Author: admin

>Readers Comment on alleged Drug use at Schools :Moderate alcohol usage is not going to kill anyone. Pot alone has never killed anyone.

The institution claims to have a zero-tolerance policy because people like to hear that. It’s good politics. I doubt they actually care, because, let’s face it – this “drug problem” is not that much of a problem. Drug testing costs money, and this money could be put to better use.

First of all, I wonder why you even care so much about what other people do in their free time.

As for the money, teenagers can get jobs after 16 and unreported jobs even younger. Drug testing kids randomly on a regular basis? That’s absurd. You have to weigh your kids safety against a certain level of trust and freedom. If you don’t trust your kid, whose going to take care of them when they get into the real world?

Next, your scenario is ridiculous, and it sounds like you’ve been a victim of DARE brainwashing. There are plenty of kids using pot that get into great schools. I guess you’ll see when you grow up more.

As far as I’m aware, cocaine use is not rampant in Ridgewood, so unless you buy into that BS Gateway Drug theory, that’s not really relevant.

Moderate alcohol usage is not going to kill anyone. Pot alone has never killed anyone.

>Readers comment  on alleged drug use in Schools : Whether you agree with him or not, putting forth his perspective is something that should be encouraged

I think that it’s great that he posted what is impt to him and said what he felt from his heart and based on his observations.

Whether you agree with him or not, putting forth his perspective is something that should be encouraged and besides isn’t that what blogs like this are supposed to be for?

I think people need to see and listen to stuff like this… from the perspective of someone who is there and seeing what goes on with his/her peers.

Too often, many things here get ignored and/or are spun or swept under the rug by others who have a vested interest in doing so. I don’t think this kid is one of those people.

And participation in the process of trying to make changes for the better is something we should encourage and not diss someone for expressing their views.

I very much agree with his points about parental responsibility by the way. I’d say keep posting and thx for this one, too!

>Readers Comment on alleged Drug use at Schools : I do agree that parental involvement is key to good life choices
Patrick Allin

Woah Peter – first, Bergen Community College is not a last resort school – it is one of the top community colleges in the country and offers many programs that are not offered at universities, such as trade training, like auto mechanics. The economy could not function without these professions. In addition, BCC is a more affordable school for students who do not have the financial resources to attend a private college.

Second, go to the New York Time’s website and read through their archives for articles about “Ridgewood” and “drugs.” The hard drug problem at the high school used to be much more prevalent. This is not a new problem.

I do agree that parental involvement is key to good life choices. However, parents will not build trust with their children by drug testing. If someone wants to try/find drugs, they will. The solution is not to test and punish, but for parents to build strong “tell me anything” relationships with their children. Then, parents can guide their children through becoming an adult, and children will trust their parents advice to not experiment with drugs

You need to recognize that many Ridgewood families are fractured and broken, just like any other community. People will turn to drugs and alcohol to ease this pain. The school has tried to support these students by hiring crisis intervention counselors, but can still do more so students know that they are not alone.