|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
USD 505 has adopted a new drug testing policy for its high school and middle school students. A committee consisting of parents, school board members, law enforcement, and community members decided it was in the districts best policy, as it is expected to be successful in preventing drug use. At the same time, how successful it is will be dependent on the students.
Drug testing will be conducted at random and ten students are picked per school in the district. A company from Texas called, Alere, will complete the testing. Only high school and middle school students are in the pool to be picked. Testing will occur randomly at a minimum of every 30 days. If a student fails the test, he or she will receive five days of academic probation. For the first offense, the student shall be suspended from participation in all extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities, including all performances and competitions, for ten (10) school days. Any student that ‘self-reports’ the use of drugs or alcohol, prior to any testing, shall be suspended from participation in activities or travel for five (5) school days. The principal will notify parents and appropriate sponsors of such suspension of eligibility.
The Board of Education, administration, staff, and community are hopeful that drug testing will give students a reason to say no to peer pressure, drugs and alcohol.
USD 505 has adopted a new drug testing policy for its high school and middle school students. A committee consisting of parents, school board members, law enforcement, and community members decided it was in the districts best policy, as it is expected to be successful in preventing drug use. At the same time, how successful it is will be dependent on the students.
Drug testing will be conducted at random and ten students are picked per school in the district. A company from Texas called, Alere, will complete the testing. Only high school and middle school students are in the pool to be picked. Testing will occur randomly at a minimum of every 30 days. If a student fails the test, he or she will receive five days of academic probation. For the first offense, the student shall be suspended from participation in all extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities, including all performances and competitions, for ten (10) school days. Any student that ‘self-reports’ the use of drugs or alcohol, prior to any testing, shall be suspended from participation in activities or travel for five (5) school days. The principal will notify parents and appropriate sponsors of such suspension of eligibility.
The Board of Education, administration, staff, and community are hopeful that drug testing will give students a reason to say no to peer pressure, drugs and alcohol.
