Pubdate: Thu, 20 May 2004
Source: Daily Press (VA)
Copyright: 2004 The Daily Press
Contact:  http://www.dailypress.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585
Author: Nancy M. Sessoms

LET THE TRUTH OUT ABOUT DRUG USE

The article on the inappropriate use of Coricidin, an over-the-counter
drug, by York County Middle School students was forthright and a
positive step in the right direction. Why is it that headlines such as
"Hampton/Newport News/ Poquoson or York students abuse illegal drugs
such as cocaine, marijuana, LSD, ecstasy, etc." don't make the news?
Could it be that these school systems would prefer to keep such
happenings quiet so as not to shed a bad light on their school systems?

Schools that advertise incidences of illegal drug possession or use
should be commended. These statistics may open some eyes. The more
informed an involved parent, the better.

Instead of viewing the publication of incidences of drug use as
negative, let's get real and recognize it for what it is. The problem
is happening throughout our schools.

There's power in numbers, but only when they are "informed" numbers.
We should find some comfort in knowing that our schools are employing
an aggressive approach to dealing with what's really happening. Let's
not continue to sweep illegal drug use in our schools under the carpet.

Nancy M. Sessoms

Grafton
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin