Pubdate: Tue, 30 Mar 2004
Source: Gleaner, The (Henderson, KY)
Copyright: 2004 The E.W. Scripps Co
Contact:  http://www.thegleaner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1634
Note: Requires 'Letter to editor' in the subject line of e-mail
Author: VICTORIA MARTY

FORUM SPEAKERS SAY PARENTS KEY IN ANTI-DRUG WAR

Kent Billingsley made a commitment to remain drug- and alcohol-free three 
years ago.

He avoids parties where his peers use illegal substances, and as a member 
of Students Taking A New Direction, is proud of his pledge.

Even so, the Henderson County High School senior is aware that unlawful 
prescription drug use has increased at the high school -- and he is happy 
that the district is doing something about it.

"I've always known about it and heard things, but it's starting to get seen 
more (here)," the 17-year-old said of 44 drug and alcohol violations this 
year alone at County High.

He was one of roughly 20 students and community members at the school 
district's first of three meetings to inform the public about what it can 
do to combat criminal drug and alcohol usage.

"We live in a culture now that accepts the use of prescription medication," 
said Bruce Farris, assistant coordinating principal for the high school. 
"Our problem is that some students are abusing prescription drugs."

One of the first steps to end that practice, educators said, is for parents 
to be informed. Parents should ask questions and always know where their 
children are, said school resource officer Tony Fanok. They should also 
lock up their medications and make sure to throw away unneeded pills.

"This is the place where kids come together," Fanok said of schools in the 
district. "Kids bring pills to school and then give them to their friends."

And parents should not assume that drugs and alcohol will not be present at 
others' homes. In some cases, Fanok added, parents supply alcohol or turn a 
blind eye to those who do because they believe that alcohol use is a rite 
of passage.

That can be a problem because many students model their parents' and other 
adults' behavior, speakers said.

Those who give prescription medication to a person for whom that medication 
is not prescribed, for instance, are committing a felony. And adults who 
knowingly hold parties where minors are served alcohol can also receive a 
$500 fine and up to 12 months in jail.

"I feel that a lot of times, as parents, they aren't sure what their 
boundaries can and can't be," said Marganna Stanley, director of student 
programs for the district. "We want to emphasize that parents should stay 
in their child's life, know who their friends are and hold those people 
accountable."

Students who are caught using, selling or possessing drugs on campus will 
be required to take a drug test and a police report will be filed. They 
will have to meet with a chemical substance counselor and will be placed at 
Central Learning Center before they return to County High. Those who are 
caught for a similar drug-and-alcohol related offense within one calendar 
year will be expelled.

The school district will hold two more meetings, both of which will provide 
the public with new information. The next, on April 26, will discuss a 
student drug and alcohol survey, marijuana and community agency support. 
The third meeting will be held May 24 and will include information about 
cocaine, methamphetamines and local law enforcement.

Both will be held at 6 p.m. at Henderson County High School's auditorium.
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