Spring BreakIt's that time of year again: Spring Break!
Please Click Here for current information on local spring break activities!
The Permission Form for Game Over Lounge is available here.
The Participation Agreement and Rock Wall Waiver for Lifetime Fitness are available here.
The schedule for the RARA Dance activities is available here.
|  | August Link of the MonthSAMHSA The August link of the month features the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. This organization is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is committed to reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
Link of the Month
| | December Link of the MonthNIDA The December link of the month features the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This website has a wealth of information, including sections specifically targeting students and young adults, parents, medical professionals, etc.
| | Link of the MonthWelcome to a new section of the RAHCC website, Link of the Month! On this page, we will feature links to various organizations that provide useful information in support of the Coalition's mission. Be sure to check back regularly!
Link of the Month
| | Current programsWe are currently involved in a number of programs.
Parent Education
6th/9th Grade Orientation This program is geared toward parents of students entering these two grades. The Coalition assists in the presentation and answers any questions parents may have about this significant step in their student's education.
Student Education
Speaker Events Througout the school year, the Coalition partners with other community groups and associations to host speakers in both the schools and community.
Youth Dialog Day This program involves both Middle School and High School students from the area. Parents and community members are involved as facilitators of student discussions involving any number of topics which are of interest to students.
Community Education
Data Collection The Coalition, in partnership with local law enforcement and treatment facilities, has undertaken a project to collect certain high-level statistics regarding trends in substance abuse and related activity.
Alternative Events
Rochester Upper Room Open every Saturday evening from 7 - 10:30PM at the First Congregational Church on Pine Street, the Upper Room serves as a gathering place for today's youth. There is a $5.00 entrance fee, picture ID, and a registration form (available here) required for entry. Food and activities for the entire evening are included.
Programs
| | 2009 Spring Break Essay Contest
As a follow-up to our "Spring Break in the Hills" program this year, the Coalition has developed an essay contest.
Click Here for a flyer about the contest.
All entrants receive a free Dairy Queen coupon and admission to the Upper Room, and include entry into a drawing to receive a $25 Starbucks coupon.
Entries are due July 1, 2009!
| | Spring Break and Risky Behavior, The Facts….
Plan it Well: Understand the need for supervision
Why would you allow your teens to attend an unsupervised activity at any other time of the year and not mind during spring break?
Be aware: Understand the Law
Alcohol is the drug most frequently used by American teenagers. It is consumed more frequently than all other illicit drugs combined and is the drug most likely to be associated with injury or death. It is a crime to drink alcohol under the age of 21 in Michigan.
Teenagers today have a minefield of risky behaviors to navigate— Drugs, Drinking, Tobacco, Sex.
Risky Behavior tends to increase amongst Teens while on Spring Break.
FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!! 
Recent surveys show that among the nation’s 12 – 17 year olds, each day:
•3,430 try marijuana for the first time
•7,500 try alcohol
•3,900 try cigarettes
•More than 4 in 10 adolescents have been offered drugs
In a typical high school class of 30 teens in America today, the number of students engaging in risky behaviors is staggering:
•7 out of 30 kids are using drugs; 13 drink alcohol; 6 smoke cigarettes
•10 out of 30 are sexually active
•1 in 4 teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease
•1 in 5 teenage girls has at least 1 pregnancy before age 20
•There are over 20,000 teenage pregnancies a year in Michigan and 1 in 3 end in abortion
•76% of reported Chlamydia cases in Michigan are teens – 30% boys, 46% girls
•Many adolescents have STI's that don't cause symptoms but are highly contagious
These statistics are concerning and show the need for supervision. Teens need clear rules for safety and guidance and need to understand the consequences of their actions. Spring break activities should, and can be fun, healthy, responsible and safe.
Be safe! Be healthy! Be responsible! Have fun!
| | Spring Break Planning Common Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the RAHCC organization?
We serve the Greater Rochester (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township) and Auburn Hills communities by supporting healthy lifestyles, preventing and reducing tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse and promoting safety in collaboration with the various sectors including youth, families, schools, the courts, law enforcement, business, civic organizations, faith-based organizations, municipal governments and others sectors of our community.
