Pubdate: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The North Thompson Star/Journal Contact: http://www.starjournal.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231 Author: Jill Hayward Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) BSS OFFERS MANY OPTIONS TO FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE School District 73 took $200,000 out of their budget last year to create a district wide education program regarding substance abuse. They hired Angela Lawrence as their Drug and Alcohol Program Coordinator and employ RCMP officer Cst. Connie Buckle as their police liaison to attend each school in the district with the new program. There are 65 schools in School District 73. Out of that group three schools stepped to the front last year and said they wanted to take a pro-active position on drug and alcohol abuse in young people. Barriere Secondary School was one of the three. The PAC group have also taken a stance to focus for two years on drugs and alcohol as well as mathematics. "Education, awareness, enforcement - that's what we attempt to do here at the school," said BSS principle Greg Howard, "We do what we can here within the school." Howard stated in a recent interview that "kid's are into social events, and these events may involve binge drinking or drugs". "We do know, and we deal with it," he said. Howard said that as well as lectures, visits, and counceling by Angela Lawrence and Cst. Connie Buckle, BSS has many established programs in place to assist the students in making responsible choices regarding drugs and alcohol. There are Leadership Classes, a Focus Group, where students go in and talk, counseling groups with Lawrence, and students are also encouraged to self-refer, or students friends self-refer. The Youth Wellness program is comprised of professionals, youth, and parents, and meet once a month. They stand on being pro-active and involve many 20 year old BSS graduates in the program who are still in the community. Howard stated this is a good solid group that is very committed to their goals and that three heads of The Barriere Against Drugs group will be working with the Wellness committee. Grade 8, 9, and 10 have an awareness and drug curriculum that brings in speakers, has assemblies, and makes sure there is follow-up. Last September the BSS staff took a full in-service day of presentation on drug and alcohol abuse given by Lawrence and Buckle. Two months ago BSS began the process of instigating Restorative Justice within the school. Twelve adults and students have volunteered to be involved with the program that looks at different ways and tools for working with youth. This program addresses such topics as substance abuse and bullying. " If someone has committed an offense all of the effected people are brought into a meeting with the group," said Howard, "Out of that meeting a consequence is given to the person at fault. It replaces a suspension which just sends the student home and gives them a holiday." Howard states that there are still school district policies that must be enforced. Drug offenses are sorted into three categories; under the influence, possession, or dealing. Generally a first offense involves a one to two weeks suspension with an educational program provided. This suspension can be cut in half if the student agrees to counseling sessions. A second infraction is an automatic three week suspension which can also be cut in half if counseling is taken. A third infraction refers the student to the superintendents office and a student can be put on probation or suspended from school. "We have very few students that get to the third stage of this process," said Howard, "The 2004 to 2005 school year has only seen three referrals to the superintendent." Howard stated that BSS is a safe school and that the doors are open for community members that would like to talk about their concerns. He stated that the forming of Barriere Against Drugs is a sound decision and will help to educate the community. "I would like to see a sustained awareness and objectivity come from this which will continue the communities vigilance," said Howard, "Anytime we deal with any of these issues it can't be just reacting but must be pro-active." Anyone wishing to contact the school with a substance abuse question or problem may do so at any time. Howard assures that anonymity is maintained. A note can be left in a message box for Trina Redmond, of WG Community Resources, who is in the school once a week, or for Leonard Jackson, or Angela Lawrence. If it is an emergency Howard suggests that a call be placed to BSS administration who will direct the caller. " A very small percentage of our kids take up a very large percentage of our time," said Howard, "We can only do so much here at the school regarding substance abuse. Some people still feel it is OK to partake at home. The culture of the community needs to change." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom