Oakwood BOLD

BOLD logo

Promoting healthy choices and positive alternatives to reduce underage drinking
and other drug use

Follow us on Twitter @OakwoodBOLD and on
Instagram at oakwoodbold

A message from OJH BOLD

Coping with COVID-19

While individuals will react differently to stressful situations, children in general, tend to experience more intense emotions. Some level of fear and anxiety in this type of crisis is an expected and appropriate reaction. Looking for help supporting your children during the COVID-19 crisis, visit KNOW and read how to reassure and support your children during this global crisis.

The current crisis presents a number of situations for which parents may not have prepared. The counseling staff will continue to provide resources to help:

First Ever District-Wide Be BOLD Day

Our Great BOLD Members

OSD Chief Alan Hill signs the BOLD banner

OSD Captain Kevin Pruszynski signs the OHS BOLD banner

Oakwood Safety Department's Chief Alan Hill and Captain Kevin Pruszynski show their support for BOLD by signing the group's banner. Thank you for your support.

From the Counselor's Corner

When talking to your children about avoiding illegal drugs, use teachable moments. Celebrities or athletes may be in the news for substance use. Don't avoid the subject, turn this news story into a teachable moment to start a conversation about your expectations.

For more tips on talking with your children, visit the Montgomery County Prevention Coalition website.

Teen Vaping Crisis

According to the American Lung Association, one in four high school students say they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days.

Now, the Centers for Disease Control is confirming more than 450 reported cases in 33 states and one U.S. territory of severe lung problems that appear to be associated with vaping. The government agency is now issuing this warning:

"E-cigarette products should never be used by youths, young adults, pregnant women or by adults who do not currently use tobacco products. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence -based smoking cessation treatments, including counseling and FDAapproved medications; those who need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, should contact their medical provider. Persons who are concerned about harmful effects from e-cigarette products may call their local poison control center at: 1-800-222-1222. CDC will continue to advise and alert the public as more information becomes available."

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
September 6, 2019

Do you know a student who wants to stop smoking or vaping? Montgomery County health officials are recommending My Life, My Quit, a free youth tobacco and vaping cessation program, and Smokefree Teen, a tobacco/vape app for teens who want to quit.

Families are encouraged to discuss this recent health crisis and vaping/e-cigarette usage with their children. BOLD will continue to share information and resources with students, staff, parents and community members. To gain more information and resources, you can visit the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids website.

Looking for Help?

CareSolace is a care navigation and coordination system that makes it simple and easy for students to get the right help with drug and mental health issues in seconds.

You can visit their website at www.caresolace.com/ausdfamilies

BOLD Activities

Each year, group members participate in a number of activities to spread the principle message of BOLD. These students work with their peers, staff members, parents and other community members to "promote healthy choices and positive alternatives to reduce underage drinking and other drug us." In addition to providing valuable information to groups, students also encourage parents and community members to pledge their support for the group by signing a banner.

a parent signs the BOLDbanner at the annual footbal game

Peer Activities:

Students promote message at annual NEON/BOLD themed home football game
Students interact at recess with elementary students several times during the school year, serving as positive role models
Students help design a “National Drug Facts Week” event each year, including an activity in the Take 5 and Homeroom classes as well as a pledge banner for students to sign
Students serve as role models and answer questions during a 5th grade DARE class
Students speak at the DARE graduations
Students partner with Oakwood members of the National Honor Society to sponsor a Parent’s Night Out event
Students conduct activities in both a 7th and 8th grade Take 5 class

BOLD members and/or staff representatives have attended a number of parent and community events:

Fall Sports meeting
Junior High Open House
Senior High Open House
Junior & Senior High parent meeting
Annual home football game
Parent Teacher Conference Night
Band boosters meeting
Athletic Boosters meeting
Fine Arts Boosters meeting
PTO meeting
Winter sports meeting
MOM's group meeting
Board of Education meeting
Oakwood City Council
Oakwood Board of Health meeting

Start Talking

According to Start Talking, "conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids."

But how do you start talking about tough topics like drug use? Start Talking can help. Visit their website for great conversation starters for every age and parent tips to help with today's challenges.