What do you hope for high school students as they go on spring break?
Relaxing, re-energizing, especially for seniors, as they approach the last few weeks of school. It can be an opportunity to strengthen family ties and friendships, to have experiences that may influence their career and lifestyle choices. We would want students to make the most of their time either locally or away by having fun but in doing so to avoid dangerous and harmful experiences.
Do you think students should go on spring break with their family, friends, or both? Why?
There are benefits to both options for students; to spend time with either just family and/or with friends. When going away with friends, parents or other trusted adults should be monitoring and supervising their activities to keep them safe and free from danger.
What do you think about students serving others during spring break? Why is this option a good one? Serving others, especially as a group, can be a wonderful way to build friendships, learn cooperation, learn some skills and perhaps do some traveling as well as having the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteering time to serve others can also be a credit to them as they apply to colleges or for scholarships.
Should students incorporate a cultural or historical experience into their break schedule? Why or why not?
Using the time to visit cultural, historical and natural sites can be very rewarding and a group (supervised) or family road trip is a great idea.
Where can students find more information about planning a safe/healthy spring break?
There are many websites that are available with suggestions and ideas for spring break. We have listed several that have opportunities for high school students but there are many more.
What are the dangers of going on spring break?
If a trip is planned without supervision it's often an opportunity that students use to experiment with alcohol or drugs which affects their choices and puts them at risk of danger physically, emotionally and socially. Some consequences are getting intoxicated from alcohol or drugs, catching a sexually transmitted infection, girls getting pregnant, physical injuries and even dying.
What things can happen if students choose to make poor decisions on spring break?
Besides the above consequences, personal relationships can be damaged as well as reputations and self esteem. Some might break laws, resulting in legal problems and a record. Some mistakes may be financially costly.
What about when kids get back from spring break - what should they post or discuss on their Facebook or MySpace?
They should be sure that what items are posted will be things they are proud to share with family, friends, college acceptance committees and future employers. Encouraging illegal activities or drunken parties they may have participated in by pictures or text online can affect them legally and result in suspension from school or fines.
Is there any other advice that you would give to high school students to consider when planning, attending, or returning from spring break?
Spring Break doesn't have to be dangerous, destructive or expensive to be fun. There are many local opportunities to participate in fun activities during spring break as well. Check out the RAHCC website for a listing of various activities for spring break to investigate.
| | Spring Break Away from Home… 
Links to positive opportunities outside of the Area provided for those who decide to go away, Some guidelines for parents for both during the planning process and while on the trip are available in our section on Spring Break Planning Common Questions and Answers.
| | Spring Break In the Hills……..
Click Here for 2009 Spring Break in the Hills Flyer
with complete activities and discount information
RAHCCC is offering a new program this year to students to promote a safe and healthy alternative during spring break. The week-long event has seen much success in past years within other local Schools Districts, offering activities for students who chose to stay closer to home rather than escape to warmer yet unfamiliar climates this time of year.
This fun alternative for area High School students allows kids the chance to participate in activities as well as take advantage of numerous discounts - just for choosing their hometowns as their spring break destination of choice.
Students who stay in the Rochester and Auburn Hills area during the week are invited to discounts on bowling, car washes, food and skating. To attend the events, they must have a student ID card or current report card for admission. Students are also allowed to bring friends from other districts with a valid school ID.
Lifetime Fitness Participation Agreement 
In addition to our offerings there is a multitude of opportunities available to participate in while staying close to home for the week– here’s a sampling………….
Volunteer -
Volunteering in the community gives you experience handling real-life situations. It can also be a credit to you as you apply to colleges or for scholarships. Some suggestions include helping a senior or a neighbor, paint a wall, plant a garden, landscape, work with a group – United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Grace Centers of Hope.
Road Trip! -
Gas prices have come down somewhat and this could be a great opportunity to drive and get to somewhere fun. Go on up to Canada for a few days – enjoy the higher US dollar and shop! It’s maple sugar season in Ontario and Vermont, cherry blossom season in Washington. Visit with family that live far away and catch up. Pack your bags, GPS and let the highway be your guide. This is a great way to spend family time together too.
