Voluntary Random Student Drug Testing: What You Need to Know

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Voluntary Random Student Drug Testing What
You Need to Know
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• In 2005 and 2006, the WJCC School Board studied
  the pros and cons of a Random Student Drug
  Testing policy in response to an increase in
  teenage alcohol and drug abuse in our community.
  They adopted a Voluntary Random Student Drug
  Testing policy in 2006.

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• A task force composed of community members and
  school personnel was formed. The task force
  included school administrators, principals,
  athletic directors, guidance counselors,
  teachers, members of the PTA, police officers,
  doctors, representatives from Bacon Street and
  the Historic Triangle Substance Abuse Council,
  and citizens.

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• The School Boards charge to the task force was
  to
• Propose a comprehensive and multifaceted
  approach to alcohol and drug abuse prevention in
  the schools of WJCC effective with the 2006-7
  school year.

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• One part of this comprehensive alcohol and drug
  abuse prevention program is Voluntary Random
  Student Drug Testing.
• Teenage alcohol and drug abuse is a
• SERIOUS problem in our community.

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• In 2003, 42 of WJCC seniors had used alcohol in
  the last 30 days, and 19 had used marijuana.
• In 2006, 52 of seniors had used alcohol within
  the last 30 days, and 21 had used marijuana.

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• Among persons aged 18 to 25, 20 used any illicit
  drug in the past month.
• Among persons 26 or older, 5 to 6 used any
  illicit drug in the past month.

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• Underage drinking significantly impacts brain
  development, leading to literal brain shrinkage.
• 47 of those who begin drinking before the age of
  14 become alcohol dependent at some point in
  their lives, compared with 9 of those who wait
  until age 21.

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• The rate of fatal crashes among alcohol-involved
  drivers between 16 and 20 years old is more than
  twice the rate for alcohol-involved drivers 21
  and older.

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Teenage drug use, 2002
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Offered, sold or given a drug on school property
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• The purpose of VRSDT is to
• Foster a safer learning environment in our
  schools.
• Establish a stronger culture of drug disapproval
  and responsible decision-making.
• Help direct students away from drug and alcohol
  use.

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• VRSDT is not intended to catch current drug
  users or to punish them. Rather, it gives kids a
  reason to say no.
• VRSDT promotes safe, drug-free schools.
• VRSDT is one part of a multifaceted approach to
  alcohol and drug abuse prevention.

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• The program is completely voluntary.
• Sign-up forms will be sent home on the first day
  of school.
• Both parent and student must sign the form and
  choose either Yes to volunteer for the program
  or No.

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• Every student must return the form, checked
  either Yes or No, in a confidential sealed
  envelope.
• The forms will be sent directly to the
  laboratory. No school personnel will see any
  completed forms.

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• Students can withdraw from the program through
  the VRSDT drop form, which must be signed by both
  the student and parent.
• Students may enroll each school year.

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• The policy is non-punitive and completely
  confidential. Only the Medical Review Officer
  from the lab and the parents will know the
  results of a drug test.
• School personnel are not notified in any way.
• The MRO will contact the parents in the event of
  a positive test and offer community resources.
  Involvement in these suggested supports is not
  required.

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• Students will be asked to produce a sample in a
  secured, tamper-proof bathroom. No other students
  will be present. The lab personnel will wait
  outside until the student can produce a specimen.

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• The lab is a licensed collection agency operating
  under strict federal guidelines. There is an
  accurate chain of custody for each specimen.
• Positive samples will be automatically retested.

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• The test checks for the presence of controlled
  substances, marijuana, anabolic steroids, and
  alcohol.
• Approximately 15 of the total number of
  participants will be tested annually.
• A federal grant pays for the program. Drug
  testing costs are not taken out of the overall
  school budget. There are no charges to the family
  for the drug test.

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• If you suspect your child has a problem with
  drugs or alcohol, you can contact
• Bacon Street Substance Abuse Services
• Historic Triangle Substance Abuse Coalition
• Colonial Services Board
• WJCC Student Services

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• If you know of or suspect a teenage drinking
  party, you can call the anonymous party tipline
• 4-SOBRFN
• (476-2736)
• You may save a life!