Letter To The Editor – What You Need To Know

Dear Editor:
We are writing to share information that every member of our community needs to know.
In a recent Rensselaer County survey, the  middle school and high school students of Berlin Central School District reported that  one in five eighth-graders and one in three tenth-graders and even one in twelve sixth-graders had used alcohol, tobacco or drugs in the prior thirty days, rates that are twice the county and national averages.  One in three tenth and twelfth-graders also said they participated in binge drinking.  Compared with results from the same study done two years ago many of these  rates are getting worse instead of better.
Reports of problem behavior have increased as well. One in five tenth and twelfth-graders report that they have attacked to harm in the past twelve months and one in three tenth-graders report  being drunk or high while in school over the same period.
The study looks at possible causes for these behaviors, and, again, the results are disturbing. Seventy percent of sixth-graders feel that drugs are readily available; 70-90% of tenth and twelfth-graders believe that community, parental and law enforcement attitudes make it easier to obtain and use alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Starting in sixth grade over half of all students (and up to 75% of  students) believe that our schools provide little opportunity for positive social experiences  or rewards.  Around half of students say their families experience conflict and negative parental behaviors.
This study is a wake up call. Every person who lives in Berlin, Grafton, Petersburgh and Stephentown has a stake in the safety and future of our children. The problems reported in this study harm families, make our communities less safe and reduce our children’s opportunity to get a meaningful education.
Many communities with similar issues have turned  these trends around and restored the kind of community and educational environment everyone wants and our children deserve.  Interested people in our area have formed a task force known as TRACs, “Together Reducing Alcohol (and drugs in our) Communities.”  This group is studying the successes other communities have had in tackling these issues in order to create a plan of action for our towns and schools. But this job cannot be accomplished by a small committee. Parents, teens, teachers, elected officials, fire department volunteers, clergy, veterans, seniors and everyone who wants a safe, productive community needs to come together to learn more and lend a hand.
The Coalition will meet August 18, at 6 pm at the Berlin Free Library. Please  find the time to come to this meeting to learn more and to share your thoughts.
Andrew Zlotnick, Chairman, Petersburgh
Sue Brissette Cass, Stephentown,
for the members of the TRACs Task Force