Pubdate: Mon, 22 Jan 2001
Source: The North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Author: Jill Hayward
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

BSS PARENTS RAISE SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONCERNS

Barriere Secondary Principle Dord Davis Talks About School Policies 
Regarding Substance Abuse.

Barriere children are being approached on a daily basis at school by other 
students who are pressuring them to use drugs or alcohol, stated concerned 
parents at the Jan. 15 meeting of the Barriere Secondary Parents Advisory 
Committee.

BSS Principal Gordon Davis told the group that he had been made aware of 
parents concerns regarding drugs and alcohol in the school and was prepared 
to answer their questions and listen to their concerns.

"I see this as a community problem, not just the school's," said Davis.

"Our kids are being approached on a daily basis, I think we should have a 
level of zero tolerance in the school  environment." stated one parent. 
"What resources is the school prepared to bring in to rectify this problem?"

Principal Davis stated that the school has zero tolerance regarding drugs 
and alcohol. School policy is dictated by School District 73: Any student 
found under the influence, in possession or having consumed drugs or 
alcohol is automatically suspended for 10 days for a first offense. Davis 
noted second offenses are uncommon.

Davis also noted that the school has not caught anyone trafficking in drugs 
and that if they did, the name of this person would be relayed to the RCMP.

Parents reported their children say students in school abuse drugs and 
alcohol without being recognized or taken to task, that students know the 
abuse exists regardless of school policy.

"Kids are very sophisticated at masking the tell tale signs of abuse and 
school officials must have proof either by a witness, scent, or other 
evidence before action can be taken," BSS Vice Principal Lynn Fulton told 
the group.

One parent requested the school supply more volunteers to police the school 
area. BSS currently has more supervisory support workers than any other 
school in the district, Davis replied.

"A 10-day suspension is a wake-up call for a student and for the parents," 
said vice principal Fulton. "The reality is that not all parents know what 
their kids are doing."

BSS staff noted that parents must start drug and alcohol policing at home, 
not only by knowing where and what their children are doing, but also by 
teaching the children that saying 'no' is okay.

If students are approached at school regarding drugs or alcohol, or if they 
see a fellow student abusing these substances, those students must tell 
their parents who will in turn approach the school, the group agreed.

That way a student will be able to maintain anonymity and not fear 
retribution from fellow students.

"Parents must have the stamina to say no to their children drinking, using 
drugs or being sexually promiscuous, even though sometimes it is the 
hardest word to say," noted the school principal.

BSS staff and parents agreed that the next step will be to dedicate a 
meeting to the topic of drug and alcohol abuse only. Guest speakers will be 
invited to speak on the tell-tale signs, what to look for, what to do, and 
so on.

The principal and two parents present at the meeting agreed to coordinate 
the meeting and arrange for guest speakers. The date will be announced as 
soon as preparations are finalized.

"I am pleased that parents are concerned and want to get involved," said Davis.
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