Tobacco-Use Prevention Education: Mission Statement

Escondido Union School District is committed to providing integrated comprehensive Tobacco Use Prevention Instruction for all students in grades 4-8. A minimum of 6 hours Tobacco Use Prevention Education is provided at each grade level. Escondido Union School District has adopted and is strictly enforcing policies and procedures to prohibit use of tobacco on school property.

Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) is a state funded program designed to reduce the chances that students will begin or continue using tobacco. Students in grades 4 through 8 receive Tobacco-Use Prevention Education. The core instructional program is included in the Positive Action Program. Funds provide a variety of TUPE activities, staff development trainings, and instructional materials to teach tobacco-use prevention education. The Positive Action program includes a specific drug prevention component for all students grades 5-8. All school libraries have been provided with models such as Mr. Gross Mouth, Mr. Dip Lip and the Consequences of Smoking case, to assist in the teaching of these lessons. Other items available through the district library are Heart Power Kits, Tobacco Free curriculum and TUPE videos. The program is coordinated through the district's Pupil Personnel Services Department and Title IV/TUPE Project Specialist.

The District Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Advisory Committee (SDFSCAC) oversees all substance abuse prevention and violence prevention education including Tobacco Use Prevention Education. A broad-based group of staff, parents, and community members research and recommend curriculum, and evaluate the effectiveness of the district program. The district Safe and Drug Free Schools' (SDFS) Project Specialist attends San Diego County Office of Education SDFS meetings and Project Specialist meetings as well as coordinate the involvement of staff, students, and parents in TUPE activities.

TUPE funds support professional development, curriculum and program development, educational consultants, and TUPE materials and resources. TUPE funds support 25% of the funding for the programs Project Specialist. TUPE funding is reviewed and approved by the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Advisory Committee.