Parents, guardians and members of the community are invited to attend a free drug and alcohol prevention seminar, “Steered Straight,” 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Apache Junction High School Performing Arts Center, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction.

Michael DeLeon will be the keynote speaker. He is also speaking to Apache Junction Unified School District students in an assembly for sixth through 12th grade students. The information will cover important topics facing youth today including vaping, death by fentanyl poisoning, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the dangers of legalized marijuana use.

The evening seminar for adults will cover how to better understand and prevent drug and alcohol abuse and how to educate children so they can make positive, informed choices when it comes to drugs.

Additional topics include:

• Information about the latest drug trends.
• Signs and symptoms of drug use and what to look for.
• How to speak to your children about these topics.
• Useful tips and advice on how to better prevent drug and alcohol use from affecting your children.

“Our students are vulnerable to a variety of drug and alcohol issues that can seriously damage their health, negatively impact their learning, and even rob them of their potential to have a happy and productive future,” AJUSD Superintendent Heather Wallace said. “We invite our district families and members of the community to join us for this free seminar so together we can learn more about problems facing our youth and what actions we can take to help them.”

The Steered Straight Seminar is a part of a grant-funded program AJUSD has adopted through the Student Wellness Program. The program’s emphasis is to create a positive impact on academic performance, improve students’ health, and reduce high-risk behavior.

Registration is being accepted at AJHS, CCJH, Desert Vista Elementary School, Four Peaks Elementary School and Peralta Trail Elementary School. For information, go to ajusd.org or follow the district on social media.