Pubdate: Wed, 17 Mar 2004
Source:  New Age-Examiner (PA)
Copyright: The New Age Examiner 2004
Contact:  http://www.newage-examiner.com
Author: Robert L. Baker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

HEALEY WARNS TRAIL BOARD

High School principal Mike Healey warned the Lackawanna Trail School
Board Monday about a drug problem involving heroin.

"It's going to reach epidemic proportions if it hasn't already,"
Healey said, after a recent hearing that he attended with
superintendent Robert Jurbala and elementary school principal Bonnie
Gregory.

Healey said that he is "totally disheartened" about the news that at
least two 15-year-olds are known to be addicted in the county. He
clarified to the board about what efforts have gone on in his school
such as the DARE program.

"That's not enough," Healey said. "We will not win over this drug
thing if you leave the battle to 100 teachers or seven or eight
administrators."

He emphasized that "We are dealing with a possible code of silence
among our young people." He acknowledged that until parents and drug
victims' friends get involved, it would be a difficult battle to engage.

"Don't be surprised if during a volleyball game or even a football
game, we stop the action and seize the moment before a captive
audience of parents to ring home what the problem is all about,"
Healey added.

In other business, the Trail School Board approved five different
spring field trips and recommended that Ned Clarke be approved as a
volunteer track and field coach.

Gregory noted a successful 'Read across America' day and Healey spoke
to a concern that around 15 students had not yet begin their senior
projects. Jurbala said that barring unforeseen weather events, he
expected graduation on June 4.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin