"Gibraltar parent meetings may become regular fare" from the April 11, 1972 Door County Advocate
By HENRY SHEA
Gibraltar parent meetings may become regular fare
By HENRY SHEA
Disbelief of statistics presented on drug use in Door county was the first reaction of 250 Gibraltar school district parents who turned out Monday night for an informal seminar on drug abuse and venereal disease. The meeting was prompted by a joint letter from the district school board and Door county health personnel to parents approximately a week ago. There was unanimous agreement on a decision to continue the meetings before the evening ended.
An initial reluctance to ask questions on the subjects of the meeting was noted but this was broken down by use of a question box through which anonymous questions could be presented. Taking part in the panel which answered questions were Seeburger, Sheriff Hollis Bridenhagen, Public Health Nurse Carole Lang and guidance counselor George Erickson. Jack Guse, who had worked with Bridenhagen in undercover drug investigations and CESA 9 psychologist Larry Geeding also assisted.
Questioning of statistics on local drug use furnished by Bridenhagen began the session, some of the parents inquiring if such figures were to be extended to the junior high level. Bridenhagen replied that his data was on a county level and that no attempt was made to break these down into specific age or class groups. In response to the question of why more arrests were not made for possession of drugs, chiefly marijuana, Bridenhagen noted that parents took every legal method to prevent such arrests. At the same time he extended an invitation to any parent who was concerned about the possible use of drugs by members of his family to confer with him privately.
Later in the evening a small quantity of marijuana was heated and charred, giving off dense clouds of acrid smoke. Purpose of the demonstration was to acquaint parents with the typical odor of the substance.
Guidance counselor Erickson, taking note of questions directed at the school administration, advised that several of the high school faculty were now attending special classes to instruct themselves in drug detection and the psychology of drug users. The question of dress codes for students was interjected and was answered by administrator Seeburger who commented that in the light of recent court decisions, CESA 9 officials had informed his office that such dress codes could not be enforced. The question did not go entirely unanswered when a member of the audience suggested that a dress code could, after all, be enforced by parents.
Questions about local statistics on venereal diseases evoked no precise answers from public health nurse Lang. She did, however, note that when such reported cases reach a certain point, a formula is used which assumes a certain number of unreported cases. It was on this basis that the action was taken to alert local parents to the situation. Further questions were directed to her, chiefly concerned with methods by which venereal diseases are spread. The first letter to parents had contained the information that pamphlets on social diseases will be sent to parents.
Regular professional office hours will shortly be scheduled for the Gibraltar school district, it was indicated, and Mrs. Lang will be available for conferences with both parents and children. One questioner asked if it was desirable, and possible without legal steps such as court injunctions, to require an annual physical examination for students. This, said Mrs. Lang, was a matter on which parents desires should be expressed to their school board as should the degree to which such examinations should be carried. She pointed out that blood tests do not indicate the presence of every type of venereal disease.
Commenting on proposed educational programs, George Erickson warned that school authorities and school board must have time to evaluate these programs. Frequently, he felt, they serve only as a means of glamorizing, and exciting curiosity about, the problems they are intended to prevent. Administrator Seeburger added that concerned parents are urged to communicate with school authorities and express their views on programs which may become part of the curricula.
Several, of the audience took exception to current rules whereby smoking is permitted in certain areas of the school property. This was done, Seeburger said, to reduce congestion in washrooms which previously have been heavily used for smoking by students. One questioner asked if smoking areas might not serve as a cover for the use of marijuana. There was sentiment for an expression from the audience as to permitting smoking on premises. Fifteen hands were tentatively raised to show approval but other questions from the audience prevented a vote.
School authorities are to advise parents on the date of the next meeting in approximately one month.
Courtesy of the Door County Library Newspaper Archive
Articles by Henry Shea
https://doorcounty.substack.com/t/henry-shea