Rock In Prevention 7628 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50322
February 18, 2011
Dear Rock In Prevention:
Western Hills Elementary would like to thank you for the day long assembly that you did for our school on January 7, 2011. The energy and enthusiasm that you brought with your positive messages of good character and good decision-making have reinforced the concepts that are taught in our school and yet were strongly reinforced by the assembly. The students need to hear these messages in many different ways.
The assembly was discussed by the elementary counselor in each kindergarten through sixth grade classroom. Listed below are some of the students’ comments:
1. “We loved the music!”
2. “It was good to hear from and interact with young people who are closer to our age.” They are referring to the students that volunteered their time from Valley Southwoods and Valley High School.
3. “We liked participating along with the musician and the older students who came.”
4. “It was great that everyone got to participate in a skit.”
5. “Everyone got a CD to take home and listen to the songs again.”
6. “Now I know how to say “no” to drugs and peer pressure.”
7. “I want to be a student someday that gets to visit schools with Rock In Prevention.”

The elementary counselor also had each and every student follow up with an essay on “what” they learned from the assembly and also what the words of the song “Do The Right Thing” means to them: “What you are is what you do. Character counts, inside of you.”
The teachers felt that the assembly was very worthwhile! The music, the educational messages and the enthusiasm of the performers left everyone feeling very positive and happy!

Thank you, Rock In Prevention!
Susan Cross — Elementary Counselor Western Hills Elementary
WEST DES MOINES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Western Hills Elementary
600 – 39th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone [515] 633-5900
Fax [515]633-5999
www.vvdmcs.org
Beth Thornton, Principal
The West Des Moines
Community School District
We will be a caring community of learners that knows and lifts every child.
We will inspire joy in learning. Our schools will excel at preparing each student for his or her life journey.

Council Bluffs

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter as a recommendation for Rock in Prevention. The presenters were well organized and on time. They knew how to work with and motivate a variety of different age groups. I would suggest that continued finding be available for this organization as their expenses are high and we would have been unable to provide this program without the support of their sponsors. We were very lucky that our school Booster Club was willing to bring them in. The students thoroughly enjoyed the program. The teachers commented that the students went back to class and were focused and ready for learning. The teachers are anxious to continue with the concepts and learning through the variety of lessons and activities that were given to them to follow up after the program. We continue to reinforce their message in our environment that follows the “3 bee’s” of respect, responsibility and being your best.

Thank you so much,

Jeni Larson, Principal Walnut Grove Elementary School Council Bluffs, IA Community School District

Where Dreams Begin! Walnut Grove Elementary School 2920 Avenue j -A Council Bluffs, IA 51501 -Ar (712) 328-6525

Fax: (712) 328-6527

www.cb-schools•org

SAS
Celebrating 100 Years
March 6, 2012

To Whom It May Concern:
On March 3, 2012, St. Anthony School was privileged to welcome Rock In Prevention to our school. From the day we scheduled their assembly to the completion of the day, I found the Rock In Prevention people to be open, honest and very friendly to our staff, our students, and me.
The Rock In Prevention assembly players utilized students from Dowling Catholic High School to give their message a local flavor and added familiarity to the message. From the beginning of the assembly there was no doubt that our students were going to have fun; they were going to sing, dance, and get the important message about bullying in our schools. All this was done by the expertise and fun rapport they had with our students.
As a group that can make a difference, I would highly recommend that Rock In Prevention continue to be funded for the many reasons listed above. If you have any questions about their performance at St. Anthony School, please feel free to call me at school (515-243-1874)
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Prieph F. Cordaro

March 22, 2011

Riverside Elementary

Highland Community School District 220 Schnoebelen Street

Riverside, IA 52327

To Whom It May Concern:

I am the elementary school counselor for the Highland Community School District. On March 5, Craig Olson from Rock In Prevention visited my school to share the program’s anti-bullying message with students. His knowledge of the material was evident in not only the songs he taught to the children, but also in the message he communicated between songs. His passion for the subject matter, however, was what really impressed me and brought his points home to the kids. Equally impressive was his excellent rapport with our elementary students and high school mentors.

I support continued funding for Rock In Prevention for many reasons. It helps to build a positive school climate by educating students about bullying behaviors and what they can do to “help create a caring community.” It also encourages them to love themselves and teaches them appropriate refusal skills so they can confidently say “No!” in the face of negative peer pressure.

This program is an effective form of prevention in many ways. It utilizes high school mentors in the delivery of this important information, which positively uses their powerful influence as role models to the younger children. It also actively engages kids by drawing on their love of music. Both the music and the activities emphasize repetition to help students retain the skills taught.

