By Phoenix journalist Adanya Jeudy ’19:
On November 6, Kellenberg Memo- rial will host its annual “Because We Care” seminar. While this is open to all parents, it is specifically catered to in- coming parents of this year’s sixth grad- ers, seventh graders, and freshmen. Hosted in the auditorium, the primary focus of the event is to highlight both the dangers and alarming accessibility of drugs and alcohol, to teach parents how to best protect their children in today’s society and ways to remain alert.
As an epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse runs rampant through adults on Long Island, hitting close to home for many, it is more imperative now than ever that parents remain aware of the various influences surrounding their children. In contrast, among teens, drug abuse statistics are currently at an all-time low.
According to this year’s Monitoring the Future survey, the trend of drug abuse in high schools is on a steady decline. Substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, heroin, and prescription opioids have continued to show a significant decrease in their prevalence.
For example, alcohol use and binge drinking have declined by 8% in 8th graders, 19.7 % in 10th graders, and 33.2% among 12th graders. However, to remain vigilant and continue combating our island’s ever-changing landscape, Kellenberg does its best to protect students by creating an environment shaped by a strict no-drug policy, imparting an understanding of both the corrosive effects of drugs in the body and legal implications of abuse, a fostering of self-respect for the body and hosting organizations for student presentations such as LIC- CAD, the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
This year’s “Because We Care” speaker is John Groshans of the Floral Park Police Department. As a certified school resource officer, Groshans’ trav- els across Long Island to develop a comprehensive program to communicate effectively with teens. He addresses top- ics such as internet safety, underage drinking and drug and substance abuse.
Mr. White, the coordinator of this event, cited the importance of this event, saying, “Because We Care is important because it allows our parents to have the most effective and comprehensive tools to protect their children from influences they may face.”