'HOT TOPICS' ARE TOPIC OF DAY AT CV

Some Parents Forbid Children to Attend Discussion Sessions

CHENANGO BRIDGE -- Chenango Valley High School students will put
aside their textbooks today to discuss volunteering, careers and
about 27 hot-button issues in the community.

Some "hot topic" sessions include talks and presentations about
homosexuality, civil disobedience, changing marijuana laws, tattooing
and teen-age sexuality. That has turned the program into something of
a hot topic of its own.

Five people have called the high school, and three parents have
refused permission for their children to attend the "hot topic"
sessions, said Jon Reiser, a student assistance counselor who has
helped organize today's event.

Parent Rebecca Van Wie sent the school a note refusing clearance for
her child to attend some "hot topic" sessions. She said she believes
some will be "one-sided."

The day-long conference day was planned by the school and At the
Table, a new program developed by 4-H Youth Development, which is
part of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County.

At The Table aims to give young people the chance to express their
opinions and suggestions on issues and get involved in community
service, said Lawrence Chizak, a former Windsor High School principal
who directs the program.

A committee -- including students and school administrators -- has
been planning the event since September.

The day will feature a talk by a motivational speaker, visits by 30
community agencies seeking volunteers, career exploration workshops
and "at the table" sessions during which students can discuss issues
including the drinking age, high school electives and suggestions on
improving school bathroom conditions.

The 27 "hot topic" sessions will be led by representatives from local
organizations, Reiser said.

While some sessions have value, "a lot of this is obviously a
politically correct agenda being promoted," said Cherie Hill, a Town
of Binghamton resident who doesn't live in the CV district. She
learned about the day from a friend.

Such topics, she said, include "Making Mature Sexual Decisions,"
conducted by Planned Parenthood; "Gay Rights and Awareness,"
conducted by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project; "U.S.
Terrorism and Civil Disobedience"; and "Reforming Marijuana Laws."

School officials emphasized they have worked to balance the sessions.
For example, the tattooing session will feature a school physician as
well as the owner of a tattoo parlor.

Assistant Superintendent Mary Waskie said the high school mailed a
list of the topics to parents. If any objected to a topic, she said,
they could instruct the school their child could not attend that
session.

Students and adults picked the topics, Reiser said.

"They have been driven by student opinion," he said.