SHELBY HAINES

MOUNDSVILLE – Marshall County Schools is continuing to use a new program – GameChanger – aimed at preventing children from using drugs.

Superintendent Shelby Haines talked about the substance abuse prevention program during a recent board of education meeting.

“Currently Marshall County has Cameron High School, Cameron Middle/High, Sherrard Middle School, Moundsville Middle School, John Marshall High School all enrolled in GameChanger, and we are using their surveys and instructional material to assist in educating children about their perception on drug use and prevent students from using drugs,” she said.

She said GameChanger, founded in 2018, “helps kids build important life skills that can help them avoid risky situations and stay away from drugs and alcohol.”

“When we began partnering with GameChanger, we knew this would be a great partnership to enhance our drug-free clubs and to educate parents and students about addiction,” Haines said. “GameChanger is designed to educate, support, and empower young West Virginians to live healthy, thriving lives while preparing to be our leaders of tomorrow.

“By connecting students, educators, and communities across the nation, GameChanger provides essential education, training, coaching, and other consulting and support services necessary to achieve its mission.

“Working directly with schools, GameChanger helps implement, monitor and sustain impactful programs for kids.”

Meanwhile, the district was also recently awarded $5,000 per school from the Marshall County Commission for four drug-free clubs at the middle and high school level.

“This money is money awarded to the commission as part of the opioid settlement,” she said.