DRUG USE SOARS IN FOWLERVILLE SCHOOL

Frustrated School Officials Call On Parents For Support

FOWLERVILLE -- Becca Spragg doesn't take drugs. But if she wanted to
buy marijuana, she said, she'd be able to find some by the end of the
school day.

More than 45 percent of Spragg's senior classmates have tried some
type of illicit drug -- marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens,
tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, heroin or other narcotics -- at
least once, according to a Western Michigan University survey.

Results of the Michigan Alcohol and Other Drugs School Survey were
presented to the Fowlerville School Board last week. The study was
administered anonymously to Fowlerville eighth-, 10th- and
12th-graders in November.

"I believe the results of the survey," said Spragg, 17, student
representative to the school board.

According to survey results, drug use has increased dramatically
since students were last queried in 1993.

Marijuana was the most widely used, with more than 38 percent of
10th-graders and 40.4 percent of 12th-graders saying they'd tried it
at least once. In 1993 it was 17.4 percent of 10th-graders and 25
percent of 12th-graders. Marijuana use among eighth-graders surveyed
rose from 13.1 percent in 1993 to 17.8 percent in November.

Use of inhalants, such as nitrous oxide or glue, is also alarming.
More than 17 percent of eighth-graders, 33 percent of 10th-graders
and 25.5 percent of 12th-graders said they'd used an inhalant at
least once.

Educators and law enforcement officials expressed frustration, and
called upon the community to support the school district's drug abuse
prevention effort.

"We have the kids six hours a day," Fowlerville School Supt. Ed
Alverson said. "We provide a climate that we expect to be drug free
and alcohol free. When they go home and look at the messages on TV
and MTV, and in the environment, how do we combat that?"

The school district is considering moving a semester-long health
course now required at the junior or senior level to a lower grade.
Spragg would like to see that happen. "Waiting until you're a senior,
they've already made their decision about whether they're going to do
it," she said.

Fowlerville Police School Liaison Officer Jeff Soli said he was aware
of an increase in marijuana use. Nine Fowlerville students were
arrested on drug charges so far this year, he said.

"I knew there'd be an increase, but I'm surprised at how high an
increase," Soli said. "I don't think our community is different than
any other community. The use of drugs is on an upswing anywhere you
go."

Soli advised parents to aggressively supervise kids and to exercise
healthy suspicion. If parents suspect a child is using drugs or
alcohol, they can contact him at the school, or call a school
guidance counselor, then take their child to a doctor or assessment
center for drug testing.

"Don't take it for granted that if your kids say they're going to
somebody's house that they're going to be there. Spend time with
them, do things with them," he said. "And if you suspect something,
do something about it."

Fowlerville's Parenting Night will be held 7:30 p.m. March 8 at
Fowlerville High School, 7677 Sharpe.