Pubdate: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 Source: Detroit News (MI) Copyright: 2001, The Detroit News Contact: http://data.detnews.com:8081/feedback/ Website: http://www.detnews.com/ Author: Karen Bouffard DRUG USE SOARS IN FOWLERVILLE SCHOOL Frustrated School Officials Call On Parents For Support FOWLERVILLE -- Becca Spragg doesn't take drugs. But if she wanted to buy marijuana, she said, she'd be able to find some by the end of the school day. More than 45 percent of Spragg's senior classmates have tried some type of illicit drug -- marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, heroin or other narcotics -- at least once, according to a Western Michigan University survey. Results of the Michigan Alcohol and Other Drugs School Survey were presented to the Fowlerville School Board last week. The study was administered anonymously to Fowlerville eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders in November. "I believe the results of the survey," said Spragg, 17, student representative to the school board. According to survey results, drug use has increased dramatically since students were last queried in 1993. Marijuana was the most widely used, with more than 38 percent of 10th-graders and 40.4 percent of 12th-graders saying they'd tried it at least once. In 1993 it was 17.4 percent of 10th-graders and 25 percent of 12th-graders. Marijuana use among eighth-graders surveyed rose from 13.1 percent in 1993 to 17.8 percent in November. Use of inhalants, such as nitrous oxide or glue, is also alarming. More than 17 percent of eighth-graders, 33 percent of 10th-graders and 25.5 percent of 12th-graders said they'd used an inhalant at least once. Educators and law enforcement officials expressed frustration, and called upon the community to support the school district's drug abuse prevention effort. "We have the kids six hours a day," Fowlerville School Supt. Ed Alverson said. "We provide a climate that we expect to be drug free and alcohol free. When they go home and look at the messages on TV and MTV, and in the environment, how do we combat that?" The school district is considering moving a semester-long health course now required at the junior or senior level to a lower grade. Spragg would like to see that happen. "Waiting until you're a senior, they've already made their decision about whether they're going to do it," she said. Fowlerville Police School Liaison Officer Jeff Soli said he was aware of an increase in marijuana use. Nine Fowlerville students were arrested on drug charges so far this year, he said. "I knew there'd be an increase, but I'm surprised at how high an increase," Soli said. "I don't think our community is different than any other community. The use of drugs is on an upswing anywhere you go." Soli advised parents to aggressively supervise kids and to exercise healthy suspicion. If parents suspect a child is using drugs or alcohol, they can contact him at the school, or call a school guidance counselor, then take their child to a doctor or assessment center for drug testing. "Don't take it for granted that if your kids say they're going to somebody's house that they're going to be there. Spend time with them, do things with them," he said. "And if you suspect something, do something about it." Fowlerville's Parenting Night will be held 7:30 p.m. March 8 at Fowlerville High School, 7677 Sharpe. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe