Celebrate Life! A Guide for Planning All Night Alcohol/Drug-Free Celebrations for Teens

145 Pages·2012·4.65 MB·English

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 388 925
CG 026 684
AUTHOR Murphy, Sharon, Comp.
Celebrate Life! A Guide for Planning All Night
TITLE
Alcohol/Drug-Free Celebrations for Teens. Fifth
Edition.
INSTITUTION
Virginia State Dept. of Education, Richmond.;
Virginia State Dept. of Motor Vehicles, Richmond.;
Virginia State Police Association, Richmond.
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education,
SPONS AGENCY
Washington, DC. School Improvement Programs.
PUB DATE
Oct 94
NOTE
147p.
PUB TYPE
Non-Classroom Use (055)
Guides
EDRS PRICE
MF01/PC06 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
Alcohol Abuse; *Drinking; Drug Abuse; Grade 12;
*Graduation; *Health Promotion; High Schools; Illegal
Drug Use; Intervention; *Partnerships in Education;
Program Guides; Recreational Programs; *School
Recreational Programs; Youth Programs
IDENTIFIERS
*Proms
ABSTRACT
The two highest risk nights for teens are prom and
graduation. Many studer:ts feel as if they have not really celebrated
if they have not been drinking or using other drugs. Virginia
Operation Prom/Graduation (OP/G) addresses the issues of youth
drinking, drugging, and driving behavior during these high-risk
social seasons. It encourages a positive approach to negative
stereotypic perceptions of what teen "rites of passage" traditions
have been by providing alternative drug-free teen celebrations.
Topical sections are:
(1) About Operation Prom/Graduation;
(2) Why
Bother?;
(3) Everyone Benefits;
(4) General Information;
(5) Party
Guidelines;
(6) Party Facility;
(7) Taxes, Licenses, Insurance, Etc.;
(8) PTA-Celebration Committee Relationship;
(9) The Steering
Committee; (10) Activities; (11) Chaperons/Security; (12) Clean-up;
(13) Decorations and Themes;
(15) Funding; (16) Prizes;
(14) Food;
(17) Publicity;
(18) Tickets, I.D., Entry Packets;
(19) Volunteers;
(20) Small Parties;
(21) Lack of Resources;
(22) Help Each Other!;
(23) Just for Students!;
(24) Resources; and (25) Virginia OP/G Honor
Roll Awards Program. Appendices include sample letters, forms, and
reports.
(JBJ)
**********************************************************************
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
***********************************************************************
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A GUIDE FOR PLANNING
ALL NIGHT
ALCOHOL/DRUG-FREE
CELEBRATIONS
FOR TEENS
A compilation of ideas and comments from parents, school personnel, community members and
graduates from many Virginia High School All Night Party Chairpersons and Committees who have
planned and implemented All Night Alcohol/Drug-Free Prom and Graduation Celebrations.
Compiled and edited by
SHARON MURPHY
Consultant, Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation
Co-Founder, 1987 South Lakes High School Celebration
Chairperson, 1989 South Lakes Celebration
Co-Founder, Northern Virginia Project Graduation
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation
A project of
THE VIRGINIA DEPARMIENTS OF EDUCATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES
in cooperation with the
VIRGINIA STATE POLICE ASSOCIATION
:3
This document has been reproduced and distributed to assist Virginia school and community
groups plan and conduct alcohol and other drug-free activities during high-risk social seasons
The publication represents samples of projects
prom and graduation.
of the year:
undertaken by high school communities in their efforts to provide safe, fun-fuled, alcohol
and other drug-free party environments that appeal to students.
The views and opinions expressed in this document do not necessarily represent the
official views and opinions of the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia
Department of Motor Vehicles, or the Virginia State Police Association.
Fifth Edition, Printed October 1994: 5,000 copies
Total number printed to date: 40,000 copies (1988-1994)
Funding for the 1994-95 Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation project is being provided
by The Office of Governor George Allen usLng funding from the Drug Free Schools and
Communities Act of 1986.
