DRUG PROBLEMS ARE COMMUNITY ISSUE

Drug problems have existed in the community for generations, but it seems
only now have they become a public concern.

For years the issue of drugs, and those illegally using them, was once
whispered behind closed doors especially when it involved students. But now,
with more education, awareness and discussions, the issue of drugs and
alcohol has become a kitchen-table discussion among parents and children and
a front-of-the-class one between teachers and students.

Although there may be more discussion and education about the ill affects of
drug and alcohol abuse in order to give children the tools to make healthy
choices, the issue is still a sensitive one and one local high school is
dealing with it firsthand.

Foothills Composite High School in Okotoks has been dealing with drug and
alcohol problems for some time, but most recently it has been brought out
into the open. About 15 to 20 students were recently suspended or
voluntarily withdrew from the school for using drugs or having drug
paraphernalia in their possession.

The high school administration and teachers could have chosen to keep the
incidents of drug use to themselves (in spite of the infamous rumor mill)
and protect the school's reputation. They could have dealt with the problems
internally or pretended it didn't exist. But, on the contrary, they did just
the opposite.

While still protecting its students, the school brought the issue of drug
use to the forefront despite what it may do to the school's reputation.
Their motives - to address the issues, bring awareness to the community and
to boldly relay the message: Drug use in schools will not be tolerated.

Principal of the school Harry Morrison said that drug use will not be
condoned - he is determined to protect the students and ensure that they
receive the highest level of education.

What the principal and the school administration did by their actions was to
become advocates for drug-free schools.

While some may believe that suspending 15-20 students from school for drug
use is a indication of the school's education, tolerance or surveillance
levels, there are another 800 or so other students in the school who are
still receiving quality education and now, since the suspensions, receiving
much-needed awareness about the use of drugs.

Although the Comp may be the first to make public the issues of drugs at its
school, it is not the first school with drug and alcohol problems. Even
though the magnitude may vary, the hard truth is that drug problems exist in
every school and in every community.

Use of illegal drugs is communal and begins at a child's bedroom door. To
make positive changes in the attitudes of children towards drug use, the
community as a whole needs to be proactive and not condone one school for
publically admitting its problems, but commend them for taking action to
rectify them.

The drug issue is not one to be whispered about behind closed doors -
opening the passage of communication and awareness for students will have
much better results.