FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

February 2025

FOCUS Facilitator Portal Resources

We believe that the most effective prevention starts with students themselves. That's why we're offering free resources to support student-led initiatives that prevent adolescent risk behaviors. Our resources include:

• Let's Talk About Fentanyl (Slides)
• The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health (Slides)
• HERO Leadership Training Videos
• Vaping-Student Presentation and Adult Presentation
• Focus Group Training Slides
• Peer Mentor Training
• HIV Teacher Training Slides
• Character Traits and Quote
• FOCUS Extracurricular Implementation Slides
• ........AND MORE!

To access your free prevention resources:

1. Go to www.thefocusprogram.com
2. Click on FOCUS Facilitator Login
3. Enter the Password you received in your registration confirmation email (Contact afreitag@thefocusprogram.com for assistance.)

Thank you for your commitment to student well-being. Together, we can make a difference!

Congratulations to our FOCUS Student of the Month, Mary Catherine Hepler, of Monroeville. Mary Catherine is a sophomore at Excel School. While she’s busy taking dual-enrollment classes to pursue her dream of becoming a physical therapist, she cheers for her varsity squad, performs as a senior member of Applause Dance Studio, and serves her student body as a Peer Mentor.

Her sponsor, Anna Laura Childers, shared “Mary Catherine has been an outstanding member of our Peer Mentor organization for two years and served as an unofficial member years prior. She is always the first to step up to serve others, volunteer for a service project, and greet students with a smile. She makes everyone feel included and important. She was nominated because of her true enthusiasm found in helping others achieve their full potential. She is a friend to all and a helping hand to many. I am so proud of her!”

Mary Catherine became even more excited about FOCUS after attending the rally. “This year was my first time attending the FOCUS rally, and I learned so much about how empathy plays a part in the mentoring process. I enjoy learning about ways to better serve others going through a hard time at school or in their personal lives. I am so thankful to be a Peer Mentor at my school, and I’m looking forward to learning more from FOCUS.”

Mary Catherine, keep being a great friend and helper. We are so proud of you and know that you are Making a Difference in the lives of others! 

Special Thanks to the Health Services Center

and Ms. Melissa Parker for their support of FOCUS!

Mary Catherine with her sponsor, Anna Laura Childers

2025 Difference Maker

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN for the 2025 "Difference Maker of the Year!" The Facilitator chosen as the "Difference Maker" will receive $1,000 cash to be used however they choose. The "Difference Maker" will be chosen based on their school's activities, their level of involvement with FOCUS, and the creation of successful prevention activities and events. All nominations must be received by 5:00pm on March 28, 2025.

Click the button below for more information or to nominate a Difference Maker!

FOCUS Week at Jacksonville High School

FOCUS Week at Jacksonville High School was a success, and their leaders, the Peer Mentors, held their Winter Training Retreat at the historic Jacksonville Train Depot. Peer Mentors attended with their sponsor, Jennifer Loos, FOCUS teacher Tracey Garrett, and their system’s Mental Health Coordinator, Gretchen McCombs.

FOCUS Staff member, Kim Bailey, trained the students on topics including understanding mental health, stigma, crises and wellness. Students were challenged to be a leader among leaders, to empathize with others, and to remove unnecessary distractions. The training was fun and interactive. Senior Peer Mentor, Mikaela Watkins, stated that her favorite part was the wellness toolkit. “She taught us about how to take care of ourselves and how excessive screen time can cause anxiety. We always enjoy Mrs. Bailey’s training.”

The co-founder of FOCUS, Tom Robertson, introduced the students to the goals of his visits later in the week. As FOCUS Week continues, he will teach the Peer Mentors and FOCUS classes more about focus groups.

We would love to highlight your event in our newsletter - email amymccreless@thefocusprogram.com. If you wish to schedule a FOCUS staff member to work with your students, please email sjones@thefocusprogram.com

Help Starts Here

211 Connects Alabama

Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a trained operator 24/7 that has access to a comprehensive database with a multitude of services in your community. 

Nominations are now open for FOCUS Student of the Month!

Students are Making A Difference each day in your schools, and we would love to feature one each month in our newsletter. If you wish to nominate a student, then please email amymccreless@thefocusprogram.com. We will need the following information to share:



• Name of student, school and grade level
• Picture of student 
• Why they stand out as a FOCUS leader in your school
• Hobbies or interests
• Include a quote in which they explain what they love most about FOCUS, how it has made an impact in their life or their goal as a FOCUS member

Monthly Health Observances

We encourage all FOCUS schools to engage in at least one health observance activity each month. Each month has some excellent choices for students on your campuses to “Make a Difference” and to encourage their peers to participate.

February

• 1-28: Black History Month
• 1-28: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
• 1-28: American Heart Month
• 1-28: National Children's Dental Health Month
• 4: World Cancer Day
• 7: Hug an Addict Day
• 7: National Wear Red Day
• 7: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• 9-15: Children of Alcoholics Week
• 14: National Donor Day
• 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
• 20: World Day of Social Justice

March

• 1-31: National Cheerleader Safety Month
• 1-31: National Nutrition Month
• 1-31: Save Your Vision Month
• 4-8: National School Breakfast Week
• 11-17: Brain Awareness Week
• 11-17: National Sleep Awareness Week
• 18-24: Poison Prevention Week

February is American Heart Month, and it’s a prime time to make sure you are heart healthy. According to the American Heart Association, lifestyle changes such as becoming active, eating a healthier diet, losing weight, stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure, and reducing blood sugar are the best defense against heart disease. 

FOCUS is promoting Wear Red Day on February 7, to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans. For resources to promote Heart Health click the button below.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

FOCUS values continued partnerships with the following state and community organizations.

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