Parents key in fight vs. drugs
The Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, 44 North Main St., Plumsted, will host the Partnership for a Drug- Free New Jersey's "15-Minute Child Break" program on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

"This presentation is an opportunity for parents and guardians to come and find out the role they play and the power they have in preventing their children from abusing drugs and alcohol," said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

The "15-Minute Child Break" is a onehour multimedia presentation offered by the partnership.

Valente said information about the importance of the parent/guardian's role in substance abuse prevention will be discussed, as well as how to talk to children about drugs, signs of use and abuse to look for, current terminology, and trends of use.

He said the presentation is based on New Jersey-specific research conducted by the partnership's Center for Prevention Research.

Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School Principal Robert Burkhardt said the program was presented earlier in the year at New Egypt High School and received many positive comments from parents.

Burkhardt said the program highlighted the importance of parents discussing this topic while their children are in elementary school, and it was felt that it was important to make this presentation available to them.

In addition, those parents who were unable to attend the program previously will have the opportunity to see it on Oct. 26, Burkhardt said.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey offers a variety of free programs, services and materials.

For additional information about the program on Oct. 26, contact the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School at 609-758-6800, ext. 121, or visit www.drugfreenj.org.