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A very special thanks to:
Arlene Cundiff of the Virginia Department of Education, Principal Specialist, Youth Risk Prevention, for all of her
help, support, encouragement, faith and guidance in this project.
Phyllis Dardenne of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Safety, for all of her help, support and
encouragement.
All of the OP/G Workshop Teams: 1989-1995
The Virginia high school celebration coordinators and committee members who have so willingly shared their
successful party ideas.
The Virginia OP/G Honor Roll Applicants for sharing their information and ideas.
The thousands of persons who have had a part in making these alcohol/drug-free celebrations a success and a
wonderful memory for our students.
The tens of thousands of students who have attended and enjoyed these celebrations.
The Virginia Department of Education for their support.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for their support.
The Virginia State Police Association for their support.
All who took the time to give constructive criticism. This guide has been revised with your comments in mind. Keep
your ideas coming! Let us know what works in your community.
Additional copies of this guide are available free. Call or write:
Arlene D. Cundiff
804/225-2871
Principal Specialist, Youth Risk Prevention
Virginia Department of Education
P. 0. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23216-2120
Speakers are available for workshops, conferences, conventions, and smaller meetings. Call or write Arlene Cundiff at the
address above or contact:
Sharon Murphy
703/264-7993
11600 Sourwood Lane
703/620-9743
FAX: [phone]
Reston, Virginia 22091
If you have samples, ideas, or information you would like to share for publication in a future edition of Celebrate Life! or to
be used at a workshop, please call or write either Arlene Cundiff or Sharon Murphy.
Feel free to copy or use any information or ideas.
The materials in this guide are purposely not copyrighted.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS APPRECIATED AND REQUESTED. Please credit: Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation.
6fi/
61427.ate
A GUIDE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING
ALL-NIGHT ALCOHOL/DRUG-FREE CELEBRATIONS FOR TEENS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Operation Prom/Graduation
1
Why Bother?
3
Everyone Benefits!
4
General Information
5
Party Guidelines
10
Party Facility
13
Taxes, Licenses, Insurance, Etc.
16
PTA-Celebration Committee Relationship
22
The Steering Committee
26
Activities
32
Chaperons/Security
55
60
Clean-up
Decorations and Themes
61
78
Food
Funding
81
Prizes
98
Publicity
102
Tickets, I.D., Entry Packets
113
Volunteers
118
Small Parties
121
Lack of Resources
122
Help Each Other!
123
Just for Students
125
Resources
126
The Virginia OP/G Honor Roll Awards Program
129
Appendix
131
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation
A project of
THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES
in cooperation with the
VIRGINIA STATE POLICE ASSOCIATION
6
1
About Virginia Operation
Provides presentations at state and national conferences.
prom
Visits
graduation
celebrations
and
to
Prom/Graduation
photographically record the process and to fmd new
ideas that can be shared via workshops and the planning
guide.
In accordance with the position of the U.S. and Virginia
Administers the Honor Roll program for the Virginia
Departments of Educdtion that illicit drug use is wrong and
State Police Association.
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation (OP/G)
harmfid,
advocates a "no use" policy for youth. Further, Virginia
THE VIRGINIA
r`
OPERATION PROM/GRADUATION
OP/G does not accept donations from any alcohol or tobacco
PROJECT TEAM
manufacturers or distributors to facilitate or promote the state
program.
Slaron Murphy
Coordinator
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation
WHAT IS OP/G?
11600 Sourwood Lane
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation is a
Reston, Virginia 22091-3012
joint project of the Virginia Departments of
703/264-7993; home: 703/620-9743; Fax: [phone]
Education and Motor Vehicles in cooperation
Arlene Cundiff
with the Virginia State Police Association.
Principal Specialist
In response to a 1987 request from the Virginia Department
Youth Risk Prevention
of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Education
developed the Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation (OP/G)
P.O. Box 2120
project to address the serious issues of youth drinking,
Richmond, Virginia 23216-2120
drugging, and driving behavior during the high-risk social
804/225-2871; Fax: [phone]
seasons of prom and graduation. Even one needless death or
Phyllis Dardenne
injury from any alcohol or other drug-related crasn on high-
risk social occasions was considered to be one too many.
