Scottsdale schools inform community about teenage drug use

Scottsdale Unified School District invites parents, teachers, administrators and community members to attend the Parent/Teacher Academy workshop entitled The Facts and Real Life Stories of Drug Use at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12, in the auditorium at Desert Mountain High School, 12575 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale.

This is an opportunity for parents and their teens to learn the facts about drugs from professionals in the community, including a personal testimony from a former methamphetamine addict. This session will provide critical information on drugs currently used and abused by youth. Participants will also learn about signs and symptoms to look for in a drug user and assess different types of drug consumption.

The program will be presented by Community Bridges, Scottsdale Police Department and the Scottsdale Prosecution Office. Community Bridges' mission is to provide the highest quality clinical treatment, community development, family preservation, prevention and education services to assist communities to reduce crime, lower health care costs, decrease dependence on welfare, and minimize "revolving door" use of scarce public services by providing a continuum of care that begins with prevention and continues for individuals and families through treatment and recovery.

In addition, teachers who attend the presentation can receive Career Ladder hours or staff development points, as well as recertification credits.

The next drug awareness workshop is scheduled for March 9 at Saguaro High School.

Topics for future forums include motivation, talking to teens about sex and bullying. To view the complete Parent/Teacher Academy calendar, please visit SUSD’s Web site at: www.susd.org/district/forparents/2004-2005ParentTeacherAcademyCalendar.pdf

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