Safety Update:

The misuse of drugs and alcohol by the youth of our communities is a problem with devastating consequences.  Community High School District 155 strives to create a balance between helping students that are using drugs and alcohol, protecting students from exposure to them, and educating our students about illegal substances and making good choices.  At times, our school administration may determine that a search of property brought onto or located on the school premises may be necessary. We wish to inform you that dogs trained in drug detection will be used in these searches of both our parking lots and school areas. District 155 wants to send a message that drug use will not be tolerated and that bringing drugs to school will result in severe consequences. Using dogs trained in drug detection is one tool that discourages students from bringing illegal substances to school.

There is no advance notice when the dogs will be used. However, when they arrive, an announcement is made that asks all students and teachers to remain in their classrooms until the search is complete. The dogs then check hallways, lockers, and parking lots. Teachers will continue to teach during this time, and the disruption of the school day is kept to a minimum.

If a dog picks up the scent of an illegal substance in a locker or car, a search is conducted. Additionally, a school administrator may search the student who is assigned to the locker or drove the car to school.

Students found to be in possession of any illegal substance or banned items found as a result of a search such as weapons, tobacco and alcohol will result in the school consequences as cited in the school handbook. For example, school policy states that the “use, possession, or holding of tobacco or any tobacco based product in any form or any device which can be used for smoking a tobacco product is prohibited while on district property including vehicles on district property”. Even students who are 18 years old are not allowed to have any form of tobacco product on school grounds. Students are responsible for all items in their lockers and cars. Parents should be aware that students will be considered “owners” of any illegal substances found in their lockers, their cars or on their persons.