San Saba ISD has participated in student drug testing for approximately 12 years. Many schools across the state have implemented student drug testing programs in various ways. Some districts test all students who park on school grounds and those who participate in extra curricular activities, then there are schools like SSISD who test those students who participate in extra curricular activities. What is the definition of extra curricular activities? In grades 7 – 12 extra curricular activities include such activities or organizations as band, athletics, FFCLA, FFA, NHS, UIL, etc.

In years past, the drug testing policy screened for illegal substances in the testing panel. However, the District recently updated the panel to include illegal and commonly abused prescription drugs and steroids. With this said, please understand that procedures are in place when students declare substances that they are taking that have been prescribed by a physician; therefore, students will not be falsely accused if a test returns positive. Unfortunately, our society is experiencing a great deal of abuse of prescription drugs, and the District officials felt it appropriate to add this class of drugs to the panel in order to protect our students.

If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact the campus principal where your child attends school. The SSISD policy manual is in the process of being updated to reflect the policy change. Once the policy has been updated, it can be found by going to the District’s website under Administration, then School Board to find these policies.

We hope you will all join us at Early for the Armadillos playoff game against the Wall Hawks. The contest will begin at 7:30 pm, and the Armadillos will be the home team! Come on out and show your support. As well, don’t forget that basketball is in full swing. Please access the District’s website for game times and locations.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!