The East Williston-Roslyn Community Coalition for Drug-Free Youth was founded six years ago, principally in response to concerns about at-risk behaviors among our youth that led to several dangerous incidents involving drugs and alcohol at that time. Over the last few years, the Coalition has worked closely with school leaders, local clergy, law enforcement and community groups to raise awareness about teenage drug and alcohol use and to provide opportunities for parent education through workshops, seminars and forums.

We invite parents and secondary students in our communities to a special program presented by the Coalition on the evening of Wednesday, April 22: "Reality Gap: What Parents Don't Know & Kids Aren't Telling." The featured speaker will be Stephen Wallace, Chairman and CEO of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). The program will be in the Roslyn High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

We believe this will be a very worthwhile program, as Mr. Wallace brings his broad experience and insight about youth development, behavior and attitudes to a topic that is very important to our school communities. We hope parents will take this opportunity to participate in a candid, constructive forum about underage drinking and other issues concerning our children's health and safety.

For more information about this event and other Coalition activities, please visit their website at http://www.ewrcc.org.

Dr. Lorna R. Lewis

Superintendent of Schools, East Williston School District

Dr. John A. Richman

Superintendent of Schools, Roslyn School District