U.S. Departments of Justice and Education Receive 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are pleased to announce that their publication, "Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention," has received a 2018 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). The NAGC announced the winners at the Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Reception held during the 2018 NAGC Communications School in Fort Myers, Florida. This annual international awards program recognizes superior government communication products and those who produce them. The federal team that helped produce the award-winning publication includes Richard Lucey (DOJ/DEA), Norris Dickard (ED/OESE), Denise Otts (DOJ/DEA) and Jacquelyn Zimmermann (ED/OCO).

The DEA and ED updated this booklet to help parents and other caregivers raise drug-free children. This publication provides parents and other caregivers current information on substance use among youth. The booklet provides descriptions of substances young people use; suggestions for how to talk to youth about drugs, regardless of their age; and tips on what to do if they suspect their children are using drugs.

"Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention" is available at no charge to download and is also available in print at ED Pubs. Additional information is available at DEA's website for parents, educators and caregivers. Parents and schools may also request printed copies of the publication by contacting their local DEA Community Outreach Coordinator, who can be found on DEA's website here. The U.S. Department of Education also provides information for students, teachers, parents and guardians on combating the opioid crisis here.

 

Featured

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.