KIDS AND DRUGS

An information night planned for Olds High school, Jan. 14 at 7:30
p.m., will hopefully enlighten parents and teach kids coping skills to
handle situations where illegal drugs are present.

The session, presented by George MacLeod, will focus on drug use in
Olds and area.

MacLeod, a family Wellness worker for Chinook's Edge, has a dual role
as he also heads up a new drug awareness program for the school
division. He recently came from the greater Vancouver area, where he
spent many years working with street kids, and serving as the
Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator with the Burnaby School District.

His presentation will include: the importance of talking to kids about
drugs; which drugs are commonly used by kids; signs and symptoms
indicating that our youth may be experimenting or using drugs; what to
do if you son or daughter is using drugs and what effects drugs will
have on adolescence.

Vice Principal at Olds High school, Garth Dagg, said drugs are a
concern in every community, including Olds.

"There are drugs available in Olds and we want kids to be well
informed and parents to be aware," said Dagg.

The school has extended an invitation to parents and students at Deer
Meadow school, because despite the young age of its students, kids can
be under pressure to do drugs as young as nine or 10 years old.

Anyone involved with young people are welcome to attend this
presentation.

"We are trying to make it so everyone would come, whether they suspect
their children to be on drugs or not, everyone needs to be aware."

Sgt. Bob Phillips, Olds RCMP, said it is prudent for all parents to
attend this presentation.

"Drugs are no more prevalent in this community than any other
community of this size. We (RCMP in Olds) have targeted drug
enforcement as a priority in 2003 and will again target it for 2004
because there has been a fair to substantial increase in 2003 from
2002," said Phillips. "Kids are educated about drugs by their peers
and parents need to be as educated as their kids."

Dagg said there have been no drug-related suspensions at Olds High,
this year. There have been suspensions in the past and at other
schools in the district.

"We feel pretty fortunate at this school, but we are not naive enough
to think kids are not taking drugs. So far this year we have not dealt
with any kids under the influence of drugs at school," said Dagg.

MacLeod said it is almost a certainty that every teenager will be
forced to make a decision to try drugs at some time or another. This
presentation will give people information to enable them to talk
openly with the young people in their lives.

The presentation will allow an opportunity to ask questions. A
question box will be set up; questions can be written and handed in as
you arrive, or during a short intermission.