1.  Identification with drug culture

• drug-related magazines or slogans on clothing
• conversation and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs
• hostility discussing drugs
• collection of beer cans

2.  Signs of physical deterioration

• memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty concentrating
• poor physical coordination; slurred or incoherent speech
• unhealthy appearance; indifference to hygiene and grooming
• bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils

3.  Dramatic changes in school performance

• marked downturn in grades–not just from C’s to F’s, but from A’s to B’s and C’s; assignments not completed
• increased absenteeism or tardiness

4.  Changes in behavior

• chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating); trouble with police
• changes in friends; evasiveness in talking about new ones
• possession of large amounts of money
• increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability, secretiveness
• reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, self-esteem
• diminished interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, church activities

If your student is displaying any of these signs, it would be wise to dig deep into the reasons for such behavior and changes.

Reference:

Feldman, R. S. (2008). Development across the lifespan (5^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

At Grace Point, Terry stresses the importance of TEAMWORK.  Whether it is our Pastor Pow-Wows, or staff meetings, base coach (ministry team) meetings or elder’s meetings, the word “TEAMWORK” seems to always come up.  But not only does Terry stress the word, he practices it as well and that makes all the difference. 

But it doesn’t stop there!  I have an AMAZING group of EPIC leaders who I LOVE more than they will ever know.  I love them because we work well as a team because we are friends working toward a common goal–changing the lives of students!!!

So in honor of Terry and as a thanks for being such GREAT team leader and to show my appreciate to my EPIC leaders, I thought I would post this video I found on TEAMWORK.  Hope you enjoy!!!