Too Good for Drugs curriculum prepares students for future

When teaching a child lessons about choice and social development, it’s always good to start when they are young.

That’s why Cheney School District recently implemented the “Too Good For Drugs” curriculum for fourth-graders at the elementary schools. The district adopted the curriculum as a proposal from staff in 2013 and implemented it for the 2015-16 school year.

The Mendez Foundation, an organization that’s been developing and implementing prevention education programs for elementary school students, developed the curriculum. According to the foundation’s website, the curriculum is a revised delivery model designed to promote social skill development and resiliency in a fun and interactive learning environment.

Although it is named “Too Good for Drugs,” most of the curriculum focuses on a variety of lessons.

According to Kim Lefler, Snowden Elementary School counselor, students learn and practice setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, and refuse peer pressure and influence through independent, paired, and cooperative learning activities and games.

“It’s set up so students have the skills to make strong decisions and set goals,” Lefler said.

For goal setting, the lesson asks students “what do you want to do?” and stresses the importance of going to school.

“It’s important for students to think about the future and where they are going,” Lefler said.

In regards to bonding and relationships, the curriculum focuses on healthy and unhealthy relationships and students selecting friends who will encourage them to be their best and make good decisions. Lefler said it also helps them from a problem-solving standpoint.

The second half of the curriculum shows students different opportunities they have to make positive and negative decisions as they get older such as through interactive games, role-playing and skits.

“The lessons also look at the effects of tobacco and alcohol use,” Lefler said. “Most fourth-graders will not be exposed to alcohol and tobacco. This is a preemptive strategy before they get exposed to alcohol and cigarettes.”

Lefler added that there are lessons that teach students healthy and safe uses for prescription medication.

Lefler said the schools are already in the first few weeks of lessons. She said students are “really engaged” with the material.

“We’ll monitor progress as the weeks go on,” Lefler said. “It’s really new to all of us, but it’s a great opportunity, lots of lessons.”

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.