All parents and high school and middle school students looking for a competitive edge are encouraged to attend “Substance Use and Its Impact on Academic Achievement and Mental Health” at 7:00 p.m. on January 30 at Howard High School. This research-based program will be presented by Dr. Amelia Arria, the Director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at the University of Maryland, School of Public Health. Her most recent work has clarified the impact of substance use, particularly excessive drinking and marijuana use, on academic achievement. This program is in partnership with HC DrugFree, Howard High School PTSA, and Bonnie Branch Middle School PTA. If schools close on January 30, the program will be held on February 27.

HC DrugFree’s Next Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings: TAC will meet on Monday, January 22 and Monday, February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Barn (Teen Center) in the Oakland Mills Village Center. TAC is open to all Howard County high school students and community service hours are available. Free pizza. Teens and parents must complete the registration form found on the Teen Advisory Council page at www.hcdrugfree.org and teens must RSVP to Admin@hcdrugfree.org before each meeting.

Enter the HC DrugFree Category in the Ho Co Student FilmFest: While teens are entering the HoCo Student Film Festival, please have them consider entering the HC DrugFree Category too. Winning film(s) will be shared as a Public Service Announcement (PSA). PSA topic: How alcohol/drug use and abuse effect family and friends. Entries due by Friday, February 23. Click here for details and be sure to visit both https://hocofilmfest.com/ and http://www.hcdrugfree.org/hoco-filmfest/ for updates.