SCHOOL LAUNCHES NEW DRUG PROGRAMS

Last year, they hauled out the test kits. This year, it's about
expanding horizons.

In the fight to keep drugs out of the classroom, 100 Mile Junior
principal Mark Wintjes has enlisted a new ally, Dave DeRose, who
takes over as vice-principal this year.

"What we're looking at is further education," Wintjes said. "But it's
also tied into what Educo (Adventure School) is trying to do building
assets in the community."

Wintjes said assets abound in 100 Mile, but only for younger aged
groups. Once a person hits junior high, their options decrease and
the threat of drug addiction becomes more prevalent.

DeRose and Wintjes have two such assets on the agenda for this school
year. The first program, which is funded by RBC Foundation, is a
series of after school education sessions, each one running until 6
p.m. The focus, Wintjes said, is on relationship building throughout
the community. Available to Grades 7, 8 and 9, the program is
designed to connect students with local politicians and business leaders.

"It's about community building," Wintjes said. "How can we build
community and have fun doing it?"

Brought to the table by DeRose, the second initiative is six years in
the making. It's called the Cowboy Heritage Animal Preservation
School (CHAPS) and was developed by DeRose; his wife, Deb; his
daughter Kersty; and educator and rodeo aficionado Alex Crips.

An exploratory course available to Grade 8 students, CHAPS is unique,
the first of its kind in North America, according to DeRose. Using
dummy animals, students will learn the history of rodeo, athletic
therapy, roping, steer wrestling and more.

"It'll be a tip of the iceberg class," DeRose said. "It's mostly a
skill-building course for the Grade 8s.

"We're trying to take over 100 years of education in livestock and
rodeo and give an introductory course to students."

These two initiatives are a departure from last year's
deterrent-based strategy, which involved drug and alcohol test kits.
While those kits are still in the school, Wintjes said they haven't been used.

"We didn't need to," he said. "When you can smell it, it's there."

There will be a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m., when parents
can ask questions.