MAKING GOOD CHOICES

Wearing crazy outfits or silly hats to school isn't likely to prevent
children from using illegal drugs, but those activities could get
their attention long enough for them to hear strong messages against
substance abuse.

Throughout the year, area schools plan activities that involve
teaching children about the dangers of illegal drugs and substance
abuse.

This year, Cape Girardeau schools are trying to emphasize that good
decisions and healthy lifestyles are two of the best ways to combat
drug abuse.

The number of serious drug-related offenses has more than doubled in
the past two years in the Cape Girardeau School District, according to
discipline incident reports filed with the Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education. But school officials say that
drug-related violations make up only a small percentage of their
discipline problems.

Decreasing drug-related incidents at school comes through early
education programs for students, officials say. That's why Cape
Girardeau schools provided special programs about drug abuse and its
affect on health last week as part of its Red Ribbon Week celebration.
The goal is to teach children at an early age how to make good choices.

It's commendable that educators are emphasizing good lifestyle choices
along with lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic.