KC STAAR grant closing; director says results impressive

For the last four years, schools in Keokuk County eceived a federal grant to address underage and binge drinking behaviors and attitudes among all sixth- through 12th-grade students.

The grant was to originally last three years, but was able to continue through a fourth year due to conservative spending and a continued need to address the issues.

From the start, school administrators and staff were committed to changing the culture among the teens who attended Pekin, Keota, Sigourney and Tri-County schools. They did so through the development of curriculum and programs within the school and in the surrounding communities.

In addition, the KC STAAR Action Team, high school students who pledged to take a stand against teen alcohol abuse, made strides encouraging their peers to resist abusing their bodies with drugs and alcohol.

Below are the some of the highlights from the survey administered twice a year.

? Sixth- through 12th-grade students who had engaged in binge drinking ? five drinks or more in a row ? in the past 30 days went from 14.30 percent in fall 2008 to 6.45 percent in spring 2012.

? Sixth- through 12th-grade students who engaged in binge drinking in the past year went from 28.10 percent in fall 2008 to 14.03 percent in spring 2012.

? Sixth- through 12-grade students who ever engaged in binge drinking went from 25.80 percent in fall 2008 to 10.24 percent in spring 2012.

? Sixth- through 12th-grade students who believe alcohol abuse is not harmful to health went from 11.90 percent to 8.98 percent.

? Sixth- through 12th-grade students who see no problem with alcohol went from 23.80 percent to 10.11 percent.

?The number of students taking this short survey ranged from 634 to 978, so it should be a pretty good indication? said Bonnie Meier, consultant and evaluator of the KC STAAR grant.

Sustainability of such efforts were in the works from day one. Community groups and individuals supported KC STAAR through meeting and activity attendance, donations, in-kind materials and providing space for activities. Continuation of the programs has been left to the leadership of each school district. Some will continue the youth leadership group, formerly known as the KC STAAR Action Team. Some have elected to continue the Project Northland curriculum for sixth, seventh and eighth grade. All four schools will continue the Alcohol EDU online curriculum for ninth grade for at least the next two years due to funding from the Keokuk County Endowment Foundation.

Lynne Zoulek, project director for the grant said, ?I can?t thank everyone enough for the great support for reducing alcohol use with our youth.  The evidence is clear ? the culture is shifting ? and hopefully it stays that way.?

To get involved or to donate to future projects related to reducing substance abuse among youth, contact the local school district?s school board, superintendent and principals.

For information on substance abuse issues, visit the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center at www.drugfreeinfo.org or by calling 888-242-4111.