Pubdate: Wed, 18 Oct 2006
Source: Argus Leader (SD)
Wed, 18 Oct 2006
Copyright: 2006 Argus Leader
Contact:  http://www.argusleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/842
Author: Jon Walker

FOUR LINCOLN STUDENTS SUSPENDED FOR DRUGS

Pot Violations Now Outstrip Those for Alcohol

The suspension of four Lincoln High School students Tuesday for 
breaking rules on controlled substances continues a pattern showing 
more violations for marijuana than alcohol.

Of the 23 alcohol and drug arrests involving Sioux Falls public 
schoolchildren this fall, 21 have related to possessing marijuana or 
paraphernalia.

"There's been a shift. It was more alcohol. Now more kids use 
marijuana," said Bill Smith, the school district's director of 
instructional support services. "It's easier to get than it used to 
be, and it's easier to conceal."

Drug dogs sniffed through the Lincoln parking lot Tuesday morning and 
identified three cars as suspicious. That led to identifying four 
students who were summoned from class to open the cars for a school 
official. Students who park in the lot sign an agreement allowing for 
such a search.

The students were turned over to police. At school they face a 15-day 
minimum suspension with zeroes for missed classes. Or they may choose 
a five-day suspension with an opportunity to make up missed classwork 
if they and a parent go through an assessment and chemical dependency 
counseling and a 30-hour prevention program. The program is free to 
the student in cooperation with the city, state and school district. 
Prairie View Prevention Services is the provider.

Rebecca Trobec, chemical dependency and family counselor for 
Counseling Resources, said several factors lead to increased drug 
use. Divorce is a predictor of drug problems for someone in the 
family within a year, she said. Lack of supervision, isolation, 
bigger houses and lack of family interaction all contribute.

"Kids like to get away with what they can. That's a huge part of the 
issue," Trobec said. "People come home and they have their TV and 
computer in their bedrooms. That happens with all members of the family."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine