HIGH SCHOOL DRUG-FREE ZONE COMES INTO EFFECT THIS WEEK

The Students Are Prepared, And Administration Is Ready To Go For Ballenas
Secondary's Drug-Free Zone Which Came Into Effect Yesterday.

The 500-metre boundary around the school will develop education programs as
well as create a heightened response system to anyone under the influence
of, in possession of, or selling illegal drugs.

"We have visited all the classes so we could talk to them in small groups
. so we could entertain any questions they may have," says BSS principal
Bill Rawlins.

Common questions coming from students included logistical concerns - like
if a kid lives within the 500-metre radius and smokes marijuana on a
weekend, will the action be treated like a drug-free zone.

Rawlins says he reminded students that the program was about making a safe
learning environment for the students at school, and their actions would be
judged at that level.

He says their administration expects the most common situations to be
alcohol at evening events like dances, and students smoking pot before
going to class.

"The kids are certainly aware, the parents are certainly aware of the
details," says Rawlins.

With parents, staff, parents, police and community members all on line,
Rawlins says he is confident the program will be successful.

"The only concern I have is ... we don't have the signs in place yet," says
Rawlins.

A sign will be posted on all roads leading to the school outlining the drug
free zone. The road signs will be put in by the City, says Rawlins, while
the school will be responsible for notices on BSS property.

He says he doesn't know exactly when the signs will go up, but says he
expects it to happen in the next few weeks.

"The sooner the better as far as I am concerned," says Rawlins.