Much of the
following information was first published as the Youth Yellow Pages
by Communities Reach Out When Needed (C.R.O.W.N.) in Woods County, 1998.
That information is updated here (2005).*
CONTENTS
Alcohol & Drugs*
Birth Certificates
Car Accident*
Career and
Technology Lists
Career Search
College Lists
Community Service
Verification Statement
Driver's
License/Driver's Education
Due Process
Education and Employment*
Financial Aid
Handicapped Services*
Independent Learning (Correspondence Courses)
Legal Issues*
Library*
Military Opportunities
NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete
Physical & Mental Health*
Running Away*
Selective Service Registration
Sexual Abuse*
Sexuality*
Suicide*
Violent Behavior*
Voter Registration
websites
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Today,
everyone is exposed to drugs, both legal and illegal; and most people are
tempted to experiment with them out of curiosity, for kicks, because of peer
pressure, or to escape problems. It is very dangerous to experiment
with drugs. Street drugs are of unknown origin and may be impure.
Such drugs can kill or may lead to early addiction! All drugs have
side effects which may include personality disorders, physical illness,
increased risk of accidents, and possible criminal prosecution. Many
drugs are also dangerous when taken in the wrong combinations. Factors
such as the drug quantity, length of time taken, user's size, psychological
stability, and the setting in which the drug is taken determine the drugs
effects. Remember drug experimenting is dangerous.
Alcohol Alcohol is a major
depressant and can cause reality distortions. It slows the heart and
respiration rates and effects the part of the brain which controls thought
and emotions. It is an addictive depressant, and excessive use
destroys brain and liver cells. Use during pregnancy can
severely damage the unborn child and cause a condition known as Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome which may involve mental retardation, Attention Deficit
Disorder or other neurological damage.
Alcohol use is directly linked to violent
death, domestic violence, child abuse, traffic deaths, and emotional abuse.
Time is the only cure for drunkenness which may take from one hour to more
than a day depending on the amount consumed and the person's weight.
Alcohol taken with other drugs, prescription or nonprescription, can be
dangerous and unpredictable. Large amounts of alcohol consumed over a
short period of time may result in alcohol poisoning leading to a coma and
ultimately death.
Never leave a friend who has consumed a large
amount of alcohol in a short amount of time unattended-- especially if he or
she has passed out! That friend may die if
unattended. And remember...Friends don't let friends
drive drunk! Most parents would rather come pick up a son
or daughter who is drunk and talk about it in the morning than have that
same child drive home drunk! Parents should discuss this with their
children before it happens so that your son or daughter will feel safe in
calling.
Marijuana The most common
effects of marijuana are distortion of time and space, decrease of
short-term memory, poor coordination, and a decrease in male hormone
production. Users may also experience panic attacks or paranoia.
These effects are made worse if the user is already anxious, depressed or
under stress. Continued use of the drug can also lead to loss of
concentration and insomnia. Long term use can lead to infertility,
spontaneous abortions, and birth defects. Addiction is possible.
Stimulants The category of
stimulants includes: cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine. The
stronger stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause intense
agitation, increased pulse and blood pressure, hallucinations, and a feeling
of invincibility followed by chronic depression.
Too much of these strong stimulants can cause
tremors and possible death. Nicotine and/or caffeine use during
pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight babies. Cigarette
smoking and smokeless tobacco (nicotine) are directly linked to one cause of
cancer. Stimulant addiction is a real and serious threat to anyone who
uses them.
Hallucinogens Use of
hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, mescaline, peyote, PCP or mushrooms causes
delusions, distortion of time and space, hallucinations and intense
paranoia. Continued use of these drugs can cause psychosis and
permanent physical damage. "Flashbacks" (re-entering the drug
experience without taking the drug) have been reported years later.
INHALANTS Another category of drugs is the
inhalants. They range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) used as an
anesthetic, to hydrocarbons (such as gasoline, glue, etc.). This
category also includes butyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, and chlorohydrocarbons
(aerosol paint and cleaning fluids). The possible effects of inhalants
are aggressiveness, delusions, depression, loss of memory, confusion,
erratic heart beat and possible death. GET HELP!
NARCOTICS Drugs such as opium, morphine,
codeine, heroin, and methadone (a heroin substitute sometimes used in
addiction treatment) are classified as narcotics. Some of these drugs
are used medically in the relief of pain. Abuse of these drugs can
cause slow and shallow breathing, convulsions, coma and possible death.
The withdrawal symptoms of these drugs are severe and prolonged.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION AND HELP For
specialized help you may want to call:
|
Alcoholics Anonymous-Alva Group |
402 1/2 4th St., Alva |
580.327.9923 |
|
Crisis Hotline |
|
1.800.545.0518 |
|
Children's Initiative Network |
427 Barnes, Suite 3, Alva |
580.327.0565 |
|
Northwest Domestic Crisis Services |
1330 Oklahoma Blvd. |
1.888.256.1215
580.327.6648 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
|
Thunder Canyon Counseling Center |
410 4th St., Suite E, Alva |
580.327.2273 |
|
Western State Psychiatric Center |
604 Choctaw, Alva |
580.327.1112 |
|
Woods County Health Department |
901 14th St., Alva |
580.327.3192 |
For a drug related emergency, call or get to the nearest
hospital emergency room:
|
Emergency |
|
911 |
|
Ambulance (office) |
|
580.327.2300 |
|
Share Medical Center |
|
580.327.2800 |
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BIRTH
CERTIFICATES
Certified copies of
Oklahoma Birth and Death records are
available at the Oklahoma State Department of Health Vital Records Service.
Application for obtaining a birth or death certificate may be submitted by
writing to their office or by visiting one of the office locations.
One may also complete and mail one of the following forms; Note: These
forms may now be filled out online but require the latest version of the
free Adobe (TM) Reader in order to view.
Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Death Certificate
( 106k .pdf )
Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Death Certificate in HTML
Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate
( 114k .pdf )
Application For Search And Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate in HTML
For Out-of-Site Birth or Death Certificates,
please see the National Center for Health Statistics' site on
Where
to Write for Vital Records.
Birth and death records are
not open for public inspection. A birth certificate may be applied for
by the person him/herself, the immediate next of kin or an authorized agent,
who must provide a statement indicating that they are working in the best
interest of the registrant, by written application, proper identification,
proper information and applicable fees.
-
The full name at birth.
-
The date and place (city
or county) of birth.
-
Fathers full name (first,
middle, last).
-
Mothers full name
(including her maiden name).
-
Relationship to the
person whose certificate is being requested and the purpose for needing
the copy.
-
Your daytime telephone
number with area code.
-
Your handwritten
signature and complete return mailing address.
-
A valid, legal photo I.D.
is required from the applicant or the individual representing the
applicant for the issuance of a birth, death or stillbirth certificate.
Do not send original ID with your application please send a photocopy.
OBTAINING A BIRTH
CERTIFICATE FOR FRAUDULENT PURPOSES IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
Effective July 11, 2003, the
fee for the search of a birth record is $10.00. This fee will pay for
the issuance of one certified copy of the birth certificate to a qualified
applicant if the certificate is located. Additional copies will be
issued at a cost of $10.00 per copy. Make the check or money order
payable to the Vital Records Service. If mailing a request, enclose a
self addressed envelope for return of the requested certificates.
VitalChek also provides online service.
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CAREER SEARCH
Explore quality, up-to-date
career information from school,
your home computer or anywhere else you have access to the internet.
Alva High School no longer has Bridges.com; however, Career Voyages is an
excellent site for youth, career changers, parents, and career advisors.
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CAR ACCIDENT
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT Do
not panic! Do not admit anything or hassle anyone! Exchange
names, addresses, phone numbers, names of insurance companies and drivers
license numbers. Call the police and make a report! You must
report all accidents involving the injury or death of a person or causing
damage to a vehicle or property over $300. Certain
reports are required to be filed or you may lose your license to drive or
your insurance coverage. Whatever you do, do not leave the scene of an
accident. It's a crime! If the police are called to the scene,
leave the cars unmoved, unless they may cause harm to other drivers.
If you hit an unoccupied vehicle or roadside property, you must leave a note
with your name and address and information from your insurance verification
form. This way the owner of the property will know how to get in touch
with you and with your insurance company.
*Notify your insurance agent of the accident as soon
as possible.
YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE In Oklahoma, your driver's license can
be suspended if you are even "involved" in an alcohol-related offense that
goes to court.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND
DRIVING What kind of intoxicants you may drink or how much you may
drink is not so important as how much alcohol has been absorbed into the
blood stream. That you may be able to consume large quantities of
intoxicating liquor does not indicate that you are a stronger or more virile
person but only that you may be on the verge of becoming a problem drinker.
The amount of alcohol in the blood stream determines the degree of
intoxication by its effect on the nervous system, and the nervous system
develops little or no tolerance for alcohol. Driving ability is
impaired with as little as .05 percent of blood alcohol concentration.
The chance of becoming involved in an accident increases at an alarming rate
with each additional ounce of alcohol consumed.
Many prescription drugs and over the counter drugs including
some allergy and cold medicines can interfere with your ability to drive
safely. When given a prescription for drugs or medicine, ask your
doctor or pharmacist about side effects that may effect your driving.
Anyone under the influence must not attempt to drive.
LEGAL HELP For help with a legal problem,
consult a private attorney or call:
|
Alva Police Department |
|
580.327.2121 |
|
District Attorney |
|
580.327.2171 |
|
Woods County Sheriff |
|
580.327.3434 |
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COMMUNITY SERVICE VERIFICATION STATEMENT
Community Service (Volunteer Service) should always be
documented or verified. The hours required for scholarships such as
the Presidential Freedom Scholarship and the Discover Card Tribute
Scholarship require that hours be verified. There are several ways to
do this. Carry a small notebook with you and jot down important data
and have the person in charge sign and date it. Even the IRS will
accept documentation in a diary form as long as it is apparent that it was
completed as it happened--not all at once.
Another way is to have forms signed and kept in a file--that
you don't lose or misplace. The following is an example from the
Discover Card Application:
Community Service Verification Statement
(to be completed by verifiers only)
"I certify that (1)___________________________________
participated in
(Print first name and last name of volunteer)
(2)___________________________________ for (3)______________________________
(Print name of
activity) (Print name of organization)
from (4) ____________________________ to
(5) _____________________________
(mm/dd/yy) (mm/dd/yy)
(6) ____________________________________ (7)
_____________________________
(Signature of person
verifying community service) (Printed name of verifier)
(8) ____________________________________
( 9)_(___)________________________
(Printed title of verifier)
(Daytime telephone)
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Driver's License/Driver's
Education
"The Graduated Driver License law was
strengthened in 2005 which requires teens to apply for the license and
restricts their driving time to the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., with
exceptions for driving to work, school, church or related activities, or if
a licensed driver is seated next to the teenager. It also means that
teens may not chauffeur friends and prohibits them from driving with
multiple passengers younger than age 21 unless they are family members.
These provisions may be removed after a year if a teen maintains a clean
driving record. Further information is available on the
Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Teens must take an original birth certificate
and documentation of school enrollment and reading proficiency to the
examination. The documentation may be obtained from the principal's
office. ( Please ask at least one day in advance). Students must
have documentation that they are reading at the 8th grade reading level.
Parents may check students out at the office to take a driver's test.
Exams are given in Alva at the Police
Department, 315 Barnes on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Driver's Education is offered to students who
are fifteen (15) by the first day of the semester. However, the oldest
students have preference. Also, any student who did not pass all
core courses the previous semester--even if grades were at earned at the
middle school--may not take driver's education.
AHS offers a driver's education course during
the summer; however, the course is not free as it is during the school year.
