Latest news with #MichaelDeLeon
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
THC vape pen with fentanyl warning to Parents: What you need to know
DRYDEN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It's a message that no parent wants to receive in their inbox: a local school district warns families and staff about a vape pen found with fentanyl in it that a student in the area got hold of. Although the student was not enrolled in Dryden Central School District, the student was close enough in mileage that the district thought the risk was too close not to send a statement. These TCH pens found with fentanyl have become a growing concern among experts and educators nationwide, becoming more dangerous and common. One of those educators who was a former addict, Michael DeLeon, says he has over 100 cases across the country where law enforcement has detected fentanyl in vapes. For years, Michael has been on a mission to end this crisis. He has traveled to schools across the nation to spread awareness and inform students that this is real and extremely dangerous. 'An unsuspected kid puts a vape in their mouth to hit their vape, and it has fentanyl in it, they're going to die if someone's not nearby with Narcan,' says Michael DeLeon When educating, the Steered Straight founders remind families, students, and educators that this is scary and happening daily. He reminds parents that they don't need to scare their kids because scaring them won't work. DeLeon says the best way is to educate them, empower them, and steer them. 'This is going to get more common, more common than ever,' said DeLeon, reminding that 'We're going to see more unlicensed selling vapes and we're going to see more counterfeit and rogue vapes sent into this country.' So, his advice to parents is to start talking to their children and make it known that one hit could kill. 'The three most dangerous words a parent could ever utter are not my kid because it's never your kid till it's your kid. Prevention through education is the key,' said DeLeon. For more information to better educate on this crisis, you can head over to his website, Steered Straight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Six Years of Support: Safe Schools Endeavor Awards over $28K to Local Schools
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Safe Schools Endeavor, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, will award more than $28,000 in grant support to fund 16 projects in 14 Jefferson and Lewis County schools for the 2024-2025 school year. 2024's Safe Schools Endeavor Recipients The Safe Schools Endeavor Steering Committee reviewed nearly 20 applications for funding to support programs that empower students, parents, and faculty to create the safest schools possible in Jefferson and Lewis counties. This is the sixth year the fund has awarded grant support. Since its inception, the Safe Schools Endeavor has awarded $129,116 for 71 school projects in Jefferson and Lewis counties. The Community Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the following Safe Schools Endeavor grants: Beaver River Central School District, $2,500 to continue installation of window glazing in all building entrances to deter unauthorized access, slow access to an intruder, and protect against natural disasters and flying debris. South Lewis Central School District, $2,090 to help purchase 10 handheld radios to enhance emergency communication and eliminate potential delays in calling for assistance. Alexandria Central School District, Lyme Central School District, Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES, General Brown Central School District, and South Jefferson Central School District, $2,000 each to support the Emergency 911 Radio Project, which the Jefferson County Emergency Management Office is leading. Augustinian Academy, Carthage, $2,000 to help address the social and emotional needs of an increasing number of students, especially among military families. The school has planned two assemblies focused on anti-bullying and building respect. Adirondack Central School District, $1,900 to help combat the negative effects of social media on children's social skills and mental wellness. Watertown City School District, $1,500 to launch 'The Buddy Walk' project to improve the safety and well-being of pre-k and kindergarten students. Lowville Academy and Central School, $1,500 to help address a growing student mental health crisis. Funding will help bring Michael DeLeon and Steered Straight to the school to present age-appropriate content regarding the prevention of vaping, substance use and abuse, bullying, suicide, and addiction while also helping to promote healthy life choices. South Jefferson Central School District, $1,500 to help South Jefferson Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) enhance school safety and foster a culture of respect, responsible decision-making, and mental wellness. Student members submitted this grant application. Carthage Central School District, $1,500 to support anti-bullying presentations for elementary and middle school students. The district has adopted Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports to promote academic, social and emotional success for students. Sackets Harbor Central School District, $1,500 to help provide bullying prevention, suicide prevention, and education on digital citizenship. Grant funding will support a school assembly featuring a father who lost his 13-year-old son to suicide. Watertown City School District, $1,300 to help increase student awareness of human and sex trafficking, highlighting both the ease with which individuals can become victims, and the challenges victims face in escaping such situations using posters, speakers at schoolwide assemblies, and short lessons. Grant funding will support speaker fees, and related materials. Copenhagen Central School District, $1,000 to help purchase an AED for the elementary school wing, which could also serve the outdoor playground and tennis court areas. Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge Awards $10,000 for 10 NNY nonprofits Grants are made possible thanks to the generous gifts of many individuals and businesses in Jefferson and Lewis counties who support the Safe Schools Endeavor and its mission to help keep all children safe while they're at school. The Safe Schools Endeavor stresses awareness, empowerment, and action within school communities. All grant proposals are evaluated based on the degree to which they embody these desired outcomes. To stay informed about the Safe Schools Endeavor and its progress in Jefferson and Lewis county schools, on Facebook and Instagram. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
