Star City town meeting

Your community has chosen to be prepared now, not alarmed later. The Star City has decided that rather than addressing a crisis as Monday Morning Quarterbacks they will face the issue of drug abuse head on, and find ways to deal with it.
    Community leaders in Presque Isle have combined forces to take a proactive approach to substance abuse problems. To that end, they have scheduled the Star City Town Meeting – Community Action Against Drug Abuse. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School.
While problems do exist among school age children, school officials, local law enforcement, and hospital administration all agree that the most pressing problem is the abuse of prescription drugs among young adults.
According to Gehrig T. Johnson, SAD 1 superintendent, the Presque Isle school system has taken a proactive approach for several years. Johnson firmly believes that the prevention measures taken every day in the school system have been effective, but acknowledges it is an ongoing struggle.
The school community provides a variety of programs, activities, and events to educate and increase prevention of substance use and abuse on a regular and ongoing basis. Some of these include Pre K-12 Comprehensive School Health Education (CSHE) curriculum, Life Skills Training Program, Developmental Assets, Power School Program, Peer Programs, Civil Rights groups, Camp Kiev, periodic presentations, and district policies.
Tim McCue, District Safety coordinator, says additional safety measures have recently been implemented as well. Cameras have been installed inside and outside the middle and high schools, and staff at SAD 1 are now required to have photo identification badges. McCue says he believes these are proactive measures to help keep an atmosphere of safety in the schools. “At this time, I find most students do not believe drug use is acceptable and is not considered the norm. And we’d like to keep it that way,” explained McCue.
With these measures in mind, McCue and Johnson believe that parents play a crucial role in discouraging drug abuse. “Research indicates that children are less likely to participate in risky behavior if they know their parents disapprove,” explained Johnson. “And always keep communication lines open.”
Changes in a child’s regular routine over a period of time could signify problems. Parents be watchful for changes including changes in appearance, changes in eating and sleeping habits, drop in grades, changes in friends and social activities, changes in behavior and attitude, depression, disengagement from family or activities, or presence of drug paraphernalia.
Parents should also know that drug abuse is treatable and they should seek assistance if needed. Services are available at school to help address these issues, including guidance counselors, social workers, substance abuse counselors, student assistance programs, and health services.
Representatives of SAD 1, including Holly Johnson, Tim McCue, Presque Isle Middle School Principal Anne Blanchard, and Presque Isle High School Principal Eric Waddell, will discuss these issues in depth at the Star City Town Meeting. In addition, local law enforcement and health care providers will offer information and answer questions. Overall, organizers hope to provide awareness of the issue, talk about treatment options available, and discuss the many prevention strategies already in place.
Drug abuse affects everyone. Anyone who cares about the welfare of the community needs to be involved with this effort. Please plan to attend Star City Town Meeting – Community Action Against Drug Abuse. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School.