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SCHOOLS STRIVE FOR DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT

The issue of elementary-age students bringing drugs to school may not be a reality in the Roanoke Valley, but has been increasingly highlighted in the news.

Most recently, a 5-year-old boy in Miami, Fla., took a bag of marijuana to school Monday and sprinkled it over a friend's lasagna, possibly thinking it was oregano.

On the same day, a 4-year-old boy brought crack cocaine that he believed to be flour to his preschool class in Indianapolis, Ind.

Could it happen in Halifax County? Local superintendents, principals and teachers are taking steps to ensure that it doesn't.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Greg Lawson said his department hasn't had any calls at either of the city's elementary schools.  They have responded to students bringing drugs to school at the middle and high school, but the calls are few and far between.

"We just don't have very many incidents," he said.

Weldon Police Chief Greg Parker said he is unaware of any calls to Weldon Elementary in the two and a half years he has been in the position.

Weldon City Schools Child Nutrition and Safe Schools Director Harriett Walker said she is also not aware of any incidents, and credits Weldon Elementary's staff for it's leadership and communication, which has led to the clean record.  The biggest thing, however, is closely monitoring students and keeping a watchful eye.

"To me, that's the best key," she said.

All school system employees complete safe school awareness training and are aware of district policies, she added.  The DARE ( Drug Abuse Resistance Education ) program is offered at all levels of schooling, and Weldon Middle and Weldon High school students also interact with a School Resource Officer.  A "Healthful Living" curriculum is offered in physical education classes.

Weldon Elementary School Principal Tracey Gary said staff members frequently work with the children on a one-on-one basis, and school counselors visit individual classrooms throughout the year to speak to students about such topics.  Teachers also outline different situations that could occur during school safety training so they will be prepared if they happen.

Roanoke Rapids Schools Superintendent John Parker said he has many safe schools programs in place, but the most effective prevention method is a little more subtle.

"Our philosophy really is the best means of having a safe school environment is building trust between your staff and your students," he said.

Manning Elementary Principal Andy Kennedy said he once had a fifth-grader who brought dried grass clippings into school and tried to say it was marijuana.

But he has not had any incidents that involved actual drugs or illegal substances.

Staff members talk to students about making good life choices.  The school's nurse and a parent who is a doctor also teach an anti-smoking program called Tar Wars.

The program is presented to fourth- and fifth-graders because they are at the age when they are starting to get more freedom and are about to go to middle school, Kennedy said.