Renaissance program focuses on keeping kids off drugs

The Nevada R-5 School District's Renaissance program is doing more than ever to help students to achieve higher academics. The drug-free program also focuses efforts on an obvious goal -- keeping kids off drugs. According to coordinator Ranae Schulze, who presented an update about both programs to the school board last week, both the Renaissance and drug-free program reaches many students and rewards them for good work done, and leaders try to expand services each year. Renaissance rewards students on a sliding scale for good grades and good attendance. Students earn rewards such as prizes, discounts at local businesses, free lunch, a day out and a movie, a special parking spot close to the entrance. Staff members going the extra mile to help students are also recognized for their efforts. Drug-free efforts are separate, but have much in common with Renaissance, since students are rewarded for making choices that will help them in the future. Since the inception of the drug-free program, it's expanded to include Nevada schools, including Heartland, St. Mary's and Head Start. It's primarily funded by a grant -- last year's grant was slightly more than $19,000 -- which goes for educational efforts, certain event planning costs and small stipends for leaders, sponsors and the coordinator. The grant money can't be spent for food, prizes or certain other expenses of the drug-free program, so those are funded by donations. Goals of the program include educating students, parents, and the community; providing drug-free activities for students, working against alcohol and tobacco sales to minors and other motivational activities. A team of volunteers coordinates and plans all activities. Sponsors and team leaders meet five times per year and an advisory council comprised of school board members, administrators, business leaders, students, church leaders, counselors and health officals meets three times each year. Schulze said the programs wouldn't be possible without the support of the community, praising the outpouring of generosity that has supported both programs in Nevada.