NHS Freshmen And Parents Asked To Attend

Underage Drinking Forum

By Eliza Hallabeck

Multiple members of a committee that put together the upcoming Monday, April 12, Freshman Forum on Underage Drinking at Newtown High School scheduled for 7 pm until 8 pm, said this week they are hoping the pilot program will have a large turnout.

“It’s about underage drinking,” said ninth grade parent Temple Whitaker, one of the committee members overseeing the program, “but it is not about drinking and driving.”

The evening event will have six speakers on topics ranging from legal issues, social issues, brain development, and experiences from people affected by alcohol.

Trumbull has a similar program for its students, according to Ms Whitaker, but Trumbull’s program requires students who cannot attend the event to write an essay on the topic. In Newtown, the event is the first of its kind, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Linda Gejda said the hopes are if it is well attended there will be more in the future.

“We want the parents to come see it with their children,” said Ms Whitaker this week, “so they can see it together and hear it together to open the lines of communication.”

According to an announcement for the event, students must be accompanied by their parents/or guardian as the forum discusses how the community and school district need to support prevention through education.

The forum committee consists of Dr Gejda, Ms Whitaker, NHS Assistant Principal Scott Clayton, District Health Coordinator Judy Blanchard, PTSA President Sarah Beier, ninth grade guidance counselor Lisa Kapitan, substance abuse counselor Martha Shilstone, school psychologist Tom Brantt, NHS physical education department Chair Kathy Davey, and Parent Connection board member and high school parent Rob Ryder.

In a letter sent out to parents from Dr Gejda and NHS Principal Charles Dumais regarding the program, parents were told that “last April Newtown middle and high school students were surveyed about use of alcohol, drugs and attitudes toward school. Survey results collected over the past ten years indicated that student alcohol use increases during high school. Parental attitude toward underage drinking is among the most important factors stated as a reason not to drink.”

The event is being held by the school in partnership with the PTSA.

The letter continued, “The purpose of this forum is to provide factual information that can serve as the basis for thoughtful dialogue.”

On Tuesday, April 6, Dr Gejda said it is important for parents to attend the program with the ninth graders.

“We all care very deeply about our kids,” said Dr Gejda, “and we want to keep them safe.”

Dr Gejda said she is hoping as many people as possible will take advantage of the program.

“We’re excited because we have local individuals who are coming and willing to share their advice with parents on the affects of underage drinking,” Dr Gejda said.

Assistant Principal Scott Clayton said the program is about making informed decisions.

“I think it is important,” said Mr Clayton, “really, because it is an issue nationwide.”

While strongly encouraging parents and students to attend the program, PTSA President Sarah Beier said the hour-and-a-half program will benefit those in attendance.

“We want to prevent a tragedy,” said Ms Beier, “and education is one of the ways to do that.”

The night, according to Ms Beier, will also focus on the topic of parents who allow underage drinking to occur, because they take keys away or other preventative measures. Ms Beier said she hopes attending the forum will help parents to understand the legal ramifications of doing so, because it is illegal.