Random Drug Screening Policy

Psychemedics is the world’s leading and largest hair analysis drug testing provider. Thousands of corporations in various industries, such as respected law enforcement agencies, Federal Reserve Banks, elite private academies, public schools, and various government and medical research programs utilize their services. Additionally, other Catholic high schools in the Greater Kansas City area use Psychemedics for drug testing.  

Why Psychemedics?

• They require 60% less hair for testing than other companies.
• They are the only lab with FDA clearance regarding validity and reliability.
• The lab is validated and approved by the FBI; their company stands by “no false positives.” 
• They utilize mass spectrometry. This cutting-edge technology identifies drugs by their unique molecular fingerprints, leaving no room for error. Each sample is assigned a distinct barcode and meticulously scanned at every stage to guarantee accurate testing and prevent mix-ups.   

Visit their website for an excellent description of their screening technology.
https://www.psychemedics.com

Locally, there has been an increase in the use of marijuana found in vape products. These five major categories of illegal substances are easy to access and lead to major addiction issues and abuse. Psychemedics will only be screening students for the presence of these drugs.

1. Marijuana
2. Cocaine
3. Phencyclidine
4. Opiates
5. Amphetamines   

• Students will not be targeted or selected for any reason. 
• Approximately 50 students will be tested each month.

NOTE: If a student is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, the student will be tested on-site using a breathalyzer. Additionally, credible suspicion of a student in possession of drugs could still result in an investigation, such as a locker search.

Testing will happen in the athletic training room. Students should not be out of class more than 15 minutes. 

1. Students will be called out of class and walked to the testing room.
2. Trained adults will be collecting samples (Boys and Girls). 
3. An Administrator will be verifying student ID, information, and preparing the sample for shipment.
4. Once the sample is collected, students will be given a pass to return to class. 

The screening will test for the presence of the following illegal substances:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Phencyclidine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines

• ID numbers are selected by random through Psychemedics via the web access portal. 
• ID numbers are the only way the lab company identifies collected samples. 
• The hair follicle is not collected; therefore a viable DNA sample is not collected. 
• This test is deemed a forensic test and not a health test so it does not fall under HIPPA. 
• Results are shared through a portal to which only administrators have access. 
• After the results are shared, the hair is incinerated. 
   

Once all results are back, parents will be notified that their student was screened via email. (within 24-48 hours)

1. Positive results will be tested twice in order to be validated for type and quantity of substance. 
2. Those students who test positive will receive a phone call and have a parent meeting to discuss the next steps. 

Because this is a random process, students who have previously been tested could automatically be put back into the testing pool and their name selected again. HOWEVER students who are screened and produce negative results will only be put back into the screening pool for a maximum of 60 days. 

NOTE: If a student tests positive the first time around, they will automatically be retested in 3 months at the parents' expense.

A first positive test = 1 day of in school suspension (*Students who have a confirmed positive test will get credit for the work missed from the day of in school suspension.) During the in school day of suspension, the Administration will meet with the parents and the student regarding the results. The type of restorative practices listed below will be determined and implemented during the day of in school suspension.

• Education - completion of online course 
• Mental Health - Meeting with a counselor 
• Faith - meeting with school Chaplain

Additional consequences may also apply to the student as determined by the Administration in regards to the parameters of violating the Off Campus Drug & Alcohol Policy .

A second and/or third positive test(s) will follow the Off Campus Drug & Alcohol Policy. 

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Off Campus Drug & Alcohol Policy (Handbook)
The following descriptions outline the parameters of drug and alcohol use by a student while off Saint Thomas Aquinas campus and property. 

• Any student who is cited and/or charged with a drug/alcohol offense by law enforcement authorities during the school year. 
• Any student involved in drug/alcohol use off campus that did not involve a citation or arrest.
• Any student who tests positive via a random drug screening.  

Students who violate the Off Campus Drug & Alcohol policies will be subject to the following consequences:
1st Time Offense:

• Up to 3 Day Suspension from school and all school activities. 
• If a student is involved in a sport/activity and is in season they will be suspended from competing for up to 3 weeks or a minimum of 15% of contests.  

2nd Time Offense:

• Up to 6 Day Suspension from school and all school activities.
• Possible completion of an approved substance abuse education course.
• If a student is involved in a sport/activity and is in season they will be dismissed from the team/activity.  

3rd Time Offense:

• Dismissal from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School.

Virtue means always trying to do good and being the best person you can be. It's about making good choices, acting with kindness, and following what is right. Aligning all aspects of our lives with our cardinal virtues: prudence, fortitude, justice, and temperance will help students lead happy lives 

For more information on our approach to virtue formation, visit  https://openlightmedia.com/interactive-virtue-tree/

We want screening to be a deterrent for students, to give students a reason why never to start.  When faced with peer pressure, this also gives students an "out".  

There are many easily accessible drugs, such as fentanyl, that are deadly even in the smallest amounts. Drug screening provides support and resources to any student who may need help.