ARE YOU AWARE ... ?

Editor, Daily News:

Parents of Collier County high school students, did you hear about
the School Board's plan to test student-athletes for drugs? They fear
that drug use is occurring among the student body, and board members
believe random testing among student-athletes will lead to less drug
use among all students.

Currently students caught possessing drugs or alcohol on school
property or at school functions are subjected to disciplinary action
from the school system as well as the legal system. The schools want
the drug tests because they feel the drug use is occurring during
evening and weekend hours when the parents are responsible for the
students' welfare.

Parents should be aware that they don't have to wait or rely upon the
school system to test their kids for drug use. Drug-testing kits are
available over the counter in local drugstores for as little as $15.
At least one walk-in clinic in Naples will do drug screenings for
$50. As a parent you can set up your own drug-prevention program
complete with clear consequences for failed tests. As a parent you
can make the rules because you are responsible.

If you wait for the school system to discover a drug problem with
your child then you will still have to be part of the solution.

Be a proactive parent.

Pete Roeser

Naples