Readers Respond To Articles

Sat., Jan. 29, 2000

In recent issues, Handle Extra has published articles about hot topics of conversation in area high schools.

We asked readers with Internet access to send their comments to our community Web page (http:intheschools.spokane.net) Here are some of their responses.

Regarding the effectiveness of Idaho Drug Free Youth: “Why set up a card membership giving discounts to its members for certain behaviors, if there is no enforcement? Now it sounds like you’ve made a club that gives discounts to the ones it wasn’t supposed to. Great job!”

Regarding drug dogs at Post Falls High School: “I think that drug dogs are necessary…My principal has a cop come with a drug dog because the principal wants people not to have drugs in school.”

Regarding the drug dogs: “Drug dogs are nice, and can find drugs much faster…We know that there are drugs in school. Why waste everyone’s time in random searches, when you could have a dog walk the lockers randomly, and see what it finds?”

Regarding the closed campus at the new Post Falls High School: “Since the school is going to have a cafeteria and a fast food area, there is no need to go anywhere. The weather can be poor, with bad road conditions plus new drivers - a bad combination. There is an exception however, and that would be parental contact for doctor visits, family situations, for after-school employment - with proof of employment - and any parentally consented school excursions. PFHS represents a large area of community. Let’s be sure of where our students are, and God willing - there won’t be a news flash causing parents to wonder where their students are - only if they are safe.”

Regarding drinking among Post Falls students: “So far there are drugs in the school, resulting in dog searches, talk about closed campuses, there is the student card discount for those not on drugs, which sounds like there might be no enforcement procedures, and now this. Take a clue! If students in school under the age limit are being ticketed by police, suspend them for one week! Let’s watch how many times they repeat.”

Regarding drug testing of athletes: “If drug use is so harmful, why are elaborate testing methods needed to find out who is using drugs?”

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