Parents attending the school board meeting pressed for increased substance abuse education. The board expressed a reluctance to expand the program at the expense of more basic courses.
Don Fickas, president of the Arcadia Board of Education, praises Parent Alert's drug abuse education and prevention programs. He describes the schools' efforts at teaching students about the dangers of drugs.
October has been declared Adolescent Drug Abuse Education Month honoring the efforts of Parent Alert, a community group whose goal is to encourage residents to educate themselves regarding the problems of drug abuse. Activities of the group and programs scheduled for the month are outlined.
The Arcadia Board of Education approved a Local Agency Education plan to bring the district into compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind program, which requires that students meet state proficiency standards by 2013-2014. For California, the standard is 100% graduation with all requirements for University of California admission met.
The Arcadia Council PTA in cooperation with Parent Alert has organized evening programs for parents of all 5th and 6th grade, junior and senior high school students. The programs are designed to offer education on drug abuse.
Mayor Don Pellegrino has declared October to be Drug Abuse Education Month. Dr. Robert E. Bell, president of Parent Alert, discusses the group's programs and activities. Talks are scheduled at PTA and service club meetings.
The Arcadia Board of Education adopted a policy to prohibit the use of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances. It goes further to hold coaches responsible for educating students and parents about the dangers of using uncontrolled substances and diet supplements.
A curriculum change instituted by the Arcadia Board of Education means there will be 10 more science classes offered in September for Arcadia High School students.
A committee set up by the Arcadia School District to study AIDS education has come up with a proposal to integrate it into the district's current health curriculum, which extends from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Bell discuss the activities and services of Parent Alert. Over 75 families have been involved over the past two years in the support group aimed at helping educate parents about drugs.
Dr. Kay Clifford, president of the Board of Education and candidate for re-election, has dropped out of the race. Clifford has been called on a 3-year mission for his church.
Marijuana is the subject of this first article in a new weekly column on the problems of drugs and their effects. The articles are researched and prepared by Parent Alert.
Police Chief Charles Mitchell praises the work of the community based parent group Parent Alert. He discusses drug abuse in the area and the Police Department's role in helping prevent drug abuse.
Project Alert, a drug education and referral service, offers assistance to teenagers with drug problems. Available 24 hours a day, the officer on duty at the Sierra Madre Police Station will provide a referral to a volunteer staff of professionals.