The NICoteen Program

The NICoteen Program is a smoking education program that explores the physical, mental, social and financial consequences of a smoking addiction. The program includes a six-day curriculum and the NICoteen Pack smoking simulator. It contains activities and assignments for each day that take approximately 50 minutes to complete.

The NICoteen Pack requires teens to simulate the estimated time an addicted smoker spends smoking each day. To simulate a puff on a cigarette, the student must say one of seven special NICline phrases into the microphone. The Pack uses voice recognition technology to ensure that only the approved phrased are used. Throughout each smoking session, students listen to a recording of informative and thoughtprovoking statements related to smoking.

Here is a program that offers a great way to educate students about the dangers of smoking.

REALITYWORKS, 2709 Mondovi Rd., Au Claire, WI 54701; 800/830-1416. www.realityworksinc.com $189.

http://www.south.ecasd.k12.wi.us/dept/health/NICslip.htm

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Family,



South is fortunate to have the NICoteen program under way. I hope each of you takes full advantage of the experience this program can offer the entire family. The NICoteen program is an anti-smoking education program for young adults. It is part of our tobacco unit that explores the many life-threatening consequences of smoking. The idea behind our computer simulated NICoteen Packs is to simulate an addiction to smoking for the participants. It is designed to show students, through first hand experience, how an addiction to nicotine may interfere with their daily activities.



This week our class will be learning about the physical, mental, social, and financial consequences of tobacco use. The NICoteen Packs will be sent home to reinforce the consequences of an addiction. We spend an entire class period discussing how this is and is not like a real addiction to nicotine, the packs can only simulate a real addiction. We have discovered that those whose families adhere to the program guidelines benefit the most from this experience. If a student does not follow the guidelines both the student and family often see it as a waste of time. If your home is smoke-free have your child talk to the pack outside. They should also leave smoke-free building to talk to their pack.



The students will be interrupted throughout their weekend by the Pack with various sounds and voices at a variable rate. The Pack has two volume settings (high/low) that can be changed at any time. However, it may not be possible or appropriate in certain situations. If you foresee a situation in which your son or daughter cannot use the Pack, please let me know we can reschedule the designated weekend easily.



You and your child have the opportunity and choice to participate in this educational program. If they are unable to or choose not to for whatever reason, they will receive an alternate written or Internet based assignment to be completed over the weekend of equal point value.



By signing below you are agreeing to accept responsibility for the Pack while in your child’s possession and allow him/her to participate in this program. By agreeing to participate in this program you agree to reimburse South for up to $160.00 for any damage to the Pack caused by mishandling. I would hold you or your child financially responsible only if your child deliberately breaks the Pack. This includes putting it in water, throwing it, etc.



Please sign and return the permission slip below and keep this information for reference.



"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I agree to allow __________________________ to participate in the NICoteen smoking simulation and by signing below acknowledge I have read through and understand the above.



______________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date


************************************************************************

I do not wish __________________________ to participate in the smoking simulation. By signing below I am requesting that my child participate in an alternate assignment.



______________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date