Element Two

Element 2: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Activities

To reduce students’ use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), MUSD will utilize prevention and early intervention strategies using evidence-based programs and nationally recognized best practices. We will lower the percentage of students’ experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by 10%. Our first objective will be to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TDGD) program, providing ATOD awareness and educational training to all K-8 students within the district. With the Toward No Drugs (TND) program we will provide the same ATOD training in grades 9-12. We will raise drunk-driving awareness through the Every 15 Minutes program in all four high schools, and we will offer The Drug Store program for students in grades K-6. Tobacco use will decrease annually by 10% for grades 9-12 utilizing Project EX. In addition to developmentally appropriate strategies for reaching students, we will provide educational training and seminars for both teachers and parents regarding drug trends, early warning signs, and community resources available for supporting these efforts. Expanding and creating more ATOD rehabilitation resources among our community partners will encourage MUSD’s students to speak honestly about substance abuse and prevent future addictions.

Element Leader: Beverly Cohen

MUSD, D.A.T.E. Coordinator

A dedicated educator for over 25 years, Ms. Cohen stands in the spotlight for our July issue. Personal learning and teaching others how to learn has been the driving force in Beverly’s background. No stranger to the District, she taught at Bell Gardens Intermediate School from 1984 to 2006 as a math, science, social studies, health and physical education teacher; she has served as a resource specialist, and special education teacher. Her leadership training and skills have served District students and personnel well for many years.

As D.A.T.E. (Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education) Coordinator Ms. Cohen is responsible for all training and curriculum activities relating to Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) for students, staff and parents. In this position, Beverly will make frequent visit to school sites carrying the responsibility for the fidelity of each program, thus ensuring that the required number of sessions are held and that all students will avail themselves of the programs.

Ms. Cohen will also be responsible for the expansion and implementation of Too Good for Drugs to all students at the District’s 24 elementary and middle schools, as well as the Too Good for Violence, Towards No Drugs and Project EX programs. She and Sgt. Linh Dinh will collaborate on the Every 15 Minutes and Drug Store Programs. That is a tall order, but not one that Beverly shies away from. Her devotion to at-risk populations and enthusiasm for new experiences will be contagious to all who work with Beverly.

She started her education in 1971 at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma with a B.A in Elementary Education. In 1999 she began a four-year study to earn an M.A. in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Pasadena’s Pacific Oaks College.

Something that not everyone may know about Beverly Cohen is that she LOVES to dance! Be it Ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing or Country Western, you’ll find her on the floor keeping the beat! Her church activities take up a large part of her leisure time by singing in the choir; she’s even performed in Disneyland’s Candlelight Procession. Women’s ministries are important as is SERVE Weekends where service projects are conducted in the community in lieu of church services. She’s a resident of Whittier and enjoys maintaining ties and activities with her extended family.

The Montebello Unified School District appreciates and is grateful for the level of knowledge and professionalism Ms. Cohen brings to the table as a member of the Element Working Group.

Element 2: Activities