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DUE PROCESS
The Due Process Clause of the Constitution protects
individuals from the deprivation of liberty or property without the due
process of law. Usually, due process issues in the school context
arise from student discipline, specifically suspensions and expulsion, or
special education issues. In such cases, it has long been recognized
that students have both a property and liberty interest in education.
When they are expelled or suspended, they are deprived of their right to an
education, which triggers their due process rights.
What is due process? Two different types
of due process are of special interest to educators: procedural due
process and substantive due process. Procedural due process
means that a student must be afforded notice and a hearing prior to the
school taking action. The amount of procedural due process required
depends on the severity of the situation. Due process for small
infractions can be as simple as telling a student what infraction he or she
committed and providing the student with an opportunity to explain his or
her behavior. For more severe school action, due process may mean a
student receives written notice of the infraction and an opportunity for a
full hearing before the school board. Substantive due process
relates to the nature of the decision made by the school. If a student
is suspended, a challenge based on substantive due process will allege that
the actions of the school were arbitrary and capricious. In other
words, the school officials' action was so far from standards of fundamental
fairness that the action couldn't be constitutionally upheld.
Student activities: Is process due?
The law clearly states that if a student is expelled from school for an
extended period of time, the student is entitled to due process. Most
courts have said that the same is not true for extracurricular activities.
The courts have seen participation in an activity, sport, club, etc. as a
privilege rather than a right. A student has a right to an education,
but it is a privilege to participate in extracurricular activities including
sports. However, students may have a claim if he or she is unlawfully
discriminated against under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. A
student should not be punished by exclusion if the student is exercising
valid constitutional rights. For example, a student who voices his
opinion is exercising his freedom of speech, but a student may be denied
his privilege if he engages in unprotected speech--obscene or in bad taste.
Leadership, January 2004
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EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Getting Leads
As you begin to look for a job, ask yourself these
questions. They will probably be asked of you on any job interview or
job application form.
Do I have a social Security number? If not,
download an application form
www.ssa.gov/ssnumber
and complete.
What education have I received which qualifies me for
a job?
Do I have special training or skills? (Examples:
typing, welding, wood crafts, babysitting).
Will I have transportation?
Am I willing to accept minimum wage or less to gain
experience?
Will my work experience relate to my career choice?
Getting Leads
Here are some other ways to learn about
job openings:
Family, friends, relatives
Newspapers
Bulletin Boards at school and community centers.
Professional Placement Agencies
Students need to remember that education comes first.
A student should visit with the principal who will complete a work
permit for him or her which outlines the conditions under which a
student may work during the school year. Students who must work
may qualify for work-study. Please see the principal to discuss
this possibility further.
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FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is money that is given, earned, or lent to
help students pay for their education. Most financial aid is
provided by the government and by the colleges themselves. The
four forms of financial aid are grants, scholarships, work-study, and
loans.
Grants and scholarships are considered "gift help"
because they represent money that is given to students. Work-study
and loans are considered "self-help" because they provide money that
must either be earned or repaid.
-
Grant - money that is given to a student, usually because
of financial need
-
Scholarship - money that is awarded because of
exceptional academic achievement, an outstanding talent, and/or
financial need
-
Work-Study - money a student earns by working at a job,
usually 10-15 hours a week
-
Loan - borrowed money that must be repaid
Most financial aid is based on financial need; most
financial aid is therefore need-based and is awarded to students whose
families do not have sufficient financial aid resources to pay for
college. The family's financial situation is the only thing that's
considered; the student's academic record is not a factor. Loans,
grants, and work-study are all examples of need-based financial aid.
Merit-based financial aid is given to students who have
outstanding abilities, talents, and/or achievements. The family's
financial situation is not taken into consideration. The award is
based entirely on the student's merit. These awards are given in
order to encourage outstanding students to attend school by colleges,
universities, organizations and corporations.
Some financial aid awards take both need and merit into
consideration. A scholarship may require that an applicant have
both financial need and a certain grade point average. To
what extent an award is need-based or merit-based is entirely up to the
organization or college offering the award.
The FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
must be completed by
parents in order to be eligible to receive any financial aid provided by
the federal government. States and colleges also use the FAFSA to
determine eligibility for state and institutional aid. Parents
should complete the form, even if they think they're not eligible.
They may find they are. Some programs want documentation showing
that a student is ineligible for need-based aid before they award their
merit-based aid.
Filling out the FAFSA is similar to filling out a tax
form. Parents and students need to have their tax information
ready; however, if exact figures aren't available, they can estimate,
and then, if necessary amend the information later. Whether it's
mailed in or completed online, the FAFSA should be submitted as soon as
possible after January 1 of a student's senior year.
Students and parents are encouraged to complete the FAFSA
online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper forms are available in the counselor's
office as well as at the financial aid offices of most post secondary
institutions. Both students and parents should apply for a
U.S.
Department of Education PIN and keep them in a safe place to use
again and again. Remember, financial aid is not just for
college or university. Students may use federal funds at any post
secondary institution approved by the government including colleges,
universities, career technical institutions--both state and privately
operated.
For financial aid purposes, students are either
considered dependent or independent students. Most college
students are dependent students; their parents are, therefore, expected to
assume the primary role for their college education. In order for
a student to be considered independent, and for his/her parent's finances not to be considered, the
student must meet one of the following criteria:
-
be 24 years old by December of the award year
-
be an orphan or ward of the court
-
be a veteran of the Armed Services
-
be married or have legal dependents other than a spouse
-
be a professional student or a graduate student
-
be judged independent by the financial aid administrator,
based on documented unusual circumstances.
Almost all financial aid is awarded in the form of a
package. Financial aid packages are made up of grants,
scholarships, loans, and/or work-study. They can be any
combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and/or loans.
Most packages include loans. Therefore, it is important to not
only look at the total amount of aid being awarded, but also look at the
way in which the aid is distributed.
