The Woodward News

Local News

September 21, 2012

Fort Supply Schools are now tobacco free

Brandi Thomas Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — FORT SUPPLY -- On Thursday, Sept. 20 Fort Supply Schools officially went tobacco free, when the district adopted the 24/7 Tobacco Free Policy.

According to Jolena Graves, health educator for the Woodward County Health Department, adoption of a tobacco free policy broadcasts a clear message to students, staff, parents and the community that school leaders consider the issue important.

Superintendent Pat Howell said he supports that message.

"I wanted to do this program because of how big a problem tobacco is in our area," Howell said.

This policy states that the use of any type of tobacco products, including smokeless and cigarettes, will not be permitted on school grounds.

The reasons for these policies is to prevent the use of tobacco products by persons under the age of 18 in hopes of making Oklahomans healthier, Graves said. Signs will be posted around school grounds to remind members of the community that the school is tobacco free.

"Recently, Shattuck, Beaver, Turpin, Balko, Alva and Laverne schools have adopted the 24/7 Tobacco Free Policy," Graves said.

Woodward Public Schools have been on this program for several years, according to Graves.

"And many other schools have placed it on their school board agendas for September and October," she said.

Graves said that she has visited with Sharon-Mutual schools and was told the district plans to consider the program on a school board agenda sometime this fall.

When schools enter into this program it opens up extra funding for them to participate in the Certified Healthy School and Certified Healthy Community programs that are offered by the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, the State Chamber and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

For more information on this program you may contact Jolena Graves at (580) 921-2029.

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