Drugs & Dealers. The other day I floated a question at end of April in regard to a rumbling I'd been hearing about drugs in our schools (read it here) and got little response. Last night a resident approached Council and described an after school incident in her yard. It was a pretty severe fight that resulted in one student being knocked up against her porch under her shrubs. She said she ran outside because she thought there had been an accident of some sort. In speaking with people later she got word it was a drug deal gone bad and the one person was getting even for it. She had called the school and gotten little response. She asked why teachers were not outside watching the grounds. Where were the Vice Principals and principal?
One person noted that a student informed them that it was announced in school there would be a lockdown the next day and dogs would be brought in to conduct a search. Not surprisingly, given the 24 hour notice, nothing was found.
The resident asked what could be done? It is obvious there is a serious problem. Two vehicles were specifically identified as being known drug dealers, one of which has been complained about for two years, but nothing has been done.
Councilman Stoudt noted it was not our problem, it was Upper Nazareth's (they have jurisdiction at the school) to which the resident replied, "The fight was in my yard and I'm a borough resident."
Councilman Samus suggested a citizen watch.
The Mayor noted that a police presence is needed and a dialog between the School, Borough, and Upper should take place. It was noted that overlapped shifts at this time were approved by Council to have more of a presence, and he would check to see why it wasn't happening.
The Mayor also noted that we were effectively four police short, interim Chief Koch has done an outstanding job in a difficult position, the subjects discussed would be brought up and discussed with the school, Borough police, and Upper Nazareth, and the once we have a new chief on board everyone will see a better job being done because staffing will return to normal levels.
Borough Park Security. Les Little of the Shade Tree Commission noted that Saturday was Arbor Day and seven trees were donated. Many are donated in memory of loved ones who have passed away or in honor of individuals. People making the donations and the Commission view this as a living legacy for loved ones who have been lost. Over the weekend, one planting was filmed and streamed over the internet so the honoree could watch from his hospital bed. Councilman Samus noted that two donated trees at the Park were knife damaged. One was seriously notched the other stripped of all its bark for several feet and as a result is now dead. He equated the damage to desecrating a tombstone. He also noted the graffiti on the cabin and other areas. He questioned how we could have paid people to guard dumpsters at the waste yard, yet we leave a million plus of investment at the park unprotected. He closed by saying Council needs to do something tonight. It is spring, the problem will only get worse. His sentiments were echoed by others. Rev. Matz noted we've talked before, but done nothing. Can't afford to do nothing any longer.
Some conversation on the need to do something now continued for a few minutes then ended with public comment. Fortunately, at the end of the workshop, just prior to ending, Councilman Daugherty asked if Councilman Samus wanted to say anything about the Park. The discussion was rekindled, but considering the Borough was currently down officers, it would be tough to do anything. The mayor noted for a variety of reasons for the past few weeks we have been operating four officers short of normal staff. He also noted the call rate has risen sharply. An hourly drive through was discussed, as was having officers park at the park and complete paperwork, have coffee, what have you in that area. It was also noted that they should get out and walk up to the Cabin and other areas. The mayor agreed to bring it to acting Chief Koch and police committee.
Skate Park. The first issue raised was the Skate Park and in response to questions it was noted that the options were based on skateboarders ideas that were incorporated into bids. Liability is no different than any other recreational equipment, and that the added equipment could add $1500 per year to insurance. No business or individual would liable if an injury occurred on the equipment. Another question involved the acceptance of county funds, specifically did it mean we were inviting youth from around the county to use the Skate Park. Herbst noted, yes that was the plan. He also pointed out that we had a baseball field the general public cannot use.
One bid included a site drawing and it was hung for people to see. Many of us looked at it during the executive session and I asked during comments how many people could use the Skate Park at one time? Herbst noted that they typically rotate and alternate using and watching, but 5-6 could use the equipment at one time with many more watching and waiting to go. My other question was in regard to fencing. It was noted that fencing would cost an additional $7100. (The Skate Park project then, included the fencing $7100, equipment$60,066, and paving costs which were not known as the borough did the work.)
There was also a question related to the Borough's plan to enforce penalties on skating on property once the Park was in operation. Noted that the Borough planned more enforcement.
