Post by momto4 on May 27, 2009 10:48:42 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1593459,2_1_AU27_DRUGTEST_S1-090527.article
(if you go to the link you'll see an online survey asking Should schools require random drug tests for students in extra-curricular activities?)
Drug tests for Plano students
May 27, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
PLANO -- In a move to thwart drug use among its students, the Plano School District has approved random drug screening of middle and high school students involved in extracurricular activities. The tests will start this fall.
From three-sport athletes to students who use the school's lot for parking, hundreds of teens will be entered into the pool from which a number of students will be selected for testing. Every student who wishes to attend a school dance or any school-sponsored activity will be eligible for testing.
Between 10 and 20 students will be tested each term, officials said.
Students who fail the test will be suspended from extracurricular activities and be required to seek counseling.
Plano is the only district in the Fox Valley area that requires such testing for its students.
"We thought, what can we do to better deter our students (from drug use)?," said Dr. Laurie Walker, district superintendent. The district handbook committee -- made up of students, teachers and parents -- brought the proposal to the School Board, which approved it last month. Several public forums followed.
"All of the input that we received was positive," Walker said. "I think it will help the students in terms of saying no."
Athletic Director Jim Schmidt said combating peer pressure is just one the benefits of testing.
"I've been pushing this for years," Schmid t said Tuesday during Plano's Athletic Department orientation. He said the benefits experienced by schools that currently test are proof enough of the program's positive impact.
By providing prevention and intervention programs, creating a safe, drug-free learning environment and involving parents in school drug-prevention efforts, Schmidt said he expects to see drug use decline.
The testing, he said, is not meant to provide administrators with reason to expel students, involve law enforcement or replace parental involvement. Instead, Schmidt said, the results could become a student's lifeline to help, counseling or drug education.
And while some students are taking the tests with a grain of salt (most athletes are already used to signing commitments to be free of drugs, alcohol or tobacco), others are wary of the new rule.
"Everyone was just really shocked (when they found out about the new rule)," said Plano Middle School seventh-grader Dan Comiskey. Involved in football and wrestling, Comiskey will be eligible for testing, as will many of his friends.
"I think they are taking it too far," he said.
Fellow seventh-grader Alexis Devine, who participates in basketball, track, cheerleading and volleyball, views things in a different light.
"It's a good idea because it makes kids think about what they do," she said. "But they should test for alcohol, too."
Walker said the district plans to remain mum on more details of how students will be chosen for testing. Testing of urine specimens will be done on site by Rush-Copley Medical Center professionals. Samples will be tested for several drugs, including marijuana.
Tim Furnas, assistant principal at Hinckley-Big Rock High School, said while random drug testing isn't a district priority yet, it has been discussed.
"It depends on how it's used," he said. "If it's used for punishment reasons, it will likely get misused. If it's used for enlightenment, it is different."
"I think some districts will be shocked by the results," he said. "No one wants to admit their kids are doing drugs."
(if you go to the link you'll see an online survey asking Should schools require random drug tests for students in extra-curricular activities?)
Drug tests for Plano students
May 27, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
PLANO -- In a move to thwart drug use among its students, the Plano School District has approved random drug screening of middle and high school students involved in extracurricular activities. The tests will start this fall.
From three-sport athletes to students who use the school's lot for parking, hundreds of teens will be entered into the pool from which a number of students will be selected for testing. Every student who wishes to attend a school dance or any school-sponsored activity will be eligible for testing.
Between 10 and 20 students will be tested each term, officials said.
Students who fail the test will be suspended from extracurricular activities and be required to seek counseling.
Plano is the only district in the Fox Valley area that requires such testing for its students.
"We thought, what can we do to better deter our students (from drug use)?," said Dr. Laurie Walker, district superintendent. The district handbook committee -- made up of students, teachers and parents -- brought the proposal to the School Board, which approved it last month. Several public forums followed.
"All of the input that we received was positive," Walker said. "I think it will help the students in terms of saying no."
Athletic Director Jim Schmidt said combating peer pressure is just one the benefits of testing.
"I've been pushing this for years," Schmid t said Tuesday during Plano's Athletic Department orientation. He said the benefits experienced by schools that currently test are proof enough of the program's positive impact.
By providing prevention and intervention programs, creating a safe, drug-free learning environment and involving parents in school drug-prevention efforts, Schmidt said he expects to see drug use decline.
The testing, he said, is not meant to provide administrators with reason to expel students, involve law enforcement or replace parental involvement. Instead, Schmidt said, the results could become a student's lifeline to help, counseling or drug education.
And while some students are taking the tests with a grain of salt (most athletes are already used to signing commitments to be free of drugs, alcohol or tobacco), others are wary of the new rule.
"Everyone was just really shocked (when they found out about the new rule)," said Plano Middle School seventh-grader Dan Comiskey. Involved in football and wrestling, Comiskey will be eligible for testing, as will many of his friends.
"I think they are taking it too far," he said.
Fellow seventh-grader Alexis Devine, who participates in basketball, track, cheerleading and volleyball, views things in a different light.
"It's a good idea because it makes kids think about what they do," she said. "But they should test for alcohol, too."
Walker said the district plans to remain mum on more details of how students will be chosen for testing. Testing of urine specimens will be done on site by Rush-Copley Medical Center professionals. Samples will be tested for several drugs, including marijuana.
Tim Furnas, assistant principal at Hinckley-Big Rock High School, said while random drug testing isn't a district priority yet, it has been discussed.
"It depends on how it's used," he said. "If it's used for punishment reasons, it will likely get misused. If it's used for enlightenment, it is different."
"I think some districts will be shocked by the results," he said. "No one wants to admit their kids are doing drugs."
