Superintendent Randy Dorn: Marijuana still not allowed at school

Guest — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:18:29 +0000

Guest (not verified) Tue, 12/11/2012 - 9:18am

This article has been updated with a quote from Keven Wynkoop, principal of Ballard High School.

In case you were wondering, marijuana will still be illegal for people under 21 years old, which of course means students won't be able to smoke or possess marijuana, especially at school.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn issued a statement this morning reaffirming this. He also suggests that there is anecdotal evidence for increased marijuana problems at the school since I-502 passed.

However, that does not seem to be entirely the case for Ballard High School.

"We have not seen an uptick," Ballard High School Principal Keven Wynkoop said. "The reality is that even before it was 'legal,' students had no problem getting it if they wanted. Students will tell you that Marijuana was as easy to get as alcohol."

Here is the full statement:

Recent anecdotal reports from school districts suggest an increase in marijuana possession and consumption among young people, especially after the passage of Initiative 502, which legalizes small quantities of the drug for people age 21 and older. Below is a statement from State Superintendent Randy Dorn on what the law means to public schools.

The passage of I-502 changes nothing in public schools in Washington state. Certain drugs, including marijuana, continue to be illegal on school property and to anyone younger than 21 years old.

To receive federal funds, districts must abide by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and must have a Drug and Tobacco-Free Workplace and a similar student policy in place. Each district’s policy has a number of common requirements about marijuana and other drugs, such as not allowing any student to:

Possess,
Distribute,
Manufacture or
Be under the influence.

Any student caught will be disciplined according to local district policy and local law enforcement as required. Fines can also be doubled if the arrest occurs within 1,000 feet of a school facility.

I-502 changes state law but has no effect on federal law.

Some people think that a medical marijuana card is similar to a prescription for a controlled substance and can be brought to schools or the workplace. That is false. Having a medical marijuana card does not mean a student, or an employee, or anyone for that matter, can bring marijuana on school grounds.

Students need to be engaged and prepared for school. Marijuana doesn’t allow them to be either of those things. Marijuana dulls the brain. It can lead to paranoia, short-term memory loss and depression.

And for those under 21, it is illegal.

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Superintendent Randy Dorn

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Ballard News Tribune

Nonprofit, Rotaries combine to expand instrumental music in Highline schools

stevievanb — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:18:05 +0000

stevievanb Mon, 05/30/2011 - 3:18pm

A new community initiative announced at the May 25 Highline school board meeting will expand instrumental music education for children in Highline Public Schools.

The Highline Music4Life program (www.HighlineMusic4Life.org) will acquire musical instruments and supplies for eligible elementary students. Working cooperatively with the Highline Schools are the three Rotary clubs located within the district and Music4Life, all non-profit organizations.

"Our goal is to provide every student in the district an opportunity to play a musical instrument, if they want to, regardless of their ability to afford it," says Steve Swank of the Des Moines Rotary Club. "We do this at a time of financial challenge because research shows that students who study instrumental music do better in math, science, history, languages and many other academic disciplines. We believe that, when funding is low, it is time for the community to step-up."

Highline Schools Superintendent John Welch noted, "Music4Life is a great example of how the community is partnering with schools to support our students,

"We are grateful to Rotary for initiating this project. Many children who cannot afford an instrument will now have the opportunity to participate in band. That's especially important in Highline, where more than two-thirds of our students live in poverty."

Highline Music4Life is a community service activity that is Rotary-inspired, but you don't have to be a member of a Rotary club to support it, says David Endicott of Music4Life. "We're very glad to have the support of anyone who understands the immense value of instrumental music in a child's life." He says musical instruments are acquired for Highline Music4Life in two ways.

"Many adults no longer play musical instruments that are gathering dust in their attics and garages," he says. "We gratefully accept those 'lovingly used' instruments, repair them as needed and then donate them to Highline Schools."

Used musical instruments can be dropped-off at Kennelly Keys Music in Southcenter or the KeyBank branch at 22033 Marine View Drive in Des Moines.

"We also buy new musical instruments that the Highline band and orchestra directors tell us they need for eligible young musicians," Endicott added.

Donations also help take care of musical supplies and repairs. Endicott says monetary donations can be made via PayPal accounts or by visiting the www.HighlineMusic4Life.org Website.

Highline Music4Life begins by providing musical instruments to fifth and sixth graders who qualify for the free- and reduced-lunch program. "In special circumstances, we can provide instruments to older children, as well," Endicott says. "Our goal is to enable as many young people to take advantage of these instrumental music opportunities as possible."

"We know that there are students interested in instrumental music but don't have the resources to acquire an instrument," says Stefan Nelson, the school district's new cultural arts specialist. "As a matter of equity, we need to increase the availability of instruments to all of our students, especially for our schools in high poverty areas. With enough new or used instruments, we can increase elementary instrumental music participation significantly."

Currently, 24 percent of all fifth and sixth grade students in the district participate in instrumental music programs. The new initiative intends to increase that number to 40 percent.

Education

music programs

public schools

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