TISD set for Shattered Dreams program

On Jan. 30 and 31, Thorndale High School will be hosting the Shattered Dreams Program.  

This is a mock drinking and driving activity to raise awareness among teens about the consequences of drinking and driving and to encourage parents to become more involved in their teens’ lives.  

During this time the parents and students involved in the program will write letters to each other explaining how they would feel if they were not here tomorrow. The school district encourages those not directly involved in the program to do this at home, as a way to open communication between parents and their children.  The participating students will also write their mock obituary.

On Jan. 30, a group of students and their parents will have a parent-student retreat at the Thorndale Fireman’s hall. This will include drinking and driving activities.

 Statistics show that a drunk driver kills a person every 15 minutes.  

On Jan. 31, a student will be taken out of class every 15 minutes to represent this loss of life. These students will be called “the living dead.” They will return to class with a white face and a black t-shirt and will continue their day at school, but will not talk to or interact with other students for the remainder of the day.  

At 1:15 p.m., a mock crash scene will be held at the Thorndale City Park. This event will include students being transported in an ambulance, a helicopter and a hearse. The “drunk driver” will be handcuffed and taken away in a police car. The students and staff will then gather at the Fireman’s Hall at 2:00pm for an assembly to listen to speakers. Counselors and our community Pastoral Alliance will also be available should there be a need. 

Thorndale ISD encourages the community to be involved in this very important program.  Volunteers are needed to help set up before these events and to help clean up when the program ends.  If you would like to volunteer on either, or both, days, please contact Jeni Anders at (512) 585-3007.