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Botvin LifeSkills Training and Materials

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Title:               Botvin LifeSkills Training and Materials

Date:               August 28, 2026

To:                   Elementary Principals

From:             Katie Lowery, PE Specialist

                        Adam Eskelson, Extended Learning

Subject:         Ordering Materials for Classrooms from USBE

Background

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance-use and violence-prevention program that helps students develop skills for making healthy and responsible choices. Lessons address decision-making, communication, managing stress, resisting peer and media pressure, building positive relationships, and understanding the risks of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and other drugs. SLCSD uses the elementary program with fifth-grade students as part of its health and prevention instruction.

Utah Code §53G-10-406 requires public schools to offer the state’s Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program to students in grade 4 or 5, grade 7 or 8, and grade 9 or 10. Utah Administrative Rule R277-910 establishes the criteria for selecting the program and requires it to be evidence-based, taught over multiple lessons, include opportunities to practice skills, and align with Utah’s academic standards. The Utah State Board of Education currently identifies Botvin LifeSkills Training as the state’s approved provider for this required program.

In SLCSD, we incorporate the Botvin training in grade 5, Health I, and Health II. In secondary, the materials are incorporated into our health textbooks and do not need to be ordered.

Elementary teachers or counselors using the program must complete a state-created training. At this time, they only need to complete it once. A $210 stipend is available for educators who complete the training outside of contract hours. THIS STIPEND IS FROM USBE, and directions will be provided during the course registration process. Participants will also receive relicensure points in the state system (Altitude). If you have questions about who has already completed this training, please contact Katie Lowery.

Ordering Materials

To order materials for your students in grade 5, you must:

  1. Determine if you have any materials left over from last year, and how many.
  2. Calculate how many guidebooks for students you need this year.
  3. Complete your order for all grade 5 students.
  4. Submit your order to Amy Burris in the Teaching & Learning Department BY

 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 using the following link: Botvin Order Form

  • Materials will be delivered to your school 3-4 weeks after September 11.

Expectations for Implementation 

  1. Communication
  2. Principals are responsible for coordinating with their teachers and head secretary to complete and submit the order forms for needed materials. We will send in one order for all schools.
  3. Principals are responsible for checking with their teachers to ensure they have completed the one-time Botvin LifeSkills training. If you have questions about your teachers, contact Katie Lowery.
    1. Required Botvin LifeSkills Teacher Training Registration
    1. Training is online and will take 5-7 hours. It must be completed within one week. Training dates are:
      1. Elementary: September 22 – September 28
  4. For any further clarifications, please contact any of the following:
  5. Katie Lowery, PE Specialist; 801-578-8208; katie.lowery@slcschools.org
  6. Amy Burris, Administrative Secretary; 801-578-8273; amy.burris@slcschools.org
  7. If you would like additional information regarding the Botvin LifeSkills Training program and requirements, please review Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program.


Keywords: Botvin, LifeSkills, Health

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