Peer-led ‘Vape Out’ initiative brings prevention education to elementary students
On behalf of the Mental Health Advisory Council, Connetquot is proud to recognize the Vape Out program, a new drug prevention education initiative for our elementary students. Vape Out is offered through the Suffolk County Office of Health Education at no cost to the district. This year, Connetquot implemented their Peer Education Training Program at Connetquot High School which prepared older students in becoming “upstanders”. A group of 12 high school students were trained to push into younger classrooms, teaching connection, empathy, bullying and vaping lessons. The goal of the program is to teach students response skills if faced with unhealthy choices.
The high school cohort piloted the new program for both Duffield and John Pearl elementary schools’ fourth grade classrooms. Next year, the program will continue at all seven of the district’s elementary schools.
Thank you to Connetquot High School social workers Jessica Monahan and Kerrin Malinowski, as well as Duffield social worker, Ashley Gugliuzzo, who spearheaded this program. Additionally, thank you to high school Assistant Principal Joe Modica and the Drug and Alcohol Task Force for their dedication and commitment to exploring new initiatives for drug prevention education in Connetquot’s elementary school students!
