Students in Red Oak ISD making an IMPACT

RED OAK – Red Oak ISD and its students are all about making sure the message of the dangers of drug use are first and foremost on the mind.

A student group called IMPACT is working to positively promote ROISD students who are staying substance-free.

“The Red Oak High School Street Team is a student branch of the IMPACT Communities Red Oak Coalition, which is under the IMPACT Communities Ellis County umbrella,” explained Andrea Jones who works with the IMPACT group.

The group has posters up at the school, wear cool shirts and share stats about student drug use that shows most students are not using.

The group also works with IMPACT communities out of Waxahachie and with a community services coordinator.

There are currently 46 students in the group. Students were referred by teachers and staff members – with a nod toward involving students who are liked and respected by peers, who show leadership qualities while passing all classes, with minimal discipline concerns, and not participating in drugs, alcohol, vaping, or any tobacco products.

Jones said, “The Street Team’s goal is to raise awareness around drug-free prevention messages. The goal is to dispel the myth that ‘everyone is vaping, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.’ The Street Team finds creative ways to take positive action to change the social norms of ROHS.”

They also have a “Myth Buster” table set up in the Hawk’s Nest during lunch, and offer presentations at district and community events, and visit the junior high to offer the drug-free message.

The IMPACT group has been around since Oct. 2018, and was made up of only high school students.