INITIATIVES / WELLNESS / TOO GOOD FOR DRUGS

A Real Success Story

When we got to Borough Hall, we were alarmed that there was no organized curriculum in our schools educating our students about the dangers and seriousness of the drug epidemic sweeping through Staten Island.

Our team at Borough Hall worked tirelessly to find a curriculum and in 2015 piloted the “Too Good For Drugs” Program with just a few fifth-grade classes. Then, as it caught on, we expanded into every fifth-grade class on Staten Island, as well as to students in the seventh-grade and the ninth-grade. 

​The “Too Good For Drugs” curriculum is co-taught in the classroom by a police officer and a teacher.

This year, we held ceremonies in January and June to congratulate the participating students.

On Friday, January 18, Deputy Borough President Ed Burke and  members of the NYPD to met with the fifth-graders and seventh-graders at PS 9, PS 48 and St. Christopher's School. 

"The Too Good For Drugs Program partners our wonderful teachers with our local police officers to educate the future of Staten Island to have the knowledge to make the right choice and empower them to be a good influence in their community," he said at the ceremony.

Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, commanding officer of NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island, spoke to the students in attendance about the importance of making good decisions. 
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In June, we paired with the NYPD, DIstrict Attorney Michael McMahon and the city Department of Education to congratulate the fifth-graders and seventh-graders  at PS 21 and the St. Adalbert’s School. 

At the end of each ceremony, the students took a pledge to abstain from tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

We are deeply appreciative of all who continue to help us push back against the scourge of opioid addiction, especially NYPD Chief Corey for his work to make this program a success and DA McMahon for his work to make sure our kids have the tools they need to avoid the pitfalls of addiction.

And, once again congratulations to all the students who took part in the program this year!