Alcohol & Drug Program Manager
Transportation Safety Administration
OP/G encourages a positive approach to negative stereotype
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
perceptions of what teen "rites of passage" traditions have
P.O. Box 27412
been by
offering plannin6 guides, parent workshops,
Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001
consultations, and presentations that give local community
804/367-1137; Fax: [phone]
groups the needed validity and credibility to plan and
implement all-night alcohol/drug-free teen celebrations in
OP/G Presentation Team
order to assure
Virginia's teens have a positive
that
*The
drawn
Presentation Team
from
is
alternative on prom and graduation nights the two highest
experienced celebration chairpersons across the
risk nights during their high school years.
state and is changed on an annual basis.
Because of OP/G, most celebrations across the state are
Members are identified through the Honor Roll program,
offering all students, regardless of their location, race,
personal contacts throughout the year, and at celebration
visitations. Every effort is made to provide representation
religion, sex, ethnic, socio-economic, academic or athletic
status, the same basic celebration with the same basic
from public and private, large and small, rural and suburban,
and prom and graduation celebrations.
guidelines.
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation Honors and Awards
WHAT DOES OP/G DO?
Virginia OP/G is privileged to have been
Virginia Operation Prom/Graduation:
r" singled out as an outstanding program. The
A Guide for
Provides copies of "Celebrate Life!
following awards and honors have been
Planning All Night Alcohol/Drug Free Celebrations for
Teens" without charge to all who request copies.
received:
Provides state wide workshops to build enthusiasm,
Medatlion Award, Virginia Public Relations Awards
excitement and confidence among those who will plan
their school's celebrations.
Program
Provides presentations and consultations for Virginia
high schools who request them.
Celebrate Ltfe! Planning Guide
About OP/G
- 2 -
Award,
Service
Distinguished
Commonwealth
Rehabilitation and
for
Education
Alliance Drug
(CADRE) 1990 and 1991
Best in Show Award, The National Council of State
Education Communicators
Gold Medallion Award, National School Public
Relations Association (NSPRA)
Award,
Service
Distinguished
The
National
Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD)
Resolution of Commendation, Virginia Council on
Coordinating Prevention
Project
State
Outstanding
Award,
District
2
(Roanoke area), Community Traffic Safety Board
Recognition, 1991-92 Noteworthy Programs and
Practices Award Program, The Southeast Regional
Drug-Free
for
Center
Schools and
(SERC)
Communities. OP/G has been showcased throughout
the southeast region as a model for others, is featured
in the SERC Fall, 1992 publication:
Shining Stars:
Prevention Programs That Work in the Southeast.
Award for Excellence, Fairfax Alcohol Safety Action
Program (ASAP) and the Northern Virginia chapter of
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Transportation
Award:
Safety
G-overnor's
Education, 1994.
Appreciation is expressed for the tremendous support enjoyed
from the Virginia Departments of Education and Motor
Vehicles towards the success of OP/G. It has truly been a
collaborative effort in every sense of the word. Thanks to
them for setting such a high standard for other state agencies
to emulate.
Many thanks to the Virginia State Police Association for their
supportive role in making the Honor Roll Awards program
a reality. They truly are the last of the "good guys." With
efforts like these, our Virginia teens are the real winners!
Celebrate Life! Planning Guide
About OP/G
5
- 3 -
effort, plan every detail, keep your enthusiasm, and be
WHY BOTHER TO HAVE
flexible. This will be an exciting, fun event for all who are
AN OP/G
involved besides being a wonderful tradition for your school
and a great memory for your teens. So, DO plan a party for
CELEBRATION?
your studentsTHEY'RE WORTH IT!
GOOD LUCK!
The two highest risk nights for teens are prom and
graduation. Teens attend parties throughout the year but peer
pressure is highest these two nights. Many students feel as
if they haven't really celebrated if they haven't been drinking
or using other drugs.
