With the recent front-page Herald stories highlighting drug and alcohol use among student-athletes in Durango, I want to address what I believe are misperceptions about Animas High School and how the school has handled the issue with student-athletes who were involved.
Our head of school and assistant head of school met with those AHS students and families involved in the DHS athletic team incidents and determined appropriate, significant disciplinary consequences for our students that are consistent with AHS school policies.
They have not turned a blind eye to the issue in any way. Beyond the legal and safety issues of their behavior, AHS administration also addressed the fact that these AHS students were representing AHS and how their actions were damaging to AHS’ reputation, our school community, the students’ teams, DHS and their families.
As a parent of two AHS students and a board member, I believe one of the best things about AHS is that teachers and staff take a holistic view of working with children; they recognize their work with students goes beyond academics.
The physical, social and emotional well-being of each student is important to them, and they work hard to have authentic relationships that support honest communication and growth. This is true in general, and also in their approach to substance use.
Young people in Durango are experimenting with drugs, alcohol and tobacco. This is true for students at AHS as well. The perception that substance use by students is tolerated or accepted among staff or administration at AHS is simply unfounded. Administration has addressed the issue and emphasized AHS substance-use policies and how students who break these rules will be disciplined and supported.
There are clear expectations and consequences for those who don’t live up to these expectations.
Also, a Substance Awareness Committee was started at AHS last spring. Throughout the school year, and with student, staff and parent involvement and input, SAC will find multiple ways to share conversations, guest speakers and resources that will help students learn more about the impact of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
Linda Fitts-Liberman
Durango
