Safe and Drug-Free Schools

  • The Olathe Public Schools have initiated a number of programs to promote safe and drug-free schools for children of all ages. The programs include school-focused policies and curriculum, student and parent-focused initiatives, and participation in community programs.

    Anyone with questions about the Safe and Drug-Free Schools initiatives should email Matt Johnson or call 913-780-7000.

    NOTICE: Please be aware that some links on this web page will take you outside the Olathe Public Schools website. We do not necessarily endorse these third-party sites and are not responsible for their accuracy or current content.

    Parenting Tips

    Because it is important for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other similar hazards, the district has provided some tip sheets for parents.

    Community Resources

    The following websites provide valuable information about anti-drinking, anti-smoking, and anti-drug campaigns.

    Policies and Curriculum

    School-focused initiatives include the Drug-Free Schools policy and a Safe Schools policy.

    Project Alert is an 11-week substance abuse prevention course for sixth-graders, with supplemental lessons in seventh-and eighth-grade health classes. Middle school students are also involved in an evidence-based curriculum titled Second Step. The lessons revolve around bullying and substance abuse prevention. Freshmen receive alcohol prevention lessons in their health curriculum called Alcohol.Edu.

    The Student Code of Conduct provides guidelines for students to follow.

    The Olathe district works hand-in-hand with the Olathe Police Department's School Resource Officers to provide on-site security in each school, education in the classroom and routine canine searches.

    Schools participate in Red Ribbon Week and Project Graduation, as well as assemblies throughout the year to promote a healthy environment and lifestyle.

    Bullying policies are in place, with school counselors teaching lessons on how to deal with a bully, the victim and bystander.

    Olathe has several after-school programs and all-day kindergarten sites, which serve as a protective factor, so students are not home alone, but are engaged in positive learning or activity programs.

    All schools participate in the annual Communities That Care Survey to assess our needs.

    Student, Parent-Focused Initiatives

    Students and parents may participate in the H.E.L.P. Clinic for counseling sessions. Visit the H.E.L.P. Clinic webpage

    Olathe is committed to providing alternative education through Hope, SOAR, Choices, and Prairie Learning Center.

    District policy provides funding for drug evaluation for any student in activities or athletics who has been involved with alcohol or drugs. Many schools and alternative programs have on-site support groups for those dealing with substance abuse or for students whose families are dealing with drugs and alcohol.