The Academy administration recently conducted a series of drug awareness programs for high-school parents and students.

The series of talks served to educate students and their caregivers about the legalities, emotional and physiological repercussions, and moral issues surrounding drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

There were two meetings for students, where a police officer conducted a rather informal discussion in which students and teachers could ask questions about both the legal and physiological aspects of drugs and alcohol.

Students found the somewhat unconventional approach a welcome change to the standard drug education program. “In past drug talks I simply felt bored, in this one I felt engaged,” said senior Aron Mandelbaum.

Dean of Students Todd Clauer co-planned the program with Health Coordinator Elisa Pener. Pener said that every two to three years the police department is utilized to speak to students.

Pener feels that it is important that Academy parents stay up to date with what is happening in the Johnson County area. Knowing trends in the area can help to prevent problems in the student body.

There was also a mandatory program for parents, which outlined their duties as guardians and their legal responsibilities. The program helped parents set up guidelines and boundaries in order to ensure their children’s safety.

Officer Cathy Kamler first assessed student’s prior knowledge of the legal issues surrounding drug possession and use, their rights when talking to officers of the law, and resources that students can use in times of need.

“I realized how little I actually knew about the subject, and how much there is to know. I realized how important it is that we know the dangers that are out there,” said sophomore Ashur Bratt.

The program also consisted of a video that showed students what could happen if they used drugs. The video featured Johnson County students who spoke about their personal reasons to abstain.

The video continued by introducing local people who have been effected by drinking and driving. The personal touch made the dangers of drinking and driving real to students.

Marion Gould, Dean of Upper School, says that the aim of the program was to approach drug and alcohol education in a way that would truly affect students’ way of thinking.

She thinks that the program was a success and hopes to continue along the path of the precedent that it set.

One parent, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that they felt the program was too explicit in nature, and more suited for a college crowd. It is the consensus among parents and students, however, that the program was a success.

“The program was well thought out and very professional. I think it is important that from time to time students and parents get an opportunity to ask any questions they might have [surrounding this issue],” said Laura Bratt, mother of sophomore Ashur Bratt.

According to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) website, the series of programs for parents exists because “Prevention research has continually shown that no one is more important in a child’s life than their parents.”

Unfortunately, many parents either do not understand or simply lack the skills and knowledge to protect their children from destructive behavior.”

Several Blue Valley North students (who wished to remained nameless) said that their drug education programs are much less tactful. “They are very dull, I can hardly keep my eyes open.”

They went on to say that they would, by far, prefer the more active, engaging method of drug awareness education that the Academy partakes in.

For more information regarding drug awareness and resistance, there are several resources. You can visit DARE online at www.dare.com, or www.freevibe.com.

The schools plans to continue, from time to time, to have meetings educating both parents and students on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.