Because family financial situations change from year to
year, packages are for the following year only. Parents and
students must, therefore, reapply for need-based aid. They must complete a
new FAFSA each year.
Other sources of aid are military,
AmeriCorps,
Educational IRA, and
Federal
Tax Incentives.
Learn the lingo. EFC, SAR, COA...the road to
financial aid can be flooded with alphabet soup! After your FAFSA is
processed, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) to review.
The SAR compiles your FAFSA info to determine your estimated family
contribution (EFC). The EFC is based on your family's investments,
savings and other assets that could be used to pay for college.
Colleges use your EFC to determine your financial need. To
determine your financial need, a college subtracts its cost of
attendance (COA), which varies from school to school, from your EFC,
which is a constant. The difference is your financial need, which
determines how much loan and grant help you'll need. Confused?
Involve your parents in the process. Unless you're financially
independent, you'll need their tax information in order to fill out the
FAFSA anyway.
from nextSTEP Magazine
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the Top
Handicapped Services
There are many services offered
by various agencies in your area to help handicapped youth. Services
may include shelter, recreation, educational opportunities, career and
vocational guidance, and job placement help. Call any of these
agencies to find out what specific programs or services they offer:
| Department of Human Services |
|
580.327.2714 |
| Department of Rehabilitation Services |
405.256.6738 |
580.327.1214 |
| Handicapped, Special Need Children |
|
1.800.240ASIS |
| Security Commission |
|
405.256.3308 |
| Oklahoma Action Rehabilitation Center |
|
405.256.9412 |
| Woods County Health Department |
|
580.327.3192 |
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
There are times when you may wish to enroll in independent
study. Enroll in independent study for alternate education programs, home
schooling, to graduate early, to supplement your school's curriculum, to
make up course work, for home-bound instruction, to study at your own pace,
to meet OHLAP curriculum requirements, to meet college admission
requirements, to meet graduation requirements on time or to take college
courses. At this time AHS accepts independent study from either OU or
OSU, however, your enrollment requires the signature of the principal or
superintendent. You will be restricted to the number of classes which
will be approved based upon your past academic performance. Also, both
the principal and the counselor will discuss this course of action with you.
Independent study is done at the student's expense. Your total costs
for enrollment include tuition, books, study materials, handling, and
shipping. Your work is completed on your own although you may ask for
help from any of the faculty. You mail your lessons to the university
to be graded, and the counselor will administer and mail your exams.
You are required to be enrolled for a minimum of six weeks.
You may submit one-sixth of the total number of lessons and exams per week.
The six weeks begins the day your first lesson is received at the
university. If you are trying to meet a graduation deadline, be sure
to account for the minimum period. Courses cannot always be completed
in the minimum amount of time. Your enrollment is good for one full
year, which begins on the day your enrollment application is received.
Of course, you have your original 12-month enrollment plus one six-month
extension--granted upon application for extension and payment of an
extension fee of $40 per course--but you should outline the time you plan to
spend on study to ensure that you don't need the extension and complete the
work on time. You may find out more
about independent study from the counselor.
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Legal Issues
If
you are under 18, you are generally considered a "juvenile" by law; if you
are 18 or older, you are considered to be an adult in the criminal justice
system. If you are 18 but not yet 21, it is still illegal in Oklahoma
and most other states to even be in possession of an alcoholic beverage of
any kind, beer included.
Pranks--Always remember that a simple prank
(stealing a construction or street sign, removing a hub cap, driving a car
without permission) can lead to serious charges for which you may be
confined in a state facility if you are a juvenile or in jail or prison if
you are an adult.
Detention If you are under 18 and are arrested for a
serious crime, you may be detained in a Regional Detention Center outside of
your community. If you are so detained, you will be transported back
and forth in handcuffs to court by a deputy sheriff. If you are 18 or
older and commit a crime, you may be detained in a county jail with other
adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Drug Laws Possession of a
small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor for the first offense; however,
if the quantity is sufficient, the charges may escalate to possession with
the intent to distribute, which is a felony. A second or subsequent
offense is a felony for which an adult may be sent to prison. In
Oklahoma, penalties for possession and for distribution of other "controlled
dangerous substances" are severe and sometimes include mandatory prison
time. Penalties for distribution of some hard drugs or narcotics
include sentences for life in prison.
Alcohol Law It is against
the law in Oklahoma to serve or permit liquor to be served to persons under
21 anywhere, and it is illegal for a person under 21 to even possess an
alcoholic beverage. Possession of any alcoholic beverage by a person
under 18 years of age may automatically result in a loss of license for up
to one year on the first offense. The second offense may result in
loss of license until age 21.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a misdemeanor for the
first offense; it is a felony for the second or subsequent offense.
For a felony, you may go to prison, or lose your license to drive and
increase your insurance rates for years thereafter. If you are 16 or
17, you may be charged as an adult for Driving Under the Influence or you
may be charged in juvenile or municipal court.
Concealed Weapons Check
with the city in which you live for the laws or ordinances governing the
possession of weapons. Some cities prohibit the carrying of or
discharge of a weapon in the city. Federal laws apply to sale,
purchase or possession of weapons. It is illegal for any person in the
State of Oklahoma to carry a concealed handgun unless he or she has been
issued a license from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
There is a federal law which prohibits any fire arm on school premises.
This includes hunting fire arms so be sure that you take them out of your
vehicle before coming to school.
Search Warrants A search
warrant is a paper signed by a judge giving permission to search a house,
car, store, locker or other property. In the following situations the
police can search without a warrant:
-
There is reason to believe a
felony has been committed. If a car is believed to have been involved
in the crime, it may be searched.
-
If an arrest has been made, a
thorough search will be conducted to locate weapons or other illegal items
such as drugs, drug paraphernalia, stolen property, or other "fruits" of
crime.
-
A person gives permission for
the search.
-
The police are in "hot
pursuit" of a "fleeing felon".