I am thankful for the positive message and experience my students came away with as a result of Rock In Prevention’s visit. I hope its impact, for both the elementary children and the high school mentors, will endure well into the future.

Sincerely,

Danielle Kennedy

School Counselor, Riverside and Ainsworth Elementary

Click Here To Read More.

HARDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1239 N. Rhode Island Ave., Mason City, Iowa 50401
Phone: 641-421-4406
Fax: 641-421-3365

MICHAEL A. PENCA
Principal

December 7, 2011

Pat McManus, President Rock In Prevention
7628 Hickman Road
Des Moines, Iowa 50322
RE: Support for Rock In Prevention
On behalf of the Harding Elementary staff and students, I would like to express support for Rock In Prevention and its efforts to teach students about character education and making healthy choices. Our school was fortunate to have community sponsorship which allowed us to have two workshops on December 2, 2011. The feedback from staff and students was positive about the interactive activities, songs, and message about creating a caring community in our school.
Part of the Rock In Prevention program involved having high school students come to our school to help facilitate the workshops by leading songs and activities. They were great role models for our students, and the staff appreciated seeing many former students return.
We hope Rock in Prevention can return to our community in the future.
Sincerely,
Principal

Grinnell Middle School
112 East Street South – Griinieli Iowa 50112 – Phone 641.236.2750
Principal – Sara Hegg-Punkie Assistant Principal – Gary MeItIrem

Rock N Prevention
7628 Hickman Road
Des Moines, Iowa 50322

RE: Letter of Recommendation March 2, 2012

To Whom It May Concern:
Rock N Prevention at Grinnell Middle School was a huge success. The coordinator Patrick Fleming, did a wonderful job facilitating the activities and building rapport with the students.
The songs, dances, and activities all focused on the benefits of making good decisions, not giving in to peer pressure to use drugs or alcohol, and building a caring community.
Students and staff both thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities and many were visiting about the event during lunch and recess time. A true testimonial to the presentation making an impression with the students.
In closing, I would recommend Rock In Prevention for middle school age students. They had a great time and there was opportunity for thoughtful reflection and follow up discussion.
Sincerely,
Sara Hegg-Dunne
Principal, Grinnell Middle School

RICHARD 0. JACOBSON FOUNDATION
September 1, 2011
Pat McManus, President Rock In Prevention, Inc. 7628 Hickman Rd.
Des Moines, IA. 50322
Dear Pat McManus,
Please share this letter with interested people regarding this once in a lifetime opportunity.
I have been involved in many charitable works. One that I am most fond of is Rock In Prevention (Rock.) I joined the Board Of Directors in 1995, served as Chairman for seven years, and currently serve on the Executive Committee as Board Chair Emeritus.

Alcohol, tobacco and drug use is the greatest threat to young people. Rock helps save lives by teaching kids to live to their fullest potential. The younger a kid starts to use the more likely they are to become alcoholics and addicts and experience school, family, legal, and mental and emotional health problems.
We should prevent these from occurring before they start. Kids involved in Rock are more likely to have higher academic achievement, complete high school, go to college, and become part of our future educated and capable workforce.
Rock trains local high school youth that assist Rock staff in teaching younger students to refuse drugs. Workshops incorporate music and interactive exercises that both kids and teachers enjoy.
Rock for several years was funded by a number of federal and state appropriations, hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This past year we identified the need to change the business model from a public to a private fundraising strategy and to establish a long term reserve fund.
This is why I am kicking off the ‘Prevention Forever Fund’ to help stabilize and grow Rock In Prevention’s ability to save kids lives and to help protect them and their future. Please join me.
I am pledging a $4,000,000 matching challenge grant and I would like you to make a large gift to help meet with the match. You writing a check will ensure Rock In Prevention services will be available to kids in perpetuity. The reserve fund will provide annual investment income that will help provide services with kids and the principal shall never be spent.
Millions of dollars are spent on incarceration, law enforcement, and drug treatment. Your gift is a solid investment in the solution. Please join me in this once in a lifetime opportunity to affect millions of children that Rock In Prevention will protect, sustain and encourage for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Richard 0. Jacobson
P.O. Box 224 Des Moines, Iowa 50301

Christiansburg Elementary School
160 Wades Lane
Christiansburg, Virginia 24073
(540) 382-5172
Fax (540) 381-6143
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011
On Thursday, September 29, 2011 CES experienced Rock In Prevention. We had a blast!! We had two presenters who did a great job. Craig Olson was our lead presenter. His ability to relay the message of good character and living a drug free life was very effective. He held the students attention with his “lyrical” tunes and guitar abilities. He built immediate rapport with students and our high school mentors.
The coordination with our local high school to identify high school mentors was amazing. The students loved this part. They were very excited to “hang out” with high school students. Our teachers also commented that they appreciated having former students in the assembly. As the students worked with classes in small groups during the performance, you could really see students listening and admiring those high school mentors. I was amazed at how quickly he developed relationships with the mentors. Craig was able to motivate them to perform and to encourage our students to participate.
The students loved the t-shirts, bracelets, and free CD_ Our teachers appreciated the CD resource too. We had many students return the family survey and I am enclosing feedback forms for you. Several staff commented that this was one of the best assemblies they had experienced.
Thank you for corning to see us and sharing your message with the students and faculty at CESI I Please thank your sponsors for their support of this important message for our upper elementary students.
Principal

Rock In Prevention “Rocks”

Rock In Prevention Life Skills For Success Program is needed in every school in America
- Dick Jacobson

Pat McManus, President Rock In Prevention, Inc. 7628 Hickman Rd.
Des Moines, IA. 50322

Dear Pat Mcmanus,
Please share this letter with interested people regarding this once in a lifetime opportunity.
I have been involved in many charitable works. One that I am most fond of is Rock In Prevention (Rock.) I joined the Board Of Directors in 1995, served as Chairman for seven years, and currently serve on the Executive Committee as Board Chair Emeritus.
Alcohol, tobacco and drug use is the greatest threat to young people. Rock helps save lives by teaching kids to live to their fullest potential. The younger a kid starts to use the more likely they are to become alcoholics and addicts and experience school, family, legal, and mental and emotional health problems.
We should prevent these from occurring before they start. Kids involved in Rock are more likely to have higher academic achievement, complete high school, go to college, and become part of our future educated and capable workforce.
Rock trains local high school youth that assist Rock staff in teaching younger students to refuse drugs. Workshops incorporate music and interactive exercises that both kids and teachers enjoy.
Rock for several years was funded by a number of federal and state appropriations, hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This past year we identified the need to change the business model from a public to a private fundraising strategy and to establish a long term reserve fund.
This is why I am kicking off the ‘Prevention Forever Fund’ to help stabilize and grow Rock In Prevention’s ability to save kids lives and to help protect them and their future. Please join me.
I am pledging a $4,000,000 matching challenge grant and I would like you to make a large gift to help meet with the match. You writing a check will ensure Rock In Prevention services will be available to kids in perpetuity. The reserve fund will provide annual investment income that will help provide services with kids and the principal shall never be spent.
Millions of dollars are spent on incarceration, law enforcement, and drug treatment. Your gift is a solid investment in the solution. Please join me in this once in a lifetime opportunity to affect millions of children that Rock In Prevention will protect, sustain and encourage for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Richard 0. Jacobson

Brubaker Elementary School Mike Lord, Principal
2900 E. 42″d Street inichael.lord@strus.k12.ia..us
Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Renee Gelfond, Dean of Students
Phone: 515-242-8405 RCIICC.2eIfonciaAmps.kilia.us
Fax: 515-265-5690 Damon Holland, Counselor
http://www.dmps.kllia.us/schools/IBrubaker/index,htm damonliollandrei:drnps.k12.ia.us Barb Perkins, Counselor barbara.perkinsl23Admps.k12.ia, us

To whom it may concern:
The Rock in Prevention kick-off at Brubaker was a great success. The presenters were on time and provided a great atmosphere. They were very personable and approachable with all staff. I think the younger students especially benefit from learning about drugs and alcohol through the songs because it presents the information in a lighthearted manner while still giving them refusal skills.
The middle school mentors gave the younger students the opportunity to see someone they look up to as positive role models. The music and songs were a great way to get the message across in such a memorable approach and will stick with them much longer than listening to a lecture.
The whole school benefited from being part of the presentation and encouraged all staff and students come together by enjoying the music and singing along. The students saw the Brubaker staff and middle school mentors laughing and dancing along which made the students excited about the activity and the message more powerful!
There was a lot of positive feedback from the teachers at Brubaker Elementary, including that it was the best live program so far. We would love to have the live program return and hope to continue the relationship between Brubaker Elementary and Rock in Prevention for years to come!
Sincerely,
Laura Olson
Kelly Robinson
PBIS Coaches
Brubaker Elementary
The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability in educational and employment programs and activities. In addition, the district prohibits acts of intolerance or any form of harassment toward employees or students. For information regarding procedures for discrimination complaints, contact the Deputy Director of Student and Family Services who is also the Title IX and 504 Coordinator, Des Moines Public Schools, 1801 — le Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314-1992, (515) 242-7781.