Trapper's Trash Stinks Up Eyesore

All The World Is Still A Stage For Shakespeare

By SANJAY BHATT; Times Leader Staff Writer
 Monday, February 10, 1997 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1A 





Teen smokers are cursing a state law that took effect last week. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The law allows school districts to refer students caught with bringing any
tobacco products onto school property to a local district justice, who can
fine students up to $50 per citation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some teen smokers complain that teachers routinely smoke in the bathrooms
and faculty lounges, while students are searched for cigarettes if teachers
smell smoke. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "It's an invasion of your privacy," said Kelly, a sophomore at Coughlin
High School. "There's this one teacher who'll just take your stuff if he
suspects you're smoking." She declined to give the teacher's name. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Another Coughlin sophomore nearby said teachers and staff should be held to
the same standard as students. "If it's an addiction for adults, then it's
going to be an addiction for kids," said Crystal, lighting a cigarette at a
bus stop in Public Square. "If an adult can't wait, then a kid can't wait." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coughlin Principal Bill Schwab said teachers are not allowed to smoke in
the building. As for the charge that teachers search students, Schwab said no
policy forbids them from doing so. "They can tell you anything," he said,
referring to the students who complained. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Last week, the law drew praise from administrators, who said it clarified
their responsibilities, and some students who said it could discourage peers
from starting to smoke. Students heard about the rule before it went into
effect. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "The media did a real good job of publicizing it," said Dave Bieri, vice
principal at Crestwood Junior-Senior High School. School officials also
broadcast an announcement on school televisions to inform students of the new
law, he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As a result, no one was caught for possessing tobacco last week, Bieri
said. One student was cited for smoking. "You have a lot more students being
more cautious than they were in the past." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Most Luzerne County school administrators report few violations. Pittston
Area Senior High School reported the highest number of violations. On Friday,
Assistant Principal Joseph Orlando said five students received citations for
possessing tobacco products. Another six were cited for smoking. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "It's not stopping them," Orlando said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Greater Nanticoke Area and Wyoming Area School Districts have filed
citations against students for years for possessing tobacco, officials at both
districts said. The new state law "is another tool we use to impress on a kid
the harmful effects of tobacco," said John Gregorowicz, high school principal.
Each district reported one incident of possession last week. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Wyoming Valley West -- which reported the county's highest number of
cigarette possessions to the state last year -- filed a citation against only
one student last week for possession, said Charles Suppon, director of pupil
personnel services. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Hanover Area Junior-Senior High School reported no violations, while Meyers
High School reported one smoking violation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As they waited for their rides, the two girls from Coughlin finished off a
few cigarettes. Kelly said she was annoyed she has to worry about hiding her
cigarettes, even in her bra, since her parents know about her habit. "It's
doing nothing. It's stupid." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teens Scorch Law Against Smoking Prohibition Against Bringing Cigarettes Onto School Property, With Fine Of Up To $50, Draws Scorn