Visit Cultural and Historical Centers –
| | Every Teen Deserves a Break!!
Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition
Click Here for a Local Events Flyer
The Rochester/Auburn Hills Community Coalition is dedicated to supporting healthy lifestyles,
preventing and reducing substance abuse, and promoting safety in collaboration
with youth, families, and other sectors of our community
Spring Break Opportunities
It’s that most wonderful time of the year that all students look forward to – rest, relaxation, and reward! So what do we do with this time and how do we make the most of it?
Spring break offers many opportunities for students and families alike. This could be the last time you vacation together as a family before the timelines and pressures of college and jobs. It’s also a great opportunity to spend time with your peers to strengthen friendships and get re-energized so you can finish your school year well.
There is a multitude of opportunities available to participate in – here’s a sampling………….
Volunteer - help a senior or a neighbor
- paint a wall, plant a garden, landscape
- work with a group – United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Grace Centers of Hope
Volunteering in the community gives you experience handling real-life situations. It can also be a credit to you as you apply to colleges or for scholarships.
Road Trip! 
Gas prices have come down somewhat and this could be a great opportunity to drive and get to somewhere fun. Go on up to Canada for a few days – enjoy the higher US dollar and shop! It’s maple sugar season in Ontario and Vermont, cherry blossom season in Washington. Visit with family that live far away and catch up. Pack your bags, GPS and let the highway be your guide. This is a great way to spend family time together too.
Camping can be a destination for a real sense of adventure.
Read a good book! Our local libraries have great selections of books, magazines and even movies that are available and free!
The Rochester Hills Public Library will have a Graphic Novel Book club meeting for teens on Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm in the 2nd floor conference room. It’s an informal, hangout time for teens 13 – 18 interested in manga, anime, videogames. There is no charge – check it out!
The Auburn Hills Public Library will be hosting a teen hang out evening on Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm. This is a chance to play video games, challenge some records, and meet new people. There is no charge but they would like to have you register at the library. Please call 248-370-9466.
Visit cultural and historical centers –
Check out the Cranbrook Institute of Science – check out the stars!
Cranbook Website
Visit the Detroit Zoo – new animals and exhibits!
Zoo Website
Check out the DSC (Detroit Science Center)
Science Center Website
Go to the movies!
All AMC/ Star Theatres offer movies at $4.75
Mon – Thurs all day for students Fri, Sat, Sunday $4.75 before 4:00pm
Go Bowling …
Classic Lanes
2145 Avon Industrial Dr.
Rochester Hills
248-852-9100
Buy One Game, Get One Game Free
*Spring Break Special*
2 games, shoe rental, hotdog & pop $7.95
www.myclassiclanes.com
Show student ID
Roller skating.…
ROLLER SKATING RINK AND SPORTS CENTER
1700 S. Livernois Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-601-7755
$1.00 off admission with student ID
50% off all snack bar items
www.theskatezone.info (for times)
Ice skating…
Onyx Rochester Ice Arena
52999 Dequindre Rd., Rochester
248-601-6699
Daily Mon – Fri
12:00 – 1:50
Student rates: $3.00 admission and $2.00 skate rental
Outdoor Skate Park
Rochester Skate Park
341 South St. Rochester
248-651-6999
Mon – Fri 12 – 8 $8.00 1st hour, $3.50 ea. hr following
*New skaters only* Buy 1 session, Get one session free – under 18 need waiver signed by parent at the park
www.southstreetskatepark.com
Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village
The Village is opening April 15!
Group rates are for 15 people or more: Village; $19.75 for an adult 13 and over, $14.50 for youth 5-12 years of age. The Museum price is $13.50 for an adult and $10.00 for the youth admission.
Check out what’s available at: www.thehenryford.org
Use Your Imagination!
Do some drama… play some basketball…
Check out Dave & Busters in Utica
www.daveandbusters.com
½ price on Wednesdays
Do some art work… Visit the local YMCA …..
Stoney Creek Park
Ride a bike, hike, skateboard at the park – Open from 7am – 8pm daily
4300 Main Park Rd. Shelby Twnshp
586-781-4242
Spend a Saturday night at the Upper Room…..
