It’s time for us to add a fourth ‘R’

To the editor:

It is very popular today to talk about Old School. 

Old School refers to anything that is from an earlier era or anything that may be considered old-fashioned. The term is commonly used to suggest a high regard for something that has been shown to have lasting value or quality.

Old School in education would have been the basics: the three “Rs” — reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. Being highly skilled in the three Rs is extremely important.  It is very difficult to pass a class or get a job if you can’t read, write or do arithmetic.  

Today’s students have to do more than the basics to succeed.  Students today not only have pressure to learn but they have pressure to survive. 

Perhaps, a 4th R needs to be added:  Respect. 

Respect for yourself to stay drug free, respect for fellow students to help them stay drug free and respect for all —law enforcement, parents, grandparent or the stranger who want to help or who need your help.

Respect for everyone, respect for the horrible outcome drugs can have on us, will make sure that R.I.P. does not become the 5th R in education. 

Let’s all get educated on how to respect the dangers associated with drugs.  We can do this by working together to make our students and our community safe. 

Contact the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition at (260) 726-7161 and find out how you can help.

Cindy Denney

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition member