Pubdate: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
Source: Southern Standard, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 Southern Standard & The Smithville Review
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=941
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1513
Author: Will Stewart, Staff Reporter For The Southern Standard

DRUG PROGRAM FOR PARENTS ONLY:

Graphic Nature Of Drug Use Will Be Discussed

Drug awareness programs within Warren County Schools are usually aimed at 
students. An upcoming program at Warren County Middle School, however, will 
be aimed strictly at parents.

The program, "For Parents' Eyes Only: Part II," will be presented by MSG 
Rose Spangler, a member of the Tennessee National Guard's Counter Drug 
Division.

Middle School principal Donna Trevathan said the program is limited to 
adults due to its graphic nature. Discussed in frank detail will be rave 
parties, designer drugs like Ecstasy and the current meth epidemic.

"For Parents' Eyes Only" is not a new idea, but one that has been used the 
past three years. At the beginning of the school year and on open house 
nights, Trevathan said, the school operates a room for parents only which 
serves to enlighten them. On display are examples of drugs, gang symbols, 
adolescent magazines and even a CD player on which parents can listen to 
lyrics of popular music.

She added students are not allowed in the room because, "If thaey don't 
already know about these things, we don't won't to teach them."

"These are things we think parents ought to see and know about," Trevathan 
said. "We feel we need to be pro-active and talk with the parents to let 
them know our motives."

The parents-only room, she noted, has been very successful since its 
inception and remains popular. She said parents line up to get in the room 
whenever it is opened.

"For Parents' Eyes Only: Part II" is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 
and will be held in the school auditorium. Trevathan said a school-wide "no 
homework" night will be instituted that day and that parents have "no 
excuse" not to attend. She also encouraged parents of students at all other 
schools to attend.

"We invite anyone interested," she said. "This program will serve to make 
parents better informed, which will make them better parents."
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