This past year, a subcommittee of LCSS parents, board members, and administrators met to research, review and make recommendations regarding the policies and practices that address the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco by our students. After a thorough study of research, community resources, and policies at many other Catholic high schools, LCSS has made a decision to implement a random drug testing program for grades 9-12. In addition to adding random testing, there will be other changes made to our existing policy including helping mechanisms and discipline measures.
The primary goal of the new policy is to deter alcohol and drug use by our students and help them understand the negative impact of drug and alcohol use on their health, their relationships, and their future.
Substance abuse often begins with casual drug and alcohol use during the teen years. Helping our students make good choices can save them from long-term problems related to abuse and addiction. We cannot responsibly ignore the statistics:
In the United States,
Nearly one-third of 12 to 17-year-olds have used an illicit drug.
64% of teens say they have used prescription pain killers they got from a friend or family member.
In Tippecanoe County,
32% of high school students have used marijuana.
25% of 8th graders report past alcohol use.
21% of high school seniors see only “slight” or “no” risk in binge drinking weekly.
Multiple research studies show that the earlier students start using alcohol and drugs, the more likely they are to develop substance use disorders, and the more likely they are to engage in other high-risk behaviors that put themselves and others at grave risk.
Although there is no evidence of widespread alcohol and substance abuse among our student body, even one student at risk is too many.
“If we knew a student was hungry, would we not feed him? If we knew a student was about to make a dangerous, destructive, or even deadly decision, would we not protect him or arm him with what he needed to make a better decision at the party? If we knew that a student was in trouble with substance abuse or addiction, would we not get him help? Of course we would. Every parent who may one day struggle with their child’s drug addiction, dependence on alcohol, or worse, would have given anything to have known their child needed help in time to do something about it.”
- Dr. George B. Elder, Vice President, Psychemedics Corp.
We believe that a random drug testing policy will give our students a very important tool in standing up to peer pressure - they can say “I can’t. My school tests.”
The target date for implementation of the new policy will be August 16, 2016. It is anticipated that random drug testing will begin in September 2016. What will random drug testing look like?
Frequency: A randomly selected group of students will submit a hair sample each week. A computer program will determine which students are tested.
Hair sample: Testing a hair sample offers significantly greater detection ability than other methods of analyzing bodily fluids like urine or saliva. Many drugs are undetectable in urine as early as 72 hours after use, whereas they can be detected in hair samples for several months after ingestion. Additionally, collection is much less intrusive and more cost-effective.
Testing: LCSS will contract with a professional drug testing company to test our students. Screens can detect the use of a variety of different substances for up to 90 days after use, including, but not limited to: opiates (heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone), marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, Ecstasy, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and binge drinking (alcohol).
In addition to random drug screening, the new policy will include measures aimed at helping students understand the gravity of their choices and educate them on the risks of alcohol and drug use. We are committed to educating our students in the life skills that lead to success - including saying “no” to intoxicating substances. Specifically, when a student tests positive, they will be required to take Drug and Alcohol Awareness training and/or receive a professional assessment and treatment plan. Parents will be involved in these intervention efforts.
In concert with our efforts to create a safe and healthy environment for our students, we are pleased to announce that we will be adding another counselor to our Guidance office at Central Catholic. This new resource will provide a variety of services, including academic support services and help for students experiencing anxiety and other social and emotional challenges. You will also see increased efforts to provide you (the parents) with information and resources to help your child.
One of the hallmarks of a Catholic education is that parents are recognized as the first and primary educators of their children. We also understand that the school is an important and integral partner in this primary endeavor - to raise children of God. It is in this spirit that we have invested significant time and energy into the development of the new Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Policy at Central Catholic.
There will be more detailed information provided to you at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year this August. In the meantime, thank you for your continued support and prayers for the Lafayette Catholic School System, its students, and all of our school families.
