iDECIDE TO STAND UP TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

By MIKAYLA CHAIT

iDecide is a program that was developed to teach elementary students the importance of drug and alcohol prevention along with the effect these substances have over a person’s life.  It was created several years ago by Washingtonville High School students and was originally run by Mrs. Cooney, a former guidance counselor and graduate of Washingtonville.  Although Mrs. Cooney has left the district, Mrs. Losquadro and Mr. Saladino now have the privilege of spearheading this beneficial club. 

Through different methods, students are able to interact with their peers, as well as iDecide mentors, in skits and exercises such as The Puppy Rescue.  In addition, students learn facts about dangerous substances.  The mentors are a vital element in the iDecide program; they must be willing to work hands on with the elementary students and be someone the kids can look up to. When asked about this year’s group of mentors, Mr. Saladino replied, “This year's group of mentors is particularly stellar! They have proven to be exceptionally responsible and are exceptional role models.  Their voices have great power and influence over the fifth grade population they are working with in the elementary classrooms.”  As iDecide mentors continue to pass through high school, there is always room in the club for new members. 

MIKAYLA CHAIT FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Originally, this program only took place at one of the elementary schools, Little Britain, considering Taft and Round Hill participated in the D.A.R.E. program. With its absence, all three elementary schools now rely on their high school iDecide mentors to teach them about drugs and alcohol.  Junior Megan Geary went to elementary school at Little Britain and is now an iDecide mentor. When asked about her experience returning to her old school,  Megan stated, “Going back to the elementary school is awesome. Being able to work with the kids is really cool because they look up to you and admire you more than you know.” Megan then recalled what it was like participating in iDecide as a fifth grade student, “I participated in iDecide in 5th grade and it was one of my favorite parts.  I looked up to them [the mentors] tremendously, so I know the kids feel the same about us.” Overall, iDecide leaves a lifelong impact on the students that have the privilege of being able to go through the program. At the end of the four week agenda, the students get to celebrate with a pizza party and a ceremony. 

Although iDecide has had a change of leadership this year, the club is stronger than ever. Mr. Saladino claimed, “The transition has been quite seamless.” Furthermore, though the journey for this year’s iDecide has come to an end, the club will continue to grow stronger and prosper for years to come. Becoming a mentor is extremely rewarding and an exceptional experience. Not only do high schoolers get to teach children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the experience also reminds mentors about these hazards. 

If interested in being apart of iDecide next year, see Mr. Saladino or Mrs. Losquadro who both travel back and forth from the high school and the middle school. Listen for announcements each fall to find out when meetings will be held and make sure to sign up for the email list which is extremely helpful to find out about cancellations and new meeting times. Ultimately, it is never too early to start teaching students about the risks of drugs and alcohol.