TEACHERS GET EDUCATED ON SIGNS OF DRUG USE

His backpack hung loosely over his shoulder.

He walked into his classroom and shuffled to his desk. As he passed his
teacher's desk, she caught a whiff of gasoline.

Her eyebrows rose, and she became suspicious her fifth-grader was using
inhalants.

Drug problems, especially the use of inhalants, reach into the elementary
school level.

On Tuesday, Rapides Parish educators got an up-close look at drugs and what
to look for if their students are possibly using.

Alexandria police hosted a drug awareness seminar for about 30 teachers,
counselors, coaches, principals and assistant principals.

The participants sat shaking their heads at some stories and nodding when
others hit home.

Some whispered in amazement as they heard how it took 17 shots to kill a
man high on PCP who had shot a policeman.

"It is amazing to see how available drugs are and how many of our junior
high and high school students are involved," said Julie Herring, guidance
counselor at J.I. Barron Elementary School.

Educators were able to see how drugs looked, what impact they had on a
child and what symptoms to look for in a student suspected of drug use.

Cpl. Brian Boney and Officer Donnie Anders, who led the class, shared their
own experiences in dealing with drugs and drug users.

One educator shared her personal experiences with having family members
involved in drug activities.

The officers detailed the impact of steroids but said they have not seen a
problem with its misuse in the city.

Marijuana is not among the more popular drugs for students since it leaves
an odor, the two policemen said.

Anders said students want to use drugs that leave no smell and have a quick
recovery time. "They don't want you to know what they are doing," he said.

The so-called Rave drugs, such as Ecstasy, are becoming more and more
popular among teens, the officers said.

Teachers were advised to look for black teeth and burnt hands in cases of
crack cocaine users.

The officers said students who use crack will have a definite drop in
school productivity and behavior.

Elementary students appear to use inhalants more than other drugs, the
policemen said.

They said it is easier for youngsters to get their hands on inhalants such
as gasoline or paint thinner.

Elementary school teachers were advised that parental drug use could
complicate the picture.

If the parent is involved in drugs, then it is easier for the student to
get them, the officers said.

Pat Nethery, assistant principal at J.I. Barron Elementary School, said it
is a misconception that elementary students are sheltered from drug activity.

She and guidance counselor Herring said it is important for parents and
teachers to be aware of the student drug problem.

The two said they hoped the police officers could come back to the school
and speak with the parent group.

Other teachers agreed the police presentation was useful and should be
repeated.

Boney said he hoped the class becomes at least a monthly seminar for
educators so as many teachers as possible could be briefed.

He said it was important for law enforcement officers and educators to work
together to keep drugs out of the hands of children.