DCSS Update: October 2016

DCSS Update Pg. 2
Drug free is the only way to be
J.D. Sumner
DCSS Public Information Office
October is marked by a lot of welcomed
events.
The crisp cool of fall returns; the
leaves start to change; football teams hit
their stride and, in schools across the nation,
students pledge to remain drug free
through the Red Ribbon Week Campaign.
And while skeptical adults may view
the pledge to remain drug free by students
as one that is largely lip service, recent
studies show that the push to keep
students free of illicit drug use may be
working.
According to the National Institute
on Drug Abuse, a June 2016 survey of
8th, 10th and 12th grade students called
“Monitoring the Future,” reported a decrease
in the number of students who
reported using alcohol, cigarettes and
illicit drugs with some indicators at their
lowest levels since the inception of the
survey.
In three major areas, the survey
notes decreases in drug use in the following
ways:
• no increase in use of marijuana
among teens
• decreasing use of synthetic
drugs
• decreasing misuse of prescription
drugs.
And while this is certainly news to
celebrate, the survey did also include
some warning signs that appear to coincide
with what appears to be a growing
acceptance by the U.S. towards recreational
marijuana usage.
The survey notes that, among students,
there is a softening of attitudes
and negative perceptions towards the use
of marijuana.
The survey results, while encouraging,
show that there needs to be continued
focus on educating students of
all ages on the impact of drug use and
implications it has on social interactions,
potential job and educational impact
and the damage they can cause to one’s
health.
As for the DCSS, its heartening to
see such a vast committment on behalf
of teachers and students to remain drug
free. You can view the NIDA study here.
About the Cover
The October cover is an homage to the work our students
and staff do to show their committment to the National Red
Ribbon Week and to remaining drug and alcohol free.
Inside, you’ll see photos and read how the DCSS family
came together to re-affirm their committment to the Red
Ribbon and continue the push to educate both themselves
and the community about the dangers of drug abuse.