Pubdate: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 Source: Evening News, The (CN NS) Copyright: The Evening News 2006 Contact: http://www.newglasgownews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343 Author: Kevin Adshade Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SCHOOL RESPONDING TO DRUG BUST Northumberland Regional High School's principal, Preston Lockhart, was dealing with the aftermath Monday, three days after 13 students were charged with drug offences following a two-week RCMP surveillance operation. Thirty more students were identified through videotape as having allegedly participated in pot-smoking at a parking lot near the Alma school. Through a school board press release, Lockhart said a response plan is being developed, part of which will involve previously-planned activities. A school-led investigation into the incident and those involved was expected to begin today. "We have to ensure we have a safe and healthy learning environment at our school," he said Monday. "We do have a strategy to respond to what happened but it will take time, with the sheer volume of investigations before us." On Wednesday, former Canadian boxing champion George Chuvalo will give a lecture at the school about drug abuse during Healthy Hawk Day, which also will include speakers discussing peer pressure, drug use, and the affects that addiction can have on individuals and their families. According to the press release, addressing the issue of illegal drugs is laid out in NRHS's School Improvement Plan. "I can assure parents that illicit drug use is completely unacceptable (at NRHS) and students involved will face the appropriate disciplinary action in due time," Lockhart said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D