Meth message: It's everyone's problem

An assistant principal has lots to say to students about meth use. But he needs parents to listen. He'll speak in Andover next month.

By Paul Levy, Star Tribune

Last update: October 23, 2007 - 9:18 PM

A few years ago, the Anoka County Meth Task Force held a presentation for parents at Andover's Oak View Middle School. Only 16 people attended, according to County Commissioner Scott LeDoux.

"Did parents think that the northern suburbs are immune to the horrors of meth?" LeDoux asked.

Michael George, assistant principal at Coon Rapids High School, will speak about methamphetamine at Oak View on Nov. 15, and while he's used to addressing kids, his greatest challenge may be "waking up parents."Ignorance is a great safety blanket," said George, who speaks often on behalf of the county's Meth Task Force. "But, if by the time you wake up, it's too late, what are you left with?"

Six percent of high school girls and 4 percent of boys in Anoka County have used meth, according to statistics compiled by the county, LeDoux said Tuesday.

Three years ago, George said that in a district of 3,000 students, his talk on meth attracted fewer than 75 parents. He considers that a big crowd.

"If I can draw 5 percent of the parents in the district, that's huge," he said. "Usually, it's 2 percent.

"Why? They tell me that in our district, we don't share the same problems that you find in Anoka, or Blaine, or any other city we border. But meth is everywhere. The reality is it's across the state, across the entire board."

Yet, when George asked a parent why more parents weren't concerned about meth, the parent responded by telling him that if meth is a problem, then bring drug-sniffing dogs to school.

George suggested using 3,000 drug-sniffing parents instead.

George has seen meth's destruction in his own family. Meth claimed one family member's identity, scarring her physically and emotionally, he said. The woman's boyfriend also paid a severe price -- 10 years in state prison for narcotics possession, George said.

"After almost every presentation I've given, parents have approached me and said their child is doing drugs, but they were ashamed to say anything because they blame themselves," George said. "Why blame yourself? And get past your selfishness.

"Kids make their own choices and once they've made those choices -- no matter what they are, or what the reason may be -- parents can't ignore them."

Students have said they know of other students who do drugs with parents.

"As parents, we're not friends," he said. "We're here to build a relationship, but that relationship is built on discipline."

The Nov. 15 presentation is free and will offer prevention tips for parents and students.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419

Paul Levy • plevy@startribune.com

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