-
If the police observe weapons or
other illegal items "in plain view" in a car, they may search unlocked
parts. If they have probable cause that a crime has been committed,
they may search any part of a car.
You
do not have to volunteer anything. Do not hassle the police or speak
disrespectfully. Request a receipt for anything taken and a copy of
the search warrant, it there is one. Consult with an attorney as soon
as possible. Transfer from
Juvenile to Adult Court If charged with a felony offense, a
juvenile may be certified to the adult criminal court. Criminal
penalties are the same as adults receive if a juvenile is certified to stand
trial as an adult. Factors the court
will consider before certifying a juvenile as an adult are:
Any person 16 or 17 years of age when charged
with:
-
murder
-
kidnapping
-
robbery with a dangerous weapon
-
robbery in the first degree if personal
injury results
-
rape in the first degree
-
rape by instrumentation
-
use of firearm or other
offensive weapon while firearm or other offensive weapon while committing a
felony
-
arson in the first degree
-
burglary with explosives
-
burglary in the first or
second degree after three or more adjudications for committing either
burglary in the first degree or burglary in the second degree
-
shooting with intent to kill
-
discharging a firearm,
crossbow or other weapon from a vehicle
-
intimidating witness
-
manslaughter in the first
degree
-
sodomy
-
trafficking in illegal drugs
-
manufacturing, distributing,
dispensing or possession with intent to manufacture distribute or dispense a
controlled dangerous substance
-
assault and battery with a
deadly weapon
shall be considered an adult.
Back to the top
Library Public libraries provide free services which include books on everything
from aerobic dancing to how to prepare meals on a budget, problems with
unplanned pregnancies, and self-help books on preparing for tests such as GED, SAT, ASVAB, Civil Services, etc.
Libraries also have magazines, and newspapers. They may have videos,
computers, microfilm and microfiche, phonograph records, art and travel
information, books on CDs and cassettes, framed reproductions and displays.
Back to the top
Military Opportunities
Every year the
U.S. military
hires more than 365,000 new employees. What's more, the five branches
of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard, offer more than 300 different schools and 10,000 courses of
instruction for officers and enlisted personnel. A great many of the
skills people gain in the military prove valuable as they make the
transition into civilian careers.
The military has great educational assistance programs
through the GI Bill and other tuition assistance vehicles. You don't
have to be full-time military to get educational benefits either.
Military reserve and National Guard members are eligible for educational
assistance. That's in addition to the training and experience they
receive during their service.
What does it take to succeed in the military? Enlisted
personnel need a high school diploma. Noncommissioned officers, who
supervise enlisted people, often have an associate or bachelor's degree and
are promoted, based on their performance and educational level.
Commissioned officers usually hold a bachelor's degree or
higher college degree. Some commissioned officers are graduates of
service academies operated by the armed forces (like
West Point, the
Air
Force Academy or the
Naval Academy). Entrance into these academies is
very competitive, and students who hope to attend must have not only a high
school diploma and score well on SAT or ACT, but also must receive a
nomination from a member of Congress. You don't need to know a
congressman personally to receive such a nomination, but you need to plan
early - by your junior year of high school - if you want to attend a service
academy. You can get more information by contacting a military
recruiter from the branch of service in which you are interested.
You can also become a commissioned officer by participating
in Reserve Officer Training Corps programs on a college campus. Some
ROTC programs offer financial assistance for students who participate in
their leadership and fitness training programs. After completing ROTC,
participants may become commissioned officers on active duty or in a reserve
unit.
from
Choices
In an ever-changing job market, positions in the military
services are among the most stable. Few employers today can offer so
many options, training and benefits in a 20-year plus time span. A
career in the military services can be one of life's most rewarding
experiences.
Back to the
top
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE/COLLEGE-BOUND ATHLETE
NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Site
Core Units Required for NCAA
NCAA - (over 950 member colleges) Division I and
Division II colleges can offer athletic scholarships; Division III colleges
(mostly smaller, private colleges) cannot. Division III athletes do
not need to meet NCAA academic requirements.
Athletes going to Division I and II colleges must have at
least a 2.0 GPA in a specified number of core courses. They must also
have the required ACT or SAT score. ACT/SAT requirements for Division
I eligibility are based on a sliding scale. (The higher the core GPA,
the lower the test score required.) Division II athletes must have a
68(sum of the 4 scores) on the ACT or a combined score of 820 on the SAT.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE FAQ'S
What is the NCAA Clearinghouse?
The NCAA Clearinghouse is a governing board that was established by
NCAA (National College Athletic Association) institutions in 1993. The
Clearinghouse's primary function is to ensure the consistent application of
NCAA initial eligibility requirements and acts as the sole certification
authority of student athletics for participants in Division I and II
athletics. How do I become NCAA
Certified?
1. You must graduate from high school.
2. You must earn a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the core
curriculum (core courses
generally include all college preparatory,
academic, or honors level courses but always
be sure to check with your
counselor if you have questions or concerns) and
3. Earn a combined score on the SAT or a sum score on the ACT based on
the new core
GPA/test score index.
14 Core Courses:
4 years of English
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if
offered by high
school)
1 year of add English, mathematics or
natural/physical science
2 years of social science
3 years of additional courses (from any area above or
foreign
language, nondoctrinal religion/philosophy, computer
science*)
Some Important
Things to Remember:
If you plan to enter college in 2003 or 2004, you may use either the 13
core-course standard or the 14-core-course standard. The clearinghouse
will evaluate your transcript using the 14-core-course standard first.
If you are not eligible under that rule, the clearinghouse will then
evaluate your transcript under the 13-core-course standard.
It is not possible to mix and match standards.
For example, you cannot use the 13 core-course standard and the sliding
scale from the 14 core-course standard.
You no longer can be certified as a partial qualifier if you
are certified using the 14core-course standard.
If you plan to enter college in 2005 or after, your
eligibility will be determined by using the 14-core-course standard
only.