MISC. Other items noted:
- I asked if Council could clarify the executive session. The police chief was mentioned along with HR experience, both were critical to the issue of a new chief and merging the department with Upper Nazareth. I also asked if we were hiring someone to assist in this. I was told that the executive session was related to the police chief.
- Public Property was asked if the Cabin and Refreshment Stand were ever checked for termites as a preventative maintenance issue. Answer was no, but they would.
- Concern about 30 Belvidere and the presentation by Community College. It was explained that the College projects were just that student projects, theory, not solicited site plans. Individual encouraged Borough to consult with Chamber and Historical Society before making any decisions.
- Asked about repaving Forest Drive - was told it was on the list for this year.
- Article in the Morning Call brought to attention of Concil related to housing projects. Borough was encouraged to use the money for housing not business facades if it pursues the money.
- Question regarding the opening of Kool Treats at the Borough Park in advance of the Pool opening. Council confirmed ti would be open prior to the Pool and Borough charges $10.00 per day to have them run it. It is advertised annually, is a full-service refreshment stand. Two council members noted they were unaware it would open before the pool, Secretary noted it was voted on and approved by Council. Other's running the stand had done the same in the past.
- Question if a motorcycle can park on a sidewalk? Answer was no, but the solicitor was uncertain who enforces it.
- Noted that the trucks working on the NASD Turf Field are running the stop sign at Center and Liberty Street.
- The Gateway project at 191/248 and Main Street is awaiting response regarding easement.
26 comments:
One of my customers regularly drops off work for me at my apartment on S Main St, and did so a few days ago, around 5 PM. I saw her at the courthouse, and she started to complain to me about the area. She tells me that kids are on the sidewalks in front of the bank and up to the news agency, and regularly use obscene language when she drops stuff off. But what really bothers her is an incident from a few days ago. A group was on the sidewalk in front of the news agency, and a fist fight erupted. One kid was on the ground, getting pummelled. Blood was drawn. A girl at the news agency came out and started yelling, and then everyone took off.
I told her young teenagers act out like this, and they never bother me. But she is becoming hesitant about dropping stuff off at 5 PM. That's not good.
Problems with kids using and selling drugs at the park are not new...anyone who actually goes and uses the basketball courts or other areas away from where the adults are present have know it, seen it, and smelled it. This is not the right forum to discuss if smoking marijuana should be decriminalized or not, but regardless of your stance on that issue, I have never heard anyone advocate a position which would allow children to use, allow public consumption, or decriminalize the sale of marijuana. Considering children are involved, the councilmen's reactions and comments are very surprising, regardless of the exact line betwen the borough and Lower Nazareth.
The suggestion to have the police spend more time at the part (doing paperwork, etc) is an excellent suggestion. I know at least one police officer is out on disability, but that does not mean those that are on duty cannot take their downtime at the park instead of the 7-11 or the diner. This would also help reduce the vandalism.
By the way, if you think there is a problem now, wait until kids from all over Northampton and Monroe county come to use the skate park. When you invite teens in mass, they come with certain "issues." Unfortunately, drugs - especially smoking pot - is one of them.
Regarding the school - I do not think it is reasonable to ask "where was the principal" when there was a fight in my yard...the principal cannot be everywhere. But I do not understand why the police cannot have a regular "show of force" (drive bys) during times the kids are massing outside the school (arrival and dismissal). If two forces are doing it (LN and the borough) all the better.
In regards to drugs in the school...random, announced checks are the way to go...fear of being caught and not knowing when or how the dogs will sniff down the place is the best way to keep pot of of Nazareth HS.
I don't think we can assume pot is the only drug being used and we'd be kidding ourselves if we did. It may be the easiest to identify for obvious reasons, but the situation from what I've heard is much worse. I've heard about heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine at both the MS and HS levels.
The comment made about the principal was probably a bit out of context as I wrote it. The point being made was that the NASD has a responsibility at dismissal time to monitor student behavior. They can't be everywhere, but they should be outside somewhere staff and admin together. If the NASD is utilizing surveillance cameras I'd hope they are pointed at the areas noted last night to record some of this behavior and be able to figure out how best to combat it.
