K-L Students Above National Levels on Alcohol, Marijuana Usage

Older students in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district reported using alcohol or marijuana within a 30-day time period in rates above national averages, according to data from a new survey released by the district.

The survey, which was taken from John Jay Middle School and John Jay High School students from grades 7-12, showed below-average numbers for seventh and eighth grades on a question regarding alcohol usage within the past 30 days, slightly above-average for 9th graders, but notable above-average data for 10th, 11th and 12th graders. The numbers were at 39.2 percent for 10th at John Jay (26.4 nationally), 45 percent for 11th (32.6 nationally) and 56.8 percent for 12th (38.3 nationally).

A similar question was asked about marijuana usage within a 30-day period. John Jay students from grades 7-9 came in below the national average, while students in grades 10-12 came in above. The data include 21.4 percent for 10th (15.9 nationally), 25.2 percent for 11th (18.9 nationally) and 36.4 percent for 12th (21.1 nationally).

“Our students do have a risk tolerance for alcohol and marijuana," said Superintendent Paul Kreutzer, who presented the data at Thursday's school board meeting. However, usage of other drugs or substances, such as tobacco, cocaine and bath salts, came in below national levels. Kreutzer also noted there is a connection to a perception of risk, with usage connected to how risk a drug is believed to be.

The data also show that students believing that there is parental disapproval for marijuana and alcohol usage - it's measured as "Very Wrong" - falls dramatically from 7th through 12th grade.

In generally, usage for alcohol and marijuana was reported to be more frequent at someone else's house, with school usage coming in at low rates. 

Tenth grade at John Jay includes a health class, although Kreutzer acknowledged that the same level of attention for students is not there for 11th and 12th graders.

The findings came as part of work released by the district's Prevention Committee, which included parents and administrators.

Frank Iorio, a committee member and district parent, noted that the need should reject other approaches, such as the "Just Say 'No'" model or scaring students.

“We're realists," he said, noting a changing climate over marijuana usage in society. 

Instead, the idea is to give students things that are supportive.

“We have to introduce things to these children, these young that empower them,” he said, noting that students need to be encouraged to make the right choices.

Future solutions being considered including improvement to the curriculum, with age-appropriate discussion in the elementary, middle and high school levels, encourage more parental involvement, and to hold a club and activities fair next fall for 9th graders and get them to meet adults participating.

Also being eyed is a possible amnesty program for some circumstances; Kreutzer cautioned that the scope of the amnesty has yet to be determined, although the intent would be in getting people to disclose what is happening. Further discussion of it will involve administration, staff an another committee.

Other measures being considered involve creating a derivative committee to focus on student risk, along with creating a new related district position.

School board members gave their initial interest in the committee's findings.

Board member Janet Harckham suggested talking about root causes of what bring people to use drugs, noting that it can be normal to feel awkward or to be stressed. At the same time, she also felt that some are predisposed to usage.

Fellow board Trustee Stephanie Tobin suggested expanding the 9th-grade club fair concept to middle school.

To read a presentation of the survey, click here.