*Computer science no longer will be
used as a core course if you first enter any college or university on
or after August 1, 2005.
When should I apply?
Students should apply during their junior year of high school to ensure
ample time for processing and recordkeeping.
Who should apply?
Anyone who has even the remotest thought of competing in athletics at the
college level should apply.
How do I apply?
1. You must submit a Transcript Release
Form from the counselor's office.
2. Fill out the NCAA Domestic Student Release
Form by going to
NCAA Clearinghouse.
At this point, you have two options:
a. Submit the
Release Form via the Internet (including your credit
card information), and bring a copy of the submission to the
counselor's office. The transcript will then be mailed to NCAA
or
b. Print out the
Release Form. Complete it and make three copies.
Mail one copy to the following address:
NCAA Clearinghouse Forms-Processing, P.O. Box 4043,
Iowa City, IA 52243-40
Bring the other two copies to the counselor's office. They
will be mailed (both the Release Form and the transcript
to the NCAA.
Also,
NAIA
(over 300 member colleges) can award full or partial scholarships. To
play a sport or receive an athletic scholarship, an athlete must meet 2 of
the following 3 NAIA requirements: 1) an ACT composite score of
18 or an 860 on the SAT, 2) an overall 2.0 GPA, 3) graduate in
the top half of his/her class.
NJCAA
(500 junior colleges)
Division I and II colleges can offer scholarships; Division III colleges
cannot. There are no academic eligibility requirements for athletes
entering junior colleges.
For information and advice on getting an
athletic scholarship,
athletes should talk to their coach and/or athletic director.
Back to the Top
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Physical Health You can get many health care services free
or based on how much you can pay (often called "sliding fee scale").
Services are confidential for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing and
treatment, pregnancy tests or treatment for drug or alcohol problems.
Mental Health Being mentally healthy
means feeling reasonably good about yourself and others. It does
not mean feeling good all the time--no one does! Everyone has
strong and sometimes uncomfortable feelings about the daily problems they
face. However, if these everyday feelings start to get in the way of
your regular activities, they may be signs of emotional problems.
Signs of emotional problems include sudden changes in mood or behavior or
gradual change over a longer period of time.
-
depression- long periods of time when you are
unhappy, pulling back from friends and activities, losing interest in things
you used to enjoy doing
-
anxiety- strong feelings of uneasiness, fear
or imagined danger.
-
irritability is losing your temper over a
minor incident, being suspicious of others.
-
physical complaints with no physical cause
-
working below potential in school or sports
Emotional problems are not hopeless or
incurable; a troubled person can get help.
Eating Disorders You see it everywhere:
people jogging, dancing, and biking to get into tip-top shape.
Bookstores have shelves of diet and health books. Just by looking at
popular magazines, one sees that "thin is in". Although it's important
to watch your weight, dieting can get out of hand. An eating disorder
can cause severe weight loss or gain and in extreme cases, death from
malnutrition, starvation or obesity. People with anorexia are afraid
to gain weight and, in fact, desire to lose weight even when they are very
skinny. Related eating disorders, which are just as damaging to
health, occur when persons cause themselves to vomit after eating or take
laxatives to keep from gaining weight. Both of these disorders can lead
to heart attacks at an early age. If you suspect that a friend has
such a disorder, you should report it at once.
Mental Health Counseling Counseling is a chance to talk
about personal issues with someone you can trust. Most often, people
talk with a counselor to get help with a decision they are trying to make.
You can tell the counselor how you're feeling, and in the process you'll
learn to understand yourself and be able to make better choices.
Counselors treat these conversations as private and confidential.
Who Does Counseling Friends or relatives
who are good listeners can help you think through decisions. The best
helper is someone who won't put you down for the feelings you have, someone
who won't say, "I told you so..." later on. Sometimes problems seem
too difficult or personal to discuss with a friend or family member.
When this is the case, it's a good idea to talk things through with a
trained counselor.
Where Is
Counseling Available? There are local agencies that provide
counseling for young people on issues like peer pressure, drug or alcohol
problems, depression, anxiety, sexuality, and other concerns. Some
agencies allow counselors to see a teenager at least once without parental
permission. If this is important to you, ask about these policies when
you call the agency. But don't let anything keep you from getting the
help you deserve when you need it.
|
Alcoholics Anonymous-Alva Group |
402 1/2 4th St., Alva |
580.327.9923 |
|
Crisis Hotline |
|
1.800.545.0518 |
|
Children's Initiative Network |
427 Barnes, Suite 3, Alva |
580.327.0565 |
|
Northwest Domestic Crisis Services |
1330 Oklahoma Blvd. |
1.888.256.1215
580.327.6648 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
|
Share Medical Center Emergency Room |
|
580.327.2800 |
|
Thunder Canyon Counseling Center |
410 4th St., Suite E, Alva |
580.327.2273 |
|
Western State Psychiatric Center |
604 Choctaw, Alva |
580.327.1112 |
|
Woods County Health Department |
901 14th St., Alva |
580.327.3192 |
If you do not have health care, you may
qualify for healthcare through the
Oklahoma Health Authority.
If you are
Native American Indian, you may wish to check the tribal health care
options.
Back to the top
RUNNING AWAY
Almost everyone thinks about running away from home at some
time. When you're feeling very bad about your life, when you want most
of all to do something...anything...to change the way things are going...that's a time when it's very hard to think clearly. Talking it
out with someone you can trust can often help you understand yourself
better, think more clearly, and make the best possible decision for
yourself.
If you or a friend is determined to run (and
talking it out doesn't seem to help), run to a safe place. Even the
most streetwise people get taken advantage of, ripped off and seriously hurt
while trying to make it on their own.
Runaway Shelter and Hotline Numbers
Here are some
numbers you or your friends can call for help.
|
National Runaway Hotline |
A service set up to relay messages between runaways
and their families without pointing blame at anybody...They can talk
about other problems, too. |
1.800.621.4000 |
|
OK Child Abuse Hotline |
|
1.800.522.3511 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
Back to the top
SELECTIVE SERVICE
REGISTRATION
How Do You Register with
the Selective Service?
Selective
service is the program that calls up people for military service. You
sign up at your local U.S. Post Office or at the Selective Service Website.
There is no military draft now. Only males must register with the
Selective Service when they turn 18. Remember, your FAFSA will not be
processed if you are 18 and not registered. Need help? See your
counselor.
Back to the
top
SUICIDE
If
someone talks about suicide, take it seriously. A friend may tell you
about his/her suicidal feelings and ask you to keep this secret. You
must tell someone (parent, counselor, teacher, minister).
Suicide threats are cries for help from people who believe they are beyond
helping. Mentioning suicide will not give someone the idea or push
them over the edge. Talking about it frankly can prevent someone from
acting on the idea. A suicidal person is not beyond help. The
crisis period usually lasts a short time. With help a person can get
better. SUICIDE PREVENTION
These four questions are often used to try to determine whether an
individual is suicidal.
-
Has this person threatened or attempted
suicide in the past?
-
Does this person really feel there is a good
reason to commit suicide?
-
Does this person have a realistic plan?
-
Does the person have a way to put his or her plan
into action right away?
"Yes" answers to any of these questions are
very good reasons for concern. The first step in preventing a suicide
is for the suicidal person to make this promise to someone,
"If I feel like I'm going to hurt myself, I'll
either call you or a suicide hotline first."
For Help or Information:
|
Reach Out Hotline |
|
1.800.522.9054 |
|
Teen Hotline |
|
1.800.522.8336 |
|
Crisis Hotline |
|
1.800.545.0518 |
|
Children's Initiative Network |
427 Barnes, Suite 3, Alva |
580.327.0565 |
|
Northwest Domestic Crisis Services |
1330 Oklahoma Blvd. |
1.888.256.1215
580.327.6648 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
|
Share Medical Center Emergency Room |
|
580.327.2800 |
|
Thunder Canyon Counseling Center |
410 4th St., Suite E, Alva |
580.327.2273 |
|
Western State Psychiatric Center |
604 Choctaw, Alva |
580.327.1112 |
|
Woods County Health Department |
901 14th St., Alva |
580.327.3192 |
|
Local Pastor |
|
|
|
High School Counselor |
|
580.327.3682 or
580.327.2910 |
**Suicide
Prevention Resource Center (SPRC): SPRC supports suicide prevention with the
best of science, skills and practice
Back to the top
SEXUALITY
What to do...Someone you care about wants to have sex, and
you don't know...
There are many levels of touching and affection before sexual
intercourse. You can stop at any level. Some couples have
trouble agreeing on a stopping point. So...what should you do?
Try to avoid situations where you have to decide when to
stop. Before you get into a difficult situation, talk about your
feelings and what seems right for you. If you can't agree, maybe you
need to find someone else whose beliefs are closer to your own. It's
hard to say NO to someone you really like. Only you know how
much you can handle, and you're the one who has to deal with the
consequences. Before you make a decision, get the facts and your
feelings sorted out. Then, if you need help, talk to a person you
trust and respect. Or, if you want, talk to someone confidentially,
call:
|
Woods County Health Dept. |
|
580.327.3192 |
or your physician, pastor, school counselor or a teacher.
Pregnancy Counseling Counseling about
options, decision making, needs, feelings, and how to deal with pregnancy is
available through health and religious agencies.
Although your pregnancy isn't apparent to anyone in the early stages and may
not seem real to you, it's important to know whether you are pregnant.
The earlier you know, the earlier you can begin taking care your yourself,
especially by avoiding alcohol, smoking and prescribed drugs that aren't
good for you and your baby.
What to
do...Unplanned Pregnancy...If you or someone you know is pregnant and
uncertain about what to do, there are places that offer help. This is
a difficult time, full of feelings. Remember, there are choices.
It's important to get a pregnancy test as soon as possible, to talk about it
with someone you trust, and to get medical attention right away. For
youth under 18, pregnancy tests are available at:
|
Woods County Health Dept. |
|
580.327.3192 |
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) Aids was first identified in the US in 1981. AIDS destroys
the body's immune system. Infections such as rare types of pneumonia
and certain rare cancers take advantage of the body's lack of defenses.
Aids is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
HIV can infect anyone if it gains access to the bloodstream. Certain
practices permit this to happen: anal intercourse, vaginal
intercourse, oral sex, use of nonsterile needles, receipt of contaminated
blood or blood products, and transmission from a mother to her fetus.
These are the only proven ways in which HIV is spread.
The only way to avoid being infected with HIV/AIDS is to
avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Such
contamination most often occurs during sexual intercourse or by use of a
contaminated hypodermic needle. Needle contamination occurs frequently
among people who inject street drugs.
While condoms may offer some protection during sexual
intercourse, the protection is not absolute. The condom may
break
during the sex act or contamination may occur during disposal. There is
also danger of contamination if the condom is improperly used. The
risk of contracting HIV/AIDS increases when an individual has sex with more
than one partner. Remember there is no vaccine, and no cure for those
with AIDS.
|
AIDS Hotline |
1.800.522.9054 |
|
OK AIDS Hotline |
1.800.535.AIDS |
What to do...Other sexually transmitted disease (STD)...The
only way to know if you have a sexually transmitted disease is to go to your
doctor or public health clinic. All STD services are confidential.
Your privacy is respected. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
include:
Other less common diseases that are
transmitted by close body contact, either through sexual intercourse or
other intimate contact with someone who has an STD. Currently the
most common STD's are HPV and Chlamydia.
There is nothing mysterious or shameful
about getting an STD. It is not a "punishment", but it is dangerous if
left untreated. Infection with Human Papilloma Virus (PV) causes
genital warts.
You do not catch STD's from toilet seats, doorknobs,
heavy lifting, etc.
