johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,684
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
|
Post by johnnysmom on Jul 28, 2019 9:19:38 GMT
I have no issue with it and wish our district did it. Pot especially has become so prevalent in our school that it’s insane. And some of those representing our school are known potheads. I think anyone representing the school should be tested for illegal substances (pot is legal here at age 21) but it should be random (draw out of a hat, random) due to cost.
|
|
lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,265
Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
|
Post by lindas on Jul 28, 2019 9:19:57 GMT
If random testing had been around 10yrs ago my cousin's son might still be alive today.
|
|
|
Post by monklady123 on Jul 28, 2019 11:05:50 GMT
Oh hell no. School district doesn’t get to decide my kid’s future (college admissions or scholarships, for example) randomly, without cause, for something that happened outside of school time. We’d be getting lawyers involved. Expensive ones. It would be Merge ISD when we were done with them. I’d strongly suggest that any school district that doesn’t want to also deal with parents suing them stops wasting money trying to catch kids for stuff they do off campus and outside of school time. The “don’t like it don’t play” argument holds no water with me. It’s a public school. My tax dollars pay for it. And no way in hell are they going to reduce my kid’s chances at scholarship because she got sat out of the orchestra for testing positive for pot, nicotine or anything else. As long as she’s not using or high at school, it’s not their fucking business. ETA: and what really sucks about a policy like this is that it’s not my kid who is going to suffer. In this hypothetical situation, if I have my lawyer friend call them up, that’s probably going to be the end of it and my kid will be fine. It’s the kid with less affluent and connected parents, the kid whose parents don’t feel safe enough to make waves - often, the kid whose skin is not white - who is going to suffer. And that’s not OK with me, either. Let’s let the parents parent their kids and let the schools worry about what they actually do in school. Everyone will be better off. (I’m also not a fan of no pass/no play rules in K-12 education. If you’ve got a kid who struggles academically but excels at football or trumpet or art, what are we doing when we take away the thing that gives him a reason to go to school every day? Not doing him any favors, that’s for sure.) This is so true (the part about which kids will suffer the most)...You might appreciate this story since it involves the arts...My ds played the trumpet starting in 4th grade (which is when the start instruments here) all the way through high school. In middle school bands always participated in one of these regional competitions, usually held at or near a large amusement park...they'd go for the entire day, have the competition in the morning, have fun on the rides, then come back later to hear the results. So of course the bands practiced for this for months and months, as any group (music, sports, science...) would. Our state standardized tests are called the Standards of Learning (SOLs, which is an unfortunate acronym lol). They mean absolutely nothing to the kids unless it's in a high school class (they need to pass a certain number of SOLs for high school level classes in order to graduate). So ds was in middle school and scheduled to take the SOLs but he woke up sick. Truly sick, not just faking it. Fast forward a couple of weeks and he came home with a note giving the SOL make-up date. Which just happened to be the date of the big band competition. So I called up the school and asked when another date could be arranged. Oh no, says the gal, that's the date, he'll just have to miss the competition. Um nope. I reminded her that a band was an ensemble working together and you can't just yank one kid out of any section, that they'd been practicing for ages, etc. But she wouldn't budge, said he couldn't go to the band competition and he'd have to take the SOL on that date. So I went up the food chain and spoke to the head counselor. I reminded her about the group nature of a band, and how hard they'd been working, and how unfair it was to treat the band director like her subject wasn't as important as academics, etc. And how ds didn't even need this SOL credit since it wasn't a high school class. I also reminded her about the demographics of the school (a very large second-language population who were less likely to score well on the test) and how my ds was not only going to pass but he would probably be passing with "Advanced" standing, and how that was going to look great on the school's statistics, and so when would be another date for him to make up the SOL since he'd be going to the band competition. Well what do you know, they came up with another make-up date. He went to the competition (they did very well), took his SOLs on the new date (passed Advanced), and that was that. I consider it one of my finer moments. However, the sad part is that, as you said, not all parents are or can be like me. The second-language parents, mostly Hispanic and the Horn of Africa, have not been brought up to challenge a school. They would never have called and argued with anyone from the school. They would just sign the paper and their kid would have missed the band competition. And maybe those kids, many of whom struggled academically because of their English, needed music! or art, or whatever else they were involved in that wasn't academic. grrrrr
|
|
|
Post by mustlovecats on Jul 28, 2019 11:11:04 GMT
I am not a fan of routine drug testing of minors without cause. Period. Absolutely this.
|
|
amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,392
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
|
Post by amom23 on Jul 28, 2019 11:29:53 GMT
I find it so interesting that this kind of policy apparently plays well in more conservative areas and with more conservative people. Are we no longer concerned about government intrusion into our lives? No longer concerned about the schools trying to take the place of parents?
