Timberlane Awarded Georgie Boy Grant

The Timberlane Regional School District is the recipient of the New Hampshire Health and Human Services, Alcohol & Drug Misuse Prevention and Mental Health Promotion grant.  The district refers to this grant as the “Georgie Boy” grant.  This $100,000 grant has been secured through the collaborative efforts of Charlie George, Community member sponsor, Senator Morse, Representative for the Town of Atkinson, Kathleen Dayotis, principal of the Atkinson Academy School, Atkinson Police Chief Albert Brackett, Director of Student Services, Susan Rasicot, Student Assistance High School Program professional, Tim Lena, Student Assistance Middle School Program professional, Kelley Binette and Barry Chooljian, Director of School Counselors.

The grant has provided several programs to support youth in leading a healthy lifestyle.  The grant supported the training of community police officers and elementary school teachers in L.E.A.D. training.  This program promotes the prevention of drug and alcohol misuse in the schools as well as the community.  The elementary school students have been able to attend after school programming to develop new interests.  Some of those interests include: Lego club, Games club, Zumba club, and Slime club.  After school programming has been successful and well received by the students.

At the high school level students were able to hear Justice Broderick share the “Five Signs of Mental Illness as well as the latest program initiative, R.E.A.C.T., Recognize the signs of emotional suffering, Express concern and offer support, Act now and talk to someone you trust-parent, teacher, coach, relative, friend, doctor, Care enough to follow through and follow up, Text SIGNS to 741-741 or call 603-448-4440.  Another promotion was for community and family members to attend a Mock Teenage Bedroom presentation.  Over the summer, future events include Adventurelore, and Evidence based training sessions for Parents are planned in the fall.    During Alcohol awareness month, high school students were able to film a Fatal Realty production that is posted on our website.  Students also participated in Sticker Shock to raise awareness regarding legal drinking age.

This grant also supports grandparents in the district who may be court appointed to care for their grandchildren.  This program is known as P.A.S.T.A., Parenting A Second Time Around.  This is a collaborative effort with our Sandown facilitator, Sergeant Aurie Roy.  Grandparents are able to learn about a variety of topics including child development, discipline and guidance, and rebuilding families.  Attendance at these workshops is growing in numbers.

The Timberlane Regional School district wishes to thank Charlie George and his family for all of their efforts to bring this grant to completion.  A special thanks to all of the participants in the development and support of the future activities to come.

A ceremony acknowledging the support of Senator Morse and the George family will be held at Atkinson Academy on June 18th.

June 15, 2018