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Safe and Drug Free Schools

At the heart of Henderson County Public Schools’ Core Values is this statement: We believe a safe environment is everyone’s responsibility.

For many years, the federal government has provided school systems the opportunity to apply for grants through the Office of Safe and Supportive Schools.  The purpose of these funds is to “Provide financial assistance for drug and violence prevention activities and activities that promote the health and well being of students.” We recognize that some students may not be prepared socially for the school environment.  Therefore, we take seriously our charge to instruct students how to keep themselves and others safe, and how to treat others respectfully.

Safe and Supportive Schools funding will be used to support several specific school-based programs used to promote appropriate social-emotional development by helping students better manage their behavior, as well as to train HCPS staff.

Important Links

PATHS

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is offered to students in elementary school.  DARE represents one more example of the cooperative relationship between Sheriff Rick Davis of the Henderson County Sheriff Department and Henderson County Public Schools.  Sheriff’s Deputies actually teach the DARE curriculum, not only helping students learn how and why to stand strong against drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, but also to see law enforcement officers as their allies.

Positive Behavior Support

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is promoted by the NC Department of Public Instruction to improve school climate, help engender a sense of common responsibility for everyone’s behavior at school, and to recognize, encourage, and promote appropriate behavior.  Our PBS schools are:

  • Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School
  • Mills River Elementary School
  • Bruce Drysdale Elementary School
  • Etowah Elementary School
  • Hillandale Elementary School
  • Rugby Middle School
  • Clear Creek Elementary School
  • Hendersonville Elementary School

Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS)

Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) is a curriculum used to teach and promote pro-social behavior.  PATHS is recognized as an effective program based on many years of research.

Our PATHS schools are:

  • Bruce Drysdale Elementary School
  • Fletcher Elementary School
  • Upward Elementary School