Three Schools: Drug Free

Three high schools--one in Georgia, the other two in Maryland--share something in common: a noticeable drop in drug and alcohol abuse related problems at school. While none of the schools are actually 100% "drug free," the principals, students, and instructors all agree that the differences are astounding. This program interviews the principals of the three schools as well as students and other concerned parties about the reasons for the dramatic changes. As it turns out, the three schools do not share some miracle program, but there are similarities in the various approaches. As Bill Rudolph, the principal of Northside High School in Atlanta, GA explains: firmness is the key. At Northside, drug possession and/or use doesn't carry a slap on the wrist, it warrants an automatic phone call to the police. At Glen Burnie High School in Glen Burnie, MD principal Bernard Buczynski has a different way of handling the problem: expulsion. And James Bowerman, principal of Perry Hall High School in Towson, MD lets students know right from the start where they stand, by having every student read and sign a copy of the "Student Behavior Guide" which outlines the administrations rules and procedures. This would be a good inspirational video for high school administrators, and it is therefore recommended for high school libraries. (Available from: Durrin Productions, 1748 Kalorama Rd. N. W., Washington, D.C. 20009.)