From a city of Kent media release:
The city of Kent and Kent School District will host a town hall on Wednesday evening, May 20, at East Hill Elementary School, 9825 S. 240th St., called Have You Looked in Your Kid’s Backpack? It is a parents guide to help detect underage drug and alcohol use.
Hosted by The Kent Drug Free Coalition in partnership with the Kent School District, Heidi’s Promise and the Kent Police Youth Board, the discussion will feature a presentation for parents to provide them the clues that indicate their child may be experimenting with drugs or alcohol, as well as what can be done to prevent it.
A separate presentation for sixth to 12th graders will emphasize the consequences of underage substance abuse and offers skills they can use to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
There will also be an awards ceremony for an “Above the Influence” video contest for sixth to 12th grade students put on by the Kent Police Youth Board.
When: Wednesday, May 20
5:45 p.m. Informational resource tables
6:15 p.m. Welcome and introductions – Kent Police Youth Board member
6:20 p.m. Youth presentation – Eric Munson, Heidi’s Promise
6:20 p.m. Adult presentation – Two Kent police detectives
6:45 p.m. Presentation for parents by Albert Sandoval, Lakeside Milam
7:10 p.m. Q and A
7:20 p.m. Award presentation for “Above the Influence” video contest
Why: Being informed is powerful. Helping parents determine if their child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, and sharing tools to help prevent substance abuse can stop what often becomes a lifetime problem. A separate presentation for 6-12th graders will emphasize the consequences of underage substance abuse and offer skills teens can use to avoid being drawn into this risky behavior.
Where: East Hill Elementary School, 9825 S. 240th St.
Town Hall discussion presenters:
• Kent Police Department detectives will discuss trends they are seeing and what parents can look for.
• Albert Sandoval from Lakeside Milam will talk about the importance of communication between parents and their kids, steps for prevention/intervention. He will also bring kids with him who have been through treatment. They will discuss current trends in schools and how parents can be a positive influence.
• Eric Munson of Heidi’s Promise is a prevention/intervention specialist who promised, after his daughter’s death, to talk about dangers that can come with drug and alcohol use.
About the Kent Drug Free Coalition
The Kent Drug Free Coalition is a group community members operating with support of a federal Drug Free Communities Grant. The coalition focuses on drug and alcohol prevention strategies that work with parents, youth, schools, businesses and the community as a whole.
Kent Police Youth Board
The Kent Police Youth Board is a group of diverse teens dedicated to community leadership. Each brings unique life experiences, interests and perspectives to the group; creating a fun, powerful and influential impact on themselves, their peers and the community. Members are from middle and senior high schools throughout Kent.
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