I can’t file this entry under On The Soapbox, because I don’t intend to solve the world’s problems with my thoughts. Actually, my thoughts are more than a bit scrambled on this issue, so I’m just putting forth information I’ve learned recently, and we’ll see what YOU think about it.
St. Viator, a private school in the Chicago suburbs, which has more than 1,000 students, has announced that this coming fall, EVERY student will be tested for drugs. A student who refuses the test will need to get their education elsewhere. In the past, random testing has been done at school dances, and the boys hockey and football teams have been tested.
Each test will cost $45.00. The Daily Herald states: “Hair samples will be tested for cocaine, opiates, PCP, marijuana, amphetamines and Ecstasy, whose use within 90 days of the test can be detected. It does not detect steroids or alcohol.”
I think testing is a great idea toward helping students get an early start on managing drug problems, and perhaps avoiding addiction. It’s possible that the school’s follow-through on the testing needs to be stronger. Just making the problem known is not going to be enough to end it.
I think it’s appalling the amount of information the school will have on the student, which may possibly follow them in their school record for life.
This is a private school. They have the option to make the rules for their student body, and anyone wishing to attend this school needs to abide by their rules.
It’s possible this will make a safer environment. But, the school says it doesn’t have a drug problem. Are they being pro-active and trying to make sure a problem doesn’t develop. Is the School Board aware of a problem in the community that they want to head off?
Is it fair to test the students and not test the faculty and staff?
I’m not sure where I stand. On one hand, I’m concerned about the loss of rights, and the danger of personal information being stored where it could fall into the wrong hands. On the other, a step toward showing kids that we are serious about the dangers of drugs, and creating a safe environment for the kids, is very appealing.
Any thoughts on this? I’d love to hear more pros or cons on the situation.

Joy, at Joy of Six, was talking about getting relief from her TV addiction with the finales of the past season playing out. I have to admit that over the past 18 months or so, we have watched a LOT more network TV. It all started when I happened to come across Grey’s Anatomy when Grey had her hand inside the chest of a man, next to a live piece of ammunition. I was hooked, and we made sure that we were available on Sunday nights to see what happened over the next few months.
Our son introduced us to Boston Legal and it’s odd stories. We generally watch Monk, and I tripped over House, M.D. on the same channel. Then, our son, (see a pattern forming here??) encouraged us to watch Heroes. My sister likes the criminal investigation shows, and somehow I started watching CSI and CSI New York. I must be the only person who doesn’t like CSI Miami.
I’ve come to determine what day it is by what program is the feature of the evening. When there’s a change in programs, Dear Husband takes over the remote and checks out the guide. He’s likely to settle on one of the Turner Classic movies, or science/history shows.
We really need a break. We have become addicted and lazy, and need to be doing more physical things. I wonder if I could schedule one hour a night in the basement through the summer and get the job done?? *G*
Joy lists four different ways she keeps up with shows that she’s missed. I have two others that work for me. Many of the networks are now making episodes available for you to watch at your computer. I’ve seen back episodes of Brothers and Sisters, and other programs.
The other way to see shows that you’ve missed is to buy the DVD of the season. Usually season one will be available once season two starts. I have Grey’s Anatomy Season 1 & 2, Boston Legal Season 1 & 2, Dead Zone Season 1, House M.D. Season 1 & 2, and 24, Season 1.
I’ve only seen ONE episode of 24, and I’m looking forward to watching the first season. When the summer heat is upon us, I will water my gardens early in the day, and then retire to the cool of my living room and quilt while I watch these shows. If I’m piecing a new quilt, I’ll pop a movie, or one of the reruns into the player while I sew.
I watch for sales and order from Amazon when I feel the price is right. I ordered one of the seasons and discovered that the price had dropped significantly on the day it was mailed. I called to talk to them, and they gave me the discount. You can’t ask for better service than that.
My name is Buffy, and I’m addicted. I’m going to try to keep this addiction corralled to certain times through the summer, and I promise to get up and do something physical after every show!
Joy, call me if you need an update on any of the shows. (What happened on the Boston Legal finale????)