Parents invited to drug awareness program

Bonners Ferry High School will be hosting a drug awareness day on Tuesday, May 6, to inform students and parents about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.

The i2i program, which has been effective in many towns throughout Idaho, was inspired by teens who realized that the efforts must reach beyond the teen population to educate parents and caring adults about the harmful physical and psychological effects of substance use.

“It is breaking down why it is important for our students to be a part of a healthy community,” said Bonners Ferry High School counselor Laura Anderson. “I keep hearing about the problems, but nothing about the solutions.”

The facilitators will spend a day with 100 students in fifth- through eleventh- grades in a peer-to-peer structured workshop, building leadership and communication skills, breaking down barriers and building trust among fellow classmates.

These activities will be led by volunteers Ron Smith, Tom and Toni Hollingsworth, Tammy Klaus, Carol Lucero, Alicia Johnson, Jaylyn Hayden, Dick and Elsie Hollenbeck, Barbara Russell, Joan Myers, John Schrom, and Greg and Kathy Garrison.

Members of the community are invited to an evening presentation at 6:30 in Becker Auditorium at the high school.

Participants will hear a powerful, interactive collection of the latest and best research on teenage brain development, media, advertising and social norms around teen problem behaviors including violence, underage drinking, social pressures and teenage stresses.

This presentation will include elected officials, adults who have dealt with drug and alcohol problems and students who wish to speak. It will include a question-and-answer session, where teens have an opportunity to speak candidly about the stresses and challenges they face.

“This is not just for the parents, but for all community members,” said Anderson. “Here is a proactive moment in time that parents can come learn about the issues involving drugs and alcohol.”

The presentation also includes a raffle for participants, which will include a flat screen television, wireless computer, DVD player and a gift card.

Finally, parents will be provided with a parent resource kit including a “How to Manual” and a one-time-use drug test.