined the Washington Metropolitan Area Community of Concern. The Community of Concern is a partnership of parents, students, schools, and other organizations working together through education and cooperation to keep youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug free. We feel, and experts agree, there is great value in collaborating with other concerned schools and parents in actively working for the safety and education of our students. The Community of Concern represents a voice of solidarity and is a source of drug education materials for the SSFS community.

Community of Concern members share a commitment to educate parents through:

1. The distribution of the booklet, "A Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use." The booklet, a 28-page manual written by and for parents and reviewed by experts, explains the dangers of substance abuse from a scientific, legal and social viewpoint. It also contains information about alcohol poisoning, binge drinking, brain research, and elementary/middle concerns for parents with younger children. There are Chapters on Elementary, Middle and High School Concerns; Brain 101 - the Adolescent Brain; Why and Why Not; The Negative Effects of Substance Abuse...Help; Signs and Symptoms...Communication; Parties and the Social Scene; Resources...Drug Chart Pictures...Drug Chart; Legal Consequences; The Sandy Spring Friends School Substance Abuse Policy.

2. The use of the state-of-the-art interactive course "The Online Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use", which is based on the booklet. You can access this course at www.thecommunityofconcern.org.

3. Sponsoring other parent education events, such as panels of experts (legal, medical, substance abuse treatment professionals, etc.) and peer leadership events spotlighting students who choose not to drink, smoke or use other drugs.

We Want You! Our goal at Sandy Spring Friends School is for every Middle and Upper School parent to read the Community of Concern booklet or to take their online course (www.thecommunityofconcern.org). We want every MS and US parent in our community to affirm that,

I have read the Community of Concern booklet or I have taken their online course. Therefore I am educated with basic information on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. I will promote wellness and safety in our school community, and I am willing to work with other SSFS parents to prevent the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs among Sandy Spring Friends School students. I strive to uphold the SSFS Party Statement.

To further promote a culture of active cooperation and communication among SSFS parents, the PA will maintain and make available a listing on our webpage of parents who want it known that they affirm the above statement. We see the listing of these parents as a potentially useful resource for our community to achieve our common values and goals. Add your name to the growing list of parents who are making this commitment. Next time you are planning a party, or your child is interested in attending one, make use of this reference to parents who have committed to promote wellness in our school community.