(April 4, 2000) — In a world where drug consumption seems extremely high, one might think that schools are a sanctuary from illegal substances. Yet, even schools fail to provide a drug-free environment. Students have been known to sell and use drugs on school grounds. Administrators try to combat this problem by bringing in police dogs to search for drugs on the premises. Health and guidance teachers address the drug topic and try to educate students about these drugs. In a recent poll of 104 Clark students, approximately 34% said that they had tried illegal drugs such as pot. This figure is alarmingly large considering that the whole Clark population was not polled. The poll clearly shows that health classes are not affecting the students’ decision to do drugs. Health teachers should take a different approach to drug education. Each student receives a thick yellow book that describes the effects of drugs. But these health books give an endless stream of information that students forget after taking a test. All that matters to the students is getting a good grade in class. Schools should try to solve the drug problem by finding a more effective way to approach this issue. When it comes to getting through to teens about drugs, most teachers don’t seem to pass the test. They should try to communicate with students in a more friendly manner and build greater rapport, rather than just a teacher to student relationship. Health and Guidance should not be like any other class. Instead of piling on homework and giving confusing tests, teachers should focus on the student, not just their grades. Parent involvement should be another major aspect of student’s safety and decisions. In order for teens to stay drug-free parents and teachers need to open the barriers of communication. Teachers should have parent conferences, and not just discuss the students’ grades, but their attitude. School must not only be about grades, but about helping the teens steer their lives in the right direction.