We instituted random drug testing about ten years ago at a time that we knew there was too much marijuana use but when it was also not a public problem—at least in our school. That allowed us to establish the program pro-actively as a way to give students a tool and an excuse to say no when offered drugs. Over the ten years, we have had very few positive test results and the reports from students almost immediately were that students stopped using recreational drugs. The consequences of a positive test result are relatively minor, though the student is also required to undergo regular drug testing for the remainder of the year at the parents’ expense.
Slowly but surely, the “drug†of choice became alcohol instead of other illegal drugs. This is not a rampant problem in the school, but there are pockets of students who drink regularly over the weekends and if your child spends time within these groups, it is very hard for him or her to resist. As a result, we have now instituted random alcohol testing as well, with the only consequence of a positive result being a report to the child’s parents.
The pushback from parents and students over the years has been pretty minimal. We are under no illusions that this program has or will solve all problems with substance abuse among our students, but it seems to have had a very positive effect on the culture both inside and outside of school.
Happy to share more for anyone interested.
Bi-Vrakhah,
Josh Levisohn
Head of School
Berman Hebrew Academy
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/03/2017 07:52AM by mlb.
