Community Haven: Concerned Parents Tackle Drug Issues

We are writing this article as concerned Port Washington/Saukville parents.

It is becoming more apparent that the use of alcohol, prescription pills, marijuana and other drugs are a major concern for Port Washington/Saukville parents.  Teen drinking and smoking can affect general health, physical/mental growth,emotional development and school performance.

After school drug arrests at Port High, a Dec. 14 article was placed in the Ozaukee Press where several local officials noted that it was time to take action.

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Former Police Richard Chief Thomas stated in the article, "We believe this is part of a trend in increased substance abuse. We received some information in the past, people telling us this and that, but now we have credible evidence of drug and alcohol use in schools. ... "Now it’s shame on us if we don’t act."

The chief identified the community needed to be involved. To date no process has been initiated.

Superintendent Weber’s position was quoted in the article as "we have two goals in situations like this. One is to help the student, to turn him around and prevent future drug and alcohol use. The other is to protect the health and safety of the other students in our schools."

Five months after the December arrest, one of which involved an athlete, a student was arrested for possession in the school, he was expelled before any final court action. The school had no plan in effect or any action to improve his situation.

We have become aware as a group, of ongoing issues with our teens relating to the school system. Why is there such an availability of alcohol and drugs in our schools? Why is there not a liaison officer in our schools? What is the school system doing to prevent these problems? Why did it take arrests in the school itself to spark any actions? How is it 5 months later school leaders have not organized to deal with the issues and improve conditions where we send our children to be schooled? What can us as parents do to improve conditions?  

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We as a community need to work together to provide a safe environment for our youth. Kids should be able to go to school and trust their teachers and administration.

If you would like to get more involved and make a difference in your community and in your teen’s lives our group meets 5:30 p.m. June 4 in the Port Washington Human Services building.  Should you have questions please call 262-343-2629.