Yeah and see how irate the same parents become when schools purpose teaching (real) sex education and/or hand out free condoms. Oh my the horror!
|
|
|
Post by scrapsotime on Jul 28, 2019 11:44:46 GMT
Perfectly ok. I wish our district would do this. Participation in extracurricular activities is not a right. You want to do drugs? Be willing to give up sports. I could also see certain schools turning the other way for start athletes I've seen this happen. Not drug testing, but they were caught drinking alcohol at a party that was raided by the cops. School decided to do nothing to their star players.
|
|
ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,017
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
|
Post by ddly on Jul 28, 2019 12:29:40 GMT
I find it so interesting that this kind of policy apparently plays well in more conservative areas and with more conservative people. Are we no longer concerned about government intrusion into our lives? No longer concerned about the schools trying to take the place of parents? Big brother is watching! I would never go for this. I am a high school teacher and I don't like this at all.
|
|
ashley
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,400
Jun 17, 2016 12:36:53 GMT
|
Post by ashley on Jul 28, 2019 12:34:12 GMT
No, it’s not necessary and I think creates a negative environment. And if the testing is for cannabis, it’s a complete waste of money — the risks aren’t there to justify routine testing
|
|
|
Post by teacherlisa on Jul 28, 2019 13:16:38 GMT
This is in place in my district. It is random, and for any student involved in any extra curricular activity. My personal sons were never tested during their HS time. I am aware of one student who was, and was eventually DQed from playing sports.
|
|
|
Post by missmiss on Jul 28, 2019 13:26:30 GMT
I would not be okay with this. Where does the data go? Does this effect their future of getting financial aid? Why is the government getting into personal lives? This just seems that it will open doors for future invasion of privacy of citizens. I would go after the school district. Instead of spending money on random drug testing the school district should put more money into school counseling and follow the American School Counseling Association and develop their model of Comprehensive School Counseling Program. Seems that would be money better spent. Comprehensive School Counseling Program
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Jul 28, 2019 13:26:37 GMT
Are there also funds for drug education and rehabilitation programs for students who are discovered to be using? Mental health follow ups?
My guess is...not. Largely, these programs are designed to be deterrents and not actually helpful.
My vote is no. Parents should hold the responsibility for drug testing children for substances. In Illinois, IHSA students are subject to random screening for performance enhancing substances (steroids, amphetamines), but not other substances. This, to me, makes some sense as it's directly related to competition. My district does not drug test for non-PES.
|
|
|
Post by auntkelly on Jul 28, 2019 14:01:47 GMT
Has there been much research into whether random drug tests are a deterrent to kids using recreational drugs? I honestly don't know.
If the facts show that random drug testing does deter kids from using substances that are harmful, then that would certainly be an argument in favor of testing. However, I wonder what happens to the kid who really loves band but gets kicked out of band because he is occasionally smoking pot. Is he going to stop smoking pot altogether so he can get back into band or is he going to say "I got kicked out of band. To heck with it. I give up."
I do worry about how the tests are administered, and about false positives. I think it's a given that the school administrators are not going to bat an eye if the third string soccer player with no family connections fails the drug test, while the coach is probably going to pee in the cup himself if he thinks his star football player might be smoking pot on Saturday nights.
I don't really know enough facts to form an opinion, but it does seem awfully intrusive.
|
|
cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,387
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
|
Post by cycworker on Jul 28, 2019 14:15:27 GMT
No way. For lol the reasons Merge stated.
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 28, 2019 14:16:59 GMT
I agree with most of what Merge said. I also don’t like the idea of them forcing out kids who may be sort of borderline in life. The exact ones who might really NEED football or chess club or marching band in their life. Having that extracurricular activity may be what keeps them afloat while they sort out the rest. And it kind of seems like schools have their hands full already, without getting all up in whatever illegal substances kids are experimenting with at the moment. Nicotine? Really?? Not healthy but also really none of their beeswax. I agree with this. I think for some kids, it may deter their using but for others they may just end up quitting any extracurricular activity that they are involved in instead. Those activities could be what is keeping them afloat or from going further down the line of bad choices. That being said, I also have mixed feelings about schools giving consequences for behaviors that happen outside of school such as being caught at a party, sending inappropriate messages to someone on their phone, getting into a fight outside of school, etc. It seems pretty common for kids to be punished at school for those things as well, which I don't really see being any different than giving a drug test.
|
|
rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,137
Jul 1, 2014 20:20:18 GMT
|
Post by rickmer on Jul 28, 2019 14:19:34 GMT
i am against drug tests in most cases so i am a "no" on the OP. i think if you work in a safety sensitive position or are have addiction issues and have regained custody of your children, they are appropriate. maybe on parole for crimes that you say were the result of drug addiction, that makes sense too. but for someone to be disqualified from marching band, or working in a warehouse, or other mundane, day to day activities, it is overreacting and punitive. The results of the test are not common knowledge. but let's be honest, when star athlete does not play for the big game, everyone is *going* to know why. and if the kid come up with some other reason, or if there IS a legitimate other reason, rumours will circulate that "well he really failed his drug test, did you hear?". also, this would be on a kid's record. seems terrible a good kid could have consequences for the rest of their life that impact their future or prospects simply for participating in something that is likely normal experimentation.
|
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,244
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Jul 28, 2019 14:29:18 GMT
I am opposed to policies that make people prove their innocence.
Personally, I believe there should be some "cause" involved or a job-related need (as in drug use would create a danger to others), not just random testing, although I believe that the random testing has been allowed by law and court rulings. I believe in presumed innocence and don’t like the idea of randomly testing. I agree that it is also potentially a major invasion of privacy.
|
|
seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,775
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
|
Post by seaexplore on Jul 28, 2019 14:30:04 GMT
Who is paying for it? If it is taxpayers, then I have a problem with money being spent on drug testing that could be spent on classrooms. (I know it says it is in the budget, but was it a grant or out of the general budget) As a parent whose child played varsity sports, if it was a policy that was written before he played and he chose to play anyway, then he would do the test. FWIW, I am confident quite a few of our athletes would have tested positive for at least pot. It can be a little shocking how many younger kids have access to pot. Twelve is definitely the age some start trying it. Absolutely! We bust kids for pot and vaping at the k-8 I teach at. Once we even got pills!
|
|
sweetpeasmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,640
Jun 27, 2014 14:04:01 GMT
|
Post by sweetpeasmom on Jul 28, 2019 14:47:59 GMT
As the mom of 2 high school athletes, I think it should be done. Vaping is a HUGE issue. I’m almost positive some of them are vaping ones with THC in them.
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Jul 28, 2019 14:49:35 GMT
As the mom of 2 high school athletes, I think it should be done. Vaping is a HUGE issue. I’m almost positive some of them are vaping ones with THC in them. Have you taken your children for drug testing?
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 28, 2019 14:50:33 GMT
Who gets the data that comes w/the drug test results?
Do they get to profile my kid and keep their data on file?
Do they get to put that data into a database and sell it to data brokers?
What else can they find out from the drug test?
"a person’s urine can disclose many details about that person’s private life other than drug use, including personal medical information. It can tell an employer whether an employee or job applicant is being treated for a heart condition, depression, epilepsy or diabetes. It can also reveal whether an employee is pregnant. Drug testing may “provide employers with a periscope through which they can peer into an individual’s behavior in her private life, even in her own home […]”5 For all of these reasons, the Supreme Court has found that urine testing, like blood testing, constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment.6" www.cleartest.com/blog/latest-news/drug-testing-your-right-to-privacy#fn5 Thats a good point (that I hadn't thought about). I am going to see what I can find out from a friend who is a coach at this school. I wonder if he would know? I understand that there are issues with testing. I was random tested 3 months in a row. The samples were done at an independent medical facility, The first time I asked if they wanted a list of my Rxs. The nurse stated no, that they were only looking for illegal drugs, and possible over use of opioids.
IF there should be a problem the medical directer would call me directly to ask me about my meds. Although I do not know what they did for illegal drugs and notifications. Apparently there is an amount of pain killers that could be in the urine that seems to be acceptable IF they are prescribed (?). I don't know all the other details.
