Safe, Innovative, Rigorous. Not exactly the first words that come to mind when you think of existing public school options. However, that is the mission of the Smyrna Academy of Excellence (SAE), a new Smyrna charter school under development: to be the most exceptionally SAFE, INNOVATIVE and RIGOROUS school in Georgia. When I first saw that, I wondered how, and began to explore what this school would offer. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the school and am highly impressed by the following aspects:

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Despite being among the top three killers of Americans under age 21, many parents do not seem to realize that underage drinking is a major problem.

The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is partnering with the PTAs at local schools to give parents an important skill set to prevent teen drinking. A meeting for all Cobb parents will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cobb Central Library.

Several local experts will give insight into this growing issue, including Cobb Alcohol Taskforce coordinator Cathy Finck.

"The brain goes through dynamic change during adolescence, and alcohol can seriously damage long and short term brain growth processes," Finck said. "The research is compelling, but more parents need to know about it. We hope arming PTAs will help get the facts and useful tips to more parents for saving teen brains."