Schools: We Can't Battle Drugs, Alcohol Alone

The Jefferson Township school district is focused on the issue of substance abuse. But, school officials say, they can't tackle the problem alone.

They need parents to get involved.

“Though many activities linked to drug prevention are untested or research-based, research has shown that efforts to improve students’ connectedness to schools and to adults are critical,” said Dr. Kathaleen Fuchs, superintendent of Jefferson Township schools. “Any successful prevention method strengthens connections of the adult to the child so the adult becomes a powerful force in the life of that child."

She said strong bonds between children and caring adults depend on trust. They depend on respect. They depend on understanding and engagement.

"This is an issue that takes total community commitment and involvement," Fuchs said.

And for parents, that means knowing what their children are up to, she said. It means knowing how they're spending their time and who their friends are. It means knowing the parents of those friends, to, she said.

"You just really need to know where your kids are all the time, and who they are with," Jefferson Township Mayor Russell Felter, a father of four, said.

But it's not all about monitoring, Fuchs stressed.

"It also means keeping the lines of communication open between parent and child, being a role model for the child, taking the time to talk to the child about the risks of substance abuse, being alert to signs or symptoms and taking action when a parent suspects a child may be involved in substance abuse," Fuchs said.

And don't forget the Internet.

"With whom do your kids communicate?" asked Jefferson Township student assistance counselor Joanne Martino. "What do they post on Facebook or other social networking sites?  Pay attention to e-mail, texting, instant messaging, blogs, chatrooms, etc."

Each day this week, Jefferson Patch explores the impact drugs are having on our community. Monday, we discussed the growing concern over hard drugs, such as heroin, in Jefferson Township. We also told the story of a Jefferson man whose family struggled for years with addiction.

It's important, Martino said, not to take substance use lightly—not to dismiss it as a phase, or something kids are bound to do during their rebellious times.

"Don't look the other way if your child/teen is drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana," Martino said. "Remember that drinking is not a rite of passage, and today's marijuana is much more potent than the marijuana of previous generations. Alcohol and marijuana are considered gateway drugs to other dangerous drugs."

"And don't ever assume 'not my child.'" she said. "Sometimes even the best of kids make poor choices, simply because that's what kids sometimes do."

At a recent board of education meeting, outgoing school board member Fay Servedio took a similar, but slightly more blunt position on the subject.

“The school is here to educate your children,” Servedio said. “The system can support and assist you, but do not ask the school or the board to parent your children. That is your responsibility.”

Fuchs said the district knows it can be difficult for parents to talk to children about substance abuse, or even to identify it.

"In the past when we have had forums for parents in order to provide this kind of information, attendance has been spotty," Fuchs said. "More opportunities will be available next year and we encourage our parents to become involved."

As part of its support and assistance, the school system has developed a number of programs that are designed to help staff recognize when students have problems, and to help students say no to dangerous subtances. Among the activities the district has in place are:

• District faculty is provided with training on procedures, signs, and symptoms for students who may be under the influence. The training is conducted by the administration, student assistance counselor (SAC), and the student resource officer (SRO).
• The SAC regularly counsels students and parents on the subject of preventions, risks, and strategies to curtail drug and alcohol use.
• The high school and middle school have a regular faculty and student presence in the Jefferson Municipal Alliance and participate in all sponsored programs.
• High school students trained as peer leaders undergo training to discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, sign an agreement to remain drug free, and are trained to refer their freshmen to guidance if the subject of abuse arises.
• Red Ribbon Week happens in the elementary schools every year. Each day features a different special event reminding students to say no to drugs.
• Guest speakers from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Jefferson Township Police Department regularly present programs to all students.
• PTSA parent programs also focus on efforts to curtail substance abuse.  For example, motivational speaker Keith Hawkins presents at the high school on alternate years. The high school conducts the mock accident program in alternate years as well. The eighth graders attend a presentation by Jack Elsmore, a local man whose son died of an overdose.
• The Choices program, designed for eighth graders, also includes activities linked to substance abuse prevention through discussion of the choices students make as they transition from middle school to high school.
• New this spring, in conjunction with end-of-the-year activities for students, a wrecked car is in place on the lawn in front of the school to remind students of the consequences of mixing substance abuse and driving. 
• The administration is also investigating a program called "Heroes and Cool Kids,” a mentoring program between high school and elementary students.
• In conjunction with the School Resource Officer, substance abuse is addressed in K-6 grade through the DARE program.
• Health classes deal with drugs and alcohol as required by the state. Each grade is required to receive 10 hours of drug and alcohol education each year.  In addition, during the senior health curriculum, guest speakers visit classes to speak with students.
• Athletic department rules are in compliance with school rules.  Athletes that are in violation of the drug/alcohol policy receive school discipline and are suspended from extracurricular activities for a period of 30 days.
• Informally, coaches discuss parties, representing the school, alcohol use etc., constantly. They often remind the athletes about the dangers of drinking and driving and substance abuse.
• A memorandum of agreement between the Jefferson Township Police Department and the district is in place each year. The agreement facilitates a partnership approach to all safety and security issues in the schools—which includes illegal substances. This partnership provides two full-time SROs in the schools—one officer works primarily with elementary students and the other with middle and high school students.  These individuals work closely with school administrators and are often among the first responders to incidents.  More importantly, because the SROs are in school every day interacting with students, they have established a strong connection with our students, particularly those who are troubled.  

Captain Eric Wilsusen of the Jefferson Police Department also stressed need for parental guidance.

“I’ve been involved in these drug education programs for more than 20 years now,” he said. “And I think they’re great. But all the programs in the world won’t work if parents don’t get involved with their kids, and know where their kids are, and who they are hanging out with.”

Jill VanNess, mother of two Jefferson Township students, said she'd like to see one change on the school district's part: "We could use more than one student resource officer in a school building with 1900 students in it."

"Other than that, I think the schools are doing a lot, and I'm not sure what more they can do," she said. "I think we need to get drugs out of the community, then they will be out of the schools."

Lake Hopatcong father George Somers said teachers "need to have the gumption to call home when they think there is a problem."

"But I think the parents need to take those calls seriously," he said. "Ultimately, your kid is your responsibility."