Random testing was a condition of my employment. It is happening more often on many places. If one does not want to face testing, do not participate in anything that requires testing, employment, volunteer work, extra curricular activities associated with a school. The participants choice!
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 28, 2019 14:51:51 GMT
If random testing had been around 10yrs ago my cousin's son might still be alive today. Sorry for the loss of your cousin's son. I liked your post for the message.
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 28, 2019 14:53:25 GMT
I can see why people might have issues with this. But on the other hand, if my kid's test came back positive and I didn't think they were doing drugs, it could be a positive thing. At least I would know. As long as they are testing everyone with the same consequences, I could get on board with it. This is how I feel too. If it is an across the board policy that all kids who want to participate in these activities have to do it’s really not much different to me than requiring a physical which I think most kids have to do now anyway. Some of my siblings started experimenting with pot and other drugs when they were about 13, so to require a test starting at 12 probably would be something of a deterrent for kids who wanted to be involved in extracurricular activities.
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 28, 2019 15:00:09 GMT
Then think ............. "but she wanted it!" Is that an acceptable experiment?
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Jul 28, 2019 15:04:30 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing.
If not, why not?
|
|
|
Post by MissBianca on Jul 28, 2019 15:12:47 GMT
Nope not ok with it. My son takes a med for his ADHD that is a narcotic. He would have been kicked off everything he’s done if he tests positive. Plus I’ve seen it a million times that the football and wrestling kids get preferential treatment. Track meet goes to 11pm plus and hours ride home, you better be in school the next day. Football team goes into overtime and is out late, it’s ok skip coming to school. I can totally see our school turning the other cheek of a football player failed a drug test. I’ve also seen my dad be ripped apart in the coast guard for failing a drug test after he ate one to many lemon poppy seed muffins at work. The quick service place was next to his office and they always had Lemon poppy seed muffins on the menu so he bought one just about every morning. It was a long ass process to get his name cleared.
|
|
AnotherPea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,969
Jan 4, 2015 1:47:52 GMT
|
Post by AnotherPea on Jul 28, 2019 15:15:49 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing. If not, why not? Raising hand here.
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Jul 28, 2019 15:19:56 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing. If not, why not? Raising hand here. Thank you for answering. May I ask if it was random or if you had cause to suspect use? How did your child(ren) react? I have never known anyone who had their kids randomly tested. Only for suspected use, so I’m curious.
|
|
johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,684
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
|
Post by johnnysmom on Jul 28, 2019 15:21:12 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing. If not, why not? I have no reason to suspect my kid of drug use, he's actually dropped friends he's had for years because of their drug use. He's pretty honest with us. So, no I haven't had a need to drug test him but I would if I felt the need and I support random drug testing in school (for those in extracurriculars, education itself is a right) and as far as I'm concerned they can start with my kid. If it came up positive then I'd rather know now and get him help before he's out from under my roof and/or it becomes a bigger problem. He is also in support of random drug screening, knowing his team might lose some key players (on the flip side, those that follow the rules might not be as good but they would see more court time).
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Jul 28, 2019 15:27:53 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing. If not, why not? Raising hand here. You took your kids for random drug testing when you had no reason to suspect they were using drugs? Because that’s what we’re talking about here. ETA meh, I’m late.
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Jul 28, 2019 15:54:23 GMT
I guess I wonder how many parents of teens on here who support random drug testing did or will in the near future take their own children for random testing. If not, why not? I have no reason to suspect my kid of drug use, he's actually dropped friends he's had for years because of their drug use. He's pretty honest with us. So, no I haven't had a need to drug test him but I would if I felt the need and I support random drug testing in school (for those in extracurriculars, education itself is a right) and as far as I'm concerned they can start with my kid. If it came up positive then I'd rather know now and get him help before he's out from under my roof and/or it becomes a bigger problem. He is also in support of random drug screening, knowing his team might lose some key players (on the flip side, those that follow the rules might not be as good but they would see more court time). Thank you for responding. What I find interesting about your response is that you begin from a place of lack of cause, so have not tested your child. You use the word "need." In the case of random testing, there is no "need" established, no cause. I'm totally not in support of kids using drugs, let me be clear. But I worry about policies that don't address the actual problem of drug use.
|
|