It was acknowledged last night that the park was not a new problem, but it was also stated that they couldn't continue to either ignore or talk about it some action had to take place.
The more I thought about this last night and this morning, the more I think the borough should not only get its force up to its operating level (as they are trying to do), but go one step further and hire an officer designated to the school (shafer and borough streets around both shafer and HS, since Upper is internal HS), park, and special events (evening on main street, sidewalk sales, block party, etc).
The borough is extremely cautious with its spending and I commend them for it, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better reason to spend money.
This officer could patrol on foot, car, and bike and would be a supplement to the existing coverage. The other coverages would not change under this hire, it would purely be extra.
Not only would this officer cut down on the problems of vandalism and drugs, but the officer would hopefully also serve as a critical link between these youth, organizations, businesses, and the department.
I have noticed the increased police patrol around Shafer and the HS, in the morning and in the afternoon. It has helped with the cars not stopping at the signs and parents stopping in the middle of the road to let their kids out because they don't want to have to pull over. Shafer parking lot is at the lower end up front is a U-Turn for parents to use for their convenience. There has not been any Teachers or Admn outside the High school during arrival or disimissal time. The Kids have been let out like wild banshees to run wild in the streets. I guess this was not part of their new contract to go outside to ensure safety of the kids on school property. The money Lesky received for his raise could have been better spent on hiring a resource officer for the middle school, and all the elementary schools. Easton area school district has hired many retired officers for their schools and they have a security officer and each entrance of the schools. You can't get in without showing ID. This includes all students too. They must have their ID's in clear view to be in the school. They have one of the toughest policies in place. You can;t even pick up your kid without showing your ID. Nazareth should be as tough. Our little town is growing up and the influence that has come to other surrounding towns is not present in Nazareth. Our students do not need to wear their ID's at all. I have sent E-mails to Lesky and have never received an answer. What would prevent a student walking into one of our schools in the morning and start firing a gun. We live in a totally different world now and we need more safety measures put into action now before it is too late.Last year a student was on his bike and did not stop before crossing Liberty, at the same time a car was turning left onto Center and the 2 collided. The kid got back on his bike and rode away. There were no teachers anywhere. There are always fights and hanging out on the corener of Liberty and Center. Atty Lewis's yard is famous for the hangout crowd. The language used by some of these kids, while on school property is unbelievable. But now we will build yet another building that we will have to tend with. Some parents have lost control of their kids and now it is left up to the community to deal with them. I could go on about that subject but it won't change what our society has created.
School IDs were required a few years back. You have to wonder what impact the constant change in principals at the MS and HS has had in the area of security and student behavior. Obviously it is important, but in light of everything that needs to be done, it is probably not the first priority for a new person.
Teachers also used to be assigned outside in the morning and afternoon, and this too sounds like it has fallen by the wayside.
I'd have to imagine a part of the problem in the afternoon is that the bell is close to the time the teachers can leave and as a result they can't require them to stay more than five minutes or so.
It would seem with the budget, building, and all other projects seemingly decided, this would be a good time to raise the issue at a school board meeting.
While we might not be able to meet easton's approach immediately, there have to be some steps that can be implemented with reasonable ease.
I can't speak to the high school dismissal process (we are not there yet), but as for the MS-- there are definitely teachers and and the Asst. Principal (Mr. Santos) present everyday for drop off and dismissal. Mr. Santos is GREAT in his position. He always has time for parent questions/concerns and is completely in tune with the students.
As for the kids 'running like banshees' at dismissal-- let's not forget what it felt like to hear that bell when we were that age! These days students are being pushed harder than they were 20 years ago-- I think many of us would run out yelling if we had to spend a week in their shoes!
We should all stay focused and pick our battles wisely -- drug dealing/use-- NO TOLERANCE policy, removal from the school. Displaying excitement at the end of the day, even being loud in public at 3pm -- come on, there are bigger issues!
I posted the second comment earlier today (anom 9:35). I was not trying to imply pot was the only drug problem, but all data consistantly shows it is the most prevelant drug used by teens next to alcohol, and many feel it is the "gateway" to harder drugs. Anyway, I digress...it is not about pot...it is about eliminating drug use in our public parks and schools. The last poster (anom 1:08) has it right...Our attitude and approach whould be if you are caught, you are in big trouble, and by the way, our efforts to catch you will be very visable, so don't even bother trying to get away with it.
Anom 1:08 is also correct about the kids being loud upon dismissal. Again, this is very different than fighting in public. Noise should be tolorated, fighting should not. I am sure our parents thought we were noisy as heck, too.
Finally, one other note - regarding the skate park. I was surpised to read only 5-6 kids would be using the facilities at any one time, and the rest would need to stand around and wait their turn. I posted before that I felt we would see an increase in behavior and drugs issues caused by teens when Nazareth becomes their destination of choice once the skate park opens. That beleif was reinforced when I read about all of the down time kids may have "waiting their turn." I must admit I was shocked when I read Nazareth agreed to the skate park. I think there will be some buyers remorse when it is all said and done.
By the way, I am a father of two sons, and I have nothing against skaters. I realize most are good kids. However, we are talking statistics and averages here...you bring in a bunch of teens without adult supervision, you see an increase in certain problems. I conceed those problems may be caused by a minority, but the community still has to live with them.
Not one post mentioned parenting as one of the options that has to be explored here.... When do we hold these teens responsible for thier actions and thier parents accountable for what thier children do?
Do I understand that you are suggesting that NASD should be pointing thier surveillance at private property?
I think that would get a lot of attention by many of us on these postings if it were found out that NASD had surveillance pointed in the direction of any property that was not on the school property -- and in the case noted, it would not have captured the fight under the bushes on that person's private property.
Didn't we all slam the District for an Administrator who took a cell phone from a student suspected of using it for a drug deal? Is this a no win situation for NASD?
There were 8 skateboarders ahead of me on one of our streets and they made no effort to get off the street-----as tho they were just another vehicle with as much right as I to be on street!?!?! I sincerely hope a skate park solves the problem
I don't believe the District Administrator was slammed for 'taking' the cell phone -- but what was done with the phone while they had it. The 'taking' of the phone is within policy-- using it to perform your own sting operation goes over the line! That is police work. I definitely see a distinction.
anom 2:31
agreed...too many people blur too many issues. Taking the phone was fine...nobody complained...people complained when they accessed the phone in an attempt to learn more - something that was not within their rights to do. As you said, that is police week, not school admin work.
In reverse chronological order,
The police will need to enforce these violations with fines. This happens on too regular a basis and goes unchecked in the borough. My take is that if the investment was made in the Skate Park, skating on public and private property without permission from the owner, would result in a fine.
The intersection at Mitch's is terrible as the kids use these curbs and skate in the middle of the intersection and don't get out of the way of cars.
Next post, I think it would be great to think we could encourage parents to play a more active role and take responsibility for their kids, but I don't see it happening with the ones causing problems, dealing, and using the drugs.
Catch them, fine them, and punish them with jail, juvenile hall, or probation and you'll be much more effective (regarding drugs and fighting). You may even get their parent's attention.
Regarding the cameras I did not intend and can easily see how you took the comment to mean I did, to point them to private property.
They should however, be on the school property and if so, would have shown a child being followed or approached by others. You would know who was involved.
Further, I don't see a problem with surveillance cameras pointing on Liberty Street to identify individuals and the vehicles they drive where drug activity is taking place. It was noted from Center to Mitchell, particularly by the bridge there is a lot of activity. By all means record this and post a sign saying the area is under surveillance.
I don't think anyone slammed the NASD for taking a cell phone. They were however sued and settled the case as a result of allegedly using the cell phone, reading text messages on the phone, and placing phone calls with it.
The reason there was suspected drug activity was because in reading the text messages they came across one from the previous day that was interpreted to be code for needing drugs.
Had they have seriously suspected this individual from the moment the cell phone was confiscated they should have involved the police and done it right so we wouldn't be paying out a settlement.
