STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS WILL HELP KIDS DEALING WITH DRUGS, ALCOHOL

Some would question if we as a community are making any headway with
the drug problem. We have law enforcement and grassroots efforts
making a difference in our neighborhoods. We have citizens making
donations to Crime Stoppers for the purpose of developing and
implementing financial rewards for the apprehension of drug dealers
(more information to come on these efforts). There is a lot of
prevention and proactive efforts going on within Sheboygan. Beginning
this month, another effort by the Sheboygan Area School District and
the Sheboygan Police Department will take root -- Students Against
Drugs or SAD.

One of the biggest influences in a child's life in terms of drug and
alcohol use is peer pressure. Many students begin using drugs to deal
with some type of pain. The pain may be emotional or physical,
stemming from home or school. The Students Against Drugs program
will assist in getting help to those kids that are using drugs and/or
alcohol.

The goal of the program is to create a school environment free of
alcohol, drug and tobacco influences and peer pressure. The plan is
for all schools kindergarten thru eighth grade in Sheboygan to
implement the program. The program will have a large impact in
creating a sense of responsibility and safety as these students
become of high school age.

We're starting at the elementary level because for any change in drug
and alcohol attitudes in the high schools, we must focus on the young
student with creating a positive peer pressure environment, a
"saving a life" approach rather than a "squealer" attitude that most
high schoolers have today. This doesn't take parents off the hook
when it comes to family discussions about drugs and alcohol. Parents
will continue to be the No. 1 anti drug.

The program starts with disturbing a SAD T-shirt to every student and
a presentation focusing on:

- - Saving a life.

- - True friends don't let friends do drugs.

- - Why kids use drugs.

- - What kids can do instead of using drugs/alcohol/tobacco.

- - Drug use and dealing is not allowed in their school.

- - They can do anything in life -- the only thing stopping them is
drugs/alcohol.

- - How to overcome peer pressure.

Another facet to this program is this: if a student is approached by
a peer to use or buy drugs, a report system will be in place to
identify the "user." Confidentiality will be maintained as much as
possible, with a goal of providing help and support for non-use.
Criminal charges will occur when necessary.

Every month the student body reinforces the messages delivered at the
kick off. For example, the theme for November is "Saving a Life." The
students will plan, promote and implement their strategy for
November's theme. Once every month each school will also pick a day
to wear their Students Against Drugs T-shirts.

My hope is that by the time today's fifth-graders are seniors in high
school, the pendulum will shift from that of tolerating drug and
alcohol use to that of no tolerance.