Yakima - More drugs are being found in your kids schools. But are the numbers a clear reflection of what's really going on? When KIMA looked at the stats, the numbers revealed a disturbing trend. But we took it one step further, to answer the question; should you be concerned about what's being found on campus?

" We are seeing a need to address problem behaviors earlier and earlier," said Becky Scholl, Yakima Schools Director of Student Services.

Kids caught with drugs and alcohol. In the Yakima school district, Lewis and Clark Middle school reports 14 drug offenses for the 2008-2009 school year. In just 5 months of this school year, that number is already at 15.

There were 93 incidents of drugs, alcohol and tobacco at the 4 middle schools combined last year. That number is already at 52 this year. At the high schools the number of kids busted for drugs is trending about the same as the year before. However, 20 of those incidents were at stanton, compared to just 8 the year before.

But the district says that could be because of a tighter watch by Stanton's new principal.

Scholl said, " I think Mr. Endicott has worked himself into fatigue, to make it so."

The East Valley school district has also seen more drugs and alcohol at its high school. Nine reported cases last year. And 9 already this year.

" One incident involved 4 students in an after school activity. Another bust involved 3 students in an off campus activity during lunch," said Dottie Say, East Valley High School Principal.

Fewer drugs, but just as many students. Students in both districts face a 30 to 90 day suspension and possible expulsion when they get caught. And that could keep them from getting into a good college, or finishing school on time.

East Valley High School Senior, Isabel Zarate said, " People are going to judge you based on the choices you make. So, if you're worried about what they think now, later it's going to affect you. Do you want to have fun now? Or do you want to have a future later?"

Teachers and staff are always on the look out for students bent on this self-destructive activity. The only guarantee is that the pressure will stay on to prevent your kids from making these bad choices

KIMA contacted West Valley Schools several times over several days looking for numbers on its drug offenses on campus, but did not hear back from them in time for our report.

Both Yakima and East Valley told me they do cut the suspension time in half for first time students who take a urinalysis test and sign a re-entry contract stating they'll do some counseling at the school and stay clean.