Over 400 students from Bartlett High School have participated in BUDDY “Teach Ins” to help prevent underage alcohol abuse. The presentations are made to 5^th and 6^th grade classes throughout district U-46 about the physical and psychological effects of alcohol.  The Teach Ins also help the elementary students to develop strategies for saying no when they are pressured to drink. 

“We picked the problem of underage drinking because of studies that show it is on the increase,” said lead teacher Larry Pahl. “The earlier students start drinking, the more likely they are to have alcohol-related problems as adults. That’s why we are targeting 5^th and 6^th grade students.”

Bartlett senior Jenni Brechtel said of her experience in teaching at Century Oaks elementary school, “The kids seemed to really pay attention. I think it made a difference.”

District U-46 elementary schools which have participated in the Teach Ins include: Clinton, Century Oaks, Wayne, Bartlett, Lord’s Park, Hawk Hollow, Spring Trail, Horizon, Sunnydale, Glenbrook, Sycamore Trails, Laurel Hill, Timber Trails, Parkwood, Otter Creek, Ontarioville, McKinley and Oak Hill.  Dirksen School from District 54 also hosted a Teach In.

The BUDDY program got its start from a grant in connection with the National Council for the Social Studies with funding from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service’s Learn and Serve America initiative. The Teach In was being promoted by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  The BUDDY programs are now run as part of the BHS civics classes service learning projects.