BSS PARENTS RAISE SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONCERNS

Barriere Secondary Principle Dord Davis Talks About School Policies
Regarding Substance Abuse.

Barriere children are being approached on a daily basis at school by other
students who are pressuring them to use drugs or alcohol, stated concerned
parents at the Jan. 15 meeting of the Barriere Secondary Parents Advisory
Committee.

BSS Principal Gordon Davis told the group that he had been made aware of
parents concerns regarding drugs and alcohol in the school and was prepared
to answer their questions and listen to their concerns.

"I see this as a community problem, not just the school's," said Davis.

"Our kids are being approached on a daily basis, I think we should have a
level of zero tolerance in the school environment." stated one parent.
"What resources is the school prepared to bring in to rectify this problem?"

Principal Davis stated that the school has zero tolerance regarding drugs
and alcohol. School policy is dictated by School District 73: Any student
found under the influence, in possession or having consumed drugs or
alcohol is automatically suspended for 10 days for a first offense. Davis
noted second offenses are uncommon.

Davis also noted that the school has not caught anyone trafficking in drugs
and that if they did, the name of this person would be relayed to the RCMP.

Parents reported their children say students in school abuse drugs and
alcohol without being recognized or taken to task, that students know the
abuse exists regardless of school policy.

"Kids are very sophisticated at masking the tell tale signs of abuse and
school officials must have proof either by a witness, scent, or other
evidence before action can be taken," BSS Vice Principal Lynn Fulton told
the group.

One parent requested the school supply more volunteers to police the school
area. BSS currently has more supervisory support workers than any other
school in the district, Davis replied.

"A 10-day suspension is a wake-up call for a student and for the parents,"
said vice principal Fulton. "The reality is that not all parents know what
their kids are doing."

BSS staff noted that parents must start drug and alcohol policing at home,
not only by knowing where and what their children are doing, but also by
teaching the children that saying 'no' is okay.

If students are approached at school regarding drugs or alcohol, or if they
see a fellow student abusing these substances, those students must tell
their parents who will in turn approach the school, the group agreed.

That way a student will be able to maintain anonymity and not fear
retribution from fellow students.

"Parents must have the stamina to say no to their children drinking, using
drugs or being sexually promiscuous, even though sometimes it is the
hardest word to say," noted the school principal.

BSS staff and parents agreed that the next step will be to dedicate a
meeting to the topic of drug and alcohol abuse only. Guest speakers will be
invited to speak on the tell-tale signs, what to look for, what to do, and
so on.

The principal and two parents present at the meeting agreed to coordinate
the meeting and arrange for guest speakers. The date will be announced as
soon as preparations are finalized.

"I am pleased that parents are concerned and want to get involved," said Davis.