Mandatory Random Drug Testing

In addition to the policies outlined above (“Alcohol and Prohibited Drugs”), Archbishop Shaw High School conducts mandatory random drug testing of all students using the hair testing method of the Psychemedics Corporation. Consent to such testing is a term and condition of enrollment at Archbishop Shaw High School. Any refusal to be tested by the student or parents will result in dismissal of the student from Archbishop Shaw High School.

In order to obtain knowledge of a more immediate situation, students may be asked to conduct a mandatory outside urine drug test, at the expense of the student, if Administration believes it is warranted. The mandatory random drug testing program is intended to be a proactive and preventive step made out of a genuine love and concern for all our students. Following in the example of St. John Bosco, it is out of love and with a conviction that our students are inherently good that we seek to use every means available to combat the negative influences in our society to help our students reach their full potential. A drug testing program is a way to discourage our students from engaging in harmful behaviors that most, if not all, of our students are tempted to experiment or indulge by the pressures of our culture.

At the same time, we hope to identify those students who may have begun to experiment with drugs and to get them the help they need.

Students will be selected for testing through a “random plus” system. A “random plus” system means that the majority of students will be selected randomly and the administration reserves the right to require the testing of any additional students if it deems that this is necessary.

The school’s mandatory drug-testing policy requires that students’ hair length be at least ½ of an inch. After a student has been tested, parents/guardians will be informed of negative test results by letter.

In the event of confirmed positive test results, the Associate Head of School will contact the parents/guardians to schedule a conference. The conference will include an explanation of the test results as well as options for mandatory drug counseling at the student’s expense with a licensed and/or certified psychiatrist, psychologist, drug counselor and/or social worker (hereinafter “counselor”). Participation in mandatory drug counseling is a requirement for continued enrollment of any student at Archbishop Shaw High School who has a positive test result. Such mandatory counseling must begin within twenty (20) days of the conference with the school. Further, the student and/or parents of the student required to undergo mandatory drug counseling must waive any right to confidentiality only to the extent that the counselor shall be required to notify Archbishop Shaw High School in writing when the student begins counseling and if the student terminates counseling prior to the time deemed appropriate for termination by the counselor.

Should the parents/guardians request another test to confirm the initial positive results, this shall be done through the Psychemedics Corporation at the parents’ expense. A follow-up test will be conducted after 90 days at the parents’ expense.

No disciplinary action will be taken by Archbishop Shaw High School as a result of the first positive test result. Should the student need inpatient rehabilitation, the student will continue to be a student at Archbishop Shaw High School and have the opportunity to return upon completion.

A second positive drug test during a student’s tenure at Archbishop Shaw High School will result in the student’s dismissal from Shaw.