Saturday Nights – join other teens from the area from 7 – 10:30 pm
$5.00 for food and activities
www.rochesterupperroom.org for registration form and information
Plan it Well
Understand the need for supervision – why would you allow your teens to attend an unsupervised activity at any other time of the year and not mind during spring break?
Be aware: Understand the Law…
Alcohol is the drug most frequently used by American teenagers. It is consumed more frequently than all other illicit drugs combined and is the drug most likely to be associated with injury or death. It is a crime to drink alcohol under the age of 21 in Michigan.
Teenagers today have a minefield of risky behaviors to navigate—
DRUGS, DRINKING, TOBACCO, SEX
Office
Facts speak for themselves:
Recent surveys show that among the nation’s 12 – 17 year olds, each day:
· 3,430 try marijuana for the first time
· 7,500 try alcohol
· 3,900 try cigarettes
· More than 4 in 10 adolescents have been offered drugs
In a typical high school class of 30 teens in America today, the number of students engaging in risky behaviors is staggering:
· 7 out of 30 kids are using drugs; 13 drink alcohol; 6 smoke cigarettes
· 10 out of 30 are sexually active
· 1 in 4 teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease
· 1 in 5 teenage girls has at least 1 pregnancy before age 20
· There are over 20,000 teenage pregnancies a year in Michigan and 1 in 3 end in abortion
· 76% of reported Chlamydia cases in Michigan are teens – 30% boys, 46% girls
· Many adolescents have STI's that don't cause symptoms but are highly contagious
These statistics are concerning and show the need for supervision. Teens need clear rules for safety and guidance and need to understand the consequences of their actions. Spring break activities should, and can be fun, healthy, responsible and safe.
Be safe! Be healthy! Be responsible! Have fun!
| | Downloadable ApplicationGet your copy of the scholarship here! Click the link below:
AICI SCHOLARSHIP FORM
| | Scholarship RequirementsStudents applying for the Ashleigh Iserman Community Involvement Scholarship must meet the following requirements:
* Resident of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills or Oakland Township; or student in the Avondale or Rochester school districts
* A high school junior or senior in the year the scholarship is awarded
* Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 minimum
* A transcript of high school grades (The transcript need not be “official” and may be a photocopy.)
* SAT score and/or ACT score or Pre ACT/SAT if a junior
* Demonstrated leadership in a school club or sports team; with a letter of recommendation from teacher/counselor/coach of school attended
* Involvement with a community organization; with a letter of recommendation from organization president or director.
* Part-time employment during high school; with a letter of recommendation from employer. (or during the summer months while in high school)
* A written essay on your community involvement service, minimum: 2 pages typed, double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman Font
* Applications will be considered only if postmarked prior to May 16, 2008
| | March 15th Battle of the BandsThe Teen Council is currently in need of local teen bands from Rochester Area High Schools (Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek) to perform in our Winter Battle of the Bands.
The bands should be available to perform on Saturday March 15th for a half hour time slot from 6pm to 11pm at Rochester College. Bands need to have at least 2 members in high school and should not use cuss words or profanity in their songs. Please contact Katy Dzwigalski at 248.425.3680 or by email at staff@rahccoalition.org if you are interested in participating! Thank you!
| | Parents, Drugs, and Young People: The Generation Gap Parents
of teens today may find themselves in need of a refresher course in
teen-speak 101. Today’s pop culture environment could not be more
different from 30 years ago. With a society accustomed to instant
connection by cell phone, text message, IM, MySpace, Facebook, MP3s,
Xanga, and blogs, there’s an entirely new mode of communication parents
need to get in sync with. If you don’t know much about these, you’re
not alone. ONDCP's Parent Chronicles initiative
strives to help parents better understand their teen’s life. Research
shows teens who have a close relationship with their parents are less
likely to use drugs and alcohol and engage in risky behaviors. Though
most parents may think they have a close relationship, how
much do they really know about their teen, their teen’s friends, and
what they do when they're online?Visit the Chronicle's home page to access resources you can use to help prevent drug use before it starts.
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Copyright 2010 Rochester / Auburn Hills Community Coalition
