Community of Concern

Founded in 1998 by the administration and parents of the Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., the Community of Concern is an organization that promotes partnerships of schools and parents to prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs by students in their communities. In 2008, Shady Side Academy partnered with the nine other schools in the Pittsburgh Consortium of Independent Schools (PCIS) to establish the first Community of Concern in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Today there are Communities of Concern in 30 states.

The booklet "A Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use," distributed annually to all SSA families, is an informative resource for parents. One of the most important tools in preventing any kind of substance abuse is having good communication between parents and children. Parents should make sure that their children understand their concerns about alcohol, tobacco or drug use, and pay close attention to what their children are doing when they are out with friends. Parents also need to make an effort to communicate with the parents of children's friends, especially when parties or other social events are planned. Shady Side can also be a resource for parents who have concerns about alcohol, tobacco or drug use among our students.

Through education, communication and vigilance, Shady Side Academy seeks to foster an environment where students will be less susceptible to the temptation to try or use alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

To obtain a copy of "A Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use," parents should contact the SSA President's Office. Parents also are encouraged to visit the Community of Concern website at www.thecommunityofconcern.org and click on E-Learning to access a self-paced, interactive online course.

SSA Wellness-Subtsance Abuse Policies

Community of Concern Website