Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am most pleased to introduce you to Parents.  The Anti-Drug, a newly formed community based organization comprised of parents, local government and school officials, clergy and health providers whose mission is to generate conversation and provide accurate information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, and Riverwoods.

Parents are the most powerful influence in a child’s life—greater than peers, popular music, television, celebrities and the media! Research shows that kids who consistently learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are 50% less likely to use drugs and alcohol than those who do not; yet, only 30% of teens report learning about the risks of using drugs and alcohol from their parents. More surprisingly, according to a recent study involving District 113 students, parental disapproval is one of the most important deterrents to drug or alcohol use.

I am a parent myself. As such and as an educator and Superintendent of District 113, I fully support this organization’s beliefs that by taking the time to talk (adult to adult, adult to teen, and teen to teen) about the risks and consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, we can create a more informed adult and teen citizenry, increase communication among parents and teens and ultimately reduce consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among teens in our community.

Look for a series of emails, beginning tomorrow from Parents. The Anti-Drug and join our cause by reading them and talking frequently to your teen about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Sincerely,

George V. Fornero

Superintendent