[Student Reporters] High School Seeks Drug Counselor‘s Advice in Light of Recent Drug-Related Cases

Julia Kim <12th, Crescenta Valley High School>

On Monday October 26th Crescenta Valley High School's cafeteria overflowed with the low worrisome murmurs of concerned parents who had been notified of the tide of drug- related cases on the high school's campus. In response to the recent outburst of drug related cases on campus Crescenta Valley's administration organized a presentation on drug awareness and prevention.

Principal Linda Evans began the night by briefly explaining the current situation of drug use on campus as well as the comprehensive measures being taken in order to curtail the rates of drug abuse. After the brief introduction Evans passed the microphone to Student Resource Officer Deputy Scott Shinagawa.

According to Shinagawa Crescenta Valley has always had problems with drug use but most of the previous cases involved drugs like marijuana and tobacco products. Over the past few years Crescenta Valley has seen a dramatic increase in the use of much more dangerous and potent drugs like Ecstasy LSD as well as prescription drugs like methadone.

Shinagawa familiarized the audience with the various drugs that have been found on campus so that parents would be able to recognize them if they ever found any suspicious products under the possession of their children. Shinagawa also referenced recent drug cases on campus. One of the biggest drug busts on campus involved the drugs Ecstasy in which a student admitted to purchasing and using the drug from a student on campus.

Pam Erdman a drug counselor took the stage after Shinagawa and counseled parents on how to effectively confront their children on the subject of drugs. "One of the hardest tings to ask your kid is sobriety to be sober from drugs. You may think that it is an easy thing but it isn't because of turmoil" said Erdman. Erdman also presented three key words that parents should always consider before confronting their children: adolescence turmoil and communication.

Erdman also encouraged parents to veer away from harsh punishments and instead proposed them to build "bridges of trust" with their children. "Never say that you don't trust them because it hurts them. They really want your [approval. Instead say that you will trust them to make the right decision" Erdman said in her presentation.

"It [drug abuse] is more than a school problem. It is more than a law enforcement problem. It is a cultural problem that we must fight" Shinagawa said.