Some parents seem to condone
drinking parties rationalizing that since the students are going
to drink anyway, why not provide them a place, take their
keys, and watch over them? Unfortunately, the role models
our students haveTV, movies, newspapers, magazines, and
we, as parents and community membersall seem to send
the same message: Alcohol and/or other drugs are needed to
celebrate an important occasion.
It is not enough to tell our students to "Just say, 'NO!'"
We must give them an alternative to which they can and will
say, "Yes!"
This guide gives suggestions for planning
alcohol/drug-free parties for these important nights in our
Why? Because we love them and they're
teens' lives.
worth it!
Here is a chance to give your teens a wonderful
memory, keep them alive, build a tradition, and provide an
alternative to which they can and will say, "YES!".
These parties are succeeding because of the commitment
of the parents planning the parties, the backing of the schools
and local government, and the generous support of our
communities. Students like celebrating all night with their
'fiends and, at many schools, this has become the way to
celebrate these special occasions.
This guide is full of ideas and suggestions.
Use what
seems appropriate for your community and forget the rest.
These parties seem to succeed best when planned and
implemented by PARENTS; use the school as a support
group only and incorporate students wherever you wish.
It is hoped that ALL schools will share information and
resources with each other. The idea is to provide a tragedy-
free prom and graduation season (why not the whole year?)
for ALL teens.
These celebrations are not in ANY way
meant to be a competition between communities, schools or
parents.
All reports and surveys indicate that students are enjoying
safc partying. Communities all over Virginia are reaching
out to their young people with love, encouraging them to
"CELEBRATE LIFE!" All of us working together can and
have made a difference. Start early, make it a large group
Celebrate Life! Planning Guide
Why Bother?
- 4 -
lMM
The community can discover how everyone working
EVERYONE BENEFITS!
together can make a difference.
REASONS FOR BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS,
STUDENTS
SCHOOL AND PARENTS TO HELP
No one has to make a decision about alcohol and other
Benefits ALL studentsno one is left out of the fun.
drugs or mixing alcohol and/or other drugs with
Trying to prevent tragedy.
driving. There is no pressure to drink.
Show teens they can have fun without using alcohol or
The cost is minimal or free.
other drugs.
At most parties everyone goes home with a prize or
Give students a good choice rather than no choice.
favor.
Prom and Graduation are the two highest-risk nights for
Students will look back on this party as a very special
any high school student.
night to remember.
Prevent peer pressure to drink or use other drugs.
There's no pressure to have a date,
Keep some parents from illegally serving alcohol to
Students experience what a great time they have
minors because they think there are no options.
celebrating without the use of alcohol or other drugs.
Give parents a worry-free night when they know their
A new tradition is established which works as a positive
students are safe.
force to combat chemical use and driving under the
Let school administrators rest easy knowing the students
influence of alcohol or other drugs.
are safe.
STUDENTS: GRADUATION PARTIES
EVERY senior has a party to attend on graduation
night.
All seniors are together to celebrate, perhaps for the
last time.
STUDENTS: PROM PARTIES
EVERY student has a party to attend on prom
nighteven if they have no date or cannot afford to
attend the prom.
PARENTS
Parents know their children won't be using alcohol or
drugs at this event.
Parents know their children will not be driving drunk or
drugged, riding as passengers with a drunk or drugged
driver, or be out on the road where another drunk or
drugged driver may hit them.
Parents know where their children are.
Parents know their students are supervised.
Parents make friends with other parents who work on
the party.
Parents may begin to question how the committee can
provide other alcohol/drug-free social activities for
youth.
Parents may begin to question whether alcohol always
has to be part of their own celebrations and how that
may influence their children's celebrations.
Parents may get involved in other school related
activities after seeing how much fun this was.
THE COMMUNITY
Everyone joins together to work toward a common
goal.
The community can take pride in providing a positive
experience for teens.
Celebrate Life! Planning Guide
Benefits