BSS OFFERS MANY OPTIONS TO FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

School District 73 took $200,000 out of their budget last year to create a
district wide education program regarding substance abuse.

They hired Angela Lawrence as their Drug and Alcohol Program Coordinator
and employ RCMP officer Cst. Connie Buckle as their police liaison to
attend each school in the district with the new program.

There are 65 schools in School District 73. Out of that group three schools
stepped to the front last year and said they wanted to take a pro-active
position on drug and alcohol abuse in young people. Barriere Secondary
School was one of the three. The PAC group have also taken a stance to
focus for two years on drugs and alcohol as well as mathematics.

"Education, awareness, enforcement - that's what we attempt to do here at
the school," said BSS principle Greg Howard, "We do what we can here within
the school."

Howard stated in a recent interview that "kid's are into social events, and
these events may involve binge drinking or drugs".

"We do know, and we deal with it," he said.

Howard said that as well as lectures, visits, and counceling by Angela
Lawrence and Cst. Connie Buckle, BSS has many established programs in place
to assist the students in making responsible choices regarding drugs and
alcohol. There are Leadership Classes, a Focus Group, where students go in
and talk, counseling groups with Lawrence, and students are also encouraged
to self-refer, or students friends self-refer.

The Youth Wellness program is comprised of professionals, youth, and
parents, and meet once a month. They stand on being pro-active and involve
many 20 year old BSS graduates in the program who are still in the
community. Howard stated this is a good solid group that is very committed
to their goals and that three heads of The Barriere Against Drugs group
will be working with the Wellness committee.

Grade 8, 9, and 10 have an awareness and drug curriculum that brings in
speakers, has assemblies, and makes sure there is follow-up. Last September
the BSS staff took a full in-service day of presentation on drug and
alcohol abuse given by Lawrence and Buckle.

Two months ago BSS began the process of instigating Restorative Justice
within the school. Twelve adults and students have volunteered to be
involved with the program that looks at different ways and tools for
working with youth. This program addresses such topics as substance abuse
and bullying.

" If someone has committed an offense all of the effected people are
brought into a meeting with the group," said Howard, "Out of that meeting a
consequence is given to the person at fault. It replaces a suspension which
just sends the student home and gives them a holiday."

Howard states that there are still school district policies that must be
enforced. Drug offenses are sorted into three categories; under the
influence, possession, or dealing.

Generally a first offense involves a one to two weeks suspension with an
educational program provided. This suspension can be cut in half if the
student agrees to counseling sessions.

A second infraction is an automatic three week suspension which can also be
cut in half if counseling is taken.

A third infraction refers the student to the superintendents office and a
student can be put on probation or suspended from school.

"We have very few students that get to the third stage of this process,"
said Howard, "The 2004 to 2005 school year has only seen three referrals to
the superintendent."

Howard stated that BSS is a safe school and that the doors are open for
community members that would like to talk about their concerns. He stated
that the forming of Barriere Against Drugs is a sound decision and will
help to educate the community.

"I would like to see a sustained awareness and objectivity come from this
which will continue the communities vigilance," said Howard, "Anytime we
deal with any of these issues it can't be just reacting but must be
pro-active."

Anyone wishing to contact the school with a substance abuse question or
problem may do so at any time. Howard assures that anonymity is maintained.
A note can be left in a message box for Trina Redmond, of WG Community
Resources, who is in the school once a week, or for Leonard Jackson, or
Angela Lawrence.

If it is an emergency Howard suggests that a call be placed to BSS
administration who will direct the caller.

" A very small percentage of our kids take up a very large percentage of
our time," said Howard, "We can only do so much here at the school
regarding substance abuse. Some people still feel it is OK to partake at
home. The culture of the community needs to change."