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Chairperson 2008-2009:  Kathy Shelus

	About the Committee
	"Think Purple" Week
	Other activities
	Hotline & Local Resource Numbers

Download "Think Purple" Week flyer

The Chemical Dependency Awareness Committee, consists of representatives from the SPF Public School District’s eight schools, St. Bartholomew’s Interparochial School and the SPF District Substance Abuse Coordinator.

The committee organizes events during the school year to bring awareness about chemical abuse & its effects among the students & community. 

This is an annual drug and alcohol substance abuse awareness week sponsored by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA Council, Inc. Chemical Dependency Awareness Committee with the cooperation of the SPF Public School District, St. Bartholomew’s Inter-parochial School and the SPF Municipal Alliance. It is held annually every year in the first full week of March. 

Reasons for “Think Purple” Week  

• To remember those who have lost their lives or have had their lives changed as a result of substance abuse  
• To remind children and youth that their communities care about them and wish them to be safe and happy  
• To engage students in activities which enhance their understanding of substance abuse   
• To alert our communities to the dangers of substance abuse      

Symbol of “Think Purple” Week

Purple ribbons and bows, which are distributed to all students and displayed around the towns.                  

“Think Purple” Week Activities   

• Purple ribbons are tied on trees and telephone poles and posters are displayed in windows of many buildings around the towns.   
• Elementary school students write congratulatory and anti-substance abuse  messages to high school seniors on purple cut-out hearts and hands. These are displayed in the high school on the day of the Senior Picnic.    
• Middle School students write similar messages to the seniors on purple postcards, which are mailed to seniors during the week prior to Commencement.   
• Age-appropriate school assemblies with an anti-substance abuse message are held in all schools.   
• “Purple Day” is held mid-week, when students are encouraged to wear purple garments.   
• Parenting Workshops are conducted to help parents understand the causes of substance use and addiction and know how to communicate with their children about drugs and alcohol. 
• Special newsletters and communications are sent to students and parents.   

Individual school PTAs may elect to have other special activities in their schools.     

Other related activities, occurring at various times of the year are:  

• “Caring Candles,” or luminaries, are set out on the evening of the High School Commencement.   
• A “Wrecked Car Display” at the High School each spring reminds students of a possible effect of drinking and driving.  
• “Senior Surprises” are distributed to high school seniors with a “We Care” message, from the SPFHS PTA.   
• A Senior Class Picnic is hosted by the SPFHS PTA.   
• Purple ribbons are affixed to the diplomas of all seniors.   
• Project Graduation, an all-night celebration for graduated seniors, followed by a Senior Breakfast, is hosted by the SPFHS PTA.   
• The presentation of age appropriate substance abuse and prevention is part of the curriculum in the schools.

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