Alternative to Suspension (ATS) Program

• Designed by the American Lung Association

• Cooperative effort with the Lorain County Prevention Connection (LCPC) and the Lorain County Tobacco Prevention Partnership

• Instituted in the fall of 2002

• Offered to students in grades seven through twelve in Lorain County

• Offered to juveniles through the Lorain County Juvenile Court

• Four hour session offered on weekends or after school hours held at various locations in the county including schools, county facilities, and private business facilities

• Facilitators are county educators, support staff and community members who have successfully completed The American Lung Association training and are interested in helping the youth of Lorain County (Two facilitators present at all sessions)

• Keeps students in the classroom and educates young smokers of the dangers of tobacco use

• Suggested to shorten the length of suspension for tobacco related school violations

• Designed to deal with first time offenders

• Curriculum addresses student tobacco use, the effects of using tobacco, addiction, healthy alternatives to smoking and how to keep from smoking at school

• Paperwork packet with all communication forms provided to participating school districts and Lorain County Juvenile Court intake magistrates

• $25.00 student fee