You can get an STD at any age and get it again and
again.
No vaccine can prevent STD's
Some STD's can be treated and cured
There is no cure for STD's caused by viruses.
Anyone can get an STD...people of all races, ages and
incomes
Once in the body, an STD will continue to do damage
until it is treated. Even if the outward symptoms disappear (and
they often will), the germs which cause it are still in the body and can
result in permanent damage.
If you suspect you have had contact with a person who has
an STD, you should be tested. You may have some of the following :
Discharge or pus from the penis or vagina
Painful burning sensation while urinating
One or more painless sores or blisters on or around
the lips, mouth, or sex organs
Itching or swelling in groin area
Unusual discharge or odors from the vagina
Patchy hair loss from the scalp
WARNING: Remember you can have an STD and not
have symptoms. Untreated STD's can result in permanent damage
including: sterility, heart disease, damage to unborn baby, insanity,
paralysis, blindness, deafness, nonhealing skin ulcers, arthritis, deformity
and even death. Tests and
Hotlines When you go to your physician or clinic, you will be
given a simple medical exam and lab tests to determine if you have an STD.
Do not allow shame or embarrassment to keep you from seeking help. See
a doctor or contact your local public health clinic or family physician.
|
Woods County Health Dept. |
|
580.327.3192 |
|
STD Hotline |
|
1.800.227.8922 |
Back to the
top
SEXUAL ABUSE
What to do...sexual abuse...if you are being
touched by a family member, adult friend or someone else in a way that
hurts, scares, or confuses you...if someone touches your private body parts
and asks you to keep it a secret. If something like this is happening
now or has happened in the past, and you would like to talk to someone
about it, but you don't know who you can trust...Call...
|
Dept. of Human Services |
580.327.5050 |
|
OK Child Abuse Hotline |
1.800.522.3511 |
Back to the
top
VIOLENT
BEHAVIOR
What to do...violent
behavior...if you or a friend has been beaten up by someone or your
actions toward someone else are controlling or abusive, you should seek
help. Abusive behavior includes "mind games", threats, put-downs,
making someone accountable to you for his/her time or actions--in short, all
attempts to dominate or control another person. This is not part of a
normal healthy relationship. This is psychological violence! If
you are being controlling or abusive, you can learn healthier ways to deal
with stress and other emotions than by dumping on someone close to you.
Counseling is available for men and women who want to stop the violence now.
If you are a victim of abuse, you cannot make the person hurting you stop.
It only stops when you get out and get help. No one deserves to
be abused. Counseling, support, and shelter are available, but you have
to take the first step. Call the police, run away, go to a friend or
neighbor or call the 24-hour Crisis line for help.
|
Reach Out Hotline |
|
1.800.522.9054 |
|
Teen Hotline |
|
1.800.522.8336 |
|
Crisis Hotline |
|
1.800.545.0518 |
|
Children's Initiative Network |
427 Barnes, Suite 3, Alva |
580.327.0565 |
|
Northwest Domestic Crisis Services |
1330 Oklahoma Blvd. |
1.888.256.1215
580.327.6648 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
|
Share Medical Center Emergency Room |
|
580.327.2800 |
|
Thunder Canyon Counseling Center |
410 4th St., Suite E, Alva |
580.327.2273 |
|
Western State Psychiatric Center |
604 Choctaw, Alva |
580.327.1112 |
|
Woods County Health Department |
901 14th St., Alva |
580.327.3192 |
|
Local Pastor |
|
|
|
High School Counselor |
|
580.327.3682 or
580.327.2910 |
rape/sexual assault
What
to do...rape/sexual assault...Rape, sexual assault, or the attempt to
force someone into having sex are not part of dating or courtship.
Each is a crime. You have the right to say no to anyone who tries to
touch you in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable. If that person
will not leave you alone, try to get away as soon as possible. A
rapist can be anyone: a relative, an acquaintance, a neighbor or a
date. Most victims are assaulted by someone they know while in a
vulnerable situation: alone, out of earshot, overpowered, and afraid.
No one is raped because of how she or he act or what he or she wears. If you have
been assaulted, it is not your fault. You need to have people to talk
with who understand what you are going through.
Responsibilities and Consequences
Boys who engage in sexual relations with girls automatically assume certain
responsibilities and expose themselves to certain possible consequences.
Among those responsibilities and consequences are the following:
It is the boy's responsibility to obtain the girl's
consent. If the girl has not given consent, the boy can be
charged with rape.
Consent is a great deal more than nonresistance.
For instance:
A person under the age of 16 cannot, legally, give
consent for sexual activity.
A person who is mentally ill, whether temporary or
permanent, cannot give consent.
A person who is unaware of the nature of the act
because of intoxication with alcohol or narcotics, cannot give
consent if the substance was administered as a means of seducing the
person.
Any type of non-consensual sexual activity may
result in grave legal consequences.
If pregnancy results from a sexual act, a boy may face
the responsibilities of fatherhood before he is emotionally,
economically or socially capable of fulfilling such responsibilities.
Sex with another person may expose you to a variety of
serious, sexually transmitted diseases.
Victims of rape and sexual assault should receive
medical treatment. A Crisis Center
Volunteer can meet you at the
hospital and provide emotional support.
You are free to decide
whether to report the crime to the police, even if you receive Emergency
Room Treatment.
If you or a
friend are looking for help or have been raped call:
|
Police |
|
911 |
|
Department of Human Services |
|
580.327.5050 |
|
Crisis Hotline |
|
1.800.545.0518 |
|
Children's Initiative Network |
427 Barnes, Suite 3, Alva |
580.327.0565 |
|
Northwest Domestic Crisis Services |
1330 Oklahoma Blvd. |
1.888.256.1215
580.327.6648 |
|
Northwest Family Services |
620 Flynn St., Alva |
580.327.2900 |
|
Safeline |
|
1.800.522.7233 |
|
Share Medical Center Emergency Room | |