(For more detailed information on topics and learning activities to incorporate in a drug prevention program, see pages 44-48.)
Samuel Gompers Vocational-Technical High School,
New York City
Samuel Gompers Vocational-Technical High School is located in the South Bronx in New York City. Enrollment is 1,500 students; 95 percent are from low-income families.
In June, 1977, an article in the New York Times likened Gompers to a "war zone." Students smoked marijuana and sold drugs both inside the school and on the school grounds; the police had to be called in daily.
In 1979, the school board hired a new principal, Victor Herbert, who turned the school around. Herbert established order, implemented a drug awareness program, involved the private sector, and instilled pride in the school among students. Among the actions he took:
- In cooperation with the police captain, Herbert arranged for the same two police officers to respond to all calls from Gompers. These officers came to know the Gompers students; eventually, students confided in the police about drug sales occurring near the school. Police also helped school staff patrol the school grounds and were stationed at a nearby park known for drug trafficking.
- Herbert stationed security guards and faculty outside each bathroom. He organized "hall sweeps" in the middle of class periods and no longer allowed students to leave the premises at lunch time.
- Herbert established a drug education program for teachers, students, and parents that emphasized recognizing the signs of drug use. He also implemented other drug awareness programs that involved the police and community organizations.
- He persuaded companies, such as IBM, to hire students for afterschool and summer work. Students had to be drug free to participate. This requirement demonstrated to students that employers would not tolerate drug use.
- A computerized attendance system was installed to notify parents of their child's absence. Newly hired paraprofessionals, called "family assistants," worked to locate absentees and bring them back to school.
The results of Herbert's actions were remarkable. In 1985, there were no known incidents of students using alcohol or drugs in school or on school grounds, and only one incident of violence was reported. The percentage of students reading at or above grade level increased from 45 percent in 1979-80 to 67 percent in 1984-85.
Recommendation #8: