By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Parents and students are invited to a drug awareness meeting this week at North Jefferson Middle School.

School counselor Dr. Brad Thomas wants to get the word out that there are things parents need to be looking out for, such as certain types of clothing, that could point to drug abuse.

“It will teach parents how to recognize problems and show them how to get the help their child may need,” said PTA treasurer and secretary Roxie Holland.

Morris Police Chief Brian Cochran will be the speaker.

The NJMS PTA is helping sponsor the event. The PTA will provide up to 40 door prizes, such as a bicycle, MP3 players, gift cards, items for teachers and faculty. Many of the items were donated by local businesses.

PTA president Scott Mordecai said the meeting is especially geared toward parents and students in the NJMS feeder pattern, including Mortimer Jordan High School, NJMS and Bryan and Warrior elementary schools.

However, he said, all parents are invited.

“We’re not going to turn any parent away, because this is so important,” said Mordecai. “I hope to see a lot of parent involvement at the meeting. If it helps one parent or one child, it was worth everything.”

Holland is also excited about the meeting.

“Middle school is definitely the age to start this conversation with them,” said Holland. “Being in the sixth grade is not like it was when we were in the sixth grade.”

Holland said she hopes the meeting will start a dialogue between parents and their kids, not only about drugs, but about other topics as well.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, 6 p.m., at North Jefferson Middle School.