Pubdate: Fri, 06 Apr 2007 Source: Sandusky Register,The (OH) Copyright: 2007 The Sandusky Register Contact: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1307 Author: Shannon Kiser DRUG-FREE KIDS To Norwalk school board members, administrators and community members: I know you have people in place trying to formulate an approach to the abstinence and sex education. I absolutely support an abstinence based education, and it is the desire of parents and students that this be the new curriculum implemented for health education in our school system. A health curriculum that inspires students to focus on the importance of self respect, values, self control, positive attitudes, setting goals and reaching them. They will find themselves making wise choices not only about sex but positive choices for their future. The emotional wholeness that can be achieved in this type of teaching is not only necessary it is vital. Teaching abstinence, is not mentioning it in class or suggesting it as an option, it is a lifestyle, it is pride in yourself, it is a moral value, a standard of living. All of which can be learned; taught by someone or school system, that lives by that very passion. And from what I hear, we all do. I have not heard from one person that this in not a good approach to a healthy attitude and successful life. Educators agree to it, children are asking for it, and parents are desperate for it. Please don't turn your head to a curriculum that will benefit our youth in a positive way, for generations to come. I also support random drug testing. I feel that drugs and sex are issues that go hand in hand. If you are doing one, you are most likely to do the other. Heroin is on the rise and is a serious issue in Norwalk City Schools, Inhalants, alcohol and marijuana are among the popular currently in use as well. Kids are using prescription drugs that they find in their own homes. Please, our kids are in serious trouble, and help for them has been long over due. Please partner with parents to help Norwalk's youth. SHANNON KISER Norwalk - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath