Commentary; Posted: 3/17/04

School needs parents in fighting drug use

Joe Grafft
Guest Columnist

As I read the article concerning theÝjunior at Forest Lake Senior High, who you interviewed concerning his drug addiction, in the March 11, edition, I feel compelled as a parent and school board member to respond.

I applaud this young manÝwho was able to get his life back together, after his bout with drugs, but I challenge some of his assertions concerning Forest Lake Senior High!

Although I freely admit the high school has issues concerning students using chemicals, he makes it appear there are dealers in every hall, selling drugs right under the noses of the high school staff. I have made several visits to the senior high and quite frankly have not observed this phenomena.

In fact I have observed orderly passing of students, faculty in the halls during passing time, behavioral intervention specialists working with students identified with drug issues, police liaison officer Lafferty closely monitoring student activity, administration in the lunch room and hallways and on many occasions other parents in the building. Does this mean that drugs are not being sold in the senior or junior high?

Absolutely not! Students tell me thereÝis aÝdistinct group of well identified students who attempt to sell or use. The administration and staff are doing a great job of finding students in crisis and seeking help for them. I really find it offensive for this kind of paint brush approach given in this article. Interestingly enough when one class was polled only two students of 25 would turn in a drug dealer within the school.

I have personally spent 15 years two days each quarter coming to the high school to discuss drug use and what drugs are on the street. I have witnessed some success with these sessions. Lt. Ric Sarff from the St. Cloud Correctional Facility also comes with me to these CSI and Health classes to tell the students what their first week in a Correctional Facility is like.

He told the students he had 235 new offenders last month and that 90 percent plus of these offenders were there because of their drug use. He told the students he presently has 22 offenders under the age of 18 with the youngest being 15.Ý

In addition to the senior high I have discussed this issue with the ALC, both junior highs and several elementary schools. It is interesting to note that when I discuss drug use with the 6th graders and I ask the question of what a bag is most say it is something my mom puts my lunch in. When I ask a similar question to 7th graders most say it is something to put my ìstashî in. Parent need to begin this education process in 3rd grade and express their concern about smoking, drinking and doing drugs. Unfortunately it has been told to me that some parents actually buyÝtobacco and booze for their kids!

There is a Chemical Task Force in Forest Lake that has tried to get parents to take a leadership role in their homes with their kids in discussing the ramifications of using drugs. I have found through years of study there are only five things that happen to those who USE: Death, Recovery, Prison, Insanity or Suicide!

This leads me to the real question for our community: Is this a school issue or a community and parent(s) issue? Parent(s) need to be involved in this discussion from the time their kids are in 3rd grade with continuous follow-up through junior and senior high! Parent(s) need to demand accountability from their kids, set limits,Ýset curfews, stress the dangers of failure to use seat belts, drinking and using drugs! Parent(s) believe it or not, still have a significant influence in their kids lives, find out who your kids are hanging around with, watch for changes downward in grades and attitudes.

If the kids know their parent(s) feel strongly about drinking, drugs and safe driving, the kids do much better in resisting. The schools are only as good as the parental support they receive. The schools are not set up to solve all the social issues but to identify kids in trouble and seek help and support in cooperation with parent(s)!

I applaud the Forest Lake Times for bringing this issue to the forefront, but the real answer lies in the parent(s) taking control, setting limits, and not being afraid of hurting their kidsí feelings on topics as important as drugs. The schools are there to assist kids in growing up to be productive citizens, but it isnít their responsibility to parent but to work with the parent(s) when necessary.

The Forest Lake Times and the Chemical Task Force Committee invite the community and especially the parent(s) of all ages of kids to attend the Kids & Drugs Night 7 p.m., Monday, April 19, at the Forest Lake Senior High School auditorium. Come and learn what drugs are on the street and what your kids are exposed to.

I look forward to seeing all of you on April 19, 2004!

Writer Joe Grafft lives in Linwood Township and is a member of the ISD 831 School Board.

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