FCD, a non-profit substance abuse prevention organization that works with students and schools worldwide, covered topics ranging from alcohol use to illegal drugs to vaping. FCD prevention specialists met with eighth graders during their physical education classes and worked with Upper School students during other class times.They discussed the physical and psychological effects of even a one-time use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco and shared personal stories of substance use that began in middle or high school. The sessions were highly interactive.

The FCD team will return in March, and an evening parent session will also be offered during that time.

"Our school’s collaboration with FCD is an important part our partnership with you as we work to together help your children lead healthy and happy lifestyles," Head of the Upper School Kenneth S. Mills and Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez wrote in a joint recent letter to parents.

Last March, FCD worked with the tenth- and eleventh-grade classes at the Upper School and eighth graders at the Middle School.

FCD, which is part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, has since 1976 provided substance abuse prevention programs to over 500 independent schools in 41 states throughout the United States. At RE's request at the end of last year, FCD administered the Student Attitudes and Behavior Survey, a 50-question instrument designed to measure students’ attitudes about and approaches to decision-making and risky behaviors. The FCD survey has been administered in hundreds of school communities.

Ransom Everglades is working with FCD to parse the data and use the information strategically.