Earlier post, the 5-6 kids should be clarified as well. I've not been to a park but have watched it on TV and it is more like one takes a ride up the ramp and down and across the way, then the next jumps in and they rotate in and out fairly often, so there could be thirty kids rotating in and out with each getting to ride every other minute or so and basically watching and waiting from an 'on-deck' circle, not sitting to the side in a group for 30 minutes watching five kids have all the fun.
Additionally, even if everyone of the kids at the skate park is 'clean', the fact is its a prime spot for someone selling drugs to recruit new users. The skate park will be a target and will need to be patrolled with regularity.
I'm also hoping the Park Manager won't have any issues with these kids when it is time to lock the gate at closing. As noted, if these are the same kids who are riding down the streets and not respecting property, will they respect the authority of the person who tells them it is time to go, or that they must wear a helmet, etc.
Other points, pot, noise, being serious, well stated - agree completely. Only wanted to point out that I've heard it is worse than I'd think and only wanted to pass it along, obviously can't confirm it.
There seems to be a culture of silence when it comes to NASD ever letting on that there might be a problem at school. Those of us with children in the MS and HS have probably heard 10 times more information from our kids than from administrators.
A child was removed from the MS by police the other week. Why? That same week it was on the news that a child at Northampton was arrested for making comments about attacking other students.
We as the parents of these students are OWED an explanation from the people we elected and/or pay to educate our children.
Unfortunately, drug use has been and probably will alway be a fact of life in school. Many years ago when I was in school, I knew who almost all of the drug users and dealers were. The only difference is that I had the common sence to not associate with them.
Anon 2:15 hit the nail on the head. A lot of parents give up their job as parents and hope the schools will pick up their slack.
The kids on the sidewalk not moving out of the way tells me that they were never taught basic courtesy, which is a parental responsibility, not the school. Kids using/dealing drugs, again, where are the parents? There are too many warning signs when a kid is using and/or dealing. You can either choose to admit there is a problem and address it, or let it go on.
Blame the schools/teachers/administration if it happens on school grounds. Blame the local police if it happens in a public place. But at the same time, we have to blame ourselves as parents if it is our child involved.
Agree 100%, but I'd wager you're preaching to the choir here...and that leaves us with the other two options - school and police.
I'm surprised already how much time at ELEM is spent on non academic learning that ought to be taught at home, but that is another story.
There will be drugs at the school, just as there will be underage drinking, but not addressing the drugs or discussing it is akin to saying it is ok, and it seems we're all in agreement its not something we want for our children.
Drugs and alcohol as been an issue over the years at many schools including nasd. Remember the class of 73 football game and how many were drinking, fans football players and cheerleaders... I can say I am not sure the drug programs work, when the kids try and use and then say hey this did not happen we,adults, look like liars until shocking outcomes happen. IN the meantime I have never seen so much mockery and acting out drug use as I have lately. I see the students in the ms who are skaters and saying lets be late class on purpose. In general not all but I am shocked how rude and disrespectful many of the 8th grades are. Makes wonder even more about a compounding issue of rudeness when the skate park opens and who is going to be patient waiting around to get a turn. Whatever happene dto after school detention? Too bad for those in sports and other activities to miss out on a practice or game.
I have heard that the staff at the MS finds this group of 8th graders to be the most obnoxious bunch to ecer roam those hallowed halls.
This is becoming a place for a need for security cameras in hallways and lunchroom. Parents would be surprised to see how some of the students behave including their own. Many behaviors good or bad are formed in these ms school years. Now I see more bad than good and that is not good.
Some of the comments appear to be from a teacher's perspective.
Frankly, I would like to get more of their point of view as they are there on a day to day basis.
Anon 9:24 is right. I think a lot of parents would be (or should be) shocked if they really knew what was going on behind the closed doors during the school day.
So, to the teachers on this site, please share with us your insights. I'm not saying this as a joke, I personally would really like to hear from you on this subject.
I would hope that if a student has behaved inappropriately, the parents would have been contacted by the school directly.
I don't doubt that my children act somewhat differently in my absence, I would hope that any actions requiring discipline would be communicated directly to me.
To post any actions of a child online and never communicating these actions to the parents, is just gossip, and will never fix the problem.
