EDUCATORS LEARN ABOUT METH PROBLEM

After several local educators attended the Methamphetamine Awareness
Conference Tuesday evening, they had a different outlook on the homemade
narcotic.

Brenda Randolph, a 35-year veteran of education and a teacher at Ocoee
Middle School, said, "I think this should be a required process for educators."

Randolph's colleague Nancy Atchley, also a 35-year veteran of the education
profession, mirrored Randolph's thoughts on the program.

"I am glad we attended and found out what the dangers of meth is about. For
us as educators, we now know what to look for," said Atchley.

The program was presented by Detective Nick Phillips, of the Bradley County
Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit.

Director of Bradley County Schools Bob Taylor opened the program and told
attendees how Schering-Plough requested the conference be organized and
presented.

The responsive crowd learned Bradley County was No. 1 in the state in
clandestine meth lab seizures in 2003. Drug agents have shut down 90 labs
in the area to date, according to Det. Phillips.

Educators learned the signs displayed by children who live where parents or
guardians produce meth.

They also learned of the toxic chemicals and the process in which the
narcotic is made.

Child Protective Services Case Manager Brooke Naus explained to the
audience the procedures taken when a child is removed from a
methamphetamine laced home.

"They don't know what is happening," said Naus. "All of the sudden, the
child can't have their favorite blanket, stuffed toy or anything from their
home. They are surrounded by doctors as they undergo evaluation and a
check-up. They don't understand," she said.

The CPS investigator also told the audience that attempts to place a child
with an appropriate family member is considered first, before having to
place the affected child into foster care.

"Resolutions from the court have to be met by the offender before they can
even receive supervised visitation with their children," she said.

Naus also told educators to look for the signs, listen to children and pay
attention when a child speaks of home life.

After the presentation, educators said they felt armed with information on
how to join the fight against one of the fastest growing narcotic trends in
the United States and abroad.