Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness

Arlington County Public Schools is committed to providing a healthy and substance-free learning environment. The School Board bans the use of prohibited substances on school property, walking to and from school, on buses, at off-campus lunches, and at school events.Prohibited substance may include, but are not limited to:

• Prescription pills.
• Over-the-Counter Medication such as Tylenol and Allergy Medicine.
• Vitamins
• Vapes and E-Cigarettes.
• Edible
• Marijuana
• Alcohol

This information is detailed in the APS Prohibited Substance Policy.In addition to the enforcing the policy, Arlington County Public Schools offer activities and strategies to encourage healthy development and educate students about the dangers of illegal drugs, alcohol, and the misuse of legal substances. We also provide substance abuse prevention counseling and referral services for secondary students who have substance-related concerns.

Second Chance Arlington is a program designed to educate middle and high school students in Arlington about restorative justice. It focuses on helping them steer clear of alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances. This program is not a form of treatment, counseling, or therapy. It’s most beneficial for students showing early signs of substance use. The program is free for all Arlington County middle and high school students.

Students can be referred by parents or guardians who are worried about potential substance use. Arlington Public Schools (APS) may refer students caught under the influence or in possession of illegal substances as an alternative to suspension. The Arlington Juvenile Courts can also refer students instead of court involvement. Additionally, students have the option to self-refer. Participation is confidential and counts as an excused school absence.

Second Chance Arlington is a community collaboration involving students, parents, school administrators, police, the juvenile justice system, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and non-profit partners. It is run by the Arlington Foundation for Families and Youth.

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Mental Health Fair & Screenagers Event, an important district-wide event that aims to support the mental health and well-being of our students, educators, and families. The event will take place on March 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Dorothy Hamm Middle School, located at 4100 Vacation Lane, Arlington, VA 22207. This event is designed for Arlington Public Schools (APS) middle and high school educators, students, and parents, and we encourage you to join us for this impactful evening.The Mental Health Fair & Screenagers Event offers a unique opportunity for parents, educators, and students to come together and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, wellness, and the challenges that come with managing technology in today’s world. The event will feature expert speakers, valuable resources, and interactive workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to support your child’s emotional and psychological well-being.Event Highlights:

• Mental Health Fair: This fair will give you the opportunity to meet with local mental health providers and learn about the wide range of resources available to support mental health in our community. It’s a chance to gain valuable insights into how you can better support your child’s emotional health, manage stress, and foster resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

• Screenagers Documentary Screening: We will be screening Screenagers: Under the Influence, a thought-provoking documentary that examines the impact of technology and screen time on children’s mental and emotional health. This film will be followed by a community discussion, providing a space for open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities technology presents in the lives of young people.

• Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Participate in a variety of engaging workshops and breakout sessions designed to address practical strategies for managing stress, coping with the pressures of school and social life, and promoting digital wellness for both students and parents. These interactive sessions will provide helpful techniques for enhancing communication and strengthening family dynamics.

• Narcan Training: In light of the opioid crisis, we will offer a Narcan (naloxone) training session to teach you how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, a vital skill that can help save lives. This session is open to all attendees and will provide essential, life-saving knowledge.

This evening promises to be an invaluable resource for all APS families, offering a wealth of information, hands-on learning, and an opportunity to connect with others who are equally committed to the mental well-being of our youth.To register for the event, please click on the appropriate link below to complete your registration. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to ensure you secure your spot, as space is limited.

• For English Registration: Link
• For Spanish Registration: Link 

The deadline to register is March 14, 2025, so please be sure to complete your registration by this date.We are excited to have you join us for this important event to promote healthier minds, stronger communities, and more balanced relationships with technology. Together, we can create a supportive environment for our children to thrive in both their personal and academic lives.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual event that will be observed this year from March 17-23, 2025. Organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this week-long initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol misuse among teenagers. The goal of NDAFW is to provide young people with accurate, evidence-based information while encouraging open discussions about substance use. By doing so, it empowers teens to make informed decisions and challenge common myths about drugs and alcohol.

A central goal of NDAFW is to break down the misconceptions many teens may have about substance use. It challenges the social pressures, peer influence, and media portrayals that often glamorize or normalize substance abuse. By connecting young people with real, evidence-based information from scientists and health professionals, NDAFW helps debunk myths and equip teens with the knowledge they need to avoid risky behaviors.

Throughout the week, NIDA also encourages teens to engage in peer-to-peer education. This often involves activities such as “Fact vs. Myth” games, interactive challenges, and panel discussions where students can speak with experts or individuals in recovery. These conversations provide a safe space to explore the emotional, social, and psychological factors that may contribute to substance use and help students understand the long-term consequences of their choices.

NDAFW also highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for young people. It encourages parents, caregivers, and community leaders to get involved by fostering open communication and providing teens with the resources and guidance they need to resist substance use. The week aims to build a network of support that empowers teens to lead healthy, substance-free lives and make positive decisions about their future.

In addition to raising awareness, NDAFW helps to promote preventive measures and treatment resources for those who may already be struggling with substance use issues. By bringing attention to these topics in schools and communities, NDAFW plays a critical role in reducing substance use and promoting overall well-being among youth.