Lacey’s School Superintendent Addresses Substance Abuse and Bullying

Lacey Township's Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sandra Brower, spoke with the Municipal Alliance on district programs and initiatives, both currently in place and those in progress to address the issues of smoking, substance abuse prevention and bullying.

“I’m glad and grateful for the conversations that I’ve had here in Lacey,” said Brower on Monday night. “(Committeeman) Dave Most called me with some concerns and things that were on his mind, (Municipal Alliance Coordinator) Heather Scanlon and I met last week, and I’m going to meet tomorrow with staff from to chat in a forum.”

Brower elaborated on her history with municipal alliances in other towns where she previously worked as an educator, such as Point Pleasant Borough and Wall Township. “I hope that we can continue working alongside the Lacey Township Municipal Alliance going forward. I do commit that we will provide a seat here (at these meetings) every month,” said the superintendent.

Brower continued by discussing the importance of communication between parents and their children, and with members of the school district.

“Kids have so many choices these days and not a lot of time. As good a job as we’ve been doing, I think that we can do an even better job of working with different community members and always being in lockstep with helping kids to make good decisions,” the superintendent said.

Brower also mentioned that she had met with freshman students at the , who were starting a campaign on the importance of keeping the school building a smoke-free environment, particularly in the restrooms and around the exterior of the property.

“The school is working on an aggressive anti-smoking program, involving staff with the students and more supervision. We do need to send a clear message that cigarette smoke will not be tolerated in the halls or anywhere else; we are motivated to do whatever it takes, but we have a long way to go,” said Brower.

The superintendent added that the current penalty for first-time violators of the smoking policy is one day of in-school detention, but stated that the policy may be re-evaluated in the future if it does not prove to be an effective deterrent.

Brower clarified to members of the public in attendance that the school’s anti-smoking rule is made possible through a state policy, which is in effect for staff and students, in addition to visitors to the school. The superintendent explained that there have been past issues with guests attending events at the school and stepping outside to smoke.

“Parents need to know that school property is a smoke-free zone, and we’re going to send out an aggressive message about that,” Brower declared.

Alliance member and School Substance Abuse Counselor Tom Faulkner explained that same sentiment is present at the elementary school level as well, with Mill Pond participating in a program called . Tar Wars is an anti-tobacco education program owned and operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians designed for 4th and 5th grade students and consists of three parts:  a pre-activity exercise, a 40-50 minute classroom presentation and a follow-up poster contest.

“Kids are amazed at the statistics and expense incurred by choosing to smoke,” Faulkner said. Tar Wars is an ongoing program taking place during health classes at Mill Pond, and is also coordinated through the efforts of health instructor Nancy Coleman and school nurse Anita Hergert.

In response to a later question on bullying, Brower replied that the revised state H-I-B (Harassment-Intimidation-Bullying) legislation currently in effect makes clear a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in Lacey schools.

“Every reported incident is documented, and that includes wrap-around bullying as well,” said the superintendent, which refers to bullying that is done outside the school boundaries, such as through the Internet, social media applications or text messages.

Brower also emphasized the importance of communication between students who are feeling bullied and parents, administrators or other trusted confidants.

“We have to do everything we can to listen to our kids. When a child finds solace and respect with one adult, it makes a difference,” said Brower.

Most said that when it came to being open to discussion on drug issues, smoking and the like, he felt the community had come quite a way. “We talk about the issues now, we educate. Our culture has changed through education, and our community has changed too,” said the committeeman.

Coordinator Scanlon mentioned that the Municipal Alliance was looking to a create task force, comprised of community members, school personnel, members of the police department and those of local houses of worship. “We would also be putting together a directory of organizations, in order to bring (drug and alcohol) prevention groups together,” said Scanlon. Scanlon added that the Alliance was currently seeking group liaisons for this planned task force.

In other news from the meeting:

• Retired Lt. Edwin Torres, a specialist on gang activity, will continue to present his program on March 22 at St. Paul’s Church and on April 4 at the Berkeley branch of the Ocean County Library, located in nearby Bayville. “Mr. Torres and his programs have been fantastic,” said Scanlon. The programs seek to show an informed perspective on gang life and how important it is for young people to be made aware of the dangers of gang activity.

• Fundraisers are currently in the works to benefit Lanoka Harbor Firefighter Daniel Inglis, who was leaving the Lincoln Tunnel on Christmas Eve when he got into and found himself in Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. Born and raised in Lacey, Inglis is now considered a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. Alliance member Lorraine Egan said that on March 10, at the in Forked River, a benefit and Chinese auction will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with buffet, DJ, dancing, and cash bar for a $20 admission fee. There is also an account open at TD Bank for Inglis. In order to donate, make a check payable to the “Daniel Inglis Charity Fund” and stop at any TD Bank to make the transaction. Checks also can be sent to the Inglis’ home at 708 Sinclair Ave., in Lanoka Harbor.

• Committeeman Most also mentioned a Veterans Symposium to take place at the local on Saturday, March 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Topics to be discussed include post-military career options, such as the workforce and the G.I. Bill.