The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem led by Girl Scout Troop 5462. U.S. Department of Education officials offered opening remarks on the topic, “Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration to Make Schools Safe, Healthy and Drug-Free: Reflecting on the Past and Looking Ahead.” Topics included literacy, federal drug laws, health education, discipline, safety vs. privacy, and new approaches for combating drugs in public schools. 

Ms. Woodruff, Mr. Keeter, and Mr. Lopez gave a presentation showing how children and youth have changed in the past 20 years. They used statistics, charts, and video clips. Topics included race, ethnicity, crime, and dropout rates.