Dear Perry Township Families,

On Saturday, February 1, 2020, Perry Township Schools’ Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing Policy will take effect.

Drug and alcohol abuse in any school is a threat to the safety and health of students, faculty, staff, and the community as a whole. It jeopardizes the efficiency and the quality of educational programs and has the potential of physical harm.

The primary purpose of the Reasonable Suspicion policy is not intended to be disciplinary or punitive. Instead, it is intended to help identify possible substance abuse problems, so school leaders can offer help to the student.

Under the Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing Policy, administrators of Perry Township Schools are authorized by the district’s Board of Education to require any Perry Township student to submit to a drug test (i.e. saliva swab) if the administration has reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal substance while:

• On school grounds.
• Off school grounds at a school activity, function, event, or any other school sponsored activity.
• When traveling to or from school by bus or other transportation.

If the District has reasonable suspicion, it may also test items in a student’s possession to determine if those materials contain a drug.

Reasonable Suspicion Guidelines

Reasonable suspicion may arise if two or more administrators agree on one or more of the following:

• A student’s behavior, in conjunction with physical appearance, actions, and/or odor, indicating the possibility that the student has used or is in possession of a drug;
• The student possesses a drug or drug paraphernalia;
• Information communicated to an administrator by a teacher, parent, law enforcement personnel, other adult, or a student indicating a student is using, possessing, or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal substance. Any such report will be investigated by the school’s administration and will be substantiated by other physical indicators or physical appearance, if deemed necessary.

Prescription Medication

All medications must be given to the school nurse and administered, as directed. Medications must be in their original containers and prescriptions must have the pharmacy label affixed. Parents must bring medications to school for students in grades pre-K through 8. Students in grades 9 through 12 may bring medications to school.

To read the official policy, click here.

If you have questions, contact your building principal.