TIMELY WARNING ON DRUG USE

A recurring sorrow burns in my chest each time I read a story like
"Pot-smoking off campus gets student suspended" (Local, Thursday).

It is clearly written in the district policies manuals that a student
is responsible for following all school rules to and from school, as
well as on school grounds.

This student was truant, under the influence of illegal drugs on
campus and using drugs on the way to school. Her parents say, "She
didn't deserve what she got." They're right. Her punishment should be
more severe!

While her parents are running to her defense, teaching her that she
should be excepted from the rules, they are also teaching her that
they will always be rescuing her and bailing her out.

Recently, a Chandler teen who was reportedly a first-time user of
crystal methamphetamine, died after a party. Her death is being blamed
on the drug use. I'll bet that her parents (and the parents of the
other girls involved, who are now living with the loss of this dear
friend and beautiful child) would have been thankful for a "heads up"
warning like the one these West Valley parents have had.

Melissa Cordovana, Gilbert