Mercedes ISD Random Drug Testing Program [FNF(Local)] 2008-2009

Purpose of the Drug Testing Program Prevent injury, illness, and harm from the use of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs or alcohol. Help enforce a drug-free educational environment. Deter student use of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs or alcohol. Educate students regarding the harm caused by the use of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs or alcohol.

Standard Drugs of Abuse Panel Amphetamines (uppers, speed, meth, pep pills) Methamphetamine Amphetamine Cocaine (crack, coke, snow, rock, blow) Cannabinoids (marijuana) Dope, weed, grass, pot, reefer, mary jane Opiates Codeine Morphine Heroine (H, junk, smack, china white) Phencyclidine PCP, Angel Dust

Other Drugs of Concern Barbituates (phenobarbital, butalbital) Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) Exstacy (MSMA, MDA) Oxycodone (Percocet) Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Steroids

How is drug testing done? Urinalysis is the most common drug testing method, and the only method currently allowed in federal drug testing programs. Other matrixes which can be used for testing: Hair Oral fluids Sweat patch Blood

Urine Drug Testing Advantages Disadvantages Highest assurance of reliable results Least expensive Able to test more drugs than the standard 5 panel Disadvantages No dose concentration relationship (can only determine presence or absence) Specimen can be adulterated, diluted or substituted Collection procedure may be considered invasive and embarrassing Detection time 2-3 days

Detection Times Urine: 2-3 days (except THC – which can be detected in urine for up to 30 days after use) Hair: 7 days to 3 months Oral fluids: 10-24 hours Blood: 10-24 hours

The Testing Process Drug Testing is a four step process Collection Screening Confirmation Reviewing

The Testing Process Specimen Collection Identification Explanation of testing process Specimen security (tamper-evident bottle seals, initials) Chain of Custody

The Testing Process Specimen Collection/Chain of Custody Documentation of specimen collection, transport, testing, and storage Specimen identification started at the point of collection and continued through entire process Eliminates the possibility of specimen mix up

The Testing Process Screening Specimen seals verified intact; chain of custody complete A portion of the specimen is removed for analysis Specimen is checked for the presence of any unusual characteristics or adulterants Initial testing done by immunoassay, ELISA, or similar technique

The Testing Process Confirmation Any specimen which tests non-negative is forwarded for confirmation testing by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or GC/MS/MS. To be a positive test result, specimen must both screen positive and confirm positive Data review by certifying scientist

Medical Review Officer (MRO) A positive result must be reviewed to determine if it is due to use of illegal substances or by other; legal substances. The review may be done by a trained professional or by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). An MRO is a licensed physician who has received additional training in drugs of abuse testing and is certified in drug test results interpretation.

Drug Testing in Schools “We can not build the future for our youth but we can build our youth for the future.” Franklin D. Roosevelt 32nd president of US (1882-1945)

Who is included in the MISD Drug Testing Program? Students in grades 7-12 who participate in extracurricular activities. Students with required, signed consent by parent/guardian to participate in extracurricular activities. School-sponsored extracurricular activities for which testing is required include all University Interscholastic League (UIL) sanctioned activities, as well as cheerleading and dance/drill team.

Requirements for Staff Provide each parent and student in grades 7-12 a copy of the random drug testing policy at the beginning of each semester. Provide each parent and student a copy of the consent form each semester. Conduct meetings with parents and interested students each year prior to beginning the program.

Requirements for Staff cont. Provide copies of the policy and consent form to each student and their parent. Conduct an orientation of the program with each student and their parent.

Requirements for Students Attendance at an annual orientation meeting (Parent attendance is mandatory). Before a student is eligible to participate in the affected extracurricular activities, the student shall be required annually to sign a consent form agreeing to be subject to the rules and procedures of the drug-testing program. If the student is under the age of 18, the student’s parent/guardian shall also sign a consent form.

Confidentiality Assurances Drug test results shall only be disclosed to the student, the student’s parents, and designated school officials who need the information. Drug test results will not be maintained with a student’s academic record or student folder. Results will not be released to treatment centers without written request and consent of parent/guardian.

Confidentiality Assurances cont. Results will be destroyed when the student graduates or transfers from the District. Results will not be transferred to another district.

Substances tested for may include, but are not limited to… Alcohol Performance-enhancing substances, including anabolic steroids Marijuana Cocaine Methaqualone Benzodiazepines Phencyclidine (PCP) Methadone Barbiturates Propoxyphene Amphetamines Opiates Metabolites of any of these substances

Selection Method The drug-testing laboratory shall use a random selection method to identify students chosen for random drug testing. Students shall not receive prior notice of the testing date or time.

Absence/Refusal to Participate If a student is absent on the day of the random test, a sample shall be collected on the next random testing date. A student who refuses to be tested when selected or who is determined to have tampered with a sample shall be deemed to have a positive test result and shall be subject to the appropriate consequences depending on previous positive test results, if any.

Collection Procedure Students selected for testing will be escorted to the testing site and will remain under supervision until a sample is provided. Samples will be taken behind a restroom stall. An adult of the same gender shall be present when samples are collected.

Positive Test Result An initial positive test will be confirmed before being reported as positive. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) from the testing lab will contact the student’s parent. If the required and appropriate medical documentation is provided within five (5) days, the MRO will report the new result.

Positive Test Result cont. Without the appropriate medical documentation, the MRO will report a positive test result to the school administrator.

Parent Notification A conference will be scheduled with the student and the student’s parent, an administrator, and the coach or sponsor of the extracurricular activity to discuss the test result and the consequences/provisions of the Drug Testing Program.

Consequences – First Offense The student shall be suspended from any affected extracurricular activities for five (5) school days following the date the student and parent are notified of the test results. During the period of suspension, the student shall not be permitted to participate in practices. If the student wishes to return to participation in the affected extracurricular activities, the student must be retested at the end of the period of suspension and have a negative test result; the student shall be retested on the next two (2) random test dates.

How do I regain eligibility? The student will be retested at the end of the suspension. To regain eligibility, the student must have a negative result. The student will be retested on the next two (2) random test dates and must produce two (2) negative results.

Consequences – Second Offense The student shall be suspended from any affected extracurricular activities for fifteen (15) school days following the date the student and parent are notified of the test results. If the student wishes to return to participation in the affected extracurricular activities, the student must be retested at the end of the period of suspension and have a negative test result; the student shall be retested on the next two (2) random test dates.

Consequences – Third Offense The student shall be suspended from participation in any extracurricular activity for the remainder of the school year following the date the student and parent are notified of the test result.

Use of Drug Testing Results Drug test results shall be used only to determine eligibility for participation in the affected extracurricular activities. Positive drug test results shall not be used to impose disciplinary sanctions or academic penalties.

Student Grades A student’s grade will not be affected in any course associated with the extracurricular activity. If participation is included as a part of the student’s grade, the student is required to satisfy attendance and course requirements for required course grade.

Questions… Mercedes ISD Central Office Mercedes High School Ms. Barbara Hinojosa, Parent/Community Specialist 956-825-5077 Mercedes High School Mr. Rafael Leal, MHS Principal 956-514-2100 Mr. Gilberto Leal, Athletic Director Mercedes Jr. High School Ms. Jeanne Venecia, MJHS Principal 956-514-2200