District reports drug-free grant application and plans community wellness day; mental-health groups outline next steps

The CONNETQUOT Central School District reported that it submitted an application on May 2 for a Drug-Free Communities grant that, if awarded, would provide $125,000 per year for five years with the option to reapply afterward. Committee members said the funds are flexible and can support events and prevention programs.

Members of the districts mental-health advisory committee and related subcommittees described recent and upcoming programming: a community wellness day planned for Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nesconset (Neckwall) Public Library (organizers said last years event drew more than 500 attendees), ongoing bullying-prevention work, and coordinated local vendor and agency participation.

Committee members thanked volunteers and partners and noted that subcommittees (bullying prevention, drug-and-alcohol task force, student ambassadors) are developing mission statements and goals for the 202526#x2013;26 school year. The transcript records that the Drug-Free Communities application was filed and that committee members will participate in decisions about how potential funds would be spent, including after-prom events and student programming.

No formal board vote on use of grant funds was recorded at the meeting; administrators said award details and permissible uses are negotiated with the grantor if the district is selected as a recipient.