Pubdate: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY) Copyright: 2002 Press & Sun Bulletin Contact: http://www.pressconnects.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878 Author: George Basler Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) 'HOT TOPICS' ARE TOPIC OF DAY AT CV Some Parents Forbid Children to Attend Discussion Sessions CHENANGO BRIDGE -- Chenango Valley High School students will put aside their textbooks today to discuss volunteering, careers and about 27 hot-button issues in the community. Some "hot topic" sessions include talks and presentations about homosexuality, civil disobedience, changing marijuana laws, tattooing and teen-age sexuality. That has turned the program into something of a hot topic of its own. Five people have called the high school, and three parents have refused permission for their children to attend the "hot topic" sessions, said Jon Reiser, a student assistance counselor who has helped organize today's event. Parent Rebecca Van Wie sent the school a note refusing clearance for her child to attend some "hot topic" sessions. She said she believes some will be "one-sided." The day-long conference day was planned by the school and At the Table, a new program developed by 4-H Youth Development, which is part of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. At The Table aims to give young people the chance to express their opinions and suggestions on issues and get involved in community service, said Lawrence Chizak, a former Windsor High School principal who directs the program. A committee -- including students and school administrators -- has been planning the event since September. The day will feature a talk by a motivational speaker, visits by 30 community agencies seeking volunteers, career exploration workshops and "at the table" sessions during which students can discuss issues including the drinking age, high school electives and suggestions on improving school bathroom conditions. The 27 "hot topic" sessions will be led by representatives from local organizations, Reiser said. While some sessions have value, "a lot of this is obviously a politically correct agenda being promoted," said Cherie Hill, a Town of Binghamton resident who doesn't live in the CV district. She learned about the day from a friend. Such topics, she said, include "Making Mature Sexual Decisions," conducted by Planned Parenthood; "Gay Rights and Awareness," conducted by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project; "U.S. Terrorism and Civil Disobedience"; and "Reforming Marijuana Laws." School officials emphasized they have worked to balance the sessions. For example, the tattooing session will feature a school physician as well as the owner of a tattoo parlor. Assistant Superintendent Mary Waskie said the high school mailed a list of the topics to parents. If any objected to a topic, she said, they could instruct the school their child could not attend that session. Students and adults picked the topics, Reiser said. "They have been driven by student opinion," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh