Drug Testing Policy Rationale
Acknowledging that peer pressure has a significant impact on student life and recognizing that observed and suspected use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs by students of Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools is a serious concern, a program of deterrence will be instituted as a proactive approach to the goal of a safe and drug-free school environment. Since participation in non-academic activities is a privilege, this program shall apply to all students, grades 7-12, who participate in school-sponsored athletics or other extracurricular activities for which a grade is not given, to eligible students who wish to obtain a parking permit, and to students who have earned special privileges, including but not limited to late arrival, early release, or mid-day sign outs. The purpose of the drug testing program is to:
A. Provide for the safety and well-being of all students;
B. Mitigate the effects of peer pressure by providing legitimate reasons for students to refuse to use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol;
C. Encourage students who abuse drugs or alcohol to participate in drug treatment programs by a licensed chemical dependency counselor; and
D. Prevent the impact drug and alcohol use has on the learning centers of the brain, allowing students to achieve their full academic potential while attending Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools.