The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) has prioritized addressing students’ use of alcohol and drugs by seeking input from parents and local nonprofit organizations on what is a growing and concerning trend across the country.A drug and alcohol community session, facilitated by Roaring Fork schools, took place the evening of Jan. 18 at Basalt High School (BHS). The Jan. 17 session at Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS) was canceled due to inclement weather.
On Jan. 24, during the regularly scheduled meeting of the RFSD board of education, Vice President Jasmin Ramirez asked if the GSHS session would be rescheduled, to which Johnathan Landon, RFSD’s public information officer and chief of staff, answered that there would be no rescheduled meeting, but that there is a PowerPoint slide presentation that will be made available with a voiceover in Spanish and English. There will also be an opportunity for public feedback. Landon said the presentation should be posted to the RFSD website by the end of the week.On Jan. 23, community meetings were held at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS), one in Spanish followed by another in English to address the topic.
Kelly Medina, RFSD family resource center director, facilitated the Spanish-language sessions at BHS and RFHS, while Bridges High School Principal Suzanne Fitzgerald and Interim Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole facilitated the English-language sessions.
Both sessions, held in the RFHS library, were at capacity. Representatives from local addiction agencies and the county health department were in attendance. They are helping guide the school district to make informed decisions about a response. Those agencies include: Garfield County Public Health Department, YouthZone, A Way Out, Stepping Stones, Aperture, High Rockies Harm Reduction and Mountain Family Health Centers.
Written materials were distributed to attendees, which included a sheet titled “Substance-related disciplinary actions,” which details questionable behavior involving the use, possession, sale or distribution of alcohol, tobacco (including vape pens), marijuana and illegal drugs or controlled substances.
The guide clarifies definitions of the substances and observed behavior, provides the minimum expectation of recommended interventions, and whether the incident qualifies for a referral for school expulsion or a referral to the School Resource Officer.
During the meeting discussion, it was noted that this information is distributed to student-athletes when they register for sports. Still, the general student population may not be aware of the disciplinary actions that could be taken should they violate the school’s alcohol and drug policy.
One topic discussed was the possibility of RFSD high schools moving to a closed-campus school day. Currently, high schools are open-campus, meaning students have the option to leave the school grounds during lunch breaks.
The idea of moving to a closed-campus school would eliminate the possibility of students consuming alcohol or using drugs while they’re off campus. Instituting a closed-campus policy would have to be approved by the board. Discussions among parents during the meeting at RFHS seemed to be split between those in favor and those opposed to the idea.
One parent shared, “If it keeps my student out of trouble, I have no problems with it.” District officials said further discussion will be coming on this topic, and others, at upcoming Community Safety Summit meetings later in February.
One suggestion that came through loud and clear was: Talk to your teen.
While presenters acknowledged the conversations can seem difficult, parents should let their children know where they stand on alcohol and drug use. Suggestions were, to set aside a time and place to have the conversation — when all parties are calm and have the time to devote to the topic.
Advice from one of the handouts was “You can never step in too early” and how use “can lead to accidents, legal trouble and health problems.”
Dr. Cole will be presenting a debriefing of the drug and alcohol community sessions at the next board of education meeting on Feb. 6.
In other news
Kindergarten registration begins at 8am on Feb. 15, with parent information nights starting on Feb. 6. To learn more about kindergarten registration, visit www.rfsd.k12.co.us/en-US and look under “RFSD News” for more information in English and Spanish.