RUMSON — Five PTOs are joining forces to address one of the most widespread threats against children: drugs.
Karen Perry has organized the meeting sponsored by the five PTOs in the Rumson and Fair Haven area for Oct. 24 at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“A lot of parents are in denial that their kids could be on drugs,” she said.
Perry said that the drug problem in the area hit home for her when she realized that even pre-teens need to practice drug awareness skills in their social lives.
Perry said she knew of a seventh-grader who had attended a party and avoided drinking cider served from a fountain because “you never know what someone is going to put into something like that at a party.” The pre-teen said she had a soda instead, and watched it being opened in front of her to ensure that it had not been tampered with.
Speakers for the seminar include William Lillis, prevention specialist with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Patrolman William Heath of the Fair Haven Police Department and Officer Scott Paterson of the Rumson Police Department.
The event is free to all parents and guardians.
— Layli Whyte