This year's 8th grade class in NAMS does have many social issues. We cannot blame 14 year old children for their actions when their own parents do not know any better.
I am appalled at what I witnessed today at the middle school prior to the evening showing of the school play.
The play had 2 showtimes today (2pm and 7:30pm). In between the 2 shows, there was a planned party at the school for the cast and crew. Several parent volunteers put a great deal of effort into planning the party, ordering food, decorating, and creating great memorable gifts for the cast and crew.
One family had the audacity to plan a separate party and invite only a select portion of these kids! The plan was for them to vacate the school after they ate the food, leaving the rest of the kids knowing they were not invited, behind in the school, returning later for the 2nd show.
Luckily, when those responsible for the play found out what was planned they quickly announced that students were not supposed to leave school grounds (they were indeed responsible for them while they were on school property for the day). I commend them for their actions.
What were these parents thinking?? How did they think these other kids would feel? Did they ever give a thought to the rest of the kids?
How can we expect these kids to act in a civilized manner when their parents clearly have never learned how to treat others?
As for the play-- these students and staff members have worked hard and are putting on a great performance! They ALL have done a great job (not just one or two of them), it is not easy getting on stage, and there is alot of work going on behind the scenes by students in the crew as well.
For those of you who have not seen the play yet-- there is still one more showing, tomorrow at 2pm. Who knows what 'extra' you'll see-- there apparently is much 'drama' in the drama club!
For Anoymous 10:05 -
My daughter helped with the play but was not in the cast. She was told that she was not invited to the cast party unless she paid $8. I'm sure the parents did a great job, but my daughter and several other students were not aware they would have to pay to be included.
My daughter came home to eat dinner as she had no money with her. She told me that several of the other kids in her same position were going out for dinner, since they all were excluded unless they paid for the party. Perhaps everyone had to pay, but these kids worked hard, too, and should at least have been told ahead of time about the fee.
I don't know that the parents involved intended to be rude to anyone, but that perhaps some were annoyed about the situation and planned to take the excluded children out. I was also told that several students who were not able to go home sat in the lobby or outside the building and waited until the party was over to help with the second show, because they had no money with them either.
I was not there, and there is probably a lot more to this than I know. I thought you might want to hear there is another side to the story, and that not everyone was trying to be rude.
Everyone did a wonderful job on the play. It was very well done.
I received the notice of the $8 cost of the in-school cast party through email and my child reminded me (so it must have been announced at practice).
I am sorry you didn't get the message-- but I am certain it was announced. Did you provide an email address for communications at the parent meeting held at the start of practices?
During the party, cast members were permitted to be in the cafeteria, hallway, auditorium, and music room. These areas were all chaparoned. I am sure that chaparones were unaware that several cast members did not participate because they had not paid (I was a chaparone). Given the length of day, I certainly would have covered the cost for any one of these kids.
The private party had nothing to do with the kids that didn't have money, but instead an ongoing disagreement with the director. The privileged few had paid their $8 and did take part in the in-school party-- their plans were to leave after pizza.
Again-- what were they thinking? Taking a cheap shot at the director and in their path, hurt the feelings of a bunch of kids. Not to mention the liability.
Anonymous -
No. As I said, she was not IN the cast. She was not at practices because she was recruited to help just a few days before the play. She folded programs, ushered, helped turn scripts for lighting, read lines with cast members before the play, acted as a gopher, etc. Nothing spectacular, just someone willing to help a cause she believed in.
I know nothing about any disagreements or other issues. I do know that several other students went with one of their Moms to a restaurant to get dinner, and my daughter came home to eat.
This will be my last post, because she asked me to drop it. She said this is just how it is, she is used to it and she only minded being excluded because she hates seeing her friends' feelings hurt.
Thank you.
I heard there was a whole coup attempt at the MS drama program. Apparently, being in an Ovaltine commercial makes you the top thespian in the Lehigh Valley.
There definitely is alot of drama in the drama club.
how did this important string degrade into a conversation about a MS cast party. It apparently has the parents more upset than the kids...
I know, the connection is parenting, responsible and polite behavior, etc...but come on...
another example of people "blurring issues," as one poster pointed out before this string became an extension of the drama club...
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