Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jun 2003
Source: Medford Mail Tribune (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Author: Joella Dethman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FOR SCHOOLS

Hood River Valley High School should be commended for their drug prevention 
efforts to address this serious issue. The leadership has shown a strong 
commitment to addressing drug use head on from implementing proven 
prevention curriculums and zero tolerance policies to sharing the situation 
with the community.

Drugs affect our whole community. They have ruined and even ended many 
lives. Drug use is a societal issue. Schools cannot be effective by 
themselves. Everyone must join efforts to teach our young people about the 
dangers and drawbacks of drug use and expand our efforts to provide 
positive activities promoting leadership skills and community involvement 
and belonging.

Hood River schools work closely with law enforcement, community agencies, 
parents and businesses. They want each student to be successful. Everyone 
can take a role in drug prevention and intervention. We can set good 
examples for our children. We can attend parenting classes to learn better 
parenting techniques. We can volunteer at youth activities, become a Big 
Brother or Big Sister, hire a young person, seek youth opinions and 
participation.

We owe our schools our strong support. They are not hiding their heads in 
the sand. They are working hard to help our children grow to be productive 
citizens. They can't do it alone. Collectively, we can make a difference.

Joella Dethman Director, Hood River County Commission on Children and 
Families Hood River
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager