USC has first sober school
Published 12:00 am Monday, August 2, 1999
United South Central’s sober school has become a reality.
Monday, August 02, 1999
United South Central’s sober school has become a reality. The school board gave the go ahead at its last meeting.
A portion of the former Freeborn Elementary School, which will no longer be used as an elementary school for the district, will be home to the only sober school in rural Minnesota. All other such facilities are located in the metro area.
The sober school assists students in grades 9 through 12 who have completed a sobriety program and wish to maintain their sobriety.
Vicki Bush, a chemical dependency counselor with Fountain Lake Treatment Center, said the program should help more teens maintain their sobriety.
She said the students’ biggest challenge is returning to their regular school and their former peer groups.
&uot;If they return to the same school system and the same friends, it’s a struggle,&uot; Bush said. &uot;Their friends may tell them that they are supportive of them staying clean and sober. But on the other hand, they will be the first ones to use with that kid as well.&uot;
USC High School Principal Gregory Spath said statistics show students who complete sobriety programs and return to their old school have an 18 percent chance of staying sober for a year. Students who enroll in a sober school have a 58 percent chance of staying sober for a year.
Those statistics should have an impact on the community, Bush said.
&uot;Communities really struggle with crime and illegal consumption,&uot; Bush said. &uot;If the school is utilized and supported by the community, there will be more students focused on being better members of the community.&uot;
Plus, students in the sober school can learn and help their peers who are going through the same things. Bush said only students who have completed a sobriety program and are trying to maintain sobriety can understand the isolation and the struggles that come with recovery.
Both Bush and Spath said they have talked to parents, students and other community members who are excited about the sober school. &uot;I’ve talked with students and parents, and people seem very interested,&uot; Bush said.
&uot;We’ve had verbal commitments from about 12 to 15 people, but some of the (chemical dependency) counselors and social workers think we can see as many as 30 to 40 by the middle of the year,&uot; Spath said.
Because the sober school is open to students outside the district, Spath said the numbers could grow even more once other communities find out about the program. Students from other districts and counties, even Iowa students, are welcome at the USC sober school, but for now transportation will be the responsibility of the students and parents.
Spath said the district submitted a grant to the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, but will be too late to help any students by the start of the school year, Sept. 1.
State aid dollars will follow students to the sober school, he said, but tuition costs may be necessary for some out-of-county and out-of-state students.
Students are allowed to stay at the sober school as long as they like, whether that’s a month, a semester or until they’re ready to graduate. In addition to the regular subjects, part of the curriculum includes classes on self-esteem and living skills. The staff includes Jim Prust, the full-time instructor; an aide; and access to a CD counselor.
Students interested in enrolling in the sober school must first successfully complete a sobriety program. An interview committee has been established, and each student and a parent must participate in the interview process to be considered for enrollment.
Information can be obtained